December 2024 – RaveRunner

15 Best Gifts for Runners

Luciana Ini on December 27, 2024

What do you think are the best gifts for runners? Runners invest a lot of resources to up their sport. Imagine weeks of training on the tracks, trails, and treadmills. The gear utilized in practice needs to suffice the needs of the training period. Bad gear can restrict how hard you can push and recover.

You may have supported a runner at their latest marathon or trail race. Runners need support more than you know. Often a runner’s support comes from family members whom which may not be a runner themselves. You want to continue your support for a runner for this upcoming holiday season or a birthday, but what do you get them? We have you covered.

Besides financial rewards, what gifts do you think runners would appreciate on special occasions? Can I share a secret? “The appropriate runner gifts can earn you a trophy in your athlete friend’s heart for eternity! They did love you for life! Please don’t say I told you so!

Now, let’s see some of the best running gift ideas for your crazy friend that loves to run around town.

#1 RaveRunner® Running Chest Bag | Lightweight Running Chest Pack

Features:

Features:

Large Phone Pocket: Fits any phone, hands-free recording.
3 Inner Mesh Pockets: Organized space, soft flask ready.
Outer pocket: For keys, cash, and cards.
Back Mesh Pocket: Holds larger items like a jacket.
Zippered Inner Pocket: Secure storage for valuables.

Designed For Comfort
- Anti-Chafe Neoprene Shoulder Pads
- Smooth Nylon Webbing
- Non-Abrasive Nylon Straps
Fits all Body Types: Adjustable shoulder and chest straps for snug fit on both men and women regardless of chest size.
High Visibility:
- Reflective logo on Back panel
- Multiple straps to attach/clip lights of choice.
- Add LED Wire and loop it around the chest bag for added visibility

This product has completely fixed the problem of running with your phone. Too often do we see people running with their phone in their hand or in a bouncing fanny pack. These options are outdated.

The RaveRunner® Chest Pack is the perfect option for a gift that isn’t too pricey but will indefinitely get some use. The RaveRunner® Running Chest Bag has everything you need to keep your pace up. Every detail is designed to keep runners organized, hydrated, and ready for an all-day run. Crafted with a focus on both functionality and convenience. This pack features a sleek back pocket with reflective arrows, to stay visible even in low light conditions.

It was built with extremely comfortable materials. Chafing is minimal which makes it perfect for people who often run shirtless or in tank tops. The Reflective logo enhances night vision. And irrespective of your body size, this Chest Pack is a perfect fit.

#2 Bose SoundSport Free, True Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth Headphones

Features:

Wireless Bluetooth connectivity
Weather and sweat-resistant (IPX4 rated)
Perfect fit ear size -S/M/L Tips
5 hours playtime
“Find My Buds” features
USB cables for charging

Bose SoundSport Free Description

When thinking of running gift ideas, Bluetooth Headphones can create excitement on the track. Music has a way of sipping through the body and soul of a runner. You also get to keep calls on the go. That makes Bluetooth headphones an asset on the field. Wired systems? No chance!

That’s where Bose SoundSport Free comes into the race! The best gifts for runners during workouts or 5k+ marathon, Bose wireless earbuds is sweat-proof. As a result, you get clear, high-quality sound without movement interference.

Bose SoundSport charges for 2 hours. But you get to enjoy charging juice of up to 5 hours – incredible playtime. In addition, the three unique tips come in Small, Medium, and Large. You get a perfect ear-size fit. These and more make Bluetooth headphones excellent runner gifts.

#3 Injinji Toe Socks

Features:

Custom-fit for each toe
Made of Nuwool
Arch Support
Blister Prevention
Moisture Management
Total Foot Utilization
Breathable mesh top

Run Lightweight Mini-Crew Description

Their lightest weight running mini-crew provides maximum comfort with minimal bulk. The design puts fabric around each toe, eliminating skin-on-skin friction that can cause blisters. And it gives toes freedom to splay, align naturally, and work independently for improved comfort, balance and grip. COOLMAX® EcoMade fibers and a breathable mesh top keep your feet cool and dry, and the seamless ergonomic construction and integrated arch support provide a secure, slip-free fit. The mini-crew length sits just below the ankle for debris protection and cool comfort.

#4 Garmin Forerunner945 Watch

Features:

4 Pack HD Screen Protector
Long battery life
GPS locator
Heart-rate monitor
Multi-sports metric analyzer
USB charger

Garmin Watch Description:

Are you looking for a runner’s companion? Then, it must be the Garmin Forerunner94 watch. Not I alone, as even top runners confirm the Garmin as the best gifts for runners.

Garmin Watch comes with the GSP set up for easier location tracking. In addition, you get a 5,000mAh long battery life to keep you active for long hours. The Tri-Bundle covers running and all your sporting activities for indoor and outdoor games.

With HRM-Tri and HRM-Swim heart rate monitor, you have all you need for an exciting Triathlon event. It allows you to customize the setting for running, cycling, workouts, skiing, hiking, swimming, and more.

No worries about slipping as the HD Screen Protector film provide anti-shock or scratch coverage. But, do you need to charge? Yes, you can utilize the fast-charge USB charging cable to get more battery juice.

#5 Ninja Blender

Features:

Instructional manual
Three speeds blending
1100 watts power supply
Two 16 ounce cups plus lids
72-ounce crushing pitcher plus lids
Dishwasher-friendly

Ninja Blender

Have you ever heard that you are what you eat? That is so true for a runner. Running as an exercise protects your body but also zaps your energy.

Therefore, You need all the nutrients and energy boost to stay fit and healthy. So, when you need running gift ideas for a friend, it’s definitely the Ninja Blender.

Protein smoothies make excellent delight after a hard day’s run. Ninja BL660 has the 72 Oz crushing pitcher. So when you need smoothies, the 16 Oz cup will suffice. Now, you can freeze your drink afterward.

The three speeds power blender delivers different levels of smoothness as you need.

#6 Kogalla Adventure Light

Feature:

Attachable to wrists, backpack, or water bottle.
800 lumens glare
Five high0quality headlights
Five CREE LEDs
Flexible board base
Extended battery life

Kogalla Adventure Light

An adventure light is one of the best gifts for runners anytime. But, first, remember you need your hands free so you can run effectively? Well, Kogalla presents an impressive runner gifts strap light. You get five high-quality headlights delivering 800 lumens of illumination.

Kogalla strap light is so comfy, light-weighted to fit into your jacket or backpack. And at 800 lumens, it creates illumination the capacity of your floor light. So, no more worries about running, workout late at night, or camping sessions.

Even under harsh weather elements, Kogalla Ra is good to go. It is flexible on your wrist and waterproofed.

