Winter skipped Washington this year.
As I'm writing this its 61 degrees outside and sunny and wonderful. Which is great, I'm not complaining, but I've had these two products on my desk for weeks waiting for temps to drop below freezing so I can test them out.
The Cold Avenger Expedition Balaclava
Cold Avenger says: "Cold Avenger mixes inhaled cold air with exhaled warm air to achieve a dynamic balance of warmth while keeping the face dry. Inside mask temperatures are 40º to 60ºF higher than outside, depending on activity. The patent-pending ventilation design allows for easy breathing during exertion, a critical feature for high endurance outdoor activities. Moisture from exhaled air binds to the plastic piece, keeping the face dry."
We say: This looks great for skiers (if they found winter) or anyone else zipping around so quickly they'd be prone to windburn or chapped cheeks. It's also an essential prop if you want to work out while looking like a burglar. On the serious side, I deal with mild asthma which becomes significantly worse when I try to run in cold, dry winter air. The Cold Avenger, in theory, would humidify and warm the air, which, in theory, would really help my breathing. I had planned to suffer through a never-ending tirade of mockery from my running group to do a couple long runs in the Cold Avenger, but alas, it's 61 degrees.
My only initial complaint? The Cold Avenger's soft-shell fabric is a solid piece in the back. It'd be nice if the guys at Cold Avenger's parent company, Talus, would ad a ponytail slot for the ladies (or guys, if you're rocking the long hair). I can't be the only one who feels claustrophobic with my giant hair crammed underneath.
Buy the Cold Avenger online for $79.95.
3M's Thinsulate Thermal Insoles
3M says: "The Thinsulate thermal insoles help provide warmth and comfort to cold weather footwear."
We say: I was dying to try these out in my trail shoes. For me, it's almost impossible to run well -- especially downhill -- with frozen feet. The folks at 3M say these insoles' "moisture wicking fabrics control moisture to help keep feet drier." They even have anti-microbial technology so your shoes, in theory, won't stink as much. I can't speak to the warmth claims, but top foam on the foot bed feels nice and squishy. It's gradually thinner toward the toe, which will give you good shock absorption on the heel, while still maintaining a good ground feel under the toe. These seem like they'd be warm and comfortable to wear for extended periods, and would be great, in theory, in a hiking boot, running shoe or ski boot.
Buy the Thinsulate Insoles at major outdoors stores for $20.
Sara Davidson is an ultrarunner and our resident women's gear destroyer.
Josh Stewart writes for Navy Times and was unfortunately in the newsroom to be suckered into modeling the Cold Avenger. He writes really fine stories, like this post on Navy Times ScoopDeck.
