Triathlete's Gear Bag

Triathlete editor Brad Culp reviews an assortment of the latest and greatest gear available for triathletes.

Medi-Dyne ProStretch ($30) and StrengthRite ($25)
Unless you’re a yoga addict, you probably think stretching sucks. It does. Sure, it feels good afterward, but stretching often feels like a waste of time when compared to actual exercise. Whatever your feelings are towards stretching, it’s impossible to deny that it can improve performance and prevent injuries (as long as it’s done at the right time). Medi-Dyne has two products to make stretching a bit easier and more beneficial. You’ve probably seen the ProStretch before, as it’s common in gyms and physical therapy centers. It’s designed to increase range of motion in the lower leg and is especially useful for athletes suffering from Achilles tendonitis. The StrengthRite strap is designed to soothe shin splints and plantar fasciitis. Medi-Dyne.com

Mix1 Hi-Antioxidant Fiber Drink $2.69 (per 11-ounce bottle)
Protein shakes are a dime a dozen these days, so we like that Mix1 has come to the table with something truly different from most of the drinks you’ll find at a GNC. In addition to nine grams of protein, each bottle yields nine—yes, nine—servings of fruits and vegetables. Best of all, it doesn’t taste like pond scum. The drink is available in two flavors, dark-berry and orange-carrot, both of which taste more like fruit juice than V8. The 115-calorie shake also contains nine grams of fiber, so don’t drink it before a date. Mix1life.com

Twin Six Brew Pub T $22
This is just one of our favorites from Twin Six’s line of “alternative cycling apparel.” Twin Six offers more than 30 T-shirt designs and 20 cycling jerseys, all of which testify to your commitment to cycling in far cooler fashion than an Ironman finisher’s shirt. It also offers a number of female- and kid-specific designs and sizes. Twinsix.com

SkirtSports GymGirl Ultra ($60) and TriTank ($58)
Sometimes knowing that you look cute is all you need to run that extra mile. Nicole DeBoom’s line of women’s athletic apparel offers fashion, comfort and function in every piece. The GymGirl Ultra athletic skirt and TriTank tank top are the epitome of SkirtSports excellence. The GymGirl Ultra offers plenty of coverage, including under-the-skirt shorts complete with a pocket to hold gels, keys or an MP3 player. The fabric is lightweight, dries quickly and is snag-resistant for those tricky trail runs. The TriTank is ideal for race day or training, with a built-in bra to keep things secure and a handy cleavage pocket—the ideal spot to stow away extra gels on the go. The tank features UV protection, quick-drying materials and is built to last with snag-resistant materials. Stylish never looked this speedy. Skirtsports.com