#7 Black Diamond Heavy-Weight Screen Sensitive Gloves

Features:

100% touchscreen functionality
Made of 305 polyester/nylon material
Two sizes of XS/XL
305 g stretch fleece
2 Goat leather patches for the palm

Heavy-weight Screentap Gloves

It could be a terrible feeling to develop frozen hands during the winter. Also, not having the right glove will make running uncomfortable. But Heavy-weight screen-tap gloves will keep you warm even in freezing seasons.

You get one pair of extra trim and extra-large gloves. In addition, the rear 305-gram stretch fleece comes with protective nylon. That increases the durability of the fabric.

The 2305 g U/R fabric provides sturdiness for touchscreen functions. So, as you go trail running, skiing or hiking, you can use your smart devices. No need to take your gloves off.

The goat leather patches make having a firm grip on poles and après beers easy on the palm. You get to also hold a dog leash without slips and more.

#8 Hoka ONE ONE Bondi Running Shoes

Features:

Deep Teal/Green
Thick padded soles
Impressive springboard soles
Breathable mesh fabric

Hoka One One Description

Hoka One One is incredible running gift ideas for a comfy 50k marathoner. When you go hiking or skiing, the amazing bouncy feeling keeps you confident anywhere, anytime. The other great part is that you don’t have to rub the bank. Why? It’s because Hoka runner gifts shoes are affordable.

Hoka One One Bondi 6 offers six incredible valuable features. First, the Open mesh makes it breathable and comforting.

Hoka One’s Lycra Comfort Internal Heel counter provides heel balance and support. But the Redesign runner outsole increases the durability. That’s why the Hoka One One has the backing of the American Podiatric Medical Association.

#9 Lululemon Surge Jogger

Features

Designed for Running
Quick-Drying Fabric
Classic-Tapered Fit
Secure zipperless back pocket
Reflective details

Lululemon Surge Joggers Description:

One of the best gifts for runners is the comfy, custom-made joggers. It has all you need to stay on track for long.

Lululemon joggers comprise 100% recycled polyester, body at 97% recycled nylon, and 21% extra life lycra. That means more warmth during the cold seasons.

Since it is light-weighted, you can run with ease. The zips for each cuff make it easy to keep cash and smaller items safe. Now, you can warm up without worries, the best runner gifts ever.

#10 Squirrels Nut Butter Anti-Chafe Lube

Features:

100% Natural anti-chaffing moisturizer
It comes in a tube and cup
Prevent blisters
No to skin irritation

Squirrels Nut Butter Description:

Exposing your skin to ultraviolet rays can have adverse effects over time. That’s why you need Squirrels nut butter Anti-chafe lube. It moisturizes your skin to keep it lubricated for long hours while running.

One tube, multiple uses are the best gifts for runners and other sports lovers. Say no to blisters and chafing for quick repair and restoration of dry skin.

#11 LMNT Electrolyte Powder

Features:

Low cab, paleo, or keto diet
Low sugar electrolyte
Eight unique flavors

LMNT Electrolyte Powder

Are you looking for running gift ideas for a runner friend or loved one? Well, the LMNT electrolyte will help a runner get the needed energy boost to stay strong.

LMNT gives you the required dose of electrolytes to stay on top of your game. Are you on a keto diet, paleo, or low-carb? Then, you just found the right drink for you!

#12 Salomon Hydration Pack

Features:

Hanging loop for internal reservoir
Hydration vest with a multitude of pockets
Two front flask pocket
2 17 fl. Oz or 500ml soft flasks

Salomon Hydration Pack Description

How else to celebrate a dear friend except by offering them the incredible runner gifts. But remember, it’s more of a lady’s affair. The Salomon Hydration pack keeps you hydrated all trip long.

The package comes with two front flasks domiciled in front with a secure loop. So you get two lovely flask safe in the flask pocket. But no need to bring them out as the soft flask straw helps you take a drag. Each flask can hold 500 ml of water for the trip.

Although it is in front, the Women-specific Motion fit helps avoid pressure on the chest region. The rear compartment has a mesh pocket for holding lighter items. But you can store up objects using the dual pockets at the side.

In a nutshell, the Salomon is the best trail running gift for your special friend. It creates a strong impression of class and style but in comfort. The breathable hydrated vest comprises elastane, polyester, and foam for all body fits.

#13 Morph Collapsible Foam Roller

Features:

Weighs 1.5lbs
Collapsible to two t-shirt sizes
Eco-friendly foam from bamboo and wood

Morph Foam Roller Description

Morph is arguably my best gifts for runners because it helps you sleep well. After skiing, running, and all, Morph collapsible foam gives you the luxury to relax at camp.

The Morph is so portable you won’t notice it’s in your bag. But it’s so comfy; you don’t want to skip resting time.

You get 2 inches flattened width and 5.5 diameters after folding. It may look flabby, but even D-Lineman and 350 lbs. weighing Sumo wrestlers find Morph convenient. Morph comes as optimized foam, so even though it looks tiny, it’s comfy!

Try it out for 30 days, and let me know what you think. If you don’t find the Morph comfortable, you can get a refund.

#14 Ear Warmer Headband

Features:

Durable.
Prevents cold and winter fleece
Stretchable fabric

Ear Warmer Headband Description:

Help a friend get the warm experience only the Ear Warmer headband can offer. It not only kicks out noise but keeps winter fleece and cold away from your ears.

So, when looking for running gift ideas, it’s got to be the Ear Warmer. It keeps you warm and can stretch to fit the standard head size. In addition, runners and cyclers should find it comforting from the wind and when in the open.

The 94% polyester fabric fleece locks the heat in. And the 6% spandex keeps it glued to your ears. Well, If you have a pretty small head, it may not hold so tight with additional bands.

#15 Vybe Percussion Massage Gun

Features:

2 Year Warrenty
Massages sore muscles
4 Hour Battery Life

Massage Gun Description

Anyone I know who owns these swears by them. Most runners do not yet know about these as they are a relatively new product on the market.

No only do they alleviate stress in sore muscles, they help speed up recovery time. Personally, I used this all over my hamstrings and quads right before bed. The feeling erected after almost puts me to sleep.

What’s the Best Gifts for Runners You Know?

The year is gradually winding to a halt, and this is the best time to buy someone a gift item. Now, here’s your list of best gifts for runners. That means you shouldn’t fall short of running gift ideas anymore. You can always work within your budget and acquire runner gifts collections over time.

Do you intend to purchase runner gifts for a special friend? Well, let your budget and their taste do the bulk of the talking. Have a splendid shopping season!

How to Lose Weight Running

Luciana Ini on December 27, 2024

Our guide on how to lose weight through running

All of us wish we could snap our fingers and magically lose weight. Although we aren’t gifted this power, we can teach you how to lose weight while running.

