Triathlete Gift Guide: 2024 Edition
Feel free to forward to family and friends... ;)
I have a confession to make.
I’m one of those people who doesn’t decorate for Christmas until after Thanksgiving.
Gasp! Ensuing shock and horror! Or perhaps you’re just like me…
It seems like stores roll out holiday decorations and gifts earlier every year (Yesterday, at Walmart there was an aisle full of Valentine’s Day decorations… It’s November for Pete’s sake!)
All this being said, I do recognize that the holiday season is incredibly busy. It can be very stressful trying to decorate, make travel plans, and find gifts for everyone on your list.
Especially the difficult ones…
With an expensive hobby…
Who compete in an obscure and highly specific sport…
See where I’m going with this?
So I created the Triathlete Gift Guide: 2024 Edition. It’s divided into sections based on price and includes some of our favorite triathlon gear, as well as a few items on our wish list.
Feel free to forward this link to family members and friends, or do a little shopping of your own.
*For the Triple Threat Life Club, the bottom of this post includes members-only discount codes that apply to many of the items on this list.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of them, we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Triathlete stocking stuffers under $25
Mack’s earplugs- These are my favorite moldable silicone earplugs for swimming. I use them for training and races. $10.98
Body Glide- The original anti-chafe balm that’s a must-have for wetsuit swimming.
Caterpy elastic laces- As far as transition laces go, these are our preferred choice over traditional Lock laces. Caterpy laces have small bumps that allow for greater adjustability through the top of the shoe, and they come in a lot of fun colors. $15.95
Zealios sunscreen and chamois cream- Zealios makes my favorite sunscreen and chamois cream that lasts all day. They also have shower products for the pool, recovery gel, and lip balm. I like their tiny pocket packs of sunscreen you can stash in your jersey for long rides. It’s zinc-based, paraben-free, and feels like a light lotion. We also use their chamois cream- Betwixt. $18
(*You get 20% off all Zealios products with code: TRIPLETHREATLIFE)
Zwift subscription- One of the most popular indoor training programs for cycling with built-in workouts, training plans, and group challenges. $19.99 a month
Smartwool socks- Smartwool stuff is simply the best. We have beanies, buffs, and long-sleeve pull-overs, but my favorite Smartwool item is their running socks. I like the zero cushion ankle length. $20
Swiftwick socks- For cycling, Swiftwick socks are the perfect length. They keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. I love their National Parks designs. (We have Arches, Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Smoky Mountains.) $22
Dr. Teal’s epsom salts- Epsom salts are great to soothe tired, achy muscles after a long workout. We like the rosemary mint scent, but they have everything from eucalyptus and spearmint to lavender and ginger. $22.38
The Magic5 Card Game- These plastic playing cards have 52 different swim workouts printed on them, including Jan Frodeno’s favorite. $24
Triathlete gifts under $50
Xterrra Kraken swim paddles- These swim paddles have adjustable rubber cords that secure your wrist and fingers so they stay put. I use the small red version, but they also come in medium and large. $16.99
New Wave Swim Buoy Bubble- A swim buoy is a must for open-water practice and these inflatable ones are bright colored and easy to use. $29.95
Nomadix towels- These are Matt’s favorite towels for the pool. They’re microfiber and super thin so sand doesn’t stick to them. Also, they come in really cool designs. $39.95
Torege sunglasses- Torege has great sunglasses for cycling and running that are super affordable. Most models are between $37-$50. They’re sturdy, have anti-fog, and adjustable nose grips. I have the Clock Stoppers EV in Rosy Spectrum and love them. $49.89
(*Triple Threat Life Club members get 15% off Torege sunglasses.)
Road iD- This small, engraved tag with emergency contact information provides peace of mind when you’re out training on the road. You can wear it on a provided wristband, or attach it to your watch like Matt and I do. $39.99
(*Triple Threat Life Club members get 20% off Road iD.)
Firefly- This recovery device uses a small electrical pulse to stimulate the peroneal nerve in the lower leg. This triggers a muscle contraction, which helps to increase blood flow, decrease soreness, and shorten recovery time 3X faster than traditional methods. It also stimulates a lymphatic response, which helps flush lactate. I wear them after a hard run workout to keep my legs feeling fresh. $48
Click here to read my review of Firefly.
(*Triple Threat Life Club members get 15% off Firefly.)
