Naenka Runner Pro Bone Conduction Headphones Review

Runner Pro headphones by Naenka use bone conducting technology rather than traditional ear pieces. They are designed for sports use where having an awareness of your surroundings is important.

Personally I don’t use headphones on any of my runs, I prefer the sounds of nature and to be alone with my own thoughts. I have used them to try to relieve the monotony of being sat on a turbo trainer, but I find that the slightest head movement causes them to fall out. I do however use normal earphones to listen to podcasts and watch videos at home and I get annoyed whenever I catch the wire and pull the earpiece out. So I was interested to see how a set of headphones that didn’t rely on in-ear earpieces would perform.

First impressions on receiving the Runner Pros were good; the box is classy and looks like it contains expensive chocolates!

photo showing box containing Naenka Runner Pro headphones

nice box!

Runner Pro Features

The box contains the headphones, USB charging cable, elastic tensioner and a pair of standard foam ear plugs. There are also some basic user instructions. No chocolates. Neither is there a carrying case of any kind, although Naenka do sell one as an optional extra. To my slight embarrassment, never having worn a pair before I couldn’t quite work out how to put them on! The instructions didn’t include this so I had to visit Naenka’s website to look at the photos! Once I’d figured that the band went round the back of your neck rather than over the head, things made more sense. Maybe the instructions need dumbing down to include this information. The “earpiece” doesn’t sit over your ear but rather on your cheekbone just below your temple and the sound is conducted to your inner ear through the bone.

The headphones are lightweight (coming in at 39g on my scales, including the tensioner) and very flexible. Operation is very straightforward, even I didn’t need to read the instructions to work out that you turn them on with the small button and adjust the volume with the larger button. It is easy to locate the buttons whilst wearing the headphones but less so if you are wearing gloves.

photo showing on / off button on Naenka Runner Pro headphones

on / off and volume buttons

Pairing the Runner Pros with a phone via Bluetooth is again very straightforward and it is possible to pair with more than one phone which is useful if you want to share the headphones with someone. As well as linking via Bluetooth the headphones are also an MP3 player capable of storing 8GB of files. This means that you can listen to audio directly off the headphones if you don’t want to take your phone with you. To get audio files onto the headphones you plug them into a computer using the USB charging cable and drag your chosen files onto the Naenkas. When I did this the headphones simply showed as USB Drive (E:) rather than being named. Switching between Bluetooth and MP3 is done by double clicking the on / off switch. Audio files automatically start where you left off and play in order that you uploaded them. Long pressing volume + / – allows you to skip forwards and backwards between files.

Although named Runner Pro, the headphones are also designed so that they can be used for swimming. They have an IXP8 waterproof rating, but as Bluetooth doesn’t work under water they will only work in MP3 mode, (do people really listen to music whilst swimming??) Their waterproof rating means that you needn’t worry about damaging them if you wear them whilst running in heavy rain.

Charging is done via the USB cable which has a magnetic port which seats firmly on the headphones. A red LED light indicates that the headphones are charging. This changes to blue when they are fully charged which takes around an hour and a half. Battery life claims to be 8 hours so they aren’t going to get you through the Bob Graham Round! Also this is with volume set at 60%, they will drain more rapidly if you have them set to play louder.

photo showing charging of / off Naenka Runner Pro headphones

magnetic USB charger

red LED shows charging

Runner Pro on test

So, having sussed out how to use the headphones and charged them fully it was time to see how they performed. The first question I wanted to answer was would they stay in place, especially whilst running on uneven and downhill terrain? Yes they do. Although at times they felt like they were about to slip off, they never did. Wearing them was a strange sensation and took a while to get used to. I used the elastic tensioner to increase the grip slightly although I probably didn’t need to. However I do have a small head and the band of the headphones projected quite a way out from my neck rather than sitting snugly against it. I’m not sure if this led to a sub-optimal fit or not. I was able to wear a hat (buff) whist also wearing the headphones. I liked the sensation of being able to hear both the sounds of the environment and the headphones at the same time and found that I could tune in to one or the other. When I needed to concentrate – such as when running down steep, uneven terrain – I completely zoned out of what I was listening to, so they are probably best suited to use on less technical terrain. I did also need to turn up the volume quite loud when I was running in windy conditions. The fact that you can still hear the environment around you whilst wearing the headphones would probably make them a better choice than in ear headphones for anyone running on roads or cycling. You would probably be more alert to danger from traffic whilst wearing bone conductors compared to in-ear headphones. Some events don’t allow the use of headphones whilst taking part – this is for safety reasons where you might not hear shouted warnings or sirens. Bone conduction headphones might be a good compromise (check with race organisers to confirm).

runner wearing Naenka Runner Pro bone conducting headphones

Runner Pro headphones on my small head

I often wear sunglasses when running, even if it isn’t sunny, as I find that they also keep the wind and insects out of my eyes. I was a bit concerned that I might not have enough ears to wear both the headphones and my glasses at the same time. It turns out not to be a problem and works best if you put the glasses on last.

headphones and glasses? no problem

photo of runner wearing Naenka Runner Pro headphones with glasses

headphones, glasses and hat? still no problem

Sound quality was good (although I haven’t tried any other brands so can’t give an honest comparison) and although they feel slightly strange, the Runner Pro aren’t uncomfortable. The longest I wore them for is a couple of hours after which it was good to take them off. I’m not sure I’d like to wear them for any longer without a break.