Like everything else in life, losing weight takes time and persistence. There is no easy answer, there is no quick fix, there is no secret. If anyone else tells you some “short cut,” or “way to shred fat fast,” don’t believe them.

While we cannot snap our fingers and shed 20 pounds off of you, we can give you some tips on how you can lose weight while running. Let’s first give you some baseline information on what happens to your body when you start running and some tips to keep your machine running properly

How Running Changes Your Body in 60 Days

People want to see results. You can usually feel results long before seeing results. Here are the changes your body will go through in 60 days:

Within 10 days: you will start to see a difference on the scale
Within 30 days: others will start noticing a change in your appearance
Within 60 days: you are going to notice a difference in yourself

Ironically, we are with ourselves the most, though we are the last to visually see the difference in ourselves. Try not to beat yourself down.

You are losing weight and your body is becoming stronger. Just don’t expect results to happen overnight. The great wall of China wasn’t built overnight.

Some of you may want a specific mileage and the exact amount of weight you will lose if you run 100 miles. Like we said before, every body is different. What we can guarantee is if you run 100 miles in 60 days, you will lose weight.

Diet is Everything

We know, isn’t that heading a sucker punch to the gut, both figuratively and literally. Diet is 70% of losing weight, exercise is the other 30%
If we drink beer and eat pizza every night, that weight isn’t going anywhere. Even when you run 50 miles a week. So, if we want to see positive results, then we need to pay attention to our diet.
No one solution fits all here. Every body is different, though some general tips apply to everyone.

General tips for losing weight are:

Laying off carbs at night
Eating less sugar
Laying off beer and other alcohol
Not putting your body in starvation mode
Eating four to five smaller meals throughout the day
Consuming carbohydrates at the right time

Now that we listed the six simple tips, we’ll dive a little more into detail to better explain them to you. Some tips are self-explanatory, but some of us like to understand more behind them.

Laying Off Carbs at Night

Carbs before bed, equal weight gain ahead. Eating carbohydrates at night increase your insulin levels which raises the sugar in your bloodstream. Additionally, there is a low chance that you are going to burn those carbs off before you sleep.

During the day, raised insulin levels are healthy and give you the energy to move around. At night, you move around a lot less which prevents your body from burning off those carbohydrates.

Instead of using those carbs, they are stored in your fat cells, which lead to weight gain. So, remember, laying off carbs at night, is a weight loss excite.

Eating less sugar

Eating less sugar helps you lose weight by decreasing the amount of your calorie intake. Just cutting one fizzy drink can cut 130 calories and 34 grams of sugar!

BMJ, a global healthcare knowledge provider, did a study that found people who eat less sugar lose an average of two pounds over 10 weeks while people who consumed more sugar gained that amount in the same time frame.

Additionally, sugar is almost as addictive as cocaine. You may probably still feel hungry at the dinner table until you eat something sweat. This is because your body is craving that sugar fix. Many people keep eating food even when they are full because the sugar craving has not been satisfied.

By cutting your addiction to sugar, your body will become aware of when it is full, preventing you from overeating.

We’re not saying cut all sugar completely, but studies prove eating less sugar will lead to weight loss.

Laying off beer and other alcohol

This one is everyone’s favorite. Can you sense the sarcasm? We all enjoy drinking alcohol, but if we want to lose weight, then we need to drink less often. It is much easier said than done.

Beer has one of the highest glycemic values of any alcoholic beverage. That’s the same as eating two slices of bread.

That doesn’t seem like a lot, but people don’t usually stop after one beer. By the end of the night, you’ve drunk a whole loaf of bread! And that’s on top of the burger and fries you ate to help sober you up.

I recently watched the documentary, “The Truth About Alcohol” on Netflix. It was very informative and interesting.

In the documentary, the separated a rugby team into two groups. Both groups just came from a lunch. One was given water to drink, and the other group was given beer. Each group was given a large assortment of snacks. The group drinking beer ate almost twice the amount that the group drinking water ate

Not to mention these guys just came from a lunch! They weren’t actually hungry. They were just eating because, well, they were drunk.

The moral of this story is that drinking will cause you to eat more and make more reckless eating decisions. Obviously, this causes weight gain.

Not putting your body in starvation mode

We want quick results but starving yourself is a horrible way to lose weight. Sure, you will lose weight quickly, but starving yourself is incredibly harmful to your health.

What is even more insane, is how your body freaks out when it doesn’t get the food it needs. Your body releases hunger hormones which cause you to retain and gain weight, instead of losing it.

It is important to mention that intermittent fasting is not starvation. Intermittent fasting is healthy cycling between eating and fasting. Starvation mode restricts food altogether.

Eating 4-5 smaller meals throughout the day

Spreading 4-5 smaller meals throughout the day keeps your metabolism revved. Eating requires more energy, which means eating more frequently burns more calories.

Consuming carbohydrates at the right time

Consume your carbohydrates right before or immediately after working out. Carbohydrates give you a ton of energy, so eating them around your workout is a fantastic way of getting a more powerful workout.

Not only do you get a powerful workout, but your body will be using the carbs instead of storing them as fat for later. Start timing your carbs for better weight loss.

How to Lose Weight Running

Losing weight is going to happen naturally when you start running. Your body isn’t used to the shock it is about to experience. Let’s take a deep dive into why you will lose weight immediately when you start running

Make your body more efficient (by running)

You body has never had a reason to be efficient with its energy consumption. Just like a giant truck, there are many small things that add up to result in a lower MPG. Once you begin working out your cells become more efficient in burning energy.

Your mitochondria will become denser and more efficient in powering the cells. Additionally, the mitochondria itself will move closer to the cell wall so that energy is transferred faster. This will make your body more efficient with each calorie you put into it.

Incorporate high intensity sessions

Not every run should be a light jog in the park. While these runs are always beneficial, high intensity cardio will boost your metabolism for much longer than an easy run.

If you are unsure exactly what a high intensity workout shout look like, take a look at this guide we created about high intensity interval sprints on the treadmill.

Run Fasted

Running on an empty stomach as soon as you wake up will force your body to use all the energy inside of it rather than food energy. Energy from the body will consist of fat, which is exactly what you are trying to shed off.

A question many of you are probably asking: Is coffee okay before these fasted runs? Yes! Just be sure not to dump an entire load of sugar and cream into it.

Always stretch before running

If you want to continue running and losing weight, you better keep your body in tune and free of injury. Stretching loosens up those tight muscles and gets them ready for your run. If you want, check out our 10 minute stretching routine here. If not, here are nine stretches you can do just before your run today:

Pigeon pose
Psoas stretch
Propped hamstring
Hip flexor
The split
Quad stretch
Top of foot/shin stretch
Upper/lower calf
Supine twist

Lose Weight by Walking Now and Running Later

If running is new to you, then ease into it. The best way to ease into running is through walking.

