Our Editor’s Go-To Triathlon Gear This Month

As triathlon season gets underway, we’re hard at work testing the newest gear to hit the market. In April, we swam nearly 100,000 yards to bring you the best goggles of 2026 and put the latest and greatest triathlon wetsuits to the test in various bodies of water.

Once a month, we share some of the triathlon or tri-adjacent gear that we’re enjoying that doesn’t quite fit in those deep reviews. Here’s a look at some fun stuff we’re using in April 2026.

Cuktech 30 Ultra Desktop Charging Station

$160, Amazon

Ok, I know what you’re thinking: A $160 power adapter, isn’t that a bit of overkill, Chris? You’re not wrong, but bear with me. I charge a ton of devices as a gear tester/professional journalist/triathlete/nerd, and I hate the jar of spaghetti that my desk drawer has become. It’s one thing to have a million cables for every ridiculous smartwatch charger that’s ever been invented, but it’s another entirely to have a pile of wall bricks — all of which have varying amperage outputs that either charge at a crawl or sometimes not at all.

And as a triathlete who likes blinky, futuristic desktop toys (see: my super clacky mechanical keyboard), this Jetsons-styled desktop charger powers my laptop – or a super-intense gaming laptop with a DC in if that’s your cup of tea – my phone, and a stack of smartwatches, GPS watches, cycling computers, electronic shifting batteries, and anything else my geeky little heart desires. Best yet: There’s a little LED readout that shows how much power each port is putting out to confirm that the thing is actually charging the way it should be.

– Chris Foster, editor-in-chief

Roka X1 Goggles

$43, Roka

Every time I need to replace an old pair of goggles, I think, “I really should try something new.” But then the new goggles arrive, it turns out I hate them, and I always end up going back to my beloved Roka X1s.

How could I not? They’re the perfect goggle: well-made, super comfortable, and don’t leave me with raccoon eyes. The latter is most important on days when I skip out to swim for an hour before meetings (luckily, the meetings are at Triathlete, where such truant behavior is not only tolerated, but encouraged). And when I really need to get down to business – that is, when my work for the day begins with a start cannon and not a company Slack message – the wide field of view is perfect for open water.

– Susan Lacke, senior editor

Chaco Chillos Slides

$60, Chaco

It’s finally the time of year when walking outside doesn’t require layering and lacing up. It’s sandal season! Slip-ons make a brief trip outside seem manageable – a quick stroll around the neighborhood after lunch, a short step out the back door to work from the patio, or slow evenings pushing my kids in the swings.

The Chaco Chillos Slides are just simple. I can slip them on and off with ease (no straps or buckles to fasten), the footbed handles moisture well post-swim, and I can easily wipe them down from the mud that is inevitable this time of year.

My narrow feet appreciate that these slides have an adjustable width. I’ve tried a variety of recovery sandals that are just too wide and sloppy on me. And while I wouldn’t categorize the Chillos anywhere near the more plush concept of a recovery sandal, they do offer a comfortable footbed for everyday wear.

– Rebekah Brately, associate editor