Technical specs:

Lightweight (39g on my scales), Waterproof (IXP8), 8 hr battery life (230mAh battery) USB charging via non standard magnetic cable, MP3 & Bluetooth

RRP – £99 (16%Discount Code: David123)

Full details on Naenka website

Overall impression

Having never used bone conduction headphones before, it is difficult to compare the Naenka Runner Pro to other brands on the market. However, first impressions are good as the Runner Pros give good sound quality, are stable in use and feel reasonably comfortable. They also seem to offer good value for money against other headphones of similar specifications. I won’t be taking up wearing headphones whilst running, but these would be excellent for use on the turbo trainer and for general use.

If you found this review useful you can buy me a coffee to show your appreciation!

Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G 280 Review

The Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G 280 is a highly cushioned trail shoe with a wide fit.

The Trailfly, as its name suggests, is a shoe designed for long distance trail running. Its unique selling point is the high level of cushioning and energy return offered by the nitrogen infused foam in the sole unit. That sounds impressive but do they measure up to the hype?

Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G 280

Features

Inov-8 offer a wide range of trail and fell running shoes, the feature that makes the Trailfly Ultra G 280 stand out from the others is its cushioning. The “FLYSPEED” midsole uses foam infused with nitrogen (sounds like something from a Heston Blumenthal recipe!) This is said to give high levels of bounce and energy return. Inov-8 state that their testing shows that the FLYSPEED foam gives back 65%-68% of the energy put in whereas a standard foam midsole gives back 45%-48%. The use of nitrogen is also said to cut back on the use of energy and chemicals during the manufacturing process.

side view of Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G 280

8mm drop and 33mm stack height

The Trailfly has an 8mm heel to toe drop and a stack height of 33mm / 25mm (heel / forefoot) which also provides high levels of cushioning. The Adapter-Flex groove in the outsole all0ws the shoe to flex on uneven ground whilst the 4mm multi directional lugs provide grip. The Graphene enhanced outsole gives high levels strength and durability.

graphene sole with 4mm lugs & Adapter-Flex

The upper is made of a breathable, stretch knit material with a lightly padded tongue which should remain comfortable over longer distances. The roomy toe box is a size 5 on Inov-8’s width sizing scale i.e. the widest available. Again this is designed to allow the toes to splay and maintain comfort over long distances. There is also a toe bumper for protection. Despite their chunky appearance the Trailflys are lightweight with my size 6.5 weighing just over 270g.

close up photo of Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G 280

wide toe box

On Test

I’m fairly cynical when it comes to marketing terminology so I wasn’t overly impressed when I first read about the bouncy nitrogen infused shoes! Rather than hearing all the technical blurb I just wanted to know what they felt like to wear. I tested them for a week on hard packed Peak District trails during a fairly dry spell of weather.

photo of trail runner wearing Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G 280

tested on hard packed trails

Cynicism aside, I must admit that first impressions were good with the shoes being noticeably well cushioned and comfy. I don’t usually find that running shoes are comfortable straight out of the box, I tend to need to wear them a few times but the Trailflys were just that. My first proper run in them was a two hour outing on firm, man made paths and the springiness of the shoes was instantly evident. I haven’t run for a very long duration in them but I can imagine that they would help reduce fatigue on very long runs. Although the word “Ultra” in the name suggests that they are designed for longer distances I would also be happy to use them for faster runs or training sessions on hard, dry surfaces. I did some faster paced intervals whilst wearing them and was pleased with the “feel” of the cushioning at a faster pace.

photo of fast runner wearing Inov-8 Trailfly shoes

suited to faster paced running too

I would be less inclined to wear them for faster running on more technical terrain as the 8mm drop and 25mm forefoot stack height plus the wide toe box results in less stability and control than a lower shoe. The high level of cushioning also makes them a good option for recovery days such as the day after a race or hard training session when you want an easy, low impact run.

It is uncommon to do an off road run that is wholly on dry trails and I did encounter a bit of mud during my test runs. The 4mm lugs will handle shallow patches of mud and wet grass but they are not designed as a fell running shoe so it wouldn’t be fair to expect them to perform like a fell specific shoe. The question everybody will be shouting is “what are they like on wet rock?” The answer – ok. I’ve worn shoes that are grippier but also ones that are much more slippy; shoe choice for mixed terrain is always going to be a compromise. The lightweight knit uppers don’t look particularly robust and I wouldn’t want to venture off road in rough heather in them, but then again they aren’t designed as a resilient fell shoe.

reasonable performance in mud

The cushioning and ride height of the Trailfly Ultra is evident when viewed from the side and several people have commented that they look like a Hoka. They certainly have similarities. I have a pair of Speedgoats that I wear when I need more cushioning but I find them a bit too “tippy” on uneven terrain. The Trailfly has less forefoot stack height and so would be preferable to the Hokas from now on for runs on uneven ground.

highly cushioned sole

Technical Specs.

