Heads up! Here’s your massive list of sports tech deals! This includes the Garmin Forerunner 965 for just $499, Garmin Epix for $449, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Black Titanium for $735, the GoPro Hero 12 Black for $299, and plenty more! Go check out the full list here!
I’m DC RAINMAKER…
I swim, bike and run. Then, I come here and write about my adventures. It’s as simple as that. Most of the time. If you’re new around these parts, here’s the long version of my story.
You'll support the site, and get ad-free DCR! Plus, you'll be more awesome. Click above for all the details. Oh, and you can sign-up for the newsletter here!
Here’s how to save!
Wanna save some cash and support the site? These companies help support the site! With Backcountry.com or Competitive Cyclist with either the coupon code DCRAINMAKER for first time users saving 15% on applicable products.
You can also pick-up tons of gear at REI via these links, which is a long-time supporter as well:Alternatively, for everything else on the planet, simply buy your goods from Amazon via the link below and I get a tiny bit back as an Amazon Associate. No cost to you, easy as pie!
You can use the above link for any Amazon country and it (should) automatically redirect to your local Amazon site.Want to compare the features of each product, down to the nitty-gritty? No problem, the product comparison data is constantly updated with new products and new features added to old products!
Wanna create comparison chart graphs just like I do for GPS, heart rate, power meters and more? No problem, here's the platform I use - you can too!
Think my written reviews are deep? You should check out my videos. I take things to a whole new level of interactive depth!
Smart Trainers Buyers Guide: Looking at a smart trainer this winter? I cover all the units to buy (and avoid) for indoor training. The good, the bad, and the ugly.
-
Check out my weekly podcast - with DesFit, which is packed with both gadget and non-gadget goodness!
Get all your awesome DC Rainmaker gear here!
FAQ’s
I have built an extensive list of my most frequently asked questions. Below are the most popular.
- Do you have a privacy policy posted?
- Why haven’t you yet released a review for XYZ product you mentioned months ago?
- Will you test our product before release?
- Are you willing to review or test beta products?
- Which trainer should I buy?
- Which GPS watch should I buy?
- I’m headed to Paris – what do you recommend for training or sightseeing?
- I’m headed to Washington DC – what do you recommend for training?
- I’m from out of the country and will be visiting the US, what’s the best triathlon shop in city XYZ?
- What kind of camera do you use?
-
5 Easy Steps To The Site
In Depth Product Reviews
You probably stumbled upon here looking for a review of a sports gadget. If you’re trying to decide which unit to buy – check out my in-depth reviews section. Some reviews are over 60 pages long when printed out, with hundreds of photos! I aim to leave no stone unturned.
Read My Sports Gadget Recommendations.
Here’s my most recent GPS watch guide here, and cycling GPS computers here. Plus there are smart trainers here, all in these guides cover almost every category of sports gadgets out there. Looking for the equipment I use day-to-day? I also just put together my complete ‘Gear I Use’ equipment list, from swim to bike to run and everything in between (plus a few extra things). And to compliment that, here’s The Girl’s (my wife’s) list. Enjoy, and thanks for stopping by!
Have some fun in the travel section.
I travel a fair bit, both for work and for fun. Here’s a bunch of random trip reports and daily trip-logs that I’ve put together and posted. I’ve sorted it all by world geography, in an attempt to make it easy to figure out where I’ve been.
My Photography Gear: The Cameras/Drones/Action Cams I Use Daily
The most common question I receive outside of the “what’s the best GPS watch for me” variant, are photography-esq based. So in efforts to combat the amount of emails I need to sort through on a daily basis, I’ve complied this “My Photography Gear” post for your curious minds (including drones & action cams!)! It’s a nice break from the day-to-day sports-tech talk, and I hope you get something out of it!
