The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Fit for life on the run
Make water safe and refreshing anywhere you go
LifeStraw is well known in the outdoor community for its water-filtration products, enabling you to make potable water from almost any natural source almost instantaneously. Countless people on the hiking trail have benefited from ready access to drinking water without bringing it with them. But safe and tasty water isn’t just crucial out in the wilderness.
Lifestraw’s Go Series stainless steel water bottles incorporate its two-filter system: a carbon filter that reduces chlorine, odors and other organic chemical matter and a microfilter that eliminates contaminants like bacteria, parasites and microplastics. Put them together, and you’ve ensured a safe water supply wherever you go, whether the source is an airport bathroom or a tap in a foreign country. Even if you’re not necessarily worried about water safety on a dayto-day basis, LifeStraw-filtered water always tastes great. The 18-ounce stainless steel bottle’s slim design fits most cup holders and backpack sleeves, while the double-walled insulation helps keep your beverage hot or cold. Plus the leak-proof handle keeps the mouthpiece covered when not in use.
It’s never been easier to ditch the cost — and waste — of prepackaged water anywhere you travel.
Sleek, functional Beats earbuds are worth every penny
Choosing the right pair of earbuds for exercise can be daunting, with a seemingly endless supply of options and price points. But if you’re looking for highend sound and serious comfort, be sure to try the Studio Buds + from Beats.
Let’s start with the fact that they fit well (with four different tip options) and stay in place even during strenuous exercise without feeling jammed in your ears. Regarding sound quality, Studio Buds + delivers a clean bass and ultra-low distortion. Newly designed acoustic vents have improved the audio precision while contributing to a more natural feel in your ears. You can easily switch — at the touch of a button — between Active Noise Canceling and Transparency modes. When exercising outside the gym, Transparency allows you to better hear your surroundings, for safety. When on the treadmill or exercise bike, Active Noise Canceling blocks out the rest of the world. A newly designed microphone is 3x larger for taking calls, and the battery life has been improved to 9 hours on a single charge. (A five-minute “fast charge” will give you an hour of battery life, a wonderful option when you realize the battery is almost dead before a workout).
There are less expensive options out there, but these are the top of the line when it comes to what will make athletes happy.
Comfort and cushioning can be crystal clear
The explosion of choices among running shoes means that for most people, it can take a little bit of experimentation to find out what works best for them. For those who enjoy a well-cushioned ride, the new Brooks Ghost Max should be near the top of the list for a test run.
An expansion of Brooks’ popular Ghost line, the Ghost Max offers a bit more protection on the outsole and even greater cushioning in the midsole. As you can tell from that high-rising midsole, this shoe is all about the soft ride. It also features a broad base, which should be helpful for those who like the feel of most cushioned shoes but crave a bit more stability. The air mesh on the upper provides excellent breathability, and it was redesigned with more volume than the regular Ghost, benefiting those who prefer a slightly looser fit. (The upper is also made from more than 50% recycled polyester.)
For those new to a running or walking regimen, the Ghost Max may be a comfortable option as you start to build up miles. But anyone interested in plush ride would benefit from this new creation from Brooks.