Weight 280g (size 8), Drop 8mm, Lug depth 4mm, Graphene enhanced outsole, Width 5 (on Inov-8 1-5 scale with 5 being the widest) Stack height (including outsole and footbed) 33mm at rear 25mm at forefoot, Colours Men: Pine & Nectar (as in photos) Grey & Blue. Women: Red & Burgundy

RRP £165

Overall impression

The Trailfly Ultra G 280 is a shoe designed for trail running rather than fell running. They will handle a bit of mud and grass but that isn’t what the shoes are intended for, the cushioned sole definitely means they are best suited to harder packed trails. I found them to be light and very comfortable with a noticeable amount of cushioning on hard, man made paths. The high amount of cushioning and wide toe box allows them to remain comfortable over long distances whilst the Graphene enhanced sole aims to provide both durability and grip. They would be a good choice for longer runs or races on firm, stable terrain or dry grass (remember last summer?) The cushioning also makes them suitable as a recovery run shoe.

Maybe the nitrogen infused foam is a recipe for comfort despite my skepticism!

Click link to purchase or see more details about the Trailfly Ultra G 280

If you found this review useful you can buy me a coffee to show your appreciation!

WakiWaki Water Purifier Bottle Review

Do you filter your water whilst out in the hills?

Often when you are out in the hills there is plenty of water to be found in streams, lakes and ponds. In the higher mountains it’s usually safe to drink out of flowing streams but what about on the lower fells? Rather than take a risk it’s probably best to filter any water before drinking it. There’s plenty of choice when it comes to water filtering systems, a brand I’ve only just heard of is WakiWaki. Here I look at their Blue Purifier water bottle (also available in orange and purple)

photo of Waki Waki water purifier bottle

blue bottle with filter installed

Features

The system comprises of a rigid plastic bottle with a 600ml capacity (if using the filter the capacity is reduced slightly) The lid has a pop up mouthpiece which clicks down and locks in place when not in use.

photo of Waki Waki water purifier filter

flip top with filter attached

The lid unscrews completely allowing the wide mouthed bottle to be easily refilled. The bottle comes with a straw and a filter which are interchangeable meaning that it can be used in two ways; either as a standard bottle to drink water or juice using the straw, or as filtering device. Swapping between straw and filter is a very simple process that only takes a few seconds. The lid also houses a small compass although I wouldn’t rely on this for navigating!

flip top reveals compass

I tested the blue bottle, orange and purple are also available.

photo of three Waki Waki water purifiers

3 colours are available

Also supplied are a syringe to allow simple backwashing of the filter after use and a carabiner which can be used to attach the bottle to a rucksack. The filter is replaceable if you exceed its lifespan of filtering 1500 litres.

photo of Waki Waki water bottle purifier

bottle, straw, filter, syringe and karabiner

Technical specs.

Food grade BPA free plastic bottle.
4-stage filter: Coarse Filter, Activated Carbon, Hollow Fiber Ultra Membrane, PP Cotton Fiber
Filter Pore Size: 0.1μm ceramic membrane
Filter lifespan: 1500 litres
Flow Rate: 450ml/min (max)
Weight: 220g (empty bottle with filter)

RRP $22.99 (cheap shipping to UK)

Use

Personally I prefer to use soft-flask type filters when running or hiking and bladder systems when camping so I probably wouldn’t choose a rigid water bottle. However, for anyone who likes to use a rigid drinks bottle the WakiWaki offers good value. It is versatile in that it can be used simply as a drinks container or as a water filter. It will fit neatly into the side pocket of many walking rucksacks and is sturdy enough to cope with the usual knocks and scrapes that come with hill walking and camping.

easy to fill and can be used without the filter

For people simply wanting to drink from a source rather than carry and filter water then the WakiWaki Straw Filter would be a good option. https://www.gowakiwaki.com/product-category/outdoor-water-filter/straw-filter/

About WakiWaki

I must admit that I hadn’t heard about WakiWaki, this info is directly from the company:

Waki Waki is an innovative brand that strives to create quality and leading outdoor water filters, while providing relevant outdoor equipment as a whole. Our company Membrane Solutions was founded in 2006 in Texas USA. Since 2008, we have realized that many outdoor enthusiasts, explorers, adventurers, athletes, campers or friends & family travel have difficulty in clean and safe water, so we came up with the idea of establishing a characteristic brand to offer users suitable outdoor products and solutions for those who expect to enjoy a healthy and pleased outdoor life. We are the earlier brand to provide ultrafiltration screen technology up to 0.01 microns, it can remove 99.99999% of Bacteria, Parasites, and micro-plastics; Reduces Turbidity, and heavy metal; Adsorbs chlorine, VOCs, odours etc.) and improve the taste. Ensuring the safest water in the worst environments.

Our Water filter straw or water purifier bottle is generally small in size and lightweight to carry. We can filter water directly from natural sources such as lakes, rivers, and pools into clean and safe drinking water. Waki water filter bottles with a backwash design, easy to wash and keep, can be recycled. We admire healthy lifestyle. And we love spending time outdoors and encourage our users to go outside and enjoy all that our beautiful planet has to offer.

Conclusion

The Waki Waki Purifier Water Bottle is an affordable and versatile system for anyone wanting the flexibility of a rigid bottle that can also be used as a purifier / filter.

Waki Waki are a US based company but ship to the UK at low cost.

