Product Review: Orange Mud Phone.Flask.Vest.

Disclaimer: I received a Phone.Flask.Vest from Orange Mud to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

Heck. Yes. I have wanted to test an Orange Mud vest since I became a BibRave Pro, and I was positively geeked to get the invite to review their newest product: the Phone.Flask.Vest.

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First impression: I love how small and light the P.F.V. is — and it’s awesome for when you only want to carry the essentials along with your hydration. Though it’s smallness comes with one awkward issue: I legit couldn’t get the vest over my head on my first try.

I unclipped the single latch and loosened the straps a bit and still struggled. I reached out to my fellow Pros for a little help with the “how to.” There’s still a bit of a struggle, though loosening the straps completely is really the only way to “get in.” I don’t know… maybe I have a big head?

First run: The P.F.V feels super light compared to another hydration vest that I wear. Though, I’m not used to running with something tight against my chest as how the P.F.V. fits, and I felt like maybe it was going to suffocate me (bear with me, I’m a little dramatic). I eventually got used to it; however, loosening it up only made it bounce, so I opted to wear it a little tighter. I tested the vest on a moderately hilly trail run, the provided 450ml soft flask was enough hydration for an hour (I’d probably look at upgrading to a larger size soft flask for longer distances). I was nervous the entire run that my phone would bounce out; as the water flask emptied, the phone wasn’t quite holding place in its pocket. I wish there was a little pull cinch on that front pocket. Just kidding! I realized on my second training run that it DOES have a cinch cord on the phone pocket, which helped SO MUCH to prevent any “Oops! I lost my phone in the woods!” moments.

Orange Mud phone flask vest review bibchat

Fun features: the P.F.V. has a velcro pocket that contains a key hook (which I didn’t even realize the first time that I used it — thanks to another Pro for that tip as well). Unfortunately, my car key is usually what I run with, and it while it sits in the pocket, I can’t secure it inside with the velcro closure. I also love the easy access shoulder pocket, which is perfect to fit two fig newtons or a couple of gels.

During my initial test run, I started to get warm and had to take off my long-sleeved shirt. Removing the vest is not a quick task. I had to take off my hat, loosen the straps and struggle to remove it STILL over my head (and knocked off my sunglasses in the process). Getting the vest on does get easier as you get used to how it fits. The back pocket is not large enough to hold a long-sleeved tee, but the bungie straps kept it in place, so I didn’t have to tie my shirt around my waist.

Orange Mud blog product review bibrave

On a second test run (on single track trails), I couldn’t get the fit right. The left side was completely tightened, but the top of the vest wasn’t fitting flush on my shoulder, which made it bounce. I tried loosening both straps and balancing the tightness between the two sides, but the left shoulder was just too big — and the side was all the way tightened. Did it stretch out over one sweaty use? Or did my boobs grow?

On my third trail run, I got it to fit perfectly on both shoulders. But as I drank from the flask, the fit shifted again. I can’t tighten it any further. On one side of the vest, there is a dust cover for the bite valve of the flask — it’s brilliant… when it works. Maybe as result of my fit issues, or when the bottle contents empty, but the bite valve doesn’t stay put. Also something I noticed with the flask deflating, is that the drink valve stops fitting into the dust cover (which is one of my favorite features of the PFV). I wore this thing THREE TIMES before realizing this elastic strap existed to hold down the flask tube.

Orange Mud flask phone vest blog review

For ladies wondering about sizing: I’m an A-cup, and measure 33″ around my chest.

I like the weight and “essentials-only” purpose of the Phone.Flask.Vest., but it’s not the best fit for me and running trails. Never fail — I did find the PERFECT use: trail skating. Since I can’t do a handheld over my wrist guards — and on my far-away-from-home trail skates, I need to carry my skate tools and parts with me — the P.F.V. is great for that. I usually carry a pair of flip-flops with me too (which I can secure in the back with the bungie cord), in case I’m out and my skate completely breaks or a destination won’t let me enter while I’m wearing rollerskates.

