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March and Roll
"Spring is Nature's Way of Saying Let's Party" - Robin Williams
March leaves me feeling like I've just been through the fluff cycle in a Maytag. The month's mercurial mood swings leave me breathless - just the thought of transitioning from winter gear to summer duds makes me weary. But rather than being intimidated by this atmospherically tumultuous time, I say embrace the wildness, throw yourself into the storm, dance during the vernal equinox. Go outside and run, bike, climb, walk (or ski, if Mother Nature is throwing a seasonal temper tantrum).
Julbo kid's sunglass
So your daughter wants to looks like Paris Hilton, but you'd prefer the athlete dedication of Lindsey Vonn. Julbo's new Tina sunglass combines Hollywood style with Mt. Everest functionality. The impact-resistant lenses offer young eyes 100 percent protection from UV A, B and C rays. And while the generously sized lenses offer a big dose of fashion for kids 10-14, they also provide excellent coverage. The glasses have Category 3 lenses (designed for mountain, sun and water conditions) and a spongy hinge at the temples to resist shock and provide a more comfortable fit. $50; julbousa.com
Princeton Tec Fuel headlamp
Days are getting longer but the after-school hours of light are still limited. To encourage kids to play outside (and to alleviate concerns of walking home after dark), part of your child's every-day survival kit should include a pocket-sized headlamp. The price-conscious headlamp boasts four LEDs and puts out a bright 43 lumens of light. Weighing less than 3 ounces, the egg-sized headlamp has a 146-hour burn time and is water resistant. Buttons are easy to operate and the four color ways make it easy to personalize the lights if you have multiple children. $26.99; princetontec.com
Bersica Futurewear Boy's Polo Top
I fulfilled a parental fantasy last night at dinner. My eldest daughter was whining about having to eat vegetables, and fighting with her sisters. Wanting to make a statement, I picked up a bottle of ketchup and squirted it on her spotless white shirt. The effect was priceless. Had I finally been pushed over the edge? Even my husband was speechless. "Just gear testing," I laughed. Bersica Futurewear, the manufacturer of the Polo Top, specializes in high performance kid's clothes made from Schoeller NanoSphere fabric. The nanoparticles form an impermeable surface structure that repels ketchup, oil, chocolate ice cream and even grape juice. Most substances simply bead up and run off the surface; other's can be rinsed off with tap water. Right now, Bersica makes the polo top and matching shorts in blue, pink and white but expects to release fun animal prints in the fall. $23.99; bersica.com
Helly Hansen Trail Moc
Ideal for Dad's first spring forays out on the trail. The Trail Moc is a running shoe with a lightweight, breathable mesh upper. I was unable to get the shoes on a tester before the review went to press, but the buzz is the shoes have the stability of a trail runner with the breathability of a sandal. Although the Trail Moc is light (under 2 pounds a pair), there's a nylon shank in the midsole to add stability and rigidity. A "Helly Wear" heel overlay protects the heel strike zone from sticks and rocks. Best of all, the mesh upper keeps feet cool and sweat free - so you don't get those pesky early-season blisters! $80; hellyhansen.com
Gramicci The Mountain short
Gramicci gained fame with the first functional climbing pant. They've expanded their line to include trendy (but still functional) pieces that are perfect for multi-sport wear. The Mountain Short is made of durable Buckeye II Canvas that's nearly indestructible. The crotch has a 3-inch gusset for freedom of movement, and the belt is easily adjustable to accommodate those big lunches on days when you eat more than a granola bar. The shorts are made with the environment in mind - cotton is certified organic and the dyes are sourced for low environmental impact. Sizes: 30-34. $48; gramicci.com
Buff Junior Buff Camu Pink-2
This multifunctional head/neck wear is designed for kids ages 6 to 16. The simple cloth band can be worn 12 different ways but my kids primarily wear theirs to keep their hair out of their faces during gymnastics, as a beanie when we climb, or as a neck gaiter/face mask on cold ski or biking days. Buffs come in dozens of fun, bright colors and prints. They are made of high tech 100-percent polyester microfiber that's highly breathable and kitten soft. We throw ours in the washing machine after almost every use; they come out looking like new, with none of the stale smell that plagues so much of the synthetic baselayers these days. $18; buffusa.com
Harbinger Eco-Fit Training Mat
Stretching, crunches, pushups - you don't need a gym membership to get into shape. But you can make your home workout more comfortable with a cushy mat. Harbinger's Eco-Fit training mat is made of dual-layer foam construction that provides both cushioning and traction. The top layer has a slip-resistant pattern to keep you in place. On the bottom is a special non-skid surface designed to grip the floor. Both layers together provide 3/8 inch of cushioning - the closed-cell foam is 25 percent lighter than traditional foam mats, plus is easy to roll and store. The Eco-foam is warm and comfortable to the touch and can be easily wiped down. $40; harbingerfitness.com
Merrell Merigold Women's Tank
Nowadays, there's no need to wear a baggy cotton T-shirt when you train. The new Merigold Women's Tank combines moisture-wicking performance with a sleek silhouette. I wear it for climbing, as the ribbed hem keeps it from riding up when I'm lunging for holds. My kids and husband love the top too, as I look more like the old Nancy Prichard who had time to think about style, rather than the tired mother who grabs the first clean shirt in the closet. The fabric is a cotton/polyster blend that drapes beautifully, washes like a dream, and doesn't chafe. $39; merrell.comPost a comment
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