Link to the Purifier here:
https://www.gowakiwaki.com/product/purifier-water-bottle/
https://www.gowakiwaki.com/product/outdoor-water-filter-bottle/

If you found this review useful you can buy me a coffee to show your appreciation!

Harrier Helvellyn Pro Carbon Poles

The Helvellyn Pro Carbon are Harrier’s top of the range collapsible poles that are suitable for both trail running and hiking.

Although not allowed in fell races, running poles are becoming accepted and more widely used in longer distance trail running events. It is not unusual nowadays to see people using them on the Bob Graham Round – much to the disapproval of some of the traditionalists! On longer multi-day events such as the Spine Race, Dragon’s Back and Cape Wrath Ultra most of the runners will use poles at some point, including the elite runners at the front end of the race. The Helvellyn Pro Carbon poles are a strong, lightweight, collapsible pole, perfectly suited to such events.

Harrier Helvellyn Pro Carbon poles

Features

The Helvellyn Pro Carbon are a collapsible, 3 piece carbon pole with the sections being linked by a plasticated wire running through the inside. When folded the 3 pieces form a Z shape and hence they are sometimes referred to as Z poles. The length isn’t adjustable, they are available in six lengths from 105cm to 130cm to suit different user heights. My 110cm poles weighed in at 341g for the pair and measure 36cm in length when folded. The handles are ergonomically shaped EVA foam with an adjustable wrist strap which has a fleecy lining for comfort.

adjustable wrist loop

The poles are easy to use, to deploy them you simply unfold them and slide out a telescopic section until a small button clicks into place to keep them rigid. To fold them away you simply press the button, slide the telescopic section back in and fold the poles.

push button to fold poles

A small notch on the plastic mud basket allows the two smaller pole sections to clip together for neat storage. Deploying and stowing the poles is very straightforward and can be done quickly, even whilst wearing gloves. The poles come with a rubber end cap which can be removed to reveal a carbide tip allowing a choice of end depending on the terrain. The poles come in a sturdy, water resistant bag for storage and transport when not in use.

rubber or carbide tip

Technical specifications

3 piece collapsible Z poles, fixed length (6 options), 4k carbon fibre, weight 340g per pair, rubber or carbide tip, adjustable wrist loop, carry bag.

RRP £89

Overall Impression

Poles can be effective, particularly when climbing steep hills or when descending whilst tired. However my personal preference for long, hilly days out has been the hands on knees approach! I didn’t use poles on any of the Big 3 Rounds and the only time I’ve carried them is when supporting mates on their Rounds and they’ve said “Here Dave, can you carry these for me?” Having said that I did give these poles a good try out on steep, technical Peak District terrain and found them very easy and comfortable to use. They are very simple to open up and likewise to refold. They felt surprisingly light and the grips were comfortable in the hand. The poles seemed strong and I was happy to commit my whole bodyweight to them without them bending or creaking (having said that I’m not very heavy!) I would be cautious of using them in bouldery terrain as it would be easy to get a pole wedged between rocks and snap it, but that would apply to any brand of pole. My main issue with poles isn’t whilst using them it is the faff of carrying them when they aren’t in use. If they knock against each other or bounce around on my pack it drives me mad!

look, a fell runner with poles!

If you’re considering using poles for your next ultra or big “Round” make sure you get lots of practice using them in training (and don’t let the fell running “purists” know!) You need to become efficient in both using them and also in doing other things such as eating and navigating whilst holding them. Practise with them both with and without gloves on and whilst wearing the pack that you intend to wear for the event. It’s important that you perfect your system of stowing and attaching them to your pack – unless you are expecting your mate to carry them for you!

You don’t have to be a runner to use poles. hikers and wild campers will find them useful too. I know campers and “fast packers” who use very lightweight tarps instead of tents and they erect them using hiking poles. Winter walkers can also find them useful for added stability when crossing streams and when seeking to negotiate a safe passage through the notoriously deep Peak District bogs!

So, if you are looking to buy a set of poles then take a look at Harrier’s Helvellyn Pro Carbon poles. They are lightweight, easy to use and offer great value for money.

Harrier are a small, family run, Peak District business. Their range of poles along with tips and advice on using them can be found here: https://harrierrunfree.co.uk/collections/poles

If you found this review useful you can buy me a coffee to show your appreciation!

Voom Nutrition Energy Bars – Review

VOOM Pocket Rocket energy bars are an alternative to gels, giving you an easily digestible energy boost to fuel your training and racing.

Energy gels are an efficient way of taking in sufficient carbohydrate to fuel your long training runs and races, but they have a downside – you are left with a sticky packet that seeps its remaining contents into your pocket or pack – yuk!
Wouldn’t it be good if you could have a quick energy hit without the mess. VOOM Nutrition offer an alternative in the form of their Pocket Rocket energy bars.

VOOM bars

The bars
There are three different bars in the Pocket Rocket range with each 42g bar containing around 40g of carbohydrate (twice that of a standard gel). In addition to carbohydrate each bar is formulated with slightly different ingredients to target specific use. The orange zest flavour Beta Blast bar contains caffeine and beta-alanine for high intensity exercise, the lemon and lime Electro Energy bar contains electrolytes to replace those lost in sweat whilst the berry flavoured Caffeine Kick bar contains 175mg of caffeine and 100mg of taurine to stave off fatigue later in a race or run.