Orange Mud vest roller skating product review

Last thoughts: I feel like a second clip (so there’s one on each side) would be an easy design fix, making it so much easier to get in and out of. It was also difficult to tighten and loosen the straps when the vest is on because tightening the straps all the way to fit my small chest makes the release clips situated in the back. I hate to say make the straps longer because there’s already a LOT of excess strap to fold under when it’s tightened (there are those little plastic pieces to fasten away the fly-aways, though I found it impossible to do while on the run).

That said, every piece of gear I own has a purpose — I think this Orange Mud vest is perfectly suited for skating and biking, and I imagine it would be pretty great for my kayaking adventures, too.

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Orange Mud is sponsoring BibChat on Tuesday, July 25 — follow along with hashtag #bibchat on Twitter at 8pm CST for your chance to win your own Phone.Flask.Vest. Save 10% on all Orange Mud purchases with discount code “BRPPFV.”

Product Review: Buff© UV Arm Sleeves

Disclaimer: I received a pair of Buff© UV Arm Sleeves to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

I was excited to get my pair of Buff© arm sleeves during marathon training — when we were still experiencing some chilly mornings and evenings. Even better, I got to test these for a race scenario and two different long runs in preparation of running my full marathon (where I also wore the arm sleeves).

BUFF UV Arm Sleeves BibRave

First impression: I LOVE the colors and pattern! I also like that there are reflective elements. The material is light, soft and slinky, and the fit felt good. I’m the type of runner who likes to prepare for all conditions, and considering race bib situations, these solve the issue of making sure your bib is always on your outside layer (I have mastered the art of changing bibs from outside-to-inside layer mid-race, however).

Benefits of BUFF© UV Arm Sleeves:

  • UPF 40+ protection
  • Breathable moisture-wicking fabric
  • Light compression
  • Durable, comfortable four-way stretch
  • Stretch flatlock seam
  • Antimicrobial fabric treatment helps control odors
  • Lightweight, compressible and packable
  • Reflective elements for low light visibility
BUFF Arm Sleeves race day ready
Race Day Necessities

Test run: I barely notice that they’re on… until I do. If that makes any sense. The arm sleeves have light compression, and on the day of my marathon, I had wrinkled marks around my elbows for a couple hours after taking the sleeves off. It wasn’t uncomfortable at all, but at a point I felt like my fingers were swelling, and the sleeves felt more constrictive with the heat. I found them comfortable temperature-wise to wear even in the higher 60s – and they stayed cool after I wet them down at several aid stations during my race. They really helped to keep me cool!

That said, the elastic band to keep them up around my upper arms felt uncomfortable at times due to tightness. Despite the flat seam, I experienced chafing near my armpits every time I have worn them (despite using extra anti-chafing lubricant after the first incident). It’s possible that I incorrectly assumed that I would wear a S/M; based on the sizing chart and that my upper arm measurement is in-between the two sizes. So if you have a 10″ bicep, maybe size up.

BUFF Arm Sleeves compression elastic marks
Some awkward arm angles for you…

During my marathon, I had people asking about my arm sleeves, which was a great opportunity to share BUFF’s new product on-the-run. It was awesome! (One guy even suggested putting ice down the sleeves, which was EXACTLY my suggestion to other Pros reviewing in warmer climates.)

Vermont City Marathon official photoVermont City Marathon official photo - removing arm sleeves

Race photographer caught me pulling off the sleeves!

What I love: The arm sleeves take up NO room, which makes them easy to pack when race weather is unpredictable and easy to stash when things warm up. But even if you don’t plan to remove them, the sleeves provide UVF 40+ sun protection (an added bonus to my already-weird running tan lines ?), and I intend to use them for hiking and trail skating, too. I love (and own several) Buff© products, and their arm sleeves fill a gap in my running gear; no more scrambling for “throw away” shirts on race morning!

BUFF Arm Sleeves stylish
Stylish & Ready for any Race Day conditions!

Buff© is sponsoring this week’s #bibchat! Join us on Twitter this Tuesday (6/06) at 8pm CST for a chance to win your own pair of Buff© UV Arm Sleeves!

