The Cross Training Cyclist: July 2015

XX2i is committed to producing the best possible eyewear for outdoor enthusiasts and stand behind each product they produce with integrity and pride. They want to insure that you are completely satisfied, no matter what. XX2i sunglasses are not available in stores from what I could find, but they offer the best warranty that I have seen, anywhere. You can try them for 365 days and if you don’t like them, you can return them and get your money back. Also, they have a “no questions asked” lifetime warranty, even if you scratch or break the glasses.

I was very pleased with the France 2 sunglasses when I reviewed them on my blog in June (click here for the review). They were a great pair of shades for a great price. I got an email from the rep at XX2i about testing out the USA1 and was excited to test them out as well.

Again, the USA 1 sunglasses start at $59.99, but you could choose to purchase sets with additional lenses for $99.99. They showed up with a hard case, soft microfiber bag, and a sunglass cord. The hard case had spots for the sunglasses and separate spots for the lenses as well. It is the same case setup that came with the France 2, which is one of the best cases that I have received to date.

They wanted to send me the Crystal Clear sunglasses with green temple tips and the Flash Green lenses. While some people (including my wife) might not care for the color scheme, I really liked it. If that color scheme doesn’t work for you, they have other colors to choose from. The USA 1 has anti-fog cutouts, which the France 2 did not have.

XX2i Optics calls their lenses 4k ultra high definition, a marketing term that refers to Advanced Chromatic Filtering, High Scratch Resistance, Impact Resilience, and Lifetime Warranty. The lenses were great; clear and did not distort anything. You can get polarized lenses as well.

Pros:

Very light weight material

Great Value (Starting at $59.99)

Great fit, doesn’t move around or bounce while running

Unbeatable warranty

Cons:

Not available in stores

The France 2 sunglasses fit really well, but the USA 1 fit even better. These are a premium sunglass without the premium price. They only cost $59.99, fit great, and have the best warranty in the business. It doesn’t get any better than that. Grab a pair today!

XX2i's Social Media Links

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Note: I received this product in exchange for a review. The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it. I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.

I am a strong believer in being prepared for anything. When I go on trail runs, I like to have my hydration pack stocked with matches, a knife, bandages for sprains, and some extra snacks. You never know if something will happen to you or you will come across someone who needs to be rescued. My favorite place to trail run has no cell reception either, so being prepared is important.

I came across Adventure Medical Kits, which is a subsidiary of the Tender Corporation. Tender was founded in 1973 in New Hampshire. They own several companies that make first aid kits and other remedy products like bug bite and burn products. Adventure Medical Kits makes great products. They have everything from large kits that you would take on long backpacking trips to smaller packs like the one that I reviewed, that is good for 1-2 day trips.

Ultralight & Watertight .5 - $17.00

This is a great kit for trail running or hiking. It comes in a silnylon bag with a DryFlex waterproof bag inside of it. That way none of your supplies get wet. It comes with everything you would need for minor medical issues. Here is a list of what comes in this tiny bag that measures 5.5”x11”x1” and weighs a mere 3.68 ounces.

Bandages & Dressings

2 - Bandage, Butterfly Closure

1 - Tape, ½” x 10 yards

3 - Easy Access Bandages, Adhesive Fabric, Knuckle

5 - Easy Access Bandages, Adhesive Fabric, 1” x 3”

1 - Bandage, Conforming Gauze, Non-Sterile, 2”

2 - Dressing Gauze, Sterile 3” x 3”, Pkg/2

2 - Dressing Gauze, Sterile 2” x 2”, Pkg/2

1 - Dressing, Non-Adherent, Sterile, 3” x 4”

Cleaning and Topicals

6 - Antiseptic Towelette

3 - Triple Antibiotic Ointment, 1/32 ounce

1 – Skin Tac Adhesive Wipe

Medication

2 - Ibuprofen (200 mg), 2 pk.

2 - Aspirin (325 mg), 2 pk.

2 - Antihistamine (Diphenhydramine 25mg.)

2 - After Bite Sting and Itch Relief Wipe

2 - Acetaminophen (500 mg), 2 pk.

Blister

11 - Moleskin, Pre-Cut and Shaped

2 - Alcohol Swab

Instruments

1 - Splinter Picker/Tick Remover Forceps

3 - Safety Pins

Yes, that is all included and fits in this tiny package. I have to say that it is amazing that you can get all of this for $17.00 and it easily fits in my hydration pack. For most minor injuries on the trail, this pack will be more than suitable. I think this would be a great kit to keep in your gym bag as well for after your runs when you might need to attend to some battle scars.

BlisterMedic - $10.00

Another great product is the BlisterMedic. It combines the tried and true protection of Moleskin and the advanced relief benefits of Glacier Gel, which stops the pain and starts the recovery process on contact. The kit also comes with cleaning supplies to make sure you don’t have infection issues. The kit comes in a bag that measures 4.25”x6.5”x0.5” and only weighs 1.9 ounces. It comes with:

1 - GlacierGel 1.75”x3” Bandage

1 - GlacierGel 1”x1.25”Bandage

2 - Large Oval Moleskin – 1.75”x3”

4 - Medium Oval Moleskin – 1”x2”

4 - Medium Toe Moleskin – 1”x1.375”

6 - Small Toe Moleskin – 0.75”x1”

6 - Small Strip Moleskin – 0.5”x1.375”

6 - Antiseptic Towelette Pack

6 - Alcohol Wipe Pack

This is another great pack for trail running or your bag, especially on race day. You never know when a hotspot or blister will occur and this would be great to have during your race or immediately after. It is a great assortment and comes at a great price.

Adventure Bath Wipes - $3.50 (for 8 travel sized wipes) or $4.50(for 8 regular sized wipes)

For those times when you are running on your lunch break or after a race, it is always nice to clean up a little. I hate having that sweaty coating on my skin, especially if I have to drive an hour to get back home before I can jump in the shower. Also, cleaning up a little is the nice thing to do prior to getting the free massages that are offered at some races. Those poor massage therapist shouldn’t have to deal with your sweaty mess! The travel sized wipes are 8”x5” and the regular sized wipes are 8”x8”. I prefer the larger wipes because they are easier to use and can do a better job of cleaning. The wipes come with a solution of vitamins, aloe, and moisturizers, which leave your skin clean and refreshed. I have used baby wipes in the past and these wipes do a better job by far. They are non-irritating and come in a resealable package. Like the other two packs I tested, this would be great in your hydration pack on trail runs, or in your gym bag for after a race.

Pros:

Each product is well priced

Extremely durable packaging

Tons of value

Great assortment of supplies in a small package