The bars are made in a way that they can easily be broken into four bite sized cubes making it easy to work out how much carbohydrate you are consuming. Two cubes are the equivalent of one gel which would typically contain around 22g of carbohydrate, so effectively one bar is equivalent to two gels. As well as the advantage of not having to deal with a sticky gel wrapper you can eat the bar in small doses if you want to take a “little and often” approach to refueling. You certainly wouldn’t want to put a half empty gel wrapper back into your pocket!

each bar has 4 bite sized cubes

In addition to the Pocket Rocket bars there is a 50g Protein Recovery Fudge bar containing 32g of carbohydrate and 10g of protein (the 3:1 ratio is accepted as being the optimal balance). The Pocket Rocket bars are gluten free and suitable for vegans, the protein bar is gluten free but contains milk. All of the bars are batch tested to ensure they don’t contain any substances on the World Anti Doping Agency banned list. This gives peace of mind to athletes competing in events with drug testing.

Cost
Individual Pocket Rocket bars cost £1.50 (bear in mind 1 bar = 2 gels) with the Recovery Fudge costing £2.50.

First impressions
I expected the bars to be chewy and was quite surprised to find that they aren’t! They are more like a mildly fruity Kendal Mint Cake in texture. This makes them very easy to swallow as they dissolve quickly in your mouth and don’t require much chewing. This is important for when you are exercising hard and breathing rapidly and is one reason why gels are commonly used – you are unlikely to choke on them!

Personally I don’t have a sweet tooth and found the Pocket Rocket bars to be a bit too “sugary” for my liking. However this is the case with gels too (and most sports nutrition products), they serve a purpose, we don’t eat them because we like the taste! If I was to pick a favourite it would be the berry flavoured Caffeine Kick although I’d be wary of just using that bar on a long race due to the high caffeine content. Friends have commented that they like the product too although there isn’t a consensus on which one tastes best.

different bars for different scenarios

About VOOM
VOOM Nutrition are based in Lancashire, close to both the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District and their products are made in Britain. The staff are themselves experienced athletes from a range of sports and the products are created based on scientific research. Often nutritional products make claims that they will “improve your performance” without providing any evidence to say how or why! VOOM are much more open about their products and the VOOM website is very informative giving explanations of why the various ingredients have been used and with links to scientific research which validates their use. For example explaining how beta-alanine (used in the Beta Blast bar) can reduce muscle acidosis during high intensity exercise https://www.voomnutrition.co.uk/blogs/news/what-is-beta-alanine

The products are available from a number of outdoor shops or directly from the VOOM website

So if you are looking for an alternative to energy gels take a look at VOOM Nutrition’s Pocket Rocket bars. Easy to eat carbohydrates without the sticky mess!

If you found this review useful you can buy me a coffee to show your appreciation!

Inov-8 X-Talon Ultra 260 V2 Review

The Inov-8 X-Talon Ultra 260 Version 2 is a wider fitting shoe offering aggressive grip for muddy conditions.

Inov-8 X-Talons have long been a favourite shoe for runners seeking good grip in muddy conditions but most of the versions are tight fitting and maybe don’t suit the runner with a wider foot. The Ultra 260 is a wider fitting shoe and as its name suggests is designed for longer runs where aggressive grip is required.

X-Talon Ultra 260 V2

Features

Whilst branded as an X-Talon the Ultra 260 V2 doesn’t share the same appearance as other X-Talons. Noticeably the tread pattern is different and it actually looks very similar to the discontinued X-Claw 275 (remember them?) The lug depth is still a super aggressive 8mm, but the studs are wider and more triangular shaped than on other X-Talons. The compound is StickyGrip™ rubber rather than Graphene.

X-Claw 275 – spot the similarity?

The Ultra 260 have a width fitting of 4 on Inov-8’s scale of 1 to 5 (5 being the widest). This not only makes them wider but gives more volume in the toe box. The heel cup is well padded and there is more underfoot cushioning than on other X-Talons, making the shoe more comfortable on longer runs.

cushioned heel cup and 8mm drop

The shoe has a much firmer toe bumper than other X-Talons, offering excellent protection for the toes. Whilst they do offer some flexibility there is noticeably less than on other versions of the X-Talon such as the G235 and 212.

sturdy toe bumper

On Test

Prolonged wet conditions in the Peak District gave perfect conditions in which to test the Ultra 260 V2s. As expected the 8mm lugs gave excellent grip in the muddiest of conditions and the shoes were a great choice for proper wet, boggy, fell running terrain.

great grip in the mud

Coarse gritstone rock allows most shoes to grip, so running around the rocky Dark Peak terrain posed no problems. The wet flagstone paths offered a sterner test. I found that for the most part I could run with confidence although every so often a wet, smooth, slightly lichen covered slab was slippy. I don’t know of any shoe that would offer a grip on wet, smooth, greasy rock!

testing on wet flagstones

I found that the width 4 fitting meant there was too much room in the toe box for my feet. I prefer a tighter fitting shoe offering more precision, certainly for races or fast training runs. However the extra room in the toe box allowed me to wear a thick, waterproof sock which would otherwise have been a bit of a squeeze in a narrower shoe; this makes the Ultra 260 a good winter shoe for me.