When your body is ready start running. Run for 20 minutes on Monday, maybe another 20 minutes Wednesday, and 30 minutes on Saturday.

Repeat this schedule each week until you can run without stopping. Once you can get that routine down, then build up from there.

Maybe instead of just running 30 minutes on Saturday, run 30 minutes on Monday too. Then run 30 minutes on Wednesday too. Keep adding minutes as your body increases endurance.

Issues to Pay Attention to as a New Runner

Losing weight while running will sometimes lead to complications. It is important to look out for a few problems that new runners experience.

The three issues to look out for are:

Stress fractures
Shin splints
Knee pain

What are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures are caused by overuse. It is a small crack in your bone from repetitive pressure. Learn more about stress fractures here.

What are Shin Splints?

Shin splints are pain along your shin caused by muscles detaching from the shin bone. Learn more about shin splints here.

How to Prevent Knee Pain

The best way to prevent knee pain is by learning how to run properly. See the section above that talks about maintaining a good running form.
You can learn how to prevent stress fractures and shin splints. We’ve put together a blog post and YouTube video that you can read and watch here.

The Weight Loss Plateau Conundrum

No matter what exercise you do, you will eventually hit a plateau where the weight just isn’t coming off. Our best suggestion is to switch up your routine.
Sometimes our bodies get adjusted to the same old routine. Do something different. Use different muscle groups. Take a hike (not in a negative way!).
Another idea is to add sprints to your running routine. If you work in sprint workouts on the treadmill the weight will come off even more. We only recommend adding in sprints only after you have built a good running base of 2-3 weeks.

Conclusion

How to lose weight while running involves a healthy diet, correct stretching, and proper running form. You should ease into running by walking first.
Make sure to pay attention to newbie runner injuries. Understand how your body will change over the next 60 days and never give up on your weight loss goals.

5 Advantages of an LED Backpack Light Up

Luciana Ini on December 19, 2024

Backpacks have undoubtedly become a staple for all outdoor adventures. With the ever-increasing need for safety during outdoor excursions, users are looking for new ways to stand out from the crowd and increase visibility in dark conditions. One way this could be done is by wearing a light up backpack with LED lights. Yes, you could literally make your hydration pack RAVE while you are wearing it. Not only will you have a vibrant electroluminescent LED backpack on display, but moms all around the world can feel safe sending their kids outside all lit up. This is why a cool light up backpack would be perfect for any festival, theme park, or other outdoor adventure. No need to worry, most LED backpacks are water-resistant by design. Let us take a look at all the other benefits of rockin’ a light up backpack on your next adventure.

5 Advantages of an LED light up backpack

1) Safety

Being safe is omnipotent when venturing into any outdoor activity. Having an LED light up backpack is the best was to do so. With a color of your choice flashing on your backpack, cars and other automobiles will be able to spot you much easier than if you were to be without a light up backpack. This gives you peace of mind when going out for a run or crossing a busy road during a hike. Additionally, LED backpacks like this one do not emit any heat. This decreases the concern for a fire or burn hazard to the user.

2) Uniqueness

Having a light up backpack will enable you to (literally) stand out from the crowd in any scenario. Light up backpacks are a relatively new design that not many people have seen, let alone heard about. So, don’t be surprised if people come up to you ask where you purchased such a sweet backpack with LED lights.

3) Light Up Backpacks are Easy to Use

You are probably thinking that a light up backpack is super complex and annoying to put together or operate. We are happy to say, you are wrong. Adding batteries is just like putting 2 AA Duracell’s into your TV remote after you have watched too much Netflix, it is simple. To place the lights in your desired area, all you have to do is thread the light string wire through the loops of your RaveRunner Hydration Pack, and voilà.

4) Easily Spot/locate a Light Up Backpack

The greatest benefit of a backpack that lights up is being able to find whoever is wearing it. Even if you are in one of the most crowded events of all time, if you jump onto your friend’s shoulders and peer into the crowd, there is a great chance you will find your buddy hoisting that light up backpack. From losing your friend at a festival to trying to find them in line at Space Mountain at Disney World, the LED backpack will ensure that you never lose sight of anyone again.

5) Creative Outlet

With an LED backpack, you can get in touch with your creative side and thread the wire any way you desire. Some people make cool designs while others do their best to ensure the luminescent wire is attached securely. In theory, you could add more and more wire until your backpack is cover in LED lights. Being able to customize your light up backpack makes it uniquely yours and one-of-a-kind. Not too many people can say that…

Conclusion

With all that being said, it is without question that a backpack with LED lights will brighten up your next outdoor experience. If you are still uncertain if a light up backpack will benefit you, just look at the reviews and see what people are saying for yourself. We can almost guarantee that you will not be disappointed. If you are interested in an LED Lightup Backpack, I would highly recommend checking the review on the RaveRunner Hydration Backpack as many people can confirm it is the best that money can buy.

How do Solar Panel Backpacks Work? – And Why You Need One

Luciana Ini on December 19, 2024

Solar power, and solar power backpacks, have become a large part of the sustainability discussion in today’s modern world. Many people are still unsure about them because they do not understand how they work or if they are effective. Based on the statistics, more and more people are beginning to utilize backpacks with built-in solar panels.

How often is your phone dying (or dead) when you are out on an outdoor adventure? It’s frustrating, right? If you have experienced this problem, let us break down what a backpack with built in solar panels is and how it can benefit you.

What is a Solar Panel Backpack?

A solar backpack is a basic backpack or bag, with a build in or modular solar panel charger. A solar panel charger is a small device (about the size of an iPhone) and it collects sunlight that gets turned into energy for charging our personal electronic devices.

Most people hear this and instantly think solar panel backpacks are extremely expensive, but that is not the case. This solar panel charger is only $24.99 and can be Velcro-ed onto your backpack. Other solar chargers may run you more, but with that higher prices comes more features.

How does Solar Charging Work?

First, sunlight must strike the surface. That photons from the sunlight then excited the electrons inside the silicon part of the battery. These charged electrons essentially create an electric force that is pushed into the battery. This energy is then stored inside and can be used whenever you please by plugging a device into the USB port.

Why you need a backpack with built in solar panels:

1) Sustainability

Solar energy is inexhaustible. There will never be a time that we run out of it. So why not charge our devices from it whenever we can? There’s never a bad time to reduce our carbon footprint. Solar cells do not put out any toxic gas or waste into our environment, making them an ideal source of energy. Finally, you won’t have to deal with any bad smell from gasoline or the annoying noise that comes along with it.

