Heads up! Here’s your massive list of sports tech deals! This includes the Garmin Forerunner 965 for just $499, Garmin Epix for $429, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Black Titanium for $735, the GoPro Hero 12 Black for $299, (or Hero 13 bundle for $339!) and plenty more! Go check out the full list here!
I’m DC RAINMAKER…
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.
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Check out my weekly podcast - with DesFit, which is packed with both gadget and non-gadget goodness!
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5 Easy Steps To The Site
1
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.
2
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!
3
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.
4
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!
5
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.
Living in switzerland, I like running in the snow! Just wearing warmer clohtes with several layers. If you have icy condition, try the YAKTRAX PRO! They are super for running on ice.
Minnesota winters ain’t bike friendly. But Wahoo Kickr is the answer :)
Hi Ray
Still running
All the time riding on my rowingbike thys 209. When the roads are slippery… it’s MTB time with spike tyres ! Keep on moving :-)
Just keep on running. It´s always warm where I live in Brazil.
In winter I keep adding layers on top, gloves and a hat. Since I live in Paris there’s no need to have snow gear. I recently discovered a pool nearby and will be going several times a week!
Gets -20 here so TrainerRoad+Sufferfest videos with a trainer is where it’s at! IWBMATTKYT
I start wearing a wet-suit in the (unheated) outdoor pool…I only wish I was kidding. Aside from that, I strap on some nice leggings and hit the trails! Mother nature can’t stop me! :)
I simply move my training into the gym/onto the trainer. However, I still run outside as often as possible.
I just set up my trainer, subscribed to trainer road, and found my wet weather running vest (PNW winters).
I live in Paris. You know how it is in winter. It’s not the cold, it’s the fact that all the parks close really early. I can’t run on pavement, so I have to go to the Bois de Boulogne straight after work, twice a week, and run with a backpack (the Haglofs Gram 15 is pretty good).
I really don’t like the trainer much, so this year I built up a bad weather steed, complete with fenders. I also stocked up on a whole range of winter riding gear with the boyscout motto “be prepared” in mind.
For me the training continues as normal, running a few times a week and cycling when I can. The only difference is the extra layers and lights (or head torch)! Only if it’s particularly wet do I think about taking a rain check!
Yak Trax and TR/Zwift on the trainer once the snow starts falling here in the North East (NH).
Winter means walking and running on the inside track at the local Recreation Center.
Just keep going with more clothes until the black ice starts. Then to the overheated gym.
I love winter running layered up right long runs with snow covered runs are great for the mind.
Clothes. A lot more clothes.
yoga + swimming
With ice and snow on the roads I hang up the skinny wheels and start using my spin bike while watching recordings of the Vuelta.
Runner here. I don’t change anything for winter. I just layer up and keep moving. A couple of things I cannot do without, though, are a face-and-nose-covering mask (with holes over the mouth for breath) and wind-blocking gloves. And since it’s dark out when I’m doing much of my running, an Amphipod Xinglet and a Black Diamond headlamp are often with me as well.
Doing a little cross country skiing
How do you adapt your training schedule for winter? Do you change sports altogether, or do you happen to be one of those lucky ducks living in Hawaii?
I change my sports, I make some snowshoe trip, cross country sking, alpine skiing, fatbike cause I love bike too much to completely abandoned it. I also train indoor.
Besides thanks to you I use your reviews almost everyday as long as I’m a bike retailer in Trois-Rivières, Québec.
Martin
P.S.: Hope I’ll win a Fenix 3!!
Man up, layer up and run!! (or if too cold hit the gym :P)
I work harder with my Judo as that is a fantastic Strength and Conditioning workout. However, not ideal for the slowtwitch fibres!
Spnding more time on the trainer, more running.
In rain+snow conditions I frequently switch from road bike to MTB and focus on offroad technics (slippy singletracks, wet roots). I also try to do more orienteering-related trainings (MTB-O is my favourite flavour of cycling).
I live in Colombia, so I don’t have to adapt my schedule since we don’t have seasons! :)
Indoor cycling on rollers with Zwift.
Some outdoor hiking.
If I am lucky and the weather has not made the local trail a mud pit some bundled up winter mountain biking
One word: layers. Here in The Netherlands the winters are pretty soft, mostly, but when it does get cold, layers are the option. On really bad days a ling sleeved shirt, some kind of wind-stopper and on to of those something against the rain. If it is not raining, maybe another short sleeved shirt beneath everything. And if there is snow (small chance) I’ll add my yacktrax so I don’t fall flat on my face ;) A pair of long einter tights, if need be with an extra loose layer on top, gloves, and a hat that doesn’t soak up sweat but does cover my ears. It only very rarely gets cold enough for all that, but I love the cold weather in winter. I just hate that it’s dark all the time.
