Better to see

UK Vizion 3AAA eLED Headlamp. Granted, if you give this as a gift, the recipient might look like a coal miner once he or she straps this puppy on. But, especially on unfamiliar sidewalks with questionable curbs, she'll also be the one who doesn't trip during a nighttime or an early-evening run.

Nor will your favorite sailor on your list lose sight of the mast when he's sailing in the pouring rain. Plus, the spelunker will find the cave entrance with ease.

This waterproof wonder has three beam modes. Look for it at rei.com (product No. 7658390013) or other sporting-goods stores. Cost is about $30.Ahhh, relax

The Stick. When we put this on the counter at Luke's Locker, the woman who checked us out said, "Oh, these are great."

Always a nice thing to hear, especially about something we chose without any prodding or prior knowledge. But just what is this contraption that looks like a giant white plastic Tootsie Roll?

You rub the flexible gizmo on muscles to loosen them before working out, and to ease them after working out. In so doing, the idea is that you help them recover faster. Oh, yes, and to feel good in the process.

It's been touted in publications as varied as Running Times and Arthritis Today. Find more info at www.thestick.com.

The 17-inch carry-in-your-suitcase model runs about $30; pull it out after a long trip and ahhhhh. The 24-inch one will run you around $40.

Count, contact

Sportline Talking Safety Alarm Pedometer. Admittedly, we're suckers for anything that measures progress. This not only does that; it helps keep us safe to boot.

Yes, it counts steps (hiked, run or walked) up to 99,999. It also announces calories burned, distance traveled and time elapsed.

But that's not all, sister. If you feel like you're being followed, or you fall and can't get up, or you want to signal your walking, running, hiking partner who has left you in the dust, just pull the panic alarm pin. A loud, pulsing signal will sound.

We found ours at Luke's Locker. They're also available at Sports Authority and other sporting goods and running stores. Cost is about $30.Invisible rope

The Ropeless Jump Rope. We've had just about enough of tripping over our tootsies while simultaneously flinging a jump rope over our head and reciting "Cinderella Dressed in Yella."

Yet we love the idea of jumping rope. Whatever are we to do?

Enter this baby from the Hammacher Schlemmer catalog (among other places, we've since discovered).

It has two handles, but what? No rope!

Program your weight and height and start jumping. The LCD on one handle tells you calories burned, jumps jumped, time passed. Not to worry about missing the snap of the rope; this has that, too!

It'll run you $59.95 at Hammacher Schlemmer. Google it to find more varieties.

Set your weights

AquaBells Dumbbells. You ever tried lugging your dumbbells in your carry-on? Nah. Us either.

But we have thought how nice it would be to have some hand weights of our own when traveling. That way, we wouldn't have to traipse to the hotel health club. Or, if we're roughing it, rely on cans of creamed corn for our bicep curls.

That's where these AquaBells come in handy. You just stuff (carefully of course) them into your briefcase or suitcase. They weigh less than two pounds unfilled. Then when you're ready for a workout, fill them with as much water as you need for your workout, up to 16 pounds per AquaBell.

Cost for the dumbbells is $59.95. Ankle weights will run you $29.95. Alas, they're not in any Texas stores. Order them online, though, at aquabells.com.

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