I will let you know what I think about the various products I try. Be sure to look for my reviews on Zensah, CEP, SKINS compression running socks and sleeves, shoes and hydration packs.
Hydration Packs:
There are a lot of hydration packs out there and I to be honest with you this is the first one I have ever tried. So I wont tell you it's the best because I just don't know. When I write reviews I will tell you what drew me to it over some of the others and then pass along what I like and don't like.
Because I had never run with one I spent a fair amount of time reading reviews and seeing what experienced runners liked and disliked about hydration packs in general. The most common complaints were typically the way a strap went across a woman's chest or lack of storage. Fortunately these are no true concern for me.
What I wanted in a hydration pack:
- Two straps one across the chest and one across the belly to prevent excessive bouncing
- Enough storage to hold keys or maybe a couple gel packs
- Can hold 2 - 2.5 liters
- Affordable, no more than $75.00
Winner
Teton Sports Sports Trailrunner 2.0 Hydartion Pack w/Bladder:
My Purchase Price: $24.96
Price range for others: $16.99 - $160.99
Click HERE to view on Amazon.com
Click HERE to view on Teton's website
Pros:
- Two strap system. Doesn't bounce when running with it
- Comfortable to wear
- Lightweight
- Small pouch and bungee cord that can be used to hold a small rain jacket or windbreaker
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not super easy to get water from it but I think that is more of a good thing. Who wants it leaking all over the place.
- Getting to the bladder is a little tricky but not impossible.
For the most part I am happy with this purchase and would recommend it to anyone just starting out. I will have my wife try to see what she thinks about the way it fits for her body type.
COMPRESSION and RUNNING: DO THEY WORK?
I have been using compression socks when I run for some time. The million dollar question is... are they worth it or do they actually help? The simple answer is yes. They are not cheap but if you are serious about running, have shin splints, or venous issues I say go for it. If you are a casual runner and could care less about run performance I would save your money, but if that's the case you are probably not reading any of this or you're stoned and lost.
Like I said I wear them and am sold on them for a variety of reasons: energy, recovery, shin splints and for me varicose veins. When I run my legs hurt where I have varicose veins. When I wear them they do not hurt, they itch (strange), but don't hurt. I have worn leg sleeves, full knee high, calf and crew compression socks, as well as recovery tights, oh yah, recovery tights feel awesome !!!
Batter up!
CEP Progressive + Run Sock 2.0
CEP is one of the larger more popular, trendy compression apparel companies out there. They are made by a medical stocking manufacturer here in the USA.
The CEP PRO+ Run Sock 2.0 is a high quality sock. Available in a variety of colors, you can click on the link above to visit a websites product page to buy or look at other details I may not cover.
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| CEP Progressive + Run Sock 2.0 |
They don't state it but the compression level is 20-30 mmHg for those medical gurus out there. If you don't know what that means, it simply means mmHg = millimeters of mercury (amount of squeeze or compression placed on the body portion wearing the garment.
Great sock! Does the trick. They provide a little more squeeze than some of the others that I have tried but they remain comfortable. Feet do not get hot or sweaty and top band never dug into my my calf. Great padding around the bottoms of your feet, heels and achilles.
The one thing I kind of do not like is that the are anatomically made to your left and right foot. It's not the end of the world and they do fit well on your foot but it is a pain the rear when you put your left sock on your right foot because you weren't paying attention. Again no big deal.
On a scale from 1 to 10, I would give them a 7.5 to an 8. Overall a good running sock but seemed a little snug in the calf for me but they did the trick and kept my legs form hurting when I ran.
Average Price: $53 - $58
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