Much like an onion, I adapt by adding layers when venturing outside in the winter. The schedule remains mostly the same with the primary difference being the addition of rides on the trainer rather than out in the snow.
Still outdoors thankfully, but the bike trainer will be seeing more use soon. More swimming, more weights, less running
I run a little more treadmill, but other than that I bundle up and run in the cold and snow.
Living in Mother Russia, it’s kind of cold here. So it’s switching to cross-country sking for me.
I live in Mexico so i don’t need to adapt my training for winter, it is just a bit colder than usual
Treadmill and occasional Concept 2 rower. While listening to the DC Rainmaker Podcast to keep things interesting.
I live in Chicago. No real change other than to wear more clothes!
No major changes. Just bring out more layers and watch the weather (realfeel temp). Switch the regular trail shoes to my Gore-Tex ones.
A lot more snowboarding and snow activities. While still hitting the trainer pretty hard come January. Winter in Minnesota, USA can long and dark. Gotta get that training in!
I keep running. Texas has great winters.
I ride my trainer while watching NCAA basketball games, go to the gym more often, and bundle up for those outdoor Buffalo winter runs!
I live in Wiltshire, England where winter is often just a darker form of summer so my main adaptation is to charge up and deploy numerous forms of lighting so I can continue cycling and running. As I don’t have access to a floodlit heated lake, swimming is confined to an indoor pool. Wind is used for resistance training but in rare extreme conditions (frost, snow, shortage of tea) I use my cross trainer, turbo or armchair to watch TV or browse for new gadgets on your website!
I switch from cycling to running as my main sport in winter-I hate messing up my bike and having to clean it after a wet day! But, if it’s just cold, not wet, I’ll still go for a bike ride!
Indoor roller for cycling. Just man up and brave it running. Swimming makes no difference.
Although with the weather we are having in Cumbria currently I’m genuinely considering moving to Austria.
I start running on the treadmill most dark mornings and still run outside when able. I continue to swim at the indoor pool. Biking, I either take spin classes or ride on a trainer
I happen to be one of those guys in the southern hemisphere in a place where it does´t snow :)
We are now in spring … and summer is coming!
All I need to do to train in winter is to use appropriate clothing, but no major changes in training schedules or formats.
During winter… I put on warm clothes ! And i just do the same runs :-)
In FL winter just means less chance of death from lighting or bugs or melting
so outside I go
Living in tropical Philippines! Issue here is more of, “how do you train in typhoon season?” Run in the rain, bike indoors, and swim with thunderstorms!
I dislike nasty weather so I bring my activity indoors. I’m lucky to be near an indoor track so use that for running, and increase indoor rowing and pool swimming.
I don’t change much at all. Just wear warmer clothes. And here in KC, we like to screw our shoes for trail running.
link to youtube.com
Gear up and head out. Cold weather thins the crowds!
Living in eastern carolina not much drastically changes in the weather. I add a layer for warmth and switch my running and biking I did in the morning to the evenings. With this change I do get to add more trail running and mountain biking.
Winter???
Florida!!!
Not much modifications, as I wasn’t able to run a whole lot during the summer. bUt will try to run some more now that is cool in San Antonio, TX
I live in the PNW, so deal with the cold, wet weather. While I ride much less in the winter, my running doesn’t really change. I just put on a few more layers and keep at it.
I’ll run and ride as usual.
I live in Ontario, Canada. My main sport is MTB, but this time of year I focus on a little more cross training by cutting back on the cycling and adding in some running. Dec/Jan I’ll start hitting the indoor trainer and that’ll be my program for a few months along with a strength training and mobility program.
I don’t really change my training schedule for winter; In Tennessee we have at least one or two shirtless days every month. When it snows every few years, we just go out and play in it!
This winter I will be focusing on improving my swimming so that I can move from running or cycling specific events to my first triathlon.
I live in Hawaii and I don’t understand your question at all. Erh, well in real near Paris and the most powerful idea for my winter training is to (try to) keep right the “10K a day keep the doctor away” very well known saying. So basically long and slow workouts to average 10K/day on a month; a few run-commute too (w/55K at a time, it’s always a good volume in the bag) and some group training at noon (Tu/Th and some Wed) in the Jardin des plantes.
Thanks for the work and these happy posts; say hello to Santa for me (but don’t talk to him about your giveaways).
As I live in a region with lots of snow in the winter I use the indoor swimming pool instead of the lakes, I put my road-bike indoor I do more long jogs instead of tempo training when running.
winter time is yoga time!
I breakout the trainer and ride indoors and will continue to run outside.