Technical Specs.

Weight 260g, Drop 8mm, Lug depth 8mm, Compound STICKYGRIP™, Midsole Powerflow Max with stack height 16mm /8mm, Fit scale 4

RRP £125

Overall impression

The Inov-8 X-Talon Ultra 260 V2 is a shoe offering aggressive grip for soft conditions whilst catering for the runner who needs a wider fit. The extra width also allows the shoe to be worn in winter conditions combined with a neoprene or thicker waterproof sock. The new Ultra 260 would be an ideal shoe for longer runs or races on soft, muddy terrain such as the Spine or Marsden to Edale (Trigger). They would also be a good choice for a very long run on wet or soft terrain; the Bob Graham Round for example.

The video gives a quick look at the X-Talon Ultra 260 V2

Click link to purchase or see more details about the X-Talon Ultra 260 V2

If you found this review useful you can buy me a coffee to show your appreciation!

Cimalp Blizzard Thermal Jacket Review

The Cimalp Blizzard is a running jacket specifically designed for use in cold conditions.

Although not widely known in the UK, the French company Cimalp have been producing specialist outdoor clothing for over 50 years. With the weather taking a turn for the worse in recent days it seems like a good time to review their Blizzard jacket.

Our winters tend to be mild and wet and for most of my runs I’ll wear a long sleeved base layer plus a waterproof jacket if needed. However, occasionally we get very cold days where staying warm is more important than staying dry. What to wear on days like these? When the Arctic wind blows, a thin waterproof or windproof jacket might not offer enough insulation and a more substantial jacket is needed. The Blizzard fits that bill.

photo of runner wearing Cimalp Blizzard jacket

Cimalp Blizzard jacket, at home in the cold

Features

The Blizzard is a mid-weight jacket; my size S men’s weighed 404g. Don’t confuse it with a thin, ultra lightweight windproof that packs down to the size of an apple, that isn’t its purpose. The CIMAFLEX material is slightly stretchy and has a warm, fleecy feel on the inside with a smoother finish on the outside. The shoulders and upper back have panels of more durable Cordura offering protection from abrasion when wearing a rucksack or race vest. It has a full length zip and there is a reasonably sized zipped, outer chest pocket that will take a folded A4 map, compass, car keys etc. Thumb loops allow the sleeves to be held snugly in place and a high collar helps keep your neck warm. The collar also houses a hood which can be zipped away if you prefer. Reflective details front and back allow you to be seen when illuminated by headlights or head torches. The jacket is wind resistant and breathable and performed well at wicking away perspiration when I was working hard (slogging uphill in deep snow!) My version is blue with black trim, it is also available in red / black.

photo of runner wearing Cimalp Blizzard jacket in the snow

a warm jacket on a cold day

On Test

I’ve worn the Blizzard for several winter runs in very cold conditions. I’ve found it to be comfortable; my size small is quite a snug fit with the stretchy material providing sufficient give so as not to feel restrictive. It really does offer some thermal protection from the biting wind and I like how the high neck keeps the cold out. The CIMAFLEX material repels water and I noticed that snowflakes simply brushed off rather than melting and soaking in although you would still need to wear a waterproof shell in heavy rain. As well as being a good jacket for cold, winter runs the Blizzard would also be a good choice year round when you need a bit more insulation, for example on overnight Bob Graham support where you might not be moving fast enough to stay warm. It would be fine to use for hill walking and its stretchy nature would make it a good choice for climbers too. It also looks good, i.e. not like a running jacket, and I’ve worn it just as a casual jacket.

high neck keeps out the cold

The thing I least like about the Blizzard jacket is the hood; it just doesn’t fit. I’ve only got a small head and yet the hood only covers three quarters of it! Whilst the rest of the jacket is a snug fit the hood is loose. If you face into the wind it blows down straight away!

photo of hood on the Cimalp Blizzard jacket

the hood doesn’t cover my head!

The Cimalp Blizzard jacket has some good features and it offers much more protection from the elements than a lightweight windproof jacket. It is great for cold and windy conditions where it is best used as a top that you know you are going to keep wearing for the duration of your run, rather than putting on and taking off as needed. I really like it – apart from the hood which is useless!

photo of running in snow wearing Cimalp Blizzard

totally warm – nearly!

Pros
Warm, slight stretch ensures comfortable movement, reasonably priced.

Cons
Poorly designed hood.

Weight
404g (men’s size Small on my scales)

RRP
£89.90

Full details can be found on the Cimalp website.

Nitecore UT27 Headtorch Review

The Nitecore UT27 is a lightweight Dual Beam head torch ideally suited to trail and fell running.

Following on from the UT32, Nitecore have produced another lightweight, dual beam head torch; the UT27, available from November 2021

Design

The UT27 is simple in its design with the battery housed in the same unit as the lenses. Having the battery on the front of the head rather than in a separate rear housing can sometimes make head torches feel “top heavy” and unbalanced but not this one. The UT27 weighs in at a remarkably light 75g including battery. This is one of the lightest head torches that I have come across, at least that can realistically be used for fell running. The main body of the torch is plastic and although lightweight it doesn’t feel flimsy. The torch has two separate lenses mounted side by side; floodlight and spotlight and operation is by two buttons (W and T) on the top of the torch which control each of the beams respectively. I don’t know what W and T stand for, F and S would make more sense! The UT27 has an IP66 rating so should be water tight even in really bad weather! The battery compartment glows in the dark after it has been illuminated – theoretically that could make changing the batteries easier but it would still be a tough challenge without a second light source and not something I’d be wanting to try whilst out on the fells in bad weather! The torch comes supplied with battery, recharging cable and a small carry bag that acts as a diffuser which is useful when in a tent.

