We know disposable plastic water bottles are clogging our landfills, costing lots of oil, and might be putting some pretty nasty chemicals into the water we’re drinking. That’s got us switching to refillable bottles and they’re great! But, if you’re not a fan of aluminum drinking bottles, and you worry about what leaches into your water from a conventional plastic bottle, check out this new offering from Camelbak. They’ve changed the plastic formula on their very popular “Better Bottle” to a material that’s totally free of BPA and Phthalates. It’s still the familiar hard clear plastic bottle in lots of cheery colors but without the nasty stuff.

Camelbak Better Bottle: with classic cap or bite valve (available May 2008). msrp $8, www.camelbak.com

More lights! These are flashy safety lights that can be used by practically anyone outside at night to increase visibility. The little light, not much bigger than an inch square, snaps into a clip, letting you mount it to practically anything: bike helmets, backpacks, clothing, dog collars, or wrist/head bands.

The Supernovas are astonishingly bright (visible over a mile according to Road ID) and waterproof to 300 feet, if you decide to take an underwater walk. Flipping the battery around in the light switches it from a flashing mode to a steady mode and the rounded light housing allows it to be seen from both the front and the sides. I’ve got a couple attached to my helmet straps for side visibility during my commute.  ET, phone home!

It’s hard to get a daylight run or ride or even dog walk in at this time of the year when you work full time. It just makes good sense to have a few of these flashies on hand to increase your visibility, especially when they are so easy to clip on and move around depending on your activity. Be seen, be safe!

Road ID Firefly Supernova lights, msrp: $12.99, available through the RoadID website.

Now, I know it’s WAY too early to start thinking about fall. Let’s all stick our fingers in our ears and chant “summer will never end” about a million times! But, even here in the Midwest, we’ve had a few cool mornings this summer and it’s nice to start out on a run or ride with something very light to keep my core warm until I work up a sweat. Mountain Hardwear’s Women’s Ghost Vest fits the purpose very nicely, thanks.

At just 3 ounces, it’s extremely light and packable into a pocket or seat bag. It’s form fitting, so I wasn’t bothered with any bagginess or ballooning in the wind. I really liked the mesh back because it lets you get your temperature regulation fine tuned as you unzip the front a bit and, joy of joys, it has a little right-hand zip pocket! I’ve complained for ages that there’s no point in making a vest or jacket without some sort of key pocket at least. I generally tend to fall off my bike if I try to wiggle an arm under a jacket to reach my jersey pocket for a gel.

I wouldn’t change a thing about this vest — it’s a welcome addition to my seat bag. Now, if I could just remember that I’ve got it with me when I start out down the road…

Mountain Hardwear Women’s Ghost Vest: msrp $70.00, available in green/gray, blue/light blue, and orange/gray.

I love my accessories. I seek out chunky bracelets and big hoop earrings. Every girl knows how a good accent to an outfitcan make all the difference. Well my new favorite accessory is my Eagles Nest Outfitters hammock.

No I can’t dangle it from my ears or wear it on my wrist, but I can dangle IN it…..anywhere. It is light, packable and goes with me everywhere. On a roadtrip, in my backpack for a canyon adventure or in my backyard. Treat yourself, and accessorize! The ENO hammock will complete your outdoor outfit. MSRP 49.95 www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com

Mountain Hardwear has come up with some cross-over pieces that will work for many outdoor activities. This jersey is billed as a “climbing/cool weather active” jersey and most cyclists will find it a little different than the usual winter weight jersey, but it works.

It’s made of a nylon/elastane double-weave fabric that makes it more water resistant and not quite as stretchy. When I first pulled it over my head, I wondered if it would feel “normal” while I was riding. Now, I don’t know about you, but I don’t ever want to be reminded that I’m actually wearing clothes when I ride. Some people talk about their saddle being so comfy it “disappears beneath” them. I want my clothes to disappear, too. There’s enough hurtin’ going on when you’re pushing up a big hill or in the final 10 miles of a century, without worrying about something rubbing, chafing, or restricting movement. So I was pleasantly surprised that the Chockstone didn’t intrude on my ride fun.

You can layer under the Chockstone and stay warm without a jacket in moderate temperatures and if the day’s a little misty or drizzly, the water-resistant fabric will keep stuff outside where it belongs. I rode on a very windy 30-40F day with a jacket over the top and never felt overheated or chilled, so I know it was breathing and cutting the wind.

There are some interesting features you won’t find on most cycling jerseys. Yes, it’s got a small zippered side pocket and arm pocket (don’t you just love those arm pockets for little things!) But you’ll find it has welded seams at the wrists and the hem rather than regular stitching so you aren’t going to pop stitches. The cut keeps the fit close on the sides and forearms - you won’t be bothered by wind rushing up your sleeves or any riding up at the waist and the tail is cut a bit longer, so it accommodates that cyclist’s crouch without a problem.

So, if you’re on the lookout for a winter/spring top that can go from biking to climing to hiking to strolling around town, check out a Chockstone. Msrp: $85 www.mountainhardwear.com