BUFF DryFlx+ Product Review

Disclaimer: I received an BUFF DryFlx+ Hat and Neckwarmer to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!

What can I say? I love love love BUFF products and am a believer in how effective they are for all my outdoor activities. The new DryFlx+ collection is no different. Its tech specifications are really impressive for wearable technology and the colors mesh really well.

So let’s begin with the great technology the hat contains. It’s extremely light, just over an ounce in weight, so it doesn’t feel heavy on your head during a run. Also, it uses 4-way ULTRA STRETCH material which adds to the comfort; it never feels tight or constrictive. There is a seamless woven design so nothing is scratching at your scalp when in movement. The hat has thermal insulation to keep your head warm but also moisture management so you’re not sweating buckets down your face. (I’ll get more into that down in the review) And one of the most important features is it contains reflective elements so if you’re running at dusk or dawn, you be sure you’ll be spotted by any motorists or bicyclists.

Now let’s talk neckwarmer features! As you can see in the previous two photos, it can be worn up to cover the nose or just below it and it doesn’t wiggle or shake down your face; it stays pretty snug. Similar to the hat, this also has the 4-way ULTRA STRETCH and seamless woven design for comfort and flexibility so constrictions are not a problem. It only weight two ounces so, once again, it isn’t weighing down on your body. Along with the reflective elements, the BUFF DryFlx+ neckwarmer provides thermal insulation and moisture management. Now to explain how both items manage to perform this great feature.

The above photos show exactly how they provide breathability. The hat and neckwarmer both have engineered holes, marked on my gear with the lime green lines, to allow air to flow through and out, allowing you to not sweat but still keep warm for the hat and allowing you to breathe through your mouth and nose with the neckwarmer all the way up on your face. It really is the best feature of this product! It just makes wearing them outside in nasty cold temperatures a whole lot better. I’ve already worn them in 25 degree weather with a wind chill factor that brought it down to 16 degrees. And, since I live in Wisconsin, you can bet that I will be wearing this when I head out in those below 10 degree days!

Another good reason to love this product, and BUFF in general, is that as an engaged partner of UNICEF, the company has committed to donating 2% of their global yearly profits to projects helping combat COVID-19.

I invite you to take a look at some other reviews from my BibRavePro companions to see what they thought of the BUFF DryFlx+ collection! As always, any comments or questions can be left below if you like and Happy Running!

OTHER REVIEWS

http://www.fitxbrit.com/on-the-run/2020/12/31/cover-your-head-running-in-the-cold

https://www.runningonpixiedust.com/2020/12/buffdryflx.html

https://funsizeathlete.com/2020/12/30/bibrave-product-review-running-winter-warmer-with-buff-dryflx-collection/

Product Review: Knockaround Fast Lanes Sport Sunglasses

Disclaimer: I received a pair of Knockaround Fast Lanes Sport Sunglasses to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!

I am a frequent wearer of sunglasses on my runs and bike rides so when the opportunity came to test out the Knockaround shades, I couldn’t resist, because let’s be honest, who doesn’t want a new pair of sunglasses? And I enjoy seeing if new styles and brands (to me) are better than others that I own. I received the Fast Lanes Sport in the Clear Grey and Green Moonshine color style. First thing I noticed: how lightweight the frames felt on my face. Perfect for any activity, especially running. They also did NOT pinch the side of my head, which always an uncomfortable possibility with a new pair of sunglasses.

One of the worst feelings while running or biking is when you can feel your glasses slipping on your face. It’s horrible and annoying, and even worse when biking since it might not be an easy fix while zipping along the trails. Knockaround solves that with their rubber nose pads which basically helps the shades grip your nose. Bottom line, whether running or biking or kayaking or whatever, these sunglasses aren’t going anywhere!

How about some other awesome features from Knockaround? An option you can get is polarized mirror lenses. You also get UV400 protection in your lenses, gotta protect those eyes! Another feature that I truly love about these shades is how lightweight, as I mentioned above; now the “how” they are so lightweight: Knockaround sunglasses are made with a super light polycarbonate material. They’re like air! OK, so now what if you have really different tastes than everyone else? Maybe you don’t want to go with the flow and desire a style all your own. Well, Knockaround has you covered and then some!

So many options for you to play with in their custom shop! Make the front different than the left arm and then make the right arm different than the left! Go Crazy! Tinker with the lenses and for the final touch, check out the different colors of the “K” logo! Boom! You’ve got your very own custom Knockaround sunglasses for an amazingly affordable cost!

So, what are you waiting for? Get to the Knockaround website and order your pair or pairs now! Be sure to use code “BibRaveKnocks5” and save 20% off your entire order! But make sure you have everything you want in that cart, that discount is a one-time use per account deal! Ride or run into fall with some sweet new shades!

As always, feel free to comment or ask questions below! And check out some of my fellow runners own reviews of these sweet sunglasses right below here!

Lisha Runs Life

TriCityRunning

Running with Attitude

Marathons & Memories

Running for My Life

Happy Running!!

Product Review: BUFF Pack Run Cap

Disclaimer: I received a BUFF Pack Run Cap to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!