The Swim/Bike/Run Gear I Use List
Many readers stumble into my website in search of information on the latest and greatest sports tech products. But at the end of the day, you might just be wondering “What does Ray use when not testing new products?”. So here is the most up to date list of products I like and fit the bill for me and my training needs best! DC Rainmaker 2023 swim, bike, run, and general gear list. But wait, are you a female and feel like these things might not apply to you? If that’s the case (but certainly not saying my choices aren’t good for women), and you just want to see a different gear junkies “picks”, check out The Girl’s Gear Guide too.
It depends on the type of vacation. But usually there are running shoes in the luggage so I can enjoy a run in the evening or even in the morning. I also like to hike and explore the surroundings of where I am staying :)
Cheers!
Usually I do a run to see around different cities
Run for fun, explore new tracks…
It´s simple: swim, bike, run. what else ???
I live in South Africa, and training (cycling, running, hiking and swimming) is a great way to explore and see the landscape (very beautiful) when on vacation so I like to keep on training but definitely break normal training routines.
Great weekend to you people.
i like to travel to places with interesting trails such as Colorado and Utah.
A lot of training to be able to eat a lot of ice cream:)
I’m not really training on a holiday, I train for a holiday. When I go to the alps, I want to be in the best shape so I can climb those mountains on my bike in the summer. Winter period is al about getting/staying fit for the skitouring season. So definitely a lot of sports on vacation, but not so much for training, just for pure fun
Vacation means more time for training. Preferably open water swimming in warm water but also enjoy taking either a road bike or mtb for a spin. But time wise much more time is spent at a (for me) leisurely pace.
Last weekend my otherwise trusty 910 xt crashed. It showed good satelite reception and the times was running but it did not record any distance. After a hard reset (loosing data and all settings) it is working again but might soon be time to upgrade – a fenix 3 is on the short list :-)
Drinking beer, eating local food, maybe just one little guilty run :)
As much as like to kick back and eat ice cream, there’s no excuse not to squeeze in a quick run or two to get out see some of the local scenery!
A vacation is a vacation.
When on vacation I still try to get in some running, but mostly to stay fit and not follow a certain plan. Other vacations could include a race, but then it’s got to be a very special occasion.
Always aim for pre-dinner run so that can pig out at the table.
Vacation ? What’s a vacation ?
I’m working during vacation, so I need to run.
==> Vacation = Running
Vacations without racing? Whaaat?
Normally I do short pre-breakfast runs to explore new neighborhoods when on vacation. If the vacation is more than a week I try to find a descent bike rental to keep my legs alive.
Well, to be honest: Run a little more to eat a lot more…
Vacation means doing things a bit more relaxed; but still there every morning the race towards the beach(running) and to swim a few kilometers. Because it’s just a way of life, and it feels so good.
i always run on vacation so i have cool garmin files from everywhere.
I usually do a 4 hours cycling activity.
Mostly stick to schedule, specially if vacation is near a race. This year I’ll be racing before vacation, so will probably have a lot of free time!
Holidays usually involve more walking, and an opportunity to explore new places on the bike.
Thanks Ray.
In our holiday me and my wife run a lot togheter. And also some kitesurf and bicicle if we can!
Since the important races are in Sep and Oct and Nov and my vacations in Aug, I usually train more, or at least do more complex training (like instead of just running, I do more cycling, swimming)
If I can rent a bike I’ll ride on vacation. At the very least I’ll walk alot.
Try to get in a couple of runs but that’s about it.
I always go for a run in the morning and then go into holiday mode for the rest of the day.
I often want to do some trail running, i.e. the Corfu trail was very tempting for me. But in the end, all I do is eating, sleeping on a beach or drowning in the ocean while trying to swim like those Ironmen do.
Exploring new roads.
During vacation I try to push my limits a bit. Trying to peak around 80k+ per week. I love running, and during vacation I love running even more. Hopefully this summer will be a great one :)
Get up early, have a nice running around vacation place, and enjoy the atmosphere and relaxing. Then, no worry about food during the vacation.
Just train ride and run and somtime race.
I cross train, I work on the principal that as I’m on holiday it’s ok to step out of the routine and to do something different. That and some nice warm open water swims.