TYR Stryker silicone fins- I get asked about these fins a lot. They’re the perfect length for triathlon swimming. A lot of traditional fins are too long and don’t mimic the kick triathletes use. These are the perfect length and very comfortable. $52.49
Triathlete gifts under $100
Naked Run Band- This is the best run belt ever. I use it for any race over a 5K where I need to carry my own nutrition. (It’s my go-to for 70.3 and Ironman). It’s made of expandable mesh so you can fit this Amphipod 20 oz. bottle or two 10.5 oz. flasks if you want one with water and one with carbs. You can also carry a few gels, salt tabs, and holds your race number. It’s super comfortable and doesn’t bounce at all. $55
The Magic5 goggles- These are my favorite swim goggles. They do cost a bit more than regular swim goggles, but they’re well worth it. Because the rubber gaskets are custom-fit to your eye sockets, they don’t require as much pressure to stay put and are more comfortable. You simply use their app to take a 3D scan of your face. They have a 100% fit guarantee and excellent customer service. I use the Blue Magic Mirror Gold and Matt likes the Blue Magic that’s more clear. $45- $72
Noxgear Tracer 2 light vest- If you run or ride when it’s dark outside, this light vest is a must-have. You can switch between 8 different colors and 8 multi-color flashing modes by pushing a button. It’s super lightweight and rechargeable. $63.95
Arundel bottle cages- These carbon-fiber bottle cages are what Matt and I have on the rear bottle set-up on our triathlon bikes. A bit pricy, but they’re super light and the mandible design ensures you won’t lose your bottles. $84
Triathlete gifts under $200
Garmin HRM Pro Plus- This new heart rate strap from Garmin was designed just for women! It clips on to the bottom of your sports bra, and doesn’t restrict breathing like a traditional heart rate strap. $145.95
Zoot Ultra Triathlon Bag- Matt and I both have this transition bag from Zoot, and it’s the best I’ve seen. It opens up like a suitcase and has two, large, mesh zippered compartments inside, a space for your helmet, cycling and running shoes, and wet storage. $160
ROKA Viper Pro swimskin- A swimskin is what you wear when a race isn’t wetsuit legal. So for those who live in hot climates, this is a good investment. It doesn’t provide buoyancy, but the hydrophobic coating makes you faster. This was my Christmas gift from my dad a few years ago. $175-$295
(*Triple Threat Life Club members get 25% off ROKA.)
Garmin Varia RTL 515- If you want my advice for a great triathlete gift, this is it. The Garmin Varia rear taillight is unique because it connects to a bike computer or watch and provides visual and audible alerts when cars are approaching from behind (up to 140 meters) away. It’s great to help you stay safe when riding on the road. $175.99
FORM Smart Swim Goggles- These goggles allow you to see real-time metrics while you swim with an in-goggle display that shows time, distance, pace, stroke rate, and more. The app comes with a library of workouts and training plans or you can upload your own custom workout. HeadCoach with drills and Swim Straight with open water mode are two premium features. They also connect to Training Peaks. $129-199
Click here to read my review of FORM.
Triathlete gifts under $300
Omius headband- You’ve probably seen all the pros on the Ironman circuit wearing this cooling headband made out of thermally conductive graphite. (Sifan Hassan and Eliud Kipchoge also wore it at the Olympics.) The idea is that it amplifies the body's natural cooling mechanism and increases comfort and performance in hot conditions. We use it during hot races, and it’s pretty amazing. $204
hDrop sweat tracker- This wearable hydration sensor helps you achieve optimal hydration by tracking your sweat loss, how much electrolytes you lose, temperature data, and delivers personalized insights for how to refuel. The best part is that it’s reusable, so there’s no need to constantly buy patches. $249.99
Nix Biosensor- Nix is another great option for a hydration tracker. It’s cheaper at only $129, but you have to buy refill patches, which are single-use and come in a pack of 4 for $24.
Chirp RPM- This rolling percussive massager helps relieves sore muscles and release tension. Think of it like if a foam roller and a massage gun had a baby. It has 5 speeds and is rechargeable. My favorite way to use it is on my calves in the hands-free base. $249.99
Check out my review of Chirp RPM.
Rudy Project Kelion sunglasses- I have several Rudy Project sunglasses, but my current favorite is the Kelion (White Gloss with Impact X Photochromic 2 Laser Purple lens.) These are practically unbreakable lenses and they transition from clear to tinted within seconds based on lighting conditions. They fit perfectly under my helmet and have a wide field of view so it’s like I’m not wearing any glasses at all.
Rudy Project also has great customer service with a 90-day, money-back guarantee, free shipping for orders over $200, and a two-year warranty on sunglasses, eyeglasses, and helmets. $269.99
Check out my review of the Rudy Project Kelion.
(You get 35% off Rudy Project helmets and sunglasses, including prescription eyewear. Also, up to 50% off sale items with code- triplethreatlife.)