2) Solar Panel Backpacks are Easy to Use

Backpacks with built-in solar panel chargers are not only energy-efficient, but they save you time when operating them. In fact, there is not much operating to do. Most solar panel backpacks have the charger affixed to the top of the bag (right below your neck). This faces the charger up, facing the sun all day long. To access this energy stored in the battery, you simply plug your device into the USB port, and voilà your device is charging. The RaveRunner Hydration Pack’s Solar Panel Charger is affixed with Velcro. This allows you to fully remove the solar battery to charge it via wire or charge your device somewhere other than right on your bag.

3) Water-Resistant

Most Solar chargers are water-resistant. The USB port commonly has a rubber flange that goes into the hole to prevent liquid from entering. The actual panel that absorbs sunlight is completely water-resistant. This makes it a perfect addition to your weekend at a music festival or day at the theme park where all weather elements are possible. Especially when you are riding Splash Mountain at Disney over-and-over again.

4) Versatility

Backpacks with built in solar panels can charge many more things than just your phone. I was able to charge my Garmin Spot Tracking device so that my parents could track me while out in the wilderness on a run. Additionally, I was able to detach the battery and let a stranger borrow it so that they could call an Uber home after a festival. Another time I used my solar panel backpack was before a run when my headphones were dead and I needed to charge them fast. These are just some of my personal examples, if you leave your solar panel backpack in the car or around the house it will undoubtedly come in handy.

Conclusion

Solar panel backpacks have a wide array of usage. There is no reason not to take advantage of these benefits just because you don’t understand how it works. We hope after reading this you too will enjoy the benefits of having a charger on all of your outdoor adventures.

Top 6 Best Shoes for Shuffling on the Dance Floor

Luciana Ini on December 18, 2024

Hey, do you know what the best shoes for shuffling are? Maybe you’ve been shuffling for a few years now and are looking to up your game with the best footwear for shuffling. Maybe you’re a newbie looking to get into the dance scene. Regardless you case, we have you covered with our top 6 best shoes for shuffling.

I love dancing! But I know that it takes more than just the love for dancing to be a good dancer. Also, several tools improve your ability to dance safely. One of them is the type of shoes you wear. Research shows that your footwear can restrict or enhance your dancing steps. And I agree with the assertion because it is so true about shuffling shoes.

What is a Shuffling Shoe?

A shuffle shoe makes it easier or convenient to dance. The common shuffling shoe will have a strong and flat sole without too much tread. Tread will catch the ground disabling you from gliding well. You want the sole to be strong so when you do toe stands or other movements you won’t crush your toes. Additionally, a good shuffling shoe is very comfortable. Dancing requires a ton of moving and stomping. You won’t want to do this in an uncomfortable shoe.

What Makes the Best Shoes for Shuffling?

So, do you really need a special shoe for shuffling? Yes, a tremendous shuffling shoe is a must for shuffling. You don’t want to go crashing or spraining your ankles even before you start! Or do you? A great shuffling shoe should include:

Left to right: Non0flat sole, sole with tread, perfect type of sole

A – Flat sole

Your favorite shuffling shoe should be one with a flat sole. Yes! Since you would be making toe spins and all, you need a cooperative shoe.

B – The more surface area, the better the shoe is for shuffling

A shuffle shoe should align with the floor surface. Shoes with flat soles cause little or no friction on the floor. As a result, you can easily glide or slide from one place to the other.

C – Maybe even a little worn out

Yes, you heard right, worn out! It’s okay if your shuffle shoes are relatively new or outright new. But do you have old shuffle shoes in your basement or attic? Then I guess it’s time to put them to good use. Old shoes are like an old bag of tricks; they still make good telling at storytime.

D – Stiff sole; so you can toe spin and stand

Stiff means that the under-sole of the shoe is firm. Some shoe soles develop cracks or marks if you try shuffling in them. Over time those marks will result in more significant tears, and finally, things fall apart! By stiff sole, I mean thick sole shoes. Thick sole shoes work best for shuffling because they have double padding. So, the double sole helps it absorb the shock without giving up on you.

E – Nothing that is slip-on; it needs to be tight.

It would help if you had a shuffle shoe that’s your perfect fit. If there’s too much internal space, the shoe could slip off your fit when shuffling. On the other hand, a tight-fitting shoe remains firm and maneuverable.

F – High-tops come recommended.

High-top shuffle shoes usually reach up to your ankle. It helps to provide more support to your leg when shuffle dancing. Also, high-top shoes most times stay above the ankle. Therefore, they can protect your ankle from injury.

Before we give you our top picks for shuffling shoes, check out our modular fanny pack. Perfect for securing your valuables while shuffling all day long. No bouncing guaranteed.

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Our top 6 picks for the best shuffling shoes:

So, let’s take a peep into the best shoes for shuffling today:

1) High top Vans

Features:

High-top for secure and snug fit while dancing
Great flat sole
A stiff platform for toe spins

Product Description:

There are so many reasons to fall in love with the Vans High top shuffling shoes. First, it looks sleek and stylish. Second, the High-top Van shoe can keep your energy levels up even when shuffling.

The Vans has a thick platform sole like the Sk8-Hi that makes toe spin easy. However, the lace-up makes everything tight and firm. Also, since it has padded collars, it protects your ankle from injury when shuffling.

It looks all sturdy and durable for an exhilarating shuffle dancing experience anytime. Furthermore, it comes in a black and actual white color shade which makes it truly impressive.

2) Fila A-High Basketball shoes

Features:

It is affordable – on-budget
Very flat sole
A robust platform for toe spins
High top with a Velcro strap for extra tightness
It doesn’t take long to break-in

Product Description:

Fila come from an organization with a strong reputation in the fashion – wears industry. And the Fila A-High basketball shoe is just what you need for shoe shuffling.

It comes in a brilliant white or black shade. I love the all-white because it gives a sense of something cool and sleek. I love the all-black because it makes me look all serious. It gives me this, ‘I mean business’ kind of feeling. I love the all-black body on a white sole because it makes me look irresistible. Besides, I get noticed the more on a black and white combo!

That’s not all there is to say about the Fila shuffling shoe. It has a thick platform for an incredible toe-spin. The flat sole has a contour pattern, but it’s still genuinely flat. The contour pattern helps to reduce friction on smooth surfaces. Since it is flat, you get to slide and glide like a real champ!

The high collars will keep your ankle safe. Then, of course, you get shoelaces to make the shoe tight. But the extra Velcro strap creates better security by making it tight and sturdy.

3) Fila Disruptor Shuffling Shoes

Features:

Thick sole
Low top (for those who don’t like high-top)
Firm sole for toe stands and spins
Many different colors and styles
It takes a while to break in, which isn’t great

Product Description:

The Fila Disruptor presents you with a variety of impressive shoes for shuffling. Some of them are specific for females, and others are unisex shoes. However, it is a low-top shoe. That means it stays directly below your ankle. So, you have an excellent choice for those who prefer below the ankle shoes. But they still protect your feet, you know.

