Running stocking stuffers for your friends or yourself

Want to stay warm when running but are tired of wearing toques? Then check out the GOCap Sherpa. Built with 100 per cent recycled polyester fleece, this cap will keep you warm, and thanks to its traditional baseball-style shape, it will also provide some sun and wind protection for your face. The cap is highly breathable to minimize overheating, and the adjustable back strap ensures a comfortable and secure fit.

Weighing in at just 120 grams (with batteries) and providing up to 450 lumens of light, the Storm 450 is perfect for the low-light running conditions most of us experience during winter. The headlamp can run with a rechargeable battery (sold separately) or three AAA batteries (included). Multiple brightness modes allow runners to fine-tune the lighting based on the situation, and the headlamp’s PowerTap technology provides an instant transition from low beam to full power.

Unlike many traditional headphones that prevent you from hearing outside noise, the Shokz OpenMove, with its open-ear design, allows you to listen to your music and your environment simultaneously. The result is greater safety, as you are not isolated from the noise of cars, bikes and other runners. This is particularly important when running in crowded urban settings. The OpenMove headphones, with their titanium band, are surprisingly light and comfortable and provide a secure fit, even during high-intensity workouts. At normal volumes, they offer up to six hours of listening time.

With its insulated bottle and secure hand-harness system, the SpeedDraw Plus is ideal for carrying just over 500 ml of water when running. The hand harness easily adjusts for a snug fit, allowing you to focus on running rather than holding the bottle, while the insulated bottle ensures liquids remain refreshingly cool in the summer and don’t freeze in the winter. Finally, Nathan has included a small pocket on the harness system for storage of small essentials.

This low-profile hydration belt from Nathan is designed not to bounce while you run, and has just enough capacity for the essentials. It comes with two redesigned 1o oz./300 ml flasks with Push-Pull Blast Valve™ caps for ease of use, in holsters that have also been redesigned so you can access your hydration with one hand. It also has a large, expandable, zippered pouch that’s big enough to accommodate most phones, and an additional mesh pocket for small essentials like a key, credit card or gel. The belt is fully adjustable, with elastic keepers to hold the straps out of your way. Construction is 60 per cent nylon, 40 per cent polyester. The reflective logo keeps you visible to cars in low-light conditions.

With its patented multi-density foam and three-dimensional surface, the TriggerPoint Grid Foam Roller is perfect for massaging sore and tired muscles and connective tissues. The roller features a compact size (13 inches in length and 5.5 inches in diameter), making it easy to carry when travelling, yet still provides sufficient surface area for targeting larger muscle groups.

These durable, high-quality running socks from Darn Tough are well-fitting and high enough to protect against rubbing from shoes and debris on the trail. They have a streamlined cuff, added ultra-light cushioning in the heel and under the foot and a seamless toe. Made from 50 per cent merino wool, 46 per cent nylon and 4 per cent lycra spandex, they are sweat-wicking, have just the right amount of stretch and will keep your feet at a comfortable temperature through all of your outdoor adventures.

With its unique plant-based wax formula, the Body Glide Original Anti-Chafe Balm provides an effective barrier against chafing and blisters. The convenient balm format can be applied to different body parts (thighs, nipples, heels) and will not damage or stain clothing, shoes or wetsuits. This is a great and affordable bit of insurance against one of the more irritating running issues.

Tucked into a jersey pocket, the GU Energy Gel is ready for deployment any time your energy levels start to wane. The gel consists of a tasty carbohydrate blend for a quick energy boost, while the addition of antioxidants and amino acids reduce muscle tissue damage and delay muscle fatigue. Finally, the 20 mg of caffeine provides an extra energy lift on longer runs.

These lightly flavoured electrolyte tablets are ideal for replenishing electrolytes during or after longer, more challenging runs. Simply drop a tablet into 500 ml of water, wait until it dissolves, and you have a refreshing, slightly fizzy hydration drink. The drink contains no preservatives or artificial sweeteners and now only uses non-GMO dextrose and stevia for sweetening.

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