Why it's a top pick:

"This belt is the 1st one that I have used that is truly no bounce. It can fit a lot of water, snacks and phone. Pair this with the Raide Trailtech Shorts and you can run unsupported 50k's without having to put a vest on your back".

- Phacilitator of Phun, Jeff Dostie

Why it's a top pick:

"Currently my favorite shoe. I like the precise fit in the heel and arch and the wider forefoot. The foam is protective and responsive and the stretchy cuff keeps out debris". - Alpenglow Educator, Janice

- Alpenglow Educator Janice

Why it's a top pick:

"The new extendable sling is a big deal from Black Diamond. While it's no replacement for a rack of alpine draws or (our favorite) Alpine Runners, it offers more options for extension and much more quickly. Plus it's on a C4! Can't go wrong."

- Alpenglow Educator Max

Why it's a top pick:

"I love long days and nights in the mountains but I don’t love carrying a heavy pack. So I try to make my big three (shelter, sleep and pack) as light as possible. Western Mountaineering makes exceptional bags with their attention to detail and high quality 850+ ethically sourced (gathered from nests) goose down. The Summerlite Mummy Bag is rated as comfortable to 32F and with a well insulated sleeping pad and a liner or down jacket I have slept comfortably down to 25F. I use a lightweight compression sack to squish the bag down to the size of a grapefruit - I am 5’7” and I use the 6 ft bag — the weight is only 1 lb 3 oz! This bag has been perfect for summer and fall trips in the Sierras."

- Alpenglow Educator Janice

Why it's a top pick:

"I never used to drink my calories. I didn't think I had any problem eating and I rarely had stomach issues on big days. Then I started using Maurten and realized that I could feel even better and fuel myself even easier. 

Maurten is the ultimate drink mix because it uses their patented hydrogel technology. The hydrogel encapsulates the carbs and calories in what my body believes is a water molecule. Water is processed in the small intestine, so your stomach will send the hydrogel directly to the small intestine for processing. The small intestine breaks down the hydrogel and processes the carbs and calories. 

The small intestine is much more resilient and causes far fewer GI issues than the stomach. While it's kinda crazy, I like that Maurten "tricks" my body into better outcomes."

- Alpenglow Educator Max