Weekly Therapy: No foolin’ here

the week:
Short week for me, as I’m off to Texas! Soon as I fit all this stuff in one bag…

Ragnar Texas blogger

weekend:
I’m doing my first Ragnar race in Luckenbach, TX. And by the time of this posting, I’ll be shoved in a van with 5 strangers who like to run (some, Internet strangers – but still, people I’ve never met IRL) — and on my way to some adventure that I don’t fully understand. Oh, there will certainly be stories and recaps to come.

I AM EXCITED. (I’m yelling over the nerves.)

seven things, seven days:
1. Provoked by really fascinating webinar sponsored by a women’s networking group, I am reading The Upside of Stress.
2. YAY! My REI dividends arrived!
3. I found these lovely Confidence Prompt Cards.
4. On-Road to Off-Road: Road Running for Trail Runners (I run both!) {via I Run Far}
5. Good Luck, Morons: Lazarus Lake & His Impossible Race (the Barkley Marathon, if you’re unfamiliar) {via Bitter Southerner}
6. Watch some ladies kick ass at Western States (I cried within the first 5 minutes): Life in a Day
7. The secrets to dating a non-runner {via Outside}

Product Review: Merino Wool BUFF© Headwear

Disclaimer: I received a BUFF© product to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

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Fit to Run!

Being an outdoor enthusiast, I was already a big fan of BUFF© products. So I was excited to be a receive a Merino Wool option. If you’re not aware of the BUFF© brand specifically, you probably know of their products — a tubular one-piece of fabric that can be used or worn in multiple ways.

First impression: The color is “tie dyed” shades of lime green, which I found to complement my main winter weather gear while also standing out in dark mornings or evenings. The material is thin but so soft — and it feels super cozy when worn.

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It arrived right as I was going into my Fall Fun! season, so I’ve been able to test it on runs and races in various temperatures AND use when I forgot my non-running winter gear (this thing is amazingly odor resistant, so there was nothing funky about it when I needed it on a day I forgot my hat at work and the temps dropped 30 degrees in one day).

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Keep one in your car, just in case!

Product Details:

  • 100% natural merino wool — Merino Wool’s natural qualities include: water repellent, odor resistant, flameproof, durability, UV protection and natural stretch and elasticity
  • 12+ ways to wear — so much versatility!
  • Thermal protection from cold & wind
  • Cool in the summer, extra layer of warmth in the winter
  • Quick drying
  • Easily hand-washable

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Uses: This is SUCH a versatile piece! I mostly use as a gaiter, neck scarf and ear warmer, but I found it useful as a sweat towel AND as a hair “towel” for after a gym shower. I also like to pull it up like a skirt to warm my butt (I know, I’m small; this trick wont work for everyone); my butt is notoriously cold despite the supposed warmth of fleece pants. Naturally, at this time of year anything can become a snot rag — for which I’ve also found the BUFF© headwear product to be of convenient use.

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Lasting impression: The Merino Wool BUFF© product is a highly functional piece for winter or cold weather running — it keeps my head, ears, and neck exceptionally warm in temps in the 30s. I have a lot of winter left to test it out in even colder temperatures (AND I put a polar BUFF© headwear on my Wish List this year because I know that I’ll use it!). I love that it’s lightweight and easily stashable in a pocket or up a sleeve after I warm up.

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30-Something Approved: BUFF© products have become a regular part of my running gear for winter. I highly recommend checking out their line of multifunctional products — not only does the headwear have versatile use for a variety of sports and activities, there are a bunch of colors and prints to suit your personal style preference.

Product Review: AMPLA FLY Running Shoes

Disclaimer: I received a pair of AMPLAsport AmplaFLY shoes to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

I’m willing to try anything to gain some speed in my training. Working on getting to a 2-hour half marathon goal is TOUGH (and slow, whomp) — but I’m adding in the speed workouts every week and figured a pair of speedy shoes could probably help. As part of the BibRave Pro ambassador program, I got the opportunity to find out about an awesome brand – AMPLAsport — who designed a speed shoe called the AMPLA FLY.

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These are going to be fun!