Nitecore UT27 Dual Beam head torch

Battery

The UT27 is versatile in that it uses both a rechargeable Li-ion 1300mAh battery pack (supplied) as well as standard AAA batteries. The pack is recharged via the supplied USB-C cable and can either be removed from the torch or left in place with the battery compartment open during recharging. An LED on the battery pack turns from red to green when fully charged.

Claimed battery life ranges between 6 (Spotlight HIGH) and 13 hours (Floodlight LOW) although I haven’t fully tested this claim yet.

USB-C rechargeable Li-ion battery or 3 x AAA

Modes

Each lens has two settings; simply high or low. Floodlight High gives 200 lumens, Low 55 lumens. Spotlight High gives 400 lumens, Low 100 lumens. There is also a Turbo mode where both lenses are illuminated giving 520 lumens. Two single LEDs also give either constant or flashing red light, useful for emergency signalling or when you only need a very low setting. These red LEDs also indicate how much battery power is remaining. Each button controls each beam i.e. one button (marked W) for the floodlight, one (marked T) for spotlight. A long hold switches that particular lens on after which another press toggles between high and low brightness. To switch to the other lens simply press the other button. A quick double press of either button turns on turbo mode which automatically turns off after 30 seconds to preserve battery life if you forget to turn it off manually. The red LEDs are turned on by double clicking either button from when the torch is off. The torch can also be locked off to prevent it being switched on by accident.

close up photo of Nitecore UT27 head torch

a button for each lens

In Use

I found the Nitecore UT27 easy to operate. The twin buttons on top of the torch are reasonably easy to use whilst wearing gloves and the sequence of presses is fairly intuitive. The two beams are noticeably different, the floodlight giving a white light whilst the spotlight is a much warmer yellow light. This yellow beam is unusual compared to most other head torches that I’ve used and does take a bit of getting used to although I do find it better for map reading as there is less harsh, reflective glare than with the white beam. In spotlight mode on high power the beam gives an impressive throw of light; 128 metres according to Nitecore’s statistics.

photo of Nitecore UT27 on floodlight setting

floodlight setting, high

photo of Nitecore UT27 on spotlight setting

spotlight setting, high

The torch can be angled down through a number of positions as far as 90 degrees (useful if tying your laces or looking in your bumbag) and the ratchet is firm enough that the chosen position stays fixed, even when running on uneven ground. It is comfortable to wear and the light weight would mean that it would remain so for extended periods, you hardly notice the weight.

head unit angled to 90 degrees

Overall I’m very impressed with the light weight and ease of use of the Nitecore UT27. It’s a great little torch for fell running and takes up very little room in a pack. It would be a good option for camping as well as running.

Pros

Very lightweight, easy to operate, versatile battery options.

Cons

Not the cheapest, yellow light takes a while to get used to.

Weight

Claimed 74g including battery and headband (75g on my scales)

RRP

£56.95

UK Distributor:

https://www.nitecore.co.uk/Shop/Torches/Head-Torches/14098-Nitecore-UT27.html

US Distributor:

https://www.nitecorestore.com/Nitecore-UT27-Rechargeable-Headlamp-p/fl-nite-ut27.htm

Full technical details: Nitecore website.

Nitecore UT32 Headtorch Review

The Nitecore UT32 is a dual-light head torch designed for trail running.

The UT32 is an interesting torch with a unique feature in that it has two lenses; a standard white light and a warmer, yellow coloured light which is designed for use in poor visibility such as fog or drizzle. The theory is that the warm white light is better able to penetrate in poor visibility.

Design

The Nitecore UT32 feels well made; the compact aluminium housing is reassuringly rugged without being heavy and two large buttons turn the torch on and control the settings. You need to press both buttons together to turn it on and the torch can be swiveled to prevent this happening accidentally. The torch is designed to be worn horizontally on the forehead and fits easily into the plastic head strap mount. It also comes supplied with a clip which allows it to be removed from the head mount and fixed elsewhere, for example on a rucksack strap or belt. It can also be used a hand held torch. An additional “over the head” elasticated strap is supplied for additional stability although I didn’t feel the need to attach it. The buttons and lenses are at one end of the torch, to switch between the cool white and warm white lenses you simply rotate the body of the torch 180 degrees and press the relevant button. Twisting the body of the torch allows you to adjust the angle of the beam up or down. The torch itself doesn’t have a recharging port, the batteries need to be charged separately. A battery may or may not be included – check before you buy (mine came with the NL1835R). The UT32 has a waterproof rating of IP68 (2 metres) and is shockproof to one metre and comes with a 5 year warranty. A spare O ring seal and button covers are also supplied.

