Our editors share the gear that’s been their go-to throughout February, including a weighted vest designed for women, an impressive air purifier, affordable weights, and toe socks.
Triathlete’s editors share their favorite gear of February 2026. (Photo: Triathlete)
Updated February 27, 2026 01:49PM
If you read our February roundup of endurance news, you know it was an eventful month with rule changes, new support for paratriathlon, and much more. Our editors’ gear picks of the month are just as eclectic, from an air purifier that has myriad recovery benefits to – dare we say – life-changing socks. Check out previous versions of What Our Editors Loved to find your own new favorites.
Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1
I initially wanted the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1 because I needed a strong fan for indoor cycling, but I also had a drafty garage that needed a little warming up before strength sessions. A neat side effect of the HP1 was that it also purified the (horrifying) air quality in that same knockdown garage.
We eventually did knock it down, but I found that I used the Dyson just as much, if not more inside our house, especially after I read this eye-opening new study that showed the relationship between indoor air quality and running recovery/performance. Coincidentally, the HP1 filters out most all of the troublesome particulates that the study mentioned – plus a whole lot more. With this in mind, the fan/heater/purifier now does quadruple duty as a recovery tool!
– Chris Foster, editor-in-chief
GoRuck Spy Ruck Women’s Weighted Vest
I know, I know: everyone and their uncle is wearing weighted vests these days. But my problem with weighted vests is that they’re typically designed for uncles: bulky, clunky, and totally not made to sit atop a pair of breasts. As such, I mostly avoided the whole rucking trend because getting my boobs squished by a 10-pound plate is not my idea of a good time.
But then brands began making appropriately-designed weight vests for women, including GoRuck. I was sold the second I put their Spy Ruck Women’s vest on my body. Rather than a stiff plate on the chest, the sandbag-like weight wraps around the shoulders and back, accommodating a woman’s physique far better than a “unisex” version that’s really made for men.
I don’t wear the vest during training sessions, but instead use it as an adjunct in everyday activity, be it dog walks, hikes, or trips to the farmer’s market. I feel my core engaging and posture improving when I wear it, which translates to better running form.
– Susan Lacke, senior editor
Amazon Basics Neoprene Dumbbell Hand Weights
I’m somewhat of a peculiar endurance athlete in that I actually enjoy strength training but with the right circumstances. After years of fighting distraction and hence distaste for strength training due to counting reps, I migrated to timed sets and it made all the difference in my enjoyment of strength training. Timed sets allowed me the freedom to listen to an audiobook, get interrupted by my kids 99 times, and clear my mind just like I do on a long run or training ride. And suddenly, I loved it.
While it’s not as space efficient, I’ve found the same to be true about having a variety of weights instead of an interchangeable set. Why? Even though it takes only a minute or so to switch out plates, I found it a pesky task and it kept me from strength training. Plus, I like the feel of the neoprene-covered weight more than a metal bar with knurling. With these cost-efficient Amazon Basics weights, I got what I needed for about what I could get a one-month gym membership for.
– Rebekah Brately, associate editor
AONIJIE Running Ankle Toe Socks
“What are thoseeeee?!”
“Toe socks?!”
“Those look so weird.”
All of this – and more – will come your way the moment you reveal your five (hopefully) piggies individually wrapped in what look like odd gloves. But don’t let the comments distract you from the joy and relief you felt wearing them all day.
This simple, borderline magical invention is now the first thing I reach for in my sock drawer, unless either I’m late or my feet are still wet from the pool – as, I’ll admit, they can be a little fidgety to get on. But once they’re on, it’s hard to go back. I genuinely had no idea how comfortable it could be to let your toes stay separated – the way they were designed to be – instead of crammed into a tight “performance” compression sock that supposedly “boosts blood flow.” Personally, I’d argue toe socks do more for overall foot function than most compression socks ever could.
I’ve tried three different pairs – one for daily wear, one for everyday runs, and a more premium option for workouts and races. They all function similarly: lowering foot fatigue, allowing the toes to splay naturally, reducing moisture buildup with fabric between each toe, and cutting down on blisters because of it.
In the past, after a long day walking through airports, my feet would be wrecked thanks to my ongoing battle with plantar fasciitis. With toe socks, that fatigue is noticeably reduced. Same thing during long content days in Kona – if I wasn’t in my Tevas, these socks helped keep my feet cooler and relatively less sweaty.
So far, not a single person I’ve convinced to try them has gone back. And I’m willing to risk that streak with the Triathlete audience because I have a feeling you’ll love them too.
– Travis Mundell, social media editor
