If you follow road running, the buzz around carbon-plated shoes is not new to you. Nike led the way with its Alphafly and Next% series, which sparked rapid innovation throughout the industry to quickly ensure their top racing shoes could compete. In 2021, “super shoes” have quickly transitioned from controversial to nearly ubiquitous, permeating the elite and recreational fields alike. 

But what about off-road? Is there a place for the carbon-plate in trail and ultra running, where the improved return on investment caused by the plate might be amplified? A 4% improvement for someone running 100 miles under the common 30-hour cutoff is 72 minutes by time, compared to 9.6 minutes for someone running a 4-hour marathon. Yes — there is a great deal more to this equation, but it’s worth the thought experiment.  

Given the dynamic nature of trail running, I was skeptical that carbon plate technology could be readily integrated. On trails, you’re not simply propelling yourself forward; you’re dodging rocks, jumping off of roots, climbing, descending, making quick turns, and trying not to let your dog take out your meniscus. 

This spring, The North Face put the concept to the test in the new VECTIV line, featuring the first carbon-plated trail shoes, the Flight VECTIV. I was lucky enough to win a pair at a race hosted by my local running store, Independence Run and Hike, and I have enjoyed putting the shoes through their paces on a variety of terrain surrounding my home in Carbondale, CO this summer and fall. Here are my thoughts.

First: the Fit. 

The Flight VECTIV features a seamless knit upper, meaning the shoe has no tongue. The upper is reinforced at the toe, lace eyelets, and heel, and has a “Matryx” panel made of Kevlar and polyamide on the sidewalls to boost stability in the midfoot. The fabric is also designed for breathability and drainage, making it a strong choice for warm days and/or wet trails. 

Coaxing my swollen already-wide feet into the shoes after a 14-mile race required effort, and I was unsure whether the toe box would have enough volume to be comfortable for the long haul. The upper was snug and the shoes felt rigid. However, I was pleased with how forgiving the stretchy upper turned out to be. After a few short runs, the shoes seemed custom molded to my feet and I have not experienced any discomfort from restriction in the toe box. Simultaneously, 200+ miles in, the shoes show minimal