Mainly I train crossfit for full year. My goal is to compete in Masters level in that sport but at the same time I also want to be able compete in triathlon in Masters category. These two sports go well in hand in hand and long duration metabolic workouts with concept2 and olympic bar support very well triathlon when spending some time to plan how to train. On vacation time I spent my time in summer cottage with my family and because it locates next to lake I swim a lot in open water. And next big thing is that because location is next to national park with lot’s of mountain bike and hiking routes those belongs to my summer training daily. And because I have some crossfit stuff like sleds, sandbags and others in my cottage I usually do multisport activity with first each-on-the-minute type 45 minute workout and then immediately swim or mountain bike on top of. Currently I use Fenix 2 all the time, also in crossfit training to analyse my capacity development and also to keep planned heart beat level for a purpose. Fenix 3 could be attached to that Moxy Muscle Oxygen Sensor, that I would want.
OWS, cycling and running hard training to perform during triathlon races !
Easy running and swimming and lots of beer :-D.
I definetly push harder during vacations. Usually I run longer runs. I hate myself doing nothing for the whole week or so.
Running. Cycling and eating icecream
Doron
Normally on vacation I don’t have my bikes with me, so just running and swimming whenever possible!
Increased heat usually means biking is upped and running is reduced but overall load maintained.
Running shoes always come with me when I go on vacation, but I have to admit it that there have been times when they were not even unpacked until I got back home…
It is hard to train while on vacation. I try to run every other day but it is too tempting just to lie on the beach!!!
During vacation trips I change it up but try to maintain volume. I run as usual but seek out trails and scenic routes. I look for local pools to swim in and use the spin bikes in local gyms for the bike or run more if none available. I also do more strength work if one of the above is. It possible.
Relax with a bit more swimming and different diet. Less cycling and a bit of running to explore. Cheers :-)
Vacation is definitely not the same as rest, I keep a strong focus on upper arms (chugging a beer or two), cardio (walking to the restaurant in hot weather) a BIG focus on abs whenever i roll around on the sunbed, and I’m pretty sure I do a sit-up or two during the day. Although my shoulder-exercise consisting of keeping my arm up for a pretty long time whenever calling for service from the concierge. All this does however take its toll so for a bit of resting I allways try to squeeze in a couple of 100 miles in on the road bike..
Cheers and thanks for a brilliant blog/site/tech reference manual!
I try to train more because I have more time – no work to interfere with teaining :)
No matter where I am I run as per my run coach says.
On vacation I like to run some simple trails or go for a run at the beach in the evening.
I try and get a run (or swim if I’m near the sea or a lake) in the morning but unless its a biking holiday its too much hassle to bring the bike. Otherwise I try and do active holidays with outdoor activities like skiing, climbing, kayaking or anything else … when the kids allow it!
I usually go for easy runs, and if we are on the seaside go for a swim or two.
Ironman 70.3 training
I prefer easy trail runs or hiking.
If I can I bring my bike, and ride as much or as little as I feel like.
Unstructured running only, get out and explore!
During vacation i prefer smaller runs.
As my usual vacations always involve hiking, I put the training on hold :)
I try to continue the plan. Run early to get it over with and enjoy vacation later ;-).
vacation training usually involves one or two lengths of the pool followed by sunbathing and beer.
On vacation, the longer the better!
I try to maintain my general level of fitness on vacation. I train depending on what’s available: if I’m by an ocean or a lake I swim or paddleboard, if I’m at a place with good running trails, I run, or if I’m near quiet roads I’ll bike.
I normally lay back and chill on holiday.
Open water swimming and diving !
I usually bring the trainers along so I can do a couple of runs in places I’ve never seen/might not be in again. Great way to explore.
But eating and sleeping are given more priority than usual…
just bunch of runs in a new environment
Vacation is mostly family prime time, so i cut down exercises.
Running, at the beach most likely. :D
Usually I relax a bit, but last fall I did a marathon within a week of coming back. I needed 3 liters of water to support my two hours of running (7.00-9.00 am) in Vietnam. Bloody hot, but very nice views!