First impression: LOVE THE COLOR (duh)! I’ve never seen a split sole shoe (besides those tiny ballet flats that you roll up and keep in your purse when you’re partying). They’re really light (hello, carbon fiber foot plate!), despite looking a little bulky (perhaps because of the split sole?).

Watch more first impressions:

Fit: Size 9.5 (side note: am I the only one whose running shoes are WILDLY larger than regular shoes? I am nearly consistently across brands a 9.5 in running shoes, and almost always in a size 8 regular shoe.) Toe box room is excellent. I found them comfortable and the fit comparable to my “everyday” running shoes. I tied them using my usual heel-lock lacing, as most shoes with a roomy toe box tend to have heel slippage for me.

First try-on: Comfortable yet weird; obviously, this is a WAY different shoe. They feel like you want to bounce around in them. I definitely felt intentionally forward propelled — but not in a way that feels unnatural or off-balance — and I felt like my stance changed quite a bit. They actually reminded me a lot of what it felt like standing in my short-forward-mounted roller skates (although, without all of the squatting).

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I’ve been trying this “science shoe” out for the the last month on some of my speed-focused runs, and while it hasn’t made an immediate impact on my time goals, it has really helped me focus on my running stride (I’m one of those infamous heel strikers). They worked well for my training days where I could break them in a bit by doing a mile or two and note the differences between the AMPLA FLY and my other running shoes. I certainly would have liked to get some more mileage on them, but… THE COMMITMENT TO CHANGE IS HARD! I’m impressed so far as to how they aid in pushing forward in my sprint work. The most impactful run was when I decided to change into when I noticed my running form breaking down when I was feeling tired. I noticed immediately the chain-reaction effect of being more upright, thereby relaxing my tensed muscles all the way up to my shoulders.

Lasting impressions: That said, these aren’t really meant for me for long-and-slow easy runs; to be honest, I didn’t find them the most comfortable when doing my cool downs or walks home after my workouts. I MUST also note: these are NOT meant for trails — do not take these on gravel or other types of rough terrain, as the side-to-side stability is not there. So, these have a very distinct purpose and will fit into a shoe collection as a great 2nd pair (or 3rd or 4th, if you’re like me and legit have a shoe for every sport and occasion).

Most of my running friends know that I am not a fan of change when it comes to my athletic gear — once I find something that I like and FITS, I stick with it and buy up all the new-old back stock all over the Internet. In July, I finally broke my pattern by purchasing a new shoe model (AND a new brand!). It’s helped me step out of my own way in trying new, better things. This was exactly what I was hoping to experience with the AMPLA FLY.

How it works: The AMPLA FLY encourages the efficient use of force — by way of a full-length carbon fiber plate guiding your foot-strike, and maximizing big toe push-off. The AMPLA FLY is more than being about speed — it’s about giving you the right FORM to make your running better.

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Side note: I’ve had to do a lot of treadmill runs this cycle because of the humidity (UGH!), and admittedly, I was terrified to wear these on the treadmill.

About AMPLA: Founded by a sports scientist and athletic industry innovators committed to engineering footwear that amplifies athletic ability (SCIENCE!). Harvard-trained Dr. Marcus Elliott has tested and trained elite athletes through his P3 Sports Science Institute in Santa Barbara, California — and has utilized advanced technologies to capture more than 30,000 hours of athlete data over the last eight years. This knowledge, combined with experience in the athletic footwear industry, is an opportunity to create breakthrough one-of-a-kind products. The AMPLA FLY is AMPLAsport’s first product.

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Test Run: The AMPLA FLY in Red!

Check out AMPLAsport online to learn more:
Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

This Tuesday, September 20 at 8pm CST: Join AMPLAsport and BibRave for #BibChat on on twitter. It’s a great chance to ask AMPLA your questions about the shoe AND hear more from the BibRave Pros who have been training on them for the last month! (Also, I hear there will be giveaways!)