Fila Disruptor comes in different styles and colors you would love. But you still get that thick platform sole that’s incredible for toe spins and standing. It can take all the beating shuffle dance can offer. Besides, it’s also bouncy and sleek to make you look smart when on the move.

Fila Disruptor uses appropriate laces with color to hold up the shoe around your ankle. That makes it firm and tight during shuffle dancing. The only thing is, it has a zigzags edge and a contoured sole. But once you settle in, you are good to go-shuffle dancing!

4) Adidas Basket Profit Shuffling Shoe

Features

Suede material may get dirty
Flat wide sole with impact sole mold impression
High top snug fit
Tons of different colors

Product Description:

Adidas is evidently a reputable brand in the clothing industry, and the Basket Profit proves it. It comes in a variety of colors. You will find the brilliant colors and the ones with white stripes up for grabs. So, it comes in a black-white, red-white, pink-white, yellow-white, blue-white, green-white combo.

The high top protects your ankle adequately when shuffle dancing. With such a broad flat sole, you get comfy during toe spinning. Adidas Basket Profit comes from suede material and may get dirty quickly. But dirt should only be a problem with the white shoes.

You can use the lace to keep everything intact on your Adidas shoes. At least you get to spin and shuffle with ease.

5) Nike Air force 1: Best all-around Shuffling High Top Shoe

Features:

It costs more – a bit pricier than what you are used to
Velcro ankle support
Flat sole
Not a super strong sole, but it will do the job
May get worn out fast

Product Description:

Don’t you just love the Nike Air force One, from a company with impressive clothing wear? The Air force 1 is not a custom-made shuffling shoe. But it sure gets the job done.

It has a Velcro strap that helps provide incredible ankle support so you could toe spin. It also comes with shoelaces to tighten things up a bit. Are you thinking of tap dancing? Well, feel free to shuffle all the way. The flat and thick sole platform increases the sturdiness, and you can shuffle conveniently.

However, please understand that the Nike Air force 1 is not a shuffling shoe. That means it may wear out fast with continuous shuffle dancing. Plus, be ready to spend a little more to acquire the Nike Air Force 1.

6) Nike Air Max 90 Shuffling Shoe

Features

It may also be a little more expensive
A low top shoe
Strong sole
A little bit of a tread. It may make shuffle hard until worn

Product Description:

It’s the Nike sneakers, everyone! That means impressionistic designs, smart looks, neat trims, and exceptional aesthetics. The Nike Air Max 90 may cost a fortune, but it is worth every penny spent.

You get a low-top shuffling shoe. That means it stays below your ankle. So, if you feel cool with that, then you can shuffle on! But the sneaker is firm and has a strong enough sole to take some beating. So, it’s time to shuffle hard.

I forgot to mention that the Nike Air Max 90 has lace to help tighten up the shoes. The sole also has jagged edges and a relatively smooth bottom. That increases the grip on surfaces without hindering your gliding and sliding performances.

Conclusion

So, now you have it; the six best shoes for shuffling. Are you ready to go dancing? Remember, an incredible shuffle shoe should be able to take some beating. If price is an issue with you, you should find your perfect fit in the list above. Besides price, you will find the best quality shuffle shoe with exceptional soles, durable and thick in the list.

The Best Hydration Supplement for Raves

Luciana Ini on December 18, 2024

Hydration Sticks the Festival Community Needed

At any festival, it is important to stay hydrated. This can be difficult, especially when you are drinking alcohol and dancing for hours on end. That is why it is important to have a hydration supplement or stick with you at all times. This will help keep you hydrated and feeling your best.

Raveraide is a hydration supplement that is healthier and more effective than most others. One of their main priorities as a company is to provide customers with education and total transparency about what actually goes into the product.

Why Raveraide over other Hydration Sticks?

The Raveraide hydration supplement is a great choice for those looking for a natural and vegan-friendly option. It is flavored with real fruit extracts and essential oils, so you know there are no funky chemicals or preservatives in it.

Another reason you notice such a big difference between Raveraide and other options out there is because Raveraide offers Hydration Supplements that are packed with essential vitamins, minerals and electrolytes.

Not only does the product have a full blend of different nootropics, but each of these work together to create a superfood-like effect for your brain. Huperzine, L-Theanine, Alpha GPC, and Acetyl-L-Carnitine are just a few of the ingredients that work together to elevate your mood, sharpen your mental clarity, and protect your brain over time. By taking this supplement, you’re not only providing your brain with essential nutrients it needs to function at its best, but you’re also taking steps to safeguard your cognitive health for years to come.

Hydration is key when it comes to keeping your energy up and avoiding getting sick at events like music festivals or during nights out. That’s why it’s important to have a hydration supplement or stick on hand, like Glutamine, Zinc, Magnesium and Vitamin D & C. These ingredients all help to boost your immune system and keep you feeling your best.

Raveraide is our N1 Rave Supplement

It’s no secret that dehydration can easily ruin an evening. Whether you’re out partying or just trying to relax at home, dehydration can make you feel terrible. That’s why it’s important to have a hydrating supplement on hand to keep you feeling your best. Hydration sticks are a great way to stay hydrated, and they come in a variety of flavors so you can find one that you love.

Music Festival Theft – How bad is it?

Luciana Ini on December 18, 2024

“Festivals are all about good vibes, acceptance, and pure bliss. It’s a shame that people have began to prey on us, utilizing us while we are vulnerable, it’s disgusting.” — Ricky, 29 – EDCLV 2021

Ricky has been going to festivals for years. Unfortunately for him, he was pickpocketed in 2015 and has had his guard up ever since. His opinion is not unpopular. If you take a quick look at Reddit threads for popular music festivals the proceeding week after a festival is held, you can find the subreddit filled with stories of people experiencing theft.

With many stories like Ricardo’s, the common human would question how we can put an end to this massive theft problem? Fortunately, there are safeguards to prevent this. Like apps that go on your phone, anti-theft hydration packs, and a group leader willing to stay sober and watch over their crew. Unfortunately, these preventive measures may not divert the skilled pickpocket.

At RaveRunner® we want to combat the festival theft problem, that’s why we created the first anti-theft hydration pack. While we are doing our best to convert festival goers over to our solution, we are still a growing company that is yet to hit the maturity of many other brands.

To provide deeper insight into the state of the festival theft issue, we surveyed over 450 festival goers between the ages of 18 and 55 in the US who attended at least one festival in 2021. In addition, we compiled data from police reports, local news broadcasts, and research from Eventbrite to find out the magnitude of this issue.