Wrap up warmer & stay off the trails. that’s about it.
Head to the pain cave and rollers
I still do most of my running outside but fast running (interval training) is mostly done in the garage on the treadmill. Sweden is beautiful dressed in snow, but a bit chilly at times to do proper hard training.
Start running on the treadmill when it starts to get colder and increase strength training.
I think it’s Icelanders who say, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only poor clothing choices,” so I don’t change run/tri training much. I will focus a bit more on my weaker segments (bike/swim) and use the treadmill more often, but generally the base build continues unchanged.
Nothing different as it always seems to be winter in Ireland.
Mittens. Sometimes two pairs of socks. Willful self-delusion.
I spend most of my time in on the trainer and in the pool. I try to ski as much as possible. Wish I lived in Hawaii
Living in sunny (!) Northern Ireland I don’t get much chance to get out in daylight this time of the year. I enjoy parkrun on Saturday, a long run early on Sunday and pound the local roads with my club during the week. Hopefully Santa will get mW a new high powered head torch!
Winter gives me the excuse to ruin myself on the trainer watching Sufferfest videos…. which is more difficult to justify in Summertime (other than lazyness to get the bike ready for an hour ride…)
For winter training, I make every effort to stay on schedule and grind it out on the streets but if it’s freezing I head to the gym and the dread-mill.
I bought some winter gear. Real challenge is absence of sunlight as (my primary sport is bicycling) I hate riding in the dark – leaving work earlier works sometimes and sunny weekends are the best…
I’ve bought a trainer :( I think I should have bought a fat bike instead.
I run outside through winter, except speed workout, which I do on treadmill if it’s slippery ice out there. XC skiing for cross training if there’s enough snow, which has happened too rarely past few years.
I live in Texas, so I’m not sure what this “winter” is you speak of, but when the temperature drops below 80, I typically transition my workouts to the afternoon instead of 5am outside. I will do some hiking outside but a lot more indoor activities and more weights.
I live in Canada…. I use the gym, hockey and curling for a mix-up in training. Indoor training on the treadmill, and if it’s warm enough, I will venture outdoors bundled up!!
I keep running 3 times a week. I prefer running in the winter rather than in the summer
I would LOVE this! I live in a place that doesn’t really get a change in season, so I get outdoor workouts all year!
Hit the gym. It’s not the same but it gets the job done.
Just finished my first year of triathlons!
This winter:
– Training week in Lanzarote
– Swimming a lot in the pool
– Limited running, but more trails and mud in the winter..
– Turbo trainer – Trainer Road & Zwift
– Considering entering a few Cyclocross races!
I live in California, so not much change in training. I’m too cheap to heat the pool in winter, so I don’t swim, but biking, hiking and walking continue.
I would like to start changing it up, and hit the mountains for some snow related exercise.
Living in Copenhagen, I ussually do a bit more indoor cycling (spinning and bought a tacx), however, I enjoy the outdoor running even through snow and rain!
I live in Norway so running outside during the winter means changing to better isolated exercise clothing and having a pair of running shoes with spikes ready for when the ice comes. I really don’t like running on treadmills anymore but if the weather is simply too bad I might use that for intervals.
Hi Ray thanks for doing these giveaways!
More clothes ?
If it´s good weather, I jump on my mtb, otherwise I ride on the trainer or lift weights. Sometimes I go running, too.
Road bike to turbo and mountain
Unfortunately, I’m not a lucky duck…. so when winter comes I don’t bike anymore. Swimming just move from lake/river to the pool, while running will not change, just and extra layer and an headlamp!
Layer up and peel off in spring
Hi Ray
Winter is something I’m still figuring out. I can still run but this year I bought a mountain bike which I hope to ride with powerful lights at night l and in mornings. It can get cold here though 30F
I also plan on doing some skiing, and getting into the gym more. So basically replacing road riding with a couple different activities.
I rest these days, as I’m ill. I plan to run and ski more and bike less to take a break from biking over the winter :-)
I live in Greece where winters are fairly mild. In cases of extreme cold (it hasn’t snowed for years in my city, Thessaloniki) I just put on an extra layer of clothing and I doing running as usual.
Regards
yes please
Since winter is mostly not too cold here (Southern Germany) I keep on running, adding maybe one more layer of clothing.
Thankfully, being from San Antonio, TX…winters are mild and there’s no need to adjust very much.
Not a much, but taking care of cold weather gear takes much more time and effort than normally.
I just run, so I wear more clothes as it gets colder. A hat with reflective yarn, gloves with some reflective print on them. I may also wear an LED strap somewhere, for added visibility.
I actually use your “what do I wear” post that details what you wear for various temperatures as a guideline for how many layers!