Gear Review: Summer activity products, heat, and humidity tested

Our relatively short mountain summers call for getting out there and taking it all in. Here are a handful of products, which stood up to my tests in the hot, humid South during a three-week trip, to make the most of your adventures.

CEP Infrared Recovery Seamless Tights

To me, these are worth every penny. If you’ve read my reviews on red-light therapy, you know I play around with anything involving infrared/red-light technology. Now, I wasn’t quite sure about these when I pulled them out of the bag — the waistline looked so small, and I wondered if I’d be able to breathe. Turns out, they’re a dream. Not only does the wide waistband comfortably fit along the belly area, but the tights also somehow seem to increase my energy. I tested them on a 99-degree, humid day at my parent’s lake house in Kentucky. Yes, I considered the absurdity of wearing black tights on such a day, but I wanted to test them. Granted, I spent most of the time indoors — but I did walk in the heat a bit. Everyone felt a little drained from the heat, and, though I do feel a little overzealous writing this, it’s completely true: I wore them all afternoon, and my energy soared. Even my parents noticed (and kindly ushered me back home from town, so they could rest). Meanwhile, I was a busy beaver, completing all kinds of projects when we returned. After sitting and eating too much in the South (and in Chicago — yum!) for a few weeks, these tights happily reminded me of my athleticism. I honestly felt more sprightly, even in the dripping heat. They gently, but firmly, hug me from hip and belly to ankle and make my legs energized and ready for action. But the most amazing aspect involves the tights’ infrared properties. I can’t scientifically prove that the fabric (yarns with bioactive minerals, which reflect the body’s infrared radiation) promotes increased blood flow and expedites the recovery process, but I can vouch that my legs and lower back didn’t feel very sore after my first day of the season of slalom skiing — and they usually ache quite a bit the next day. I was also shocked that I didn’t sweat during short walks outside in them — they’re extremely breathable, even in Kentucky heat. They’re not very difficult, like other compression clothing, to get on and off, and no seams mean no digging into skin. I really hope CEP starts designing infrared recovery tops.

$99.95, cepcompression.com

Nathan QuickSqueeze Plus Handheld Bottle

This is literally a very handy water bottle. It’s great for shorter hikes, when 18 ounces will do, or for longer hikes, to allot water solely to my dog so I can keep track of how much she’s drinking to ensure hydration. It clips to backpacks and also works perfectly as a handheld carry-along. A rubber grip, along with an adjustable strap within the cute little “backpack” that the water bottle sports, allows my hand to securely and snuggly hold it, even while swinging it while walking. The front pocket surprised me — it didn’t look large enough to hold my phone, but sure enough, Otterbox and all fit within it. A convenient hood fully protects my phone, while yet another zippered pocket within the front pocket pouch securely holds keys. The ergonomically designed bottle is not only easy to hold on runs and hikes, but also spurts water with a quick squeeze. The large pull-top cap allows me to place my lower lip on it and squirt water in, as opposed to having to place my entire mouth around it, which I appreciate for, again, quick and easy drinking. When it’s closed, it doesn’t leak a drop, even when it’s upside-down.

$35, nathansports.com

Merrell Morphlite Running Shoes

Whether running or walking, these Morphlites provide plenty of cushion and support. Its FloatPro foam midsole is aptly named; without even knowing about this feature, I noticed the shoe’s cloudlike feel within my first few steps. It gives a pillowy effect, while still delivering enough arch and overall foot support for running. The outsole’s lugs are made for little directional change when running, but lugs through the center cater to road runs, while deeper ones around the perimeter make it good for trails. These lightweight shoes, at 7.58-ounces per foot, utilize 100% recycled mesh for breathability and quick drying. And, it’s Cleansport NXT treated for odor control. I have a narrow foot, and these fit well and true to size. They come in black and white or fun pops of color combinations.

$100, merrell.com

Tom’s of Maine toothpaste, deodorant, soap, and toothbrush

In keeping with the humid testing theme, I put Tom’s deodorant to the test. I’ve always liked its aluminum-free deodorant but never really put it to the acid test in 99-degree humidity. I — and everyone around me — was pleasantly surprised, as it did keep me smelling quite nice, even throughout the night into the next morning (not the case with other deodorants). I never really realized how, although it’s not an antiperspirant, it definitely does provide enough wetness protection in my Southern experience, though, it’s not going to provide total dryness, like a product containing what very well may be harmful aluminum. I love Tom’s commitment to using naturally-derived ingredients in all of its products, avoiding artificial fragrances, dyes, preservatives, and even baking soda. I hate perfume and fake-smelling products, so I especially appreciate the mild, pleasant scents of its soap and deodorant. In 2014, it was the first deodorant brand to transition from propylene glycol (derived from non-renewable natural gas) to a completely vegetable-derived alternative; its container is also made with 100% recycled plastic. I love its Fluoride-Free Antiplaque & Whitening Peppermint Toothpaste (in a recyclable tube) because if its mild-tasting yet refreshing natural peppermint oil. It uses natural calcium carbonate (purified calcium) as a mild abrasive and hydrated silica as a polisher and cleaner. In keeping with its health and environmental commitment, it’s soft, angled-bristled toothbrush is made from naturally derived parts, including BPA-free bristles and a handle made from 80% recycled plastic. Tom’s is a Certified B Corp and donates 10% of profits to charities.

Deodorant, $7.99, toothpaste, $5.99, toothbrush, $4.79, natural beauty bar, $4.99, tomsofmaine.com

Outdoor Vitals Skyline Trail Joggers

Weighing only 6 ½ ounces — about half the weight of many other trail pants — these joggers are a perfect addition to backpacking trips. The unisex, full-length pants include elastic along the ankles, which fits loosely on me for comfort, and, along with socks, help in buggy areas like Kentucky. I love the strategically-placed, large, jersey-knit mesh polyester vents running down the length of the outside of the legs, in the back of the waist, and discreetly along the crotch, which offers great ventilation and breathability throughout. The treated, polyester fabric is water resistant, but Outdoor Vitals cautions that the treatment will eventually wear off. The elastic waistband, with drawcord, is comfortable and easy to pull on and off, and the stretch fabric make them very nice to move in — they feel a lot like wearing shorts, only they add leg protection, complete with UPF 50+ sunblock. A back zippered pocket offers plenty of room for my phone, a small energy bar, and keys. The moisture-wicking fabric dries quickly and is also designed for cold weather.

$89.97 ($80.97 for members), outdoorvitals.com

Seniq Trailmix Pants

Sweden’s military uniform inspired these hiking pants, with an adjustable, high waistband that stays in place. Elastic backing makes them easy to pull on and off, and the four-way stretch fabric and relaxed fit make them very comfortable to sit and move every which way in. The nylon twill (90% nylon, 10% spandex), with its UPF 50+ rating, repels water, so legs stay dry in the rain, while still being breathable. Plus, any stray dog hairs wipe right off. The ankle-length pants include a chinchable bottom hem on the wide-legged style. Each large, side cargo pocket has an internal mesh pouch to separate glasses or small items from phones, energy bars, etc. I find these more functional than fashionable, which makes them nice for hiking (though I’d prefer a longer leg for the kind of tick-laden lands I sometimes roam). And, 1% of each purchase benefits Women’s Wilderness or The Mental Health Coalition, based on the purchaser’s preference.

$148, seniqbrand.com