If you are looking for some gift ideas for your favorite muddy buddy, here is a list of the best of the best. If it’s on this list, I either own it or want it for myself (except for the OCR Gear Sports Bra of course – unless it comes with a girlfriend).
Hydration
Nutrition / Supplements
Clothing
Trail Shoes
Events
Electronics
Just cool.
Geigerrig Cadence Pressurized Hydration Pack
This is the pack we saw on like every other Ultra Beast runner this year in Australia. We like it because besides incorporating Geigerrig’s innovative pressurized water flow, it is form fitting and streamlined – nothing dangling or hanging from the pack. It also seemed sturdier than the Salomon S Lab pack I used but it should be lighter than the other bulkier, non running specific Geigerrig pack that is sold at the Spartan Race merchandise tent here in the U.S. 
Bladder: 50 oz., quick-release valves for drinking tube and pressurization tube for easy refill and bladder removal, slide top for easy refill, cleaning and drying.
Fabric: Poly Mesh – Stretch, Breathable, Light Weight
Length: 15.5″
Width: 13″
Weight: 1.15 lbs
The award-winning pressurized Geigerrig Hydration System allows you to spray water to hydrate, share, clean, cool, etc.–anything you need. The pressurization enables convenient in-line plug-and-play filtration for on-the-go access to natural fresh water sources. When you are done, simply flip your Hydration Engine inside out and place it on the top shelf of the dishwasher for easy cleaning and drying. The RIG Cadence is a lightweight, low-profile vest that can be used for anything your heart desires. Plenty of convenient storage for your phone, keys, and treats.
+ Cleans in the Dishwasher Video
+ Warranty Information
+GEIGERRIG Hydration Pack Reviews – Quick Snap-shot (Click Here)
Find it here
Best Protein Bar: Amrita Plant Based Nutrition Chocolate Maca
I have searched high and low for the ultimate protein bar. My requirements: non dairy, non soy and if possible gluten free. I have literally tried every one. I tried some weird pure beef stick that Hobie referred me to (sounds better than it tastes). I ate those but won’t be reordering those any time soon. Olof Dallner of Quintuple Ironman, Spartan Race Death Race and Ultra Beast, World’s Toughest Mudder and GORUCK Selection lore recommended Amrita.
I now live off of their Chocolate Maca bars (highest protein count in their product line). No affiliate link here. No check or sponsorship here (I even gave up a supplement sponsorship with another company to keep it real and post this). A close second on my list is Kronobar - another, somewhat tastier, 100% vegan protein bar actually produced by a competitive obstacle racer. I went with Amrita for the ever so slightly lower sugar and higher fiber counts. I really do live off this stuff.
12 bars per box
Nutrition: Calorie: 284 (50gm/1.8oz) = 7g Fat + 30g Carbohydrates + 15g Protein. 4g Fiber and 1000mg Chia.
Raw, Plant-Based, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Soy-Free, Non-GMO.
Ingredients: Organic Date Paste, Organic Brown Rice Protein, Sunflower Seed Butter, Tahini, Organic Cacao Powder, Organic Sunflower Seeds, Organic Sesame Seeds, Organic Chia Seeds, Shredded Unsweetened Coconut, Maple Syrup, Organic Maca Powder, Chocolate Extract, Himalayan Pink Salt.
- See more at: http://amritahealthfoods.com/product/chocolate-maca/#sthash.fuCke4w1.dpuf
Find it here
Six Nutrition – Vitamins for Men
A PR company offered us a free month’s supply of these vitamins. I sent the free box to one of our contributors for review. After checking out the product online before giving the green light for the review, I actually ordered some for myself. I am now on my second box. I don’t believe in the one vitamin that can do all advertisement touted by other men’s vitamins. Here you get six pills, each for their own purpose. I must have less of a gag reflex than our reviewer because I can throw down all six with one gulp of water. My knees do feel better after taking these (one of the pills is for joint health). If I am going to spend the same money on vitamins I may as well do it on a product that I actually perceive a benefit from.
USE CODE ‘SIXMONTHLY’ at check out to pay just $6.00 for your first month.
SIX FOR MEN is the only men’s supplement specifically formulated to target the SIX key functions for optimal men’s health:
1-Month Supply. Take one pouch per day with water in the morning or 30 minutes before a workout. Every seventh day, take a break and start over.
SIX Nutrition’s @Monthly is simple. You pay just $6.00 (plus shipping) for your first monthly order, and then pay only $45.95 each month after (shipping included). One box of SIX FOR MEN wll be sent to you on the same day each month. No long term commitment. Cancel anytime. USE CODE ‘SIXMONTHLY’ at check out to pay just $6.00 for your first month.
A monthly supply of the most powerful ingredients your body needs for only $45.95 a month!