What we uncovered was a range of insights behind the number of thieves who are lurking at your average festival and how much they are stealing. We also learned that despite the belief that these are other festival lovers committing the acts of crime, these thieves are not interested in the music and will travel from all over the nation to slyly snag tens of thousands of dollars worth of product a night.

1 out of every 32.71 people experienced phone left or lost a phone in 2021.

Finding out how bad pickpockets are at festivals.

It is easily assumed that anyone reading this has had a friend, or group of friends, who have experienced getting a phone swiped at a festival. We wanted to understand the level at which pickpockets were successful across the globe. With no real research found anywhere, we decided to conduct our own surveys and compile all information available to us on the web to figure out the significance of festival theft.

We spoke with wide range of festival goers and asked them questions regarding their experience with pickpockets. In preparation for this investigation, we were cognizant that some festivals attracted a certain demographic. We didn’t want to skew the study by asking the same personality and population. So, in order to diversify our sample size of 458 festival goers, we conducted interviews at 4 different festivals.

We used all available data to us in the forms of police reports, prior festival research, and some simple math to lead us to our findings. From experience and time in the industry, we had a general understanding of what to expect, but we didn’t think the census would be this bad.

Our findings: The Magnitude of Theft Happening at festivals

1 in 32 people doesn’t sound that bad. In all honesty, we expected it to be worse. After multiplying this average by 32 million attendees, and multiplying again the price of an iPhone the true value of theft is astonishing. Nearly $800 million in phones and other valuables stolen in one year is despicable.

Profiling a Pickpocket

Now that we have gotten your attention with the raw value that thieves are going home with each year, we wanted to give you a better understanding of who these people are and how they succeed. Our surveys, in conjunction with police reports, enabled us find common patterns that festival thieves seem to follow. While our data is a rather small sample size of festivals, it gives us a great reference.

Keep in mind these arrests only represent a small fraction of the amount of thieves at festivals. Most pickpockets do not ever end up getting found, let alone arrested.

What do thieves do with the phones they steal?

In the midst of our research we began to question a pickpockets motives. If people can’t get into our phones, what was the point of stealing them? How did they turn our personal property into cash? While our phone manufacturers like to make us believe our devices are deemed useless without the owner, this is not the case.

After diving deeper into news reports of massive theft and reading a few tech-nerd’s blog posts, we found some common methods on how to steal an iPhone that isn’t yours.

Now we are not going into detail on these methods because we don’t want to cause more theft, but it is important to understand what these thieves are capable of after they nab your phone.

music festival theft - how thieves steal phones for money

How to stop a festival Pickpocket

Now that it is understood the level of thievery that is occurring and who exact is doing it, we have many recommendations on how to protect yourself from becoming a victim.

Note that we can give you any preventable measure, but it will ultimately be up to you to stay out of ideal pickpocket scenarios and be cognizant of your surroundings.

We urge you to checkout our anti-theft hydration packs. While we cannot stop pickpockets from existing, we certainly can prevent them from being successful. Additionally, utilize Liff Happens. They have a fantastic software that will prevent you from totally losing your phone if it is misplaced or dropped on the ground.

We hope our survey serves as a reminder to watch out for yourself. Unfortunately, we are not able to rid pickpockets from entering festival gates.

Simply being aware of the vastness of theft that occurs every year at festivals is the first step in protecting yourself from having a phone swiped. Our intentions are not to cause anymore angst than there already is when entering a festival, but to help assist you in becoming cognizant of your surroundings when in a crowd. We want you to maximize your excitement at these events. By coming home with your phone, the chances of walking away happy and fulfilled are much higher. We hope that being the voice of the issue at hand will amplify this gratitude we all desire walking away from a festival.

Sources and Citations

https://redditchstandard.co.uk/lifestyle/one-in-four-west-midlands-folk-are-victims-of-festival-theft/embed/#?secret=NzGoyRvzkA#?secret=7eRNl2rrXW

One in four West Midlands folk are victims of festival theft

https://www.switchedoninsurance.com/blog/festival-thefts

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/tips-avoid-theft-v-festival-13257642

https://miami.cbslocal.com/2019/04/15/police-hope-you-recognize-recovered-stolen-goods-taken-during-ultra-music-festival

Phone Theft at Music Festivals

https://www.fox7austin.com/news/men-arrested-for-stealing-cellphones-during-the-acl-music-festival

https://therooster.com/blog/how-one-music-festivals-theft-epidemic-reveals-darker-side-festival-culture

https://www.clickorlando.com/news/2019/03/13/roving-cellphone-pickpocket-gangs-expected-at-country-music-festival

https://edm.com/news/police-report-34-felony-arrests-edc-las-vegas-2021

https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/stolen-cell-phones-from-acl-fest-attendees-are-being-returned-to-owners-3-more-arrests

https://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/news/19544351.reading-festival-police-make-two-arrests-reading-festival

https://www.imobie.com/iphone-tips/what-will-thieves-do-with-the-stolen-iphone.htm

The Best Phone Tether for your Next Event

Luciana Ini on December 18, 2024

You are looking for the best phone tether, huh? Well, you’ve found the best recommendation because we have tried them all. From retractable phone tethers to the kind that come with that generic loop cord that is attached to your grandmother’s phone from the 80’s, we put each one to the test.

Phone tethers are a new product and quite honestly, they are overdue. With theft running rampant at live events and traveling abroad. People need a new option to keep their valuables safe. Additionally, cracked phone screens happy to just about everyone that has ever owned one. This product stops both theft and cracked screens from happening.

Without a doubt the ClutchLoop phone tether is our #1. And before we go into detail as to why, we want to tell you that we have putting each product into a multitude of situations. From testing the strength of the wire, to assessing the quality of the product, we wanted to make sure we chose the best product from all around, not just convenience or quality.

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Retractable – Many of these phone tethers come with a long string that hangs around when you don’t have the phone pulled up to your face from the belt loop pocket. Quite honestly, it is super annoying to have all of that dangling. The ClutchLoop is retractable. It is the same system that you’ll find all IT tech employing attaching to their ID. The feature is quite simple, but something that was yet to be made until this past year with festival theft running rampant.
Re-enforced metal cord – We put this metal cord to the test. First we tried our best to break it. We pulled it hard, tried to cut it with scissors, and even tried to twist it and knot it to see if it would cut itself. None of that worked with this phone tether, it was dope. Not many other phone tethers have a cord that is made of re-enforced metal. Some others that we tried were even made of plastic… boring!
Compact – This phone tether was also super small compared to other phone tethers we tested. This is in part thanks to the retractable cord that is incorporated into the phone tether system itself. We were able to clip these on our pants without our styles or outfits being ruined. It was great.
Easy – The final aspect that made the clutch loop our best and most favorited phone tether, was because of how easy it was to setup. If you are using a case, you can anchor the small plastic piece the ClutchLoop includes, inside of the case. Or, if you don’t use a case, you can peel off the sticker and use the 3M tape on the back of it. Although, you are pretty nuts to not be using a case these days…

Many of these phone tethers come with a long string that hangs around when you don’t have the phone pulled up to your face from the belt loop pocket. Quite honestly, it is super annoying to have all of that dangling. The ClutchLoop is retractable. It is the same system that you’ll find all IT tech employing attaching to their ID. The feature is quite simple, but something that was yet to be made until this past year with festival theft running rampant.
We highly recommend that you invest in a phone tether. Not just for large events or for traveling, but for everyday life. It has saved me a few times from dropping and cracking my phone, which probably happens even more than theft. If you want any more information, you can hop over to the product page to review the specs and read more reviews.

