Gifts for exercisers and outdoor enthusiasts

It's Christmastime, and you know the drill: The innovative products here are small enough to fit in a stocking, and functional and stylish enough to win the nod of a real athlete.

-- Roy Wallack

Camelbak Podium bottle

The first true leak-free water bottle.

Likes: It works. Instead of the push-pull valve found on standard water bottles, which will leak when turned upside down, sometimes even when in the "closed" position, the Podium has a soft, self-sealing "bite" valve that does not release a water flow until you squeeze the bottle. No more pulling the valve open with your teeth to drink, and pushing it against your hip to close. Also, because of an innovative twist lock on top, it won't leak even when squeezed hard or stored upside down in a backpack. It is built of a harder, sturdier-feeling plastic than a typical bottle and includes an antibacterial coating that supposedly prevents the growth of gunk.

Dislikes: Expensive (but worth it).

Price: $8. (21 ounces), $9 (24 ounces). (800) 767-8725; camelbak.com.

Polar FT80 training computer

Stylish, comfortable heart-rate watch designed for use with aerobic and strength-training workouts.

Likes: Stunning looks and comfy feel. Soft fabric "WearLink" transmitter chest strap is the best in the business. Besides monitoring your pulse and beeping when you get out of your targeted training zone, the computer can download strength routines from Polar's Web service via its included Flowlink data transfer unit) and can tell you how long to rest between exercises. Good graphics include legible heart-rate and clock numerals, a chart of your heart-rate over time and heart-rate zone. Can sync with Polar's optional GPS sensor and foot pod for speed and distance tracking.

Dislikes: Functionality does not match style. The FT80 does not show seconds in clock mode. A watch without seconds? Come on, Polar. Seconds appear only in stopwatch mode. Also, the clock and heart rate do not appear together on one screen, causing you to toggle through buttons to get the time, a hassle while running or riding. In stopwatch mode, the white letters on a black background are small and hard to read. Also, the concept of using a heart-rate watch to govern rest periods between strength exercises is debatable. But, hey, it looks cool. . . .

Price: $349.95. (800) 227-1314; www.polarusa.com