GoLite HydroSprint Lumbar Pack & Wildwood Trail Short Sleeve Run Top Review
GoLite HydroSprint Lumbar Pack
When one bottle is all you need, the HydroSprint is the obvious choice. The stability of our wide hipbelt and No-Bounce™ strap system and ergonomic access to your bottle and gel flask lets you run long and hard.
When I first started running again, I was only doing short 3-5 mile runs, so hydration wasn’t always necessary. However, every runner is different and so are their hydration needs. And depending on where you live, hydration may be necessary even if you’re only running a few miles! But as I started running longer, training for my first marathon, hydration (and fuel) was becoming more of a necessity than an option.
I never liked holding things in my hand while running and I still don’t. My hands always need to be loose, although I do keep the form of a fist sometimes. I have tried holding a small water bottle while running and have done it, but prefer not to. The problem with holding a regular water bottle with my hand was that it was like I was shaking it the whole time, so by the end of the run, the water ends up being quite warm. This is where GoLite comes into the picture..
The GoLite HydroSprint is a lightweight (only 10-ounces) hydration belt that can hold a 21-ounce BPA-free bottle and small holster for a 5-oz gel flask which can hold 5+ fuel gels (more than enough for me in a marathon). The holster for the gel flask was made to be held upside down so when you have to use it, it will be dispensed right away. The waist is adjustable for runners of all sizes with a bungee system on either side of the bottle holder to hold a hat or windbreaker in addition to keeping the belt from bouncing. “The No-Bounce™ load control system clinches down tight for stability on the trail.”
In addition, there are two side zippered pockets that are great for things like your camera, cell phone, money, identification, snacks, music player, etc. The belt itself is a lot wider than expected, but that probably helps keep it stable and prevent it from bouncing. The inside of the GoLite HydroSprint belt is made of “soft stretch mesh hipbelt to move moisture and dries fast’. There are pieces of reflective material behind the belt by the buckle, which is a very helpful feature. Another thing I didn’t notice at first glance was that the bottle holder is actually insulated to keep your liquids cold for those extra hot runs!
Wildwood Trail Short Sleeve Run Top
This GoLite (Minerale™) polyester tech-tee is lightweight (3 oz) that is quick-drying and offers a UPF of 50+ that works great to protect you from the sun and the heat.
From GoLite regarding Minerale™:
Our latest next-to skin fabric innovation utilizes Cocona Minerale™, which has a superior hand that’s matched only by its impressive quick-dry capabilities. The natural technology uses microporous particles derived from minerals that improve fabric comfort and performance. It is permanently embedded in the fibers, so it will not wash off or wear out. Experience high-quality performance that moves easy and works hard.
My first impression after receiving the GoLite Wildwood Trail Short Sleeve Run Top in the mail was how light it was. I have never felt a shirt so light before, but the quality of the shirt did not make it feel like it was paper thin like you would expect. So when I actually put on the shirt, it didn’t even feel like I had anything on, which can come in handy when competing in a race. And with less fabric on my shirt, the likelihood of sweat hanging on to drag me down is a lot lower. Although I didn’t use it, there is a small pocket on the inside/bottom of the shirt that would fit a key/ID perfectly.
I actually wore the shirt a couple of days after I received it in a local 5K race and did quite well (19:12). It is definitely going to be my go-to shirt for long, hot runs and/or race days.
