New Gear We’re Testing
New and Updated Gear for spring 2023
April 10, 2023
Shokz Aeropex standard size in red, compared with the OpenRun Pro mini size in black. The mini size was a much better fit for our tester.
Shokz OpenRun Pro Headphones
The OpenRun Pro are the next-generation in Shokz's bone conduction open-ear sport headphones. They're an extra $50 over the standard OpenRun headphones – but are they worth it? Here’s a comparison:
| OpenRun | OpenRun Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Life | 8 hours | 10 hours |
| Charging Time | 1.5 hours | 1 hour |
| Quick Charging Time | 10 minutes of charging for 90 minutes of playback | 5 minutes of charging for 90 minutes of playback |
| Water Rating | IP67 | IP55 |
| Weight | 26 g | 29 g |
Overall, the OpenRun Pro specs are a significant improvement over the standard OpenRun, with the exception of the waterproof rating. The OpenRun Pro only has a rating of IP55 versus IP67 for the OpenRun. IP55 means partial protection from dust and protection against low-pressure water jets from any angle. IP67 means complete protection from dust and waterproof but not for swimming (protection against full immersion for up to 30 minutes in up to 1 meter of water).
We're surprised that a more expensive, more premium product would have a lesser IP rating. If you regularly bike, hike, or run in wet conditions, we recommend the OpenRun standard.
Also, be sure to use their sizing tool to decide between the standard and mini sizes. Our tester just assumed he would need the standard size. But the sizing tool showed he should order the mini, and he's glad he did!
Read our in-depth review of the Shokz OpenRun.
Shokz OpenRun
Shokz OpenRun Pro
Ivy Buster Skin Wash
It's that time of the year again – poison oak season. We've already seen three cases of it among our writers; none saw leaves. PSA – in addition to the leaves, you can get a rash from bark, roots, berries, flowers, and branches. That's why we like to have a good cleanser at home – it's best to wash as soon as possible after you think you've been in contact with poison oak, ivy, or sumac.
Ivy Buster is a citrus-based cleanser that removes the irritating oil (called urushiol) from your skin. Our tester, who is highly allergic to poison oak, reported that Ivy Buster also stopped the oil from spreading and helped speed up the healing process.
If you live in an area with a lot of poison oak or ivy (as I do), order a bottle and have it on hand. I'll wash with it after a day hike, even if I wear pants, just to be sure. I also throw my hiking outfit directly into the washing machine before I wear it again (a good sports detergent will do fine). You can get poison oak from clothing.
And take the time to learn how to identify poison oak.
IvyBuster Skin Wash
Stio Sweetwater Fleece Jacket
Here you can see the brushed, fuzzy interior of the Stio Sweetwater fleece jacket (with zipper garage).
I'm not exaggerating when I say that I wear a fleece jacket every single day in the fall and winter. Every day. So, I might have more than one fleece jacket. The latest addition to my fleece lineup is the Sweetwater fleece jacket from Stio. It has impressive specs:
100% recycled fabric
Zippered hand pockets
Flatlock seams
Drop tail hem
14.8 ounces
Zipper garage at chin for comfort
It's hard to see in the photo, but what I really like is that the interior is brushed and fuzzy so that it's soft against any exposed skin, such as your neck. The exterior has a heathered wool look which makes it great for around town.
But my favorite feature is the drop tail hem. I have a long torso, and often women's jackets aren't long enough for me. I don't have to worry about bending over with this jacket!
The Wilcox fleece jacket is the men's equivalent, but it also has a zippered chest pocket.
Read more about our favorite fleece jackets here.