I always plan but never follow through
I usually do an early morning run, and a swim during the day if we are at the beach.
During vacations I tend to extend my training sessions, more time to take longer rides and runs. Swimming does often turn into lounging by the pool, though.
Some vacations require easing off, but some let you go even harder! :-)
I usually go all out… on icecream! Seriously though, I plan to do more sports but at a lower intensity, instead of just biking, some Hiking and Swimming as well.
The past couple of years most vacations have been bike oriented, so it would be plenty of climbing on the bike :)
I bike and swim while on vacation briefly in the morning.
I’ve been resting for 30 years. So now, even on vacations, I try to recover the lost time. Running or in my Mtb.
Vacation is when I really have time to devote to training, so I go hard…
I usually try to find a small local race when i’m in vacation. That mean i’m in taper week during my vacation : i’m not cutting my training, but running with a little less intensity, so i can enjoy to rest.
Usually running (it’s easier), but if I can I also go biking and swimming.
On vacation I usually combine running with hiking and swimming. It is a great time for sports.
Only take the running shoes. And get up early. Works all the time.
I usually run more on vacation as I have more time then and you get to enjoy a new environment.
I am a triathlete, on vacation I usually check if there are races in the area, otherwise I do short running workouts early in the morning.
Run, run and run!!
uoh!
I don’t stop my training in summer, but, really, is my time to do “training vacations” for a week or a week and half. It’s a good method to recovery sensations, muscles, phisics and others, and not suppose too much loss of my form.
Beach, “chiringuito”, and maybe more beer than in winter… bt it’s ok.
I want this Garmin!
Depends: if it’s a staycation, training gets ramped up.
If it’s a proper vacation, very little gets done (except exercising my drinking arm)
Luckily in South Africa, we have public holidays next week (and my birthday) so lots of training time.
During vacation I’m not training that systematically, but try to maintain the fitness with swimming, running and/or biking. Hiking in the mountains is also good training, and very nice :-)
I’m a cyclist. Me and my Seven go everywhere together – even on holiday … er ‘vacation’ (I’m a Brit) .
If anything I up my daily training routine:
Morning: Get up (eventually) and work hard on convincing myself I need to ride (but usually common-sense prevails and I decide I don’t need to ride).
Midday: Serious training ride – to the pub, or beach with pub, as the weather determines – I’m on holiday!
Evening: Wobble home (must’ve been too much exercise).
Later evening: Eat too much in a nice restaurant or taverna.
Night: Sleep and you know …..
Morning: repeat as necessary until fit.
This is so exhausting that eventually I go back to work so I don’t have to get on my bike EVERY day.
Is this what’s meant by work/life balance?
During holidays I normally cut down the frequency of trainings, but intensify the workout. Which means, intervals, running at higher pace and participate at least in one race
On holiday is go for a nice run to enjoy the environment. When possible I take my bike with me to train on unexplored new routes. In the afternoon the cocktails appear. So after the holidays the training intensity increases to loose those kg’s again
for me on vacation its just everyday running between 45 to 90 minutes
My vacations are usually very active; usually my wife and I go mountain walking in the Alps. But if there is any time, then I go for a short run in the evening as well. Enjoy your well-deserved vacation!
I am an expat, so for vacations my family leaves home, and I do intensive training camp!
On a vacation if I can manage a 30 min easy run every 2nd day I am doing well.
Usually about 1/3rd of what I intended to do! No real pattern fr sides that :)
Running and swimming. Unless it’s on a cycling vacation, then it’s cycling and swimming
On vacation…usually on the mountain I keep up working out just making good use of the fantastic environment (no swim…but a lot of cycling and running).
Cut back on the training, but spend more time running around with my kids, so it more than of makes up for it.
Running training take s bit of a dip on vacation. Cheese tasting, wine tasting, beer tasting and chocolate tasting hits a peak!
Few orienteering events.
Definitely cut back. I’ll usually bring my shoes at least in case I see a nice place to get a run in. Otherwise a token jog in the hotel gym is fine with me.