Nitecore UT32 head torch

Battery

The UT32 uses either one Rechargeable Li-ion 18650 or two CR123 batteries. These are easy to fit by unscrewing the end cap of the torch. The torch might not come supplied with a battery, mine came directly from Nitecore and included an 18650 (3500mAh) Be aware that you can’t use any 18650 battery, I tried one with a flat top but it wouldn’t work, it needs to have a “button” top.

No – Yes: flat top batteries don’t work!

The torch itself doesn’t have a USB recharging port so you need to charge the battery independently. I got Nitecore’s own NL1835R battery with USB port; you simply plug a standard micro USB charging cable directly into the battery.

photo of Nitecore NL18345R with USB port

Nitecore NL1835R battery with USB port

Modes

The settings on the UT32 are straightforward; there are two buttons, one for each lens and a single press scrolls through Low 70 lumens, Medium 200 lumens and High power 410 lumens. A long press gives a maximum brightness Turbo mode 1100 lumens which automatically drops down to the previous setting after 30 seconds. There are also two strobe settings; SOS and steady flash which are activated by three quick presses. Claimed battery life on high power is 3hr 45mins although I haven’t tested this.

In Use

I’ve used the Nitecore UT32 for several months including wild camping and a 5 hour overnight run supporting a Paddy Buckley round. I found it to be comfortable and stable. Despite all the weight being up front (the torch unit itself weighs 85g) it didn’t bounce around and I didn’t bother with the overhead strap.

horizontal mount, single head band

The big buttons are easy to locate and operate even whilst wearing gloves. During the Paddy Buckley run we did find ourselves in cloud on some of the summits and thus reduced visibility. This gave me chance to try out the warm yellow light. To be honest I didn’t really notice much difference other than the colour of the beam which is noticeably orange. In conditions like that I simply take the torch off my head and hold it closer to the ground which gives much better visibility as the water droplets aren’t illuminated directly in front of your eyes.

photo of person holding the Nitecore UT32 torch

in bad visibility I hold the torch low to the ground

The shape of the UT32 does make it easy and comfortable to use as a hand held torch so that is how I used it in the “clag”. The design of the lenses means that the warm light mode gives a slightly further illumination distance as can be seen in the photos:

high power cool light

high power warm light

During the Paddy Buckley run I used the torch on the medium power setting and there was plenty of charge still available when I switched it off (if you unscrew the cap as if to remove the battery then screw it up again the torch flashes, the number of flashes indicating how much charge is left). As stated, the warm light setting is noticeably yellow / orange compared to the usual head torch setting and it takes a bit of getting used to. Having said that I find it preferable for use in a tent and around camp where it is much softer than the harsh, white, standard torch setting.

Pros

Easy to operate, comfortable, build quality, versatile, long warranty.

Cons

Not convinced of the effectiveness of the warm light setting in bad visibility.

Weight

Torch & battery 83g (125g worn weight inc. headband)

RRP

£74 (battery costs extra)

Available here
Also here (affiliate link)

Full technical details can be found on the Nitecore website.

Route 40 Graduated Compression Socks

Route 40 claim that their graduated compression socks are the world’s most advanced!

The socks, with their different levels of compression throughout, are purported to increase circulation, reduced soreness and lead to faster recovery. I must admit that I’m always pretty cynical when I read claims like this, for a couple of reasons. Firstly I’d like to read the scientific study that backs up the claims and see it reported in a recognised Sports Science or Sports Medicine journal. Secondly, if true I’d expect to see all of the world’s top runners wearing them!

Route 40 Graduated Compression Socks

Having said that I do wear long socks for running so if I don’t believe that they will improve my performance would I wear them? Two reasons mainly; warmth and protection.

In winter or on cold days I like to try to keep my calves warm and so long socks are my choice. I find that a decent pair of long socks works better, even if wearing shorts, than a pair of ankle socks under a pair of tights. In summer I’d still wear long socks if I knew I was heading into deep heather on my run. On navigation courses we often seek out the more remote and pathless parts of the Peak District and this inevitably means some “heather bashing”! Here long socks are vital to prevent scratches. Another problem with running on the fells in summer is the bracken which not only scratches your legs but also is home for ticks whose bites can cause serious illness.

runner wearing Route 40 socks in bracken

long socks for bracken bashing!

And then there is the dreaded midge. I remember waiting for the start of a race one warm, still, summer evening and being eaten alive, wishing that I was more covered up. So again long socks are a good idea and you can always roll them down once you are out of the vegetation or away from the midges.

runner wearing runner wearing Route 40 socks on a path

you can always roll them down

The Route 40 socks are a Polyamide, Elastodiene and Spandex mix and have a nice soft feel to them. Unlike other compression socks that I’ve worn they don’t feel too tight and they are easy to get on and off. They look good (well I think so), I thought they were black at first but as they stretch the blue / teal color shows through. I found them very comfortable, the flat toe seam prevents rubbing and the anatomical shape means that the socks hug your feet so there is less likelihood of your foot sliding around in the sock. I do like them and will wear them throughout the year, I just don’t expect them to lead to improvements in my running!

long socks – big claims!

Pros
Comfortable, offer warmth and protection, easy to put on, reasonably priced.

Cons
Not sure about the claims of increased performance!

RRP £29.99

Available from https://route40.co/