Colorado-made, size-inclusive activewear
The skort is one of humankind’s greatest inventions — it’s versatile, comfortable and perfect for movement of all kinds, from pickleball to hiking or just a brisk walk on a hot day. Littleton-based FestaSports agrees. With a motto of “activewear for every body,” this Colorado company developed a sporty skort made especially for tennis and pickleball with options for a skort optimized for golf, hiking and beyond. Sizes range from XS to 3X, and these skorts (starting at $67) come in a ton of patterns and custom options. (annafesta.com/FestaSports) — Beth Rankin
Trusted running shoes
I used to have a rule regarding running shoes: To avoid injuries, I would never buy a pair until my physical therapist watched me run on a treadmill, testing two or three brands, to identify the one that worked best with my biomechanics. That ended when Hoka began importing its shoes to the United States in 2010. My PT and I were confident that Hoka worked best for my mild pronation, and I’ve been running in them ever since. They have oversized midsoles that provide more cushioning than most running shoes while still providing sufficient stability, and they are surprisingly light. I also use their trail shoes for trail running and for hiking on smooth trails. Hokas are also popular with people who work on their feet, such as nurses. I swear by them. (Men’s and women’s running shoes start at $124, at hoka.com) — John Meyer
Tanner Original Batting Tee
Any real baseball player knows that hitting off the tee is not just for little kids learning the game. From high school to the pros, the best hitters spend countless hours with the tee, honing their swing. The Tanner tee is the most durable and reliable tee on the market. Its hand-rolled flex-top withstands years of hitting, and it has multiple height adjustments so you can work all areas of the zone. ($100, tanner.rawlings.com) — Kyle Newman
Triple Play Records
A record store may sound like an unusual place for outdoor activities, but Triple Play Records in downtown Grand Junction is more than just a music shop. In addition to selling vinyl, it also sells disc golf equipment, such as discs and bags. The store even keeps beginner’s sets — complete with a driver, mid-range disc and putter — stocked to help newbies get into the sport. 530 Main St., Grand Junction, 970-243-3974 — Tiney Ricciardi
Quick release
Here’s the golf accessory you didn’t know you needed: a magnetic towel clip for your golf bag. A friend gave me one last season and it quickly became one of those things that everyone who sees me use it suddenly must have. A small caribiner hooks onto your golf bag. Hanging from it is a mini-golf-ball-shaped magnet. (Other designs are available, too, but that’s the cutest.) The bottom half of the “ball” is attached to another small caribiner, onto which your towel hooks. Need to wet your towel before a match? Just pull the halves of the metal ball apart and, voila, the towel slips off without fuss. Snap it back on and you’re quickly off in search of that elusive birdie. Find one version of it for $14.99 at amazon.com. — Barbara Ellis
Shop local
I’m a big believer in shopping local, where the employees are experts on the goods they sell. This applies to Road Runner Sports, where the person helping you pick out a running or walking shoe is also a runner. Quality, well-fitted shoes are important in preventing injury, so even if the pair you choose costs $10 to $20 more than what you would find at a big-box retailer, it’s still cheaper than a visit to an orthopedic clinic. Road Runner Sports has multiple locations across the Front Range, including Denver, Lakewood, Golden, Westminster and Lone Tree. roadrunnersports.com — Noelle Phillips
All-Star Pro Elite Catcher’s Glove
Billed as the “most iconic mitt in professional baseball,” this glove is also perfect for the serious amateur player, whether it be a men’s leaguer, a high schooler or a youth ballplayer who is dedicated to his craft. The best catcher’s glove that money can buy, its pocket is true and its premium-grade Japanese steerhide leather stands the test of time. A must-have for all backstops. ($450, at all-starsports.com or area retail stores.) — Kyle Newman
Try it before purchase
If you want a new tennis racquet or pickleball paddle, head to this local store to get expert guidance on what will work for your style of play. Here, you can test equipment by hitting balls against a wall inside the store. Once you narrow your choices to two or three racquets or paddles, Game-Set-Match allows its customers to put down a deposit and take those racquets home for one week to test on an actual court. Once you pick a favorite, the deposit applies to the purchase price after returning everything. This assures athletes get the racquet or paddle that will elevate their games. Game-Set-Match Inc. has two locations: 2480 S. Colorado Blvd. in Denver and 4800 Baseline Road, Suite D102, in Boulder. gamesetmatchinc.com — Noelle Phillips
Haag Composite Wood Bat Model 73C
Most men’s baseball leagues are wood bat, so you’ll need a reliable stick. Haag Bat Company should be your choice. The company started in Parker about a quarter-century ago (since relocated to Georgia) and has been making high-quality, handcrafted wood bats ever since. Their composite bats pack pop and are extremely durable, breaking far less than the average wood bat. ($155, at haagbatco.com) — Kyle Newman
Golf gloves that last
How many pairs of golf gloves do you go through in one season? One of these Kirkland brand gloves, made from “premium Cabretta leather,” typically lasts me a full year — playing once or twice a week in season — and then some. With four in a package, it’ll typically be a while before I have to dip in for a new pair. (Four gloves, for left-handed or right-handed golfers, in sizes small through extra large, for $30, at costco.com or in stores.) — Barbara Ellis
Biodegradable pickleballs
Pickleballs eventually crack or just wear out from getting pounded onto concrete. And we all know how plastic never breaks down in a landfill. Why not love both the game and the planet by using biodegradable balls? Komodo (komodopickelball.com, about $30 for eight balls) and Core Eco (coreathletics.com, about $40 for 12) both make balls that meet the official standards of USA Pickleball. Also available at local retail stores, like Game, Set, Match. — Noelle Philips