New Running Shoes To Try In 2022

Luciana Ini on December 18, 2024

Avid runners need to update their gears pretty often, and each New Year brings new releases. What we’ve seen so far looks pretty exciting, as all the top brands have been advertising their newest designs, cutting-edge technology and new release dates. Of course, we are on top of it all! Here is our list of new running shoes that are a must-try.

Hoka’s One One Rocket X
- Hoka has progressed once again. We covered the Hoka One One Bondi in a previous post on gifts for runners. This Rocket X edition looks to be another great option, as it is has a lightweight design with super-light carbon and has an extremely soft landing. It is gives runners a super-fast feel, which is exactly what you want when racing. Two other strong points are the robust upper combined with a narrow fit make it a sure win-win race shoe.
Nike’s ZoomX Streakfly
- This iconic company just keeps coming out with new ones. SoleSavy reports that Nike’s new ZoomX Streakfly sneakers are designed specifically for competitive runners, and it makes for a great road running shoe regardless of your broader interests. This shoe features the exclusive ZoomX cushioning along with a PeBax midfoot plate for extra comfort. It also has a breathable mesh upper to keep the feet cool during the long runs. These cool kicks are set to release in February, so keep an eye out!
Adidas’s Adizero Boston 10
- This famous brand is always a leader when it comes to innovative sneakers. Adidas’s Adizero Boston 10 sneakers are designed for the modern runner who wants a smooth run. It features a full-length midsole with extra-thick cushioning made from an EVA-based foam. The sneakers are engineered with carbon fiber rods that give these sneakers a very stiff forefront as well as transmit energy with each pace. As a result of the spring-like feeling, the runner experiences a snappy ride during a short 5k or longer 10k.
New Balance’s FuelCell Elite v2
- This prominent brand is once again at the forefront of advancement. New Balance’s FuelCellElite v2 sneakers give what they call a ‘competitive edge on race day.’ These sneakers feature a full-length carbon fiber plate in the midsole which is designed to give more pop and push during toe-off. The rubber outsoles give super-lightweight traction and extra durability by protecting the soft midsoles. These shoes are perfect for all-around athlete training or racing.
Puma’s Fast-R Nitro Elite
- This attention-grabbing shoe is the definition of sneaker evolution. Puma’s Fast-R Nitro Elite shoes have an ultralight construction, an extra thick cushioned foam, and a curved carbon-fiber plate which give a stiff forefront. The special design of these are sneakers are found in the decoupling of the heel from the forefoot and how each part is made from a different piece of foam. The super bounce of the ride comes from a bio-based Pebax, and under the heel is a soft EVA blend for extra shock abortion. These kicks were made for Olympians or anyone who would like to feel like one.

Innovation and technology have found their way into shoes. Each year, the sport of running just keeps getting better as new shoes add more thrill and excitement. Try out these new kicks and enjoy a running experience as you’ve never had before.

Smart Glasses: The Future of Concerts and Festivals?

Luciana Ini on December 18, 2024

There’s something about thousands of people cry-shouting Taylor Swift lyrics in a stadium that feels electrifying. Going to a concert like this should, in theory, be an unforgettable experience. More often than not, however, you are left with hazy memories and fleeting visions in your mind. According to psychology professor Ewan McNay, this forgetfulness happens because of the overstimulation of a concert or festival combined with the highly emotional state you are likely in. Even if you’re happy and excited, the body sees this as a stress state and wipes the slate clean. As such, it’s no wonder why society has naturally leaned into the art of recording their concert experiences.

A music event without a sea of phones facing the stage is a rarity these days, but what if the era of digital bricks in the air is also over? With the advent of smart glasses, there may be a hands-free future for recording these high-octane video souvenirs.

What are smart glasses?

Smart glasses refer to eyewear built with tech that offers various extra capabilities. Rudimentary versions have been introduced into the market before, with discontinued releases like Google Glass introducing the potential of augmented reality. This trend has been furthered by the Apple Vision Pro, though its bulk and build suggest a closer similarity to VR headsets.

The more accurate representation of the technology comes down to a pair of seemingly regular frames with integrated functionality that the user can use to interact with the world around them. Ray-Ban’s smart glasses have led the foray into this tech in partnership with Meta. On the surface, these are regular sunglasses that help you see the world clearly, as you can apply prescription lenses.

What makes the glasses “smart” are its ultra-wide 12-megapixel camera with a five-mic system, touchpad and voice-activated controls, Meta AI connectivity, and livestream capability to Facebook and Instagram. Since its launch, its various iterations have been backed by major festivals like Coachella and artists like Chloe Bailey, Malumah, and Coi Leray, to name a few.

This technology has comfortably found its way to the music scene because of a running desire for the ability to share or record the experience while being able to live in the moment.

A vision of tomorrow’s festivals

The camera and recording quality of smart glasses have already improved significantly in just a few years. This is the primary catalyst for its role as the evolution of concertgoers trying to keep their memories of the event. Although the camera is not yet on par with the crisp and impressive zoom of Samsung’s S23 Ultra, it is already hitting a quality good enough for a live stream in the middle of a busy crowd.

The Ray-Ban smart glasses can capture the moment around you — albeit not from the cheaper seats. While there is no zoom, this feature is still an exciting prospect for future iterations. For now, its strength lies in how it seamlessly integrates itself into your natural activities. You can enjoy your favorite artist using commands the AI assistant can pick up. There’s no need to swap out apps manually and tinker with a handheld device.

Another promising use for smart glasses is theft prevention. RaveRunner®’s investigation into festival theft revealed that $741,546,928 worth of valuables are stolen yearly at festivals. More specifically, around three in 100 attendees get their phones stolen. It’s easier to secure your phone when you have a more convenient way to capture your memories. While smart glasses might seem like a target of interest, it’s just discreet enough because they match the style of other Ray-Ban glasses. A potential thief wouldn’t take much interest in your shades in the middle of the noise and lights of a festival.