Product Review: Apera Bags Performance Duffel

I’ve been on a search for the perfect gym/workout bag for far too long. Last year, I was gifted this Gaiam yoga bag for Christmas. It proved to be too small for my two-a-day run//yoga//run//club necessities; the shoe pouch was also too small for my Size 9.5 sneakers. And once I upgraded my yoga mat to a Manduka, I could no longer use the straps underneath to carry under the bag (the Manduka mats are, like, 10x heavier than those everyday, cheapie mats). Then, I received another bag this year courtesy of Chelsea Collective preview party. I really wanted to like this bag — my shoes fit after a little Tetris-ing, there was plenty of storage, and the straps were the right size — but I missed having an exterior pocket to hold a water bottle, of all things. Plus, the zippers seemed overly difficult to move and the bag overall feels a little cheaply made.

On Black Friday I saw a tweet about Apera Bags and a 20% sale, so I finally decided to make the Big Purchase (I consider dropping $100+ on a workout bag a Big Purchase). I landed on the Apera Performance Duffel.

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Few things that I outwardly LOVE about it: It fits everything, and I mean EVERYTHING. The bag has great organization for my needs and can hold a LOT of gear — it fit TWO PAIRS of Size 9.5 sneakers on both ends (this bag has two separate shoe pockets) while also holding a freaking laptop. It’s a NICE looking bag, and it is obvious that it’s well-made. Bonus: SO MANY POCKETS with/without zippers, some with mesh for airing stuff out! The bag came with its own interior wet bag too. I can even fit my yoga mat inside (and peek the top out) if I want.

Some mehs: it’s actually quite large — while not totally a breaking point for me since I needed a bigger bag, it kind of overwhelms my frame and was awkward to carry with all of my stuff in it. This purchase continues my streak of being completely unaware of dimensions when purchasing items online.

30something therapy apera bag review
You like my “workout” pants? 😛

POO: The strap is WAY too long for my body — even when pulled all the way tight from both ends — and not all that comfortable to carry when walking the mile+ to work with all my stuff. It hits just below my butt and even pulled up my skirt (!!!). And after using the Nike bag from Chelsea Collective, I kind of missed the option of carrying like a tote (the Apera bag has two small handles at the top to lift but I can’t carry at any length with them).

So, I’m a little disappointed because I *really* need a commuter-style workout bag and I really love this bag, BUT I think I might keep this to replace my roller derby bag: 1) because my derby bag really needs to be replaced and 2) because this bag is so huge that it might actually fit all my gear. I’m not sure about how it will handle the weight, though; would be an interesting test.

30something therapy workout roller derby bag review
This bag is seriously, like, 20 years old. If it ain’t broke, right? Wait…

Completely off-topic tangent on my current derby bag: One of the zippers of the outside side pocket broke off when a piece of my gear got stuck in it (at an away game in Columbus, Ohio; hilarious that I remember it because I was pretty mad that night and I obviously have brute strength). The long strap is being held on by mustache-printed duct tape (seriously). I bought this as part of my FIRST luggage set (yes, I used to have an entire set in this color scheme) at a Super Kmart when I was a freaking teenager. But, hey, the colors match my team’s uniforms, so that’s fun!

Here’s some benefits (and a tl;dr), if you’re looking at Apera bags:

  • Sanitized-Infused antimicrobial product protection resists the formation of bacterial odor, inside and out.
  • Two flexible exterior water bottle pockets.
  • Padded shoulder strap and two top carry handles.
  • Exterior pocket for a laptop and tablet storage.
  • Immense capacity features 43 litres of storage volume.
  • Water-resistant base protects the interior from moisture.
  • Laser-cut venting for your bag to breathe, ventilate, and stay healthy.
  • Large exterior pocket on each end holds a pair of men’s size 12 shoes.
  • Comes with a Fit Pocket washable insert.

I could probably use this Apera bag for race-cations and other travel weekends too. There’s a possibility that I may exchange for a smaller bag but I haven’t completely decided on that yet (and tbh, I am the worst with actually returning things; for the record: Apera has an amazing no-hassle return policy and free shipping). I even tossed the idea of getting the strap taken in at the luggage repair place but that seems ridiculous to spend even MORE money on a bag that was already over $100.

The search for my “perfect” workout bag, however, continues.

Note: I purchased this Apera Performance Duffel for my own needs, and did not receive any compensation for reviewing and/or this post.