I’m not the biggest fan of wearing hats while running and typically prefer BUFF’s other headwear options. The reason why: it never fails that while wearing a hat, like a trucker hat, sweat manages to drip down into my eyes and down my face. Not a fan of that at all, so I avoid wearing hats. I’m starting with this point because the Pack Run Cap NEVER allowed any sweat into my face on the days I wore it running and there were some incredibly humid and nasty hot days I that I chose to wear it. How does it do this? It has a reliable and low profile sweatband wrapped around the inner part that does its job and then some.

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Now, you might think if the cap is absorbing all that sweat then it must be getting damp, heavy and not pleasant to wear anymore. Not so! I’ve never had a hat breathe as well as the Pack Run Cap when I know I’ve been sweating in sweltering heat and it remains light as can be. Again, how? Fastwick fabric side panels wick the moisture away and your head can breathe.

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These two features have impressed me the most with the BUFF Pack Run Cap but they’re obviously not the only features of this cap. The upper panel provides up to 98% protection from UV rays. There is an elastic cord at the back for a surprisingly secure fit that never loosened while running outdoors. It also has a reflective tab on the back and reflective logo on the front that adds low-light visibility.

My experience using the BUFF Pack Run Cap was a positive one. I have to say that since I am anti-hat for the most part. For me, it was just so lightweight and it was as if I didn’t even have something on my head. That’s how light it really is! I loved that it was easy to fold up and simply slide into my pocket if necessary. I liked that the material was soft and had 4-way stretch ability so it didn’t tighten too much on one side over another.

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Now, if you don’t like the color of mine, BUFF has other options for you to peruse through. Also, if a full cap is not your cup of tea, they had the same material in a visor too. You can’t lose with the Pack Run Cap. Whether you like it hats or not, this is a nice option! Bonus, if you want 15% off your BUFF purchase, simply go to https://buffusa.com/bibrave and sign up for the BUFF newsletter and, boom, a discount for you! I highly recommend this product!

Any questions or comments, please feel free to drop a note below!

And, as always, happy running!

Product Review: Orange Mud Gear Vest Pro

Disclaimer: I received an Orange Mud Gear Vest Pro to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

Call me a believer in a product I didn’t think I needed and certainly never had a want for before having the opportunity to test it out. It’s a hydration vest. “Why would I want one of those?” “I can map out running routes to come across water fountains.” “I can bring a sport belt with water bottles attached to it if I want.” “This vest thing is going to be cumbersome and annoying bouncing around my body.” These are all phrases and questions I said at one time or another. This product review will explain why I was wrong and, to be frank, an idiot thinking that this was a piece of gear I didn’t need.

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I will address each of my questions above to answer why an Orange Mud Gear Vest Pro is a great item to own. Yes, I can map out running routes that take me past multiple water fountains, but wouldn’t it be nice to venture down new paths without being concerned about where necessary hydration will come from. And this vest makes it possible to carry plenty of water for marathon training runs. The included bladder fits 35oz of liquid and you can add a 500mL bottle and a 600mL bottle to the front pockets on the vest.

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Why wear this when I can wear a sports belt that hold water bottle as well as everything else I may need: driver’s license/ID, energy chews, reserve battery charger for phone, energy waffles, etc. If you check out the picture above here, you will see the answer for my ID and charger. A zippered pouch right in the middle that is out of the way but completely secure leaving me no worries of anything falling out or being in the way if I am trying to pull out energy chews/waffles. And where am I putting those items? The two pictures below show the front access pockets that can be used for those items. In the first photo, I am using one of the extra water bottle pockets to store my energy waffle. The second picture shows one of two over the shoulder velcro pouches that held my energy chews. Both easily accessible and my fuel remained intact and not mushed down.

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ADDED BONUS MOMENT: On the top clip in the front of the Orange Mud Gear Vest Pro is a whistle. Yes, I said whistle. When using this vest in the early mornings or late evenings, what better option to include in the makeup of the vest itself. Scare away coyotes (or other aggressive animals) while using your pocket space for pepper spray if desired.

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The final question/concern was why would I want something bulky filled with water bouncing around as I ran? The fact is that it IS NOT bulky and bouncing around your back. Honestly, every time I have worn the hydration pack, I haven’t even noticed it being there. It isn’t on too tight but it also doesn’t flop around when running or when trying to get a sip of water. It has been the perfect complement to my runs and other gear options I take with me on long runs. I truly do love this product and am glad I had the opportunity to test it out.

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Still on the fence about trying out the Gear Vest Pro? Give them a try while saving some of your money by using code “BIBRAVEGVPRO” to get 15% off any Orange Mud product! And have faith in what you are buying! Orange Mud provides great customer service and backs their products. Manufacturing defect? Lifetime replacement. Have an accident with your pack? Leave it on the top of the car and take off? They understand and will offer a replacement at a “fair charge.” Also on their website are guidelines and suggestions for proper care and cleaning of their packs and bladders.

I hope you have found this product review of the Orange Mud Gear Vest Pro to be helpful and useful in guiding you to getting your own hydration pack if you were in the market for one. Solid product, solid company!

Should you have any questions or comments, please feel free to drop me a line and I’ll be sure to get back to you!

As always, happy running!