We are so convinced that SIX FOR MEN will make dramatic improvements to your health and enhance your vitality, energize your workouts, improve your sex life, sharpen your mind, increase your endurance, speed your recovery and keep you stronger and energized all day long that we are backing it up with this amazing guarantee offer.
If you are not completely satisfied, simply call us at 435-709-8321 and we will refund 100% of your purchase of SIX FOR MEN.
Sorry, first month $6.00 offer only good for one use per customer.
Find it here
Frog Fuel Energized Protein Shots
There are tons of energy / gu packets out there. Several with caffeine. But what about just protein? Or for speed freaks like me, protein with caffeine? FrogFuel. Great for long races or right before a workout when you don’t want to fill up.
Unlike many other companies, the founders and owners of Frog Performance and their peers not only use their own products but also live and breathe the lifestyle they preach to others. Even after life as elite operators in Special Operations, the owners of Frog Performance continue their relentless pursuit for perfection. FrogFuel is only the beginning of that quest!
FrogFuel is a protein supplement designed for optimum bioavailability and nutritional value to help YOU achieve unquestionable results. Please read below to understand why FrogFuel is truly a superior performing protein product.
PRICE:
$48.00
Details
1 box, 24 1-oz servings
Energy with maximum nutritional value.
FrogFuel Protein is qualified as a medical food by the FDA and provides 15 grams
of rapidly absorbed medical-grade liquid collagen protein.
‘Pre – digested’ for nearly 100% protein bioavailability.
Complete protein.
Enhanced with taurine.
80mg of caffeine for energy, increased metabolism.
Delicious berry flavor.
No mixing, just drink.
60 calories; sugar, fat, gluten and lactose free.
2-year shelf life without refrigeration.
Find it here
OCR Gear Sports Bra
I know nothing about sports bras. I know there aren’t any other sports bras made for obstacle racers and that Amelia Boone, winner of this year’s Vermont World Championship Beast chose to wear this one en route (via 13 miles of the toughest course ever) to the podium. So if I were to buy a sports bra this one would be the sports bra for me.
Oh don’t forget to use our discount code at our OCR Discounts site for OCR Gear.
Red Tigah Arm Sleeves
Inspired and designed by Steven Sinek, aka the Painted Warrior, and his wife Aeni – probably some of the most creative people in the OCR industry – these are just cool.
Find it here
Find it here
Inov-8 X-Talon™ 212 Trail Running Shoe
This is the shoe we would recommend to someone looking for their first and only OCR shoe (and not just the beginner). A little more cushioning than the X-Talon 190 and cheaper than the Salomon Fell Cross below which makes this a solid performer, good for all distances.
The Inov8 X-Talon 212 Trail Running Shoe is the most popular off road shoe in the inov8 range and is the winner of more World Championships than any other off roader. Precision fitted with talon like grip and incredible levels of flexibility this shoe races in the mountains, in the fells or cross country with total ease. Choose this shoe for speed work and racing in any off road situation.DWR Coating repels water and mud to keep you dry and comfortable at all times.Features a precision fit last hat ensures minimal internal movement when contouring ascending and descending. Ideal for any terrain and off trail activities.Sticky compound outsole provides enhanced grip and performance.Fascia band mimics the Windlass Effect delivering a kick of energy with each step you take helping you to run faster and more efficiently.*Weight: 212g*Upper: Ripstop, DWR Coated, TPU*Lining: Mesh*Midsole: Injected EVA*Drop: 6mm
Find it here
Inov-8 Men’s X-Talon 190 Lightweight Trail-Runner
The most used shoe in all of OCR – you’ve seen the previous model in red everywhere . Too minimal for my taste but I guess my feet (and the rest of me) aren’t as tough as Pak or half of the other World’s Toughest Mudder competitors running in these. Last year’s model would often wear down at the sides as early as after three medium distance races, but I have read they have made the upper stronger on this year’s model pictured below. If you are looking for the best combination of lightweight and grip, this is your shoe.
The Inov8 X-Talon 190 is a super lightweight mountain and fell shoe with a low profile midsole. Very comfortable, stable and grippy, with a sticky rubber outsole. Dont be fooled… The X-TalonTM 190 is a radically different shoe to its first born sibling the 212 Featuring a 3mm differential between the forefoot and heel and a 3mm footbed, the X-TalonTM 190 ensures that your foot remains closer to the ground in its most stable position.
Find it here
Salomon S-Lab Fellcross 2 Trail Running Shoe – Men’s
My favorite shoe. A couple of grams heavier (and a lot more expensive) than the two inov-8′s above but these beasts have a grippy lugged sole that will make you more confident and one that won’t wear down or lose lugs after a couple of demanding races. The Fellcross displaces water better than it’s sibling, the popular Speedcross, and I haven’t had any problems with the insoles shifting mid race – another problem associated with the Speedcross. I also love Salomon’s lacing system. This is the main reason I love their shoes so much – even above the rest of the shoes’ superior construction. No need to readjust your laces mid race.
The Salomon S-Lab Fellcross 2 is a low, light sneaker. Featuring an improvement on an already monster grip, the S-LAB FELLCROSS 2 continues to dominate as it was designed for racers, by the world’s top fell running racers. Constructed with an ortholite sockliner and a compressed EVA light weight muscle midsole. Try out the Salomon S-Lab Fellcross 2 on your next adventure in running!
Find it here
Spartan Race Season Pass
The ultimate gift for the newly hooked Spartan in your life. A whole 12 months of racing covered. Getting to the races is another story. Know someone that needs to get off the couch? Give them this. They should love you in return for a full 12 months. Just saying.
Out of your budget? You can always buy them one race. 15% discount with code ADVENTURE15
Find it here
GORUCK Buddy Pass
Best promotion ever. Sign up for a GORUCK event and take a friend with you. You don’t have to tell them it was free!
Find it here
Garmin Tactix GPS Watch
I had the Suunto Ambit and wish I had a Garmin – and that was before this bad boy came out. I had bought the Suunto Ambit over it’s then Garmin competitor because of it’s slightly longer battery life and it’s higher waterproof rating. Suunto’s software while it kind of worked fine by itself didn’t play well with products like Garmin’s product line does and I found I wasn’t using it for anything. Off to Ebay land for the Suunto.
A month ago I saw an announcement for the Tactix. Everything I want in a watch – GPS tracking and navigation, altimeter and baromoter, compass, rugged and good waterproof depth rating, plus some Navy SEAL stuff that I wish knew what to do with like tide map and jumpmaster info – just no heart rate monitoring on this one.
The biggest advantage this watch has over its competition, besides the aforementioned and being a Garmin – is it’s battery life. At the Vermont Ultra Beast this year I believe everyone’s watches ran out of juice around the 22 mile mark. That shouldn’t be a problem with the Tacticx.
Get it here
The field-ready tactix is a high-sensitivity GPS navigator plus ABC watch packed with features for training, exploring and more. Inside, it’s an altimeter, barometer, 3-axis compass and tracker with 1,000 waypoints, 10,000 track points and TracBack capabilities. Outside, it is waterproof (to 50 meters), matte black and non-reflective with a green LED backlight that won’t flare out night vision.
Plan, Navigate, Track
tactix lets you create routes, record up to 1,000 waypoints (such as rally points, LZs or potential campsites) and record GPS bread crumb trails on the move (tracklogs). Navigate to coordinates, along a track or route, toward waypoints or along any other selected bearing. The TracBack feature guides you back along a previously recorded tracklog so you can easily find your way to the end of a tactical training course, campsite, trailhead or safety of a vehicle, even in challenging conditions.
Plan trips and share adventures with friends and family using BaseCamp and BaseCamp Mobile. tactix is equipped with both ANT+™ capabilities and Bluetooth® to wirelessly share tracks, waypoints and routes with other compatible Garmin devices or smartphones.
Altimeter, Barometer and Compass
tactix is equipped with ABC sensors (altimeter, barometer and compass) to provide relevant real-time information. The built-in altimeter provides elevation data to accurately monitor ascent and descent, while the barometer can be used to predict weather changes by showing short-term trends in air pressure. The 3-axis electronic compass keeps your bearing whether you’re moving or not.
tactix auto-calibrates its ABC sensors using its GPS receiver and also auto sets the time based on location. For an extremely accurate temperature reading, pair it with our tempe™ external temperature sensor.
Measure Performance
tactix provides real-time performance data, such as distance, pace, cadence and calories, helping you keep track of your progress during and after your adventures. tactix is compatible with our heart rate monitor, speed/cadence bike sensor and foot pod for indoor or outdoor use.
Built to Endure the Roughest Conditions
tactix combines a strong housing to survive shocks with a mineral glass lens to resist scratching. It has a large LCD display with a green LED backlight and a robust polyurethane wristband. It’s waterproof to 50 meters and has a battery life of up to 50 hours in GPS mode (depends on settings) and up to 5 weeks in watch mode.
Tactical-inspired, Field-ready
The all-black, rugged and durable design was inspired by the strict requirements mandated by tactical units for the gear they use in the field. Its scratch-resistant, curved lens is rugged and prevents reflection. The U.S. Tides feature and Jumpmaster mode are invaluable to amphibious and airborne operations. The green backlight won’t compromise your position or your vision (and won’t flare out night-vision goggles).
More Than an Ordinary Watch
tactix includes sun/moon information and a hunt/fish calendar in addition to basic watch functions such as alarms, tones, vibration alerts, a timer, stopwatch and world clock with the ability to display several times zones at once. It even controls VIRB™ and VIRB Elite™ action cameras.
Mio Alpha
MIO Alpha is the first and only sport watch to provide continuous, accurate heart rate monitoring at performance levels – without a chest strap. Its launch generated buzz and industry recognition, including the CES Innovations 2013 Design and Engineering Award. MIO Alpha’s ability to connect via Bluetooth® Smart to apps and devices opens the door to a wealth of personal and social training tools.
Get it here
MIO ALPHA – TRAIN WITH HEART
World’s first continuous heart rate sport watch without a chest strap – train in comfort
Real-time assessment of training intensity
Accurate even while running at high speeds
Connect to apps – track progress & avoid training plateaus
THE ULTIMATE TRAINING GIFT BUNDLE
MIO Alpha heart rate sport watch and yurbuds sport earphones are the perfect training pack. Get them both for only $199 and save $35 plus get free shipping*.
yurbuds are developed by athletes and feature TwistLock Technology and a FlexSoft Comfort Fit so they never hurt and never fall out.
Every order of a MIO Alpha heart rate sport watch will receive a $35 gift code to be redeemed toward any yurbuds purchase at www.yurbuds.com.
Nikon 1 AW1 14.2 MP HD Waterproof, Shockproof Digital Camera System
Want to get into OCR photography? This may be the little bugger that you should take with you. Waterproof and shock proof (read: Paul proof). 1080 video check. Take pictures while you shoot video – check.
The world’s first waterproof, shockproof, interchangeable lens camera.
Features a 1-inch 14.2 megapixel CMOS image sensor for superior image quality even in low light situations
High-speed continuous shooting at 15 fps with full autofocus and up to 60 fps fixed focus
Full 1080p HD video with simultaneous image capture capability
Compatible with all Nikon 1 lenses and two waterproof and shockproof lenses
Get it here
Dirt in Your Skirt Spear Kit
I would get shot walking around with one of these here in New York City. Live anywhere else? Buy one. Your own friggin spear!
Avoid 30 burpees at your next Spartan Race by practicing at home with the Dirt In Your Skirt Spear Kit. Each spear kit comes with everything you need to have your very own spear at home. Order the spear kit alone or add on the target building instructions.
Get it here
Transition & Seat Wrap
This could have come in handy a few times.
YOU’RE DIRTY…KEEP YOUR CAR PURDY!
The Transition & Seat Wrap is the answer to parking lot and trail head gear changes as well as keeping that clean seat of yours…well, clean! We designed the wrap with the simple goal of not having your towel fall off while changing from regular clothes to run/bike/surf/etc gear. It stays around your waist securely via a built in belt clip. The second feature of the towel is the zip on hoodie, which you slip over your seat back in your car so when you sit down, the wrap does not slide off your seat.
Change securely, cover your seat, use it as a towel, wear it to the bars (makes a great kilt/skirt)….
Find it here
Rise of the Sufferfests
Back this project on Kickstarter and you won’t only be giving Scott (the producer) a present but you’ll get your hands on the first full length documentary on obstacle racing.
A documentary feature about the obstacle racing phenomenon that stops to ask: WHY THE HELL IS EVERYONE SUDDENLY PAYING FOR PAIN?
Obstacle racing is everywhere. It’s on the Today Show. It’s on Wheatie’s boxes. And in December, the Spartan World Championship will be televised on NBC Sports. In 2013, upwards of 4 million people will brave an obstacle course. Which is incredible when you consider the fact that in 2010 that number was around 40,000. The speed with which sufferfests have charged into pop cultural consciousness is nothing short of staggering. So it was only a matter of time before someone made a documentary that asked:
WHY the hell everyone is suddenly paying for pain?
There are many interesting possibilities: narcissism, loneliness, media saturation, outsourcing of manual labor, and so on. To help drill down to the root of it all, I’m assembling a dream team of experts, athletes, insiders and everyday people. And while I certainly don’t presume this journey will lead to a single answer, I believe the OCR phenomenon holds a mirror to life in the digital era… and that this discourse is important.
Back it.
Lightload Beach Towels
A reusable, disposable towel – that fits in your pocket. No more stealing towels from the hotel for me.
Get it here.
Disclaimer: obvious affiliate links plugged within but nothing isn’t plugged that I haven’t spent or wouldn’t spend my own money on.
Paul Buijs
Bored with road running (and not very good at it either) just for the sake of staying in shape, Paul fell in love with the full body workout in obstacle racing and will go anywhere for the right challenge. Since finding the sport in 2011 he has travelled to faraway places such as Australia and Nicaragua to do a race. In so doing, Paul has found a strong sense of community in the obstacle race world that he is proud to be a part of. Paul quit his job with the US Government in 2013 to manage Mud and Adventure full time.
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