Sweet summertime. The days are longer—and hotter—and all you want to do is get out and be active. Whether you're a runner, hiker, rec sports fiend or workout class enthusiast, the gear you wear can make or break your performance, especially in more extreme temperatures. This gear, from the latest summer kicks to sweat-wicking tanks, will make sure you not only look good while working out but feel good too.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel
$129.99
Featured in a limited edition colorway, NB's FuelCell Rebel is the perfect shoe to get you through your hard summer miles. With a sock-like design plenty of cushioning, this lightweight trainer was created with the runner's best interest in mind based on data and science. That means the product team took a deep dive into key areas of impact, using its own elite athletes as test subjects. And while this shoe can certainly be dubbed "cushioning," it's doesn't weight you down, instead adding a bit of spring to each step as it protects your limbs and joints from everyday wear and tear.
Cotopaxi Batac 16L Backpack
$60
Cotopaxi is known for its "Gear for Good," and the Batac is no exception. Made with repurposed materials with complete creative control from its employees in the Philippines, each Batac backpack is completely unique. Each employee can mix and match various colors from all the different fabrics and components, like zippers, buckles and threads, ensuring you get a one-of-a-kind product that showcases their personality and signature right in the design of the pack.
If that's not enough to get you on board, the Batac is the perfect lightweight bag for day hikes, the gym or any activity in between. It features two mesh side pockets, a front zippered pocket for easy-to-reach essentials, a large main compartment and even an internal hydration sleeve. Plus, all Cotopaxi products come with a lifetime warranty, so the company will work with you to get your products back to tip-top shape should they ever fail or wear out.
Icebreaker Cool-Lite Impulse Shorts
$80
Despite their somewhat simple appearance, Icebreaker's Cool-Lite Impulse Shorts are comfortable, breathable and quick-drying, making them ideal for hot summer workouts. In no time they'll be your go-to shorts for any activity thanks to the lightweight permeable pertex quantum air nylon fabric and the Cool-Lite brief liner that will keep you dry where it counts and keep chafing at bay.
Title Nine Henerala Racerback Tank Top
$45
Made from a fast-wicking knit that's infused with StinkStopper, Title Nine's Henerala Racerback tank is perfect for even the hottest summer days. And thanks to that de-stinking technology, you can wear this tank multiple times before washing, allowing you to spend less time on laundry and more time on getting active. That sounds like our kind of tank.
Icebreaker Multisport Light Micro Sock
$18
Wool in the summertime? Seems like an oxymoron, right? Think again. Icebreaker's Multisport Light Micro Sock made from 56 percent merino wool is one of our favorite summer socks thanks to the quick-drying and temperature-regulating properties of the fabric. But it's not just about the materials. The sock's design features a seamless toe to help cut down on blisters and arch and Achilles support for stability and to help keep socks in place. Plus, Icebreaker socks come with a lifetime guarantee, meaning if they ever wear out, Icebreaker will replace them, no questions asked.
Cotopaxi Cala Active T-Shirt
$50
Touted as a do-it-all top that handles all-day adventures and extended travels in modern style, the Cala Active T-Shirt lives up to its name. Made with odor-control technology, you don't have to worry about going from a hard workout to hanging out with friends without taking a shower in between. Plus, the open-back design is great for cooling you down quick, and the stretchy fabric is quick drying too, ensuring you don't look sweaty as well as not smelling like it either.
Vuori Axis Sports Bra
$52
If you're looking for a sports bra that is supportive yet not bulky, stylish yet not over the top, then consider your search complete. Vuori's Axis checks all the boxes. Made from a performance stretch fabric, the design offers medium support and is great for yoga, hiking, running and everything in between. Plus, it has a funky, strappy back. What more could you ask for?
Jaybird Run XT Wireless Headphones
$179.99
Jaybird continues to produce innovative and functional products that are made with the active person in mind. The Run XT have 12 hours of battery life with the charging case, are waterproof and sweat proof, have a sport fit—so you don't have to worry about them falling out on even your most intense activities—and come with four different ear buds and two sets and styles of ear tips, so you can find the absolute perfect fit for your anatomy. Plus, Jaybird offers free shipping on all headphone and a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can't get better than that.
Cotopaxi Escondido Low-Cuff Sock
$18
Who doesn't like a good pair of socks? Cotopaxi's Escondido is perfect for any activity. The lightweight material keeps your feet cool and dry, warding off blisters, and the nylon yarn used paired with the no-slip heel tab keeps these suckers where they're supposed to be for your entire workout—because the last thing you want to do in the middle of knocking out burpees is stop to pull your socks up.
GORE R7 2in1 Shorts
$69.99
GORE's R7 2in1 shorts will quickly become a favorite in your closet. With two side pockets and a zip pocket on the back, you definitely won't be without a place for your essentials. But perhaps more importantly, the stretch material provides you the freedom to move any which-way you desire. Plus, fixed inner tights ensure you don't have to worry about things riding up too high, and the partial mesh inserts provide better ventilation for the hottest of summer days.
Do note that GORE products tend to run a little smaller than is typical, so check out GORE's sizing chart before ordering.
Cotopaxi Veloz 6L Hydration Pack
$140
Gone are the days of having to worry about finding water on a long run or hike or dealing with an annoying bouncing hydration pack as you try to get your sweat on. Cotopaxi's Veloz fits snug as a bug thanks to its thin harness-like straps that are optimized for movement, evenly distributing the weight so you don't need a pesky waist belt. Plus, the aluminum hook on the front takes chafing completely out of the equation and the air-mesh back cuts down on sweating. The pack also features two zippered pockets on the harness, an outer stuff pouch perfect for your phone or some cash and even comes with a 2L hydration reservoir.
Vuori Halo Bomber
$99
Just because it's summer doesn't mean you never get cold. Vuori—a California company that's a mix between Lululemon and Athleta—has the perfect post-workout, anytime jacket for your needs. Whether you want something to slip on before or after a sweat sesh, something comfy to wear on your recovery days or a piece that will last you through the fall, the Halo Bomber fits the bill. The fabric is buttery soft, made from moss jersey performance materials that are moisture wicking and quick drying.
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