Julbo Stony Sunglasses
Superior fit makes it easy to forget you’re wearing sunglasses. Credit curved temples (no pressure points) and wraparound frames that stay put without pinching. Zebra photochromic lenses alter tint in seconds as light changes between shady forest and sunny fields. On a budget? Try the durable polycarbonate Spectron 3+ lens ($100). $170
Nuun Energy Hydration
We’re longtime fans of Nuun hydration mixes, which resupply electrolytes minus stomach-churning sugar. Nuun Energy adds oomph with 40mg of caffeine—about half a cup of coffee—and B vitamins that convert carbs into fuel. It perked up morning runs, sustained long-distance efforts, and gave us an extra charge for after-work runs. $24/four-pack
Farm to Feet Socks
Farm to Feet uses merino wool sourced from U.S. suppliers. Better still? The nylon (to reinforce high-impact areas) and spandex (for better stretch) are also made in America. Wool gets spun, dyed, and woven in the Southeast. Try the Greensboro 1/4 crew and 3/4 crew. $15–$19; farmtofeet.com
From the Early Summer 2014 issue. Back to Trail Test 2014.