Stryd running power meter- Last year, I was looking for a gift for Matt and a friend of ours suggested the Stryd running power meter. It’s a wearable device that clips onto your shoe and provides real-time metrics for power output, just like cycling. Honestly, it does so much more than he uses it for, like pace targets for races, built-in workouts, and stride analytics. It also pairs with all the top smartwatches. $279
Go Pro Hero12 Black- Go Pro is the gold standard in waterproof action cameras. This one has 5.3K60 Ultra HD Video, HyperSmooth image stabilization, and is waterproof up to 33 feet without a case. $299
Apollo Neuro- This wearable is a vagus nerve stimulator and reset vibrating wristband. Different modes help reduce stress, improve sleep, enhance recovery, and improve focus. I like using the focus setting while working and the recover setting after a hard workout. $299
(*Triple Threat Life Club members get 15% off Apollo Neuro)
Triathlete gifts $400-$1,000
Garmin Varia RTL515 Radar Tail Light- This is the luxury version of the Garmin Radar listed earlier. The reason it’s more expensive is because it incorporates a rear-facing camera that records footage continuously. $389.95
Insta 360- Just like the GoPro, Insta 360 is an action camera with 5.7K video. But it’s unique because it shoots in 360 degrees that you can reframe later in the app. This makes for some incredible video, wide-angle shots, and epic third-person views. The app edits out the selfie stick so it’s like having your own film crew. $379.99
KUAT Sherpa 2.0 bike rack- Kuat makes the best bike racks. This is one we have, and it’s nice because it has a built-in lock that’s great for traveling. $689
Garmin power pedals- While I have a power crank on my bike, Matt has these power pedals. The benefit is that you can swap out pedals from a triathlon to a road bike, or vice versa. $699.99
Bike Box Alan (Triathlon Aero EasyFit)- This is the only bike box we will put our bikes in when we need to fly to a race. It’s hard-sided for maximum protection, locks, and has wheels so it rolls easily. Depending on the size of your bike, you may only need to remove the derailleur, pedals, and keep everything else intact. $737.81
Cool Mitt- This thermoregulation device was created with technology developed at Stanford University. The theory behind it is based on the fact that the palms of your hands radiate heat over 5 times more effectively than other parts of the body. Cool Mitt works by rapidly drawing heat away and sending cooled blood back to the heart. This type of vasocooling during short breaks in exercise has shown to increase endurance, delay fatigue, and improve performance. We use it during hard trainer rides, and it definitely makes a difference. $995
(Click here to read my review of Cool Mitt.)
(*Triple Threat Life Club members get $200 off Cool Mitt).
ROKA Maverick X3 wetsuit- This is one of the nicest wetsuits on the market, so it comes with an appropriate price tag. My review on this wetsuit is coming out soon. (I wore it at 70.3 North Carolina and will be using it at Ironman Arizona.) It has interior core taping that stiffens the suit and helps connect hips to shoulders. Arms-up technology means there’s no shoulder restriction. It’s made of thin, buttery soft Yamamoto neoprene for maximum comfort and buoyancy. It has a new forearm catch material to increase tactile feedback in the water and modified neck paneling to reduce chafing. But honestly, the Maverick 2 is extremely nice as well and their lower-level Comp wetsuits are great too if you don’t want a suit with all the bells and whistles. $895-$1,245
(*Triple Threat Life Club members get 25% off ROKA.)
Bonus creative ideas
Training Peaks subscription- If you have an athlete who’s interested in getting a triathlon coach, a Training Peaks subscription would be a great gift. The basic version is free and the paid version is $124.99 a year.
Membership to Effortless Swimming- You’ve probably seen Brenton Ford’s videos on YouTube. He offers some of the best explanations I’ve seen for analyzing swim form, explanation of the freestyle stroke, and fun drills. He offers an 8-week Faster Freestyle course for just $85 that’s entirely online.
70.3 or Ironman race entry- Although you can’t sign someone else up for a race without their athlete data, you can create a handmade “voucher” that’s redeemable for a race entry.
Race Memory Shadow Box- My mom makes these for us after big races. Wait until Hobby Lobby has a sale on shadow boxes. Then, put your medal, swim cap, poster, and photos inside for a beautiful shadow box to hang in your bike room.
Triple Threat Life Discounts
This is our list of exclusive discounts for newsletter subscribers. The first 3 are available to everyone, and the rest are only for Triple Threat Life Club members.
The Feed online nutrition marketplace- $80 in annual credit
(You have to sign up with your email at this link. Receive $20 off today’s order and then $20 in Feed cash appears in your email every 90 days. If you don’t use it, the credit expires. It’s amazing. Complete instructions at this link.)
Zealios sunscreen and skincare- 20% off with code- TRIPLETHREATLIFE
Rudy Project- 35% off helmets and sunglasses, including prescription eyewear. Also, up to 50% off sale items with code- triplethreatlife.
Create a free account at this link. Then, when you browse the website, discounted prices will show up automatically.
*Triple Threat Life Club members receive full access to the members-only discount list which includes: Torege eyewear, ROKA, Never Second nutrition, Apollo Neuro, Cool Mitt, Running Warehouse, Road iD, Firefly Recovery, Rudy Project, Zealios, and the Feed.
Join the Triple Threat Life Club today to unlock the entire list of members-only discounts; get access to bonus content; post voice-over; and monthly Zoom chats with me, Matt, and expert guest speakers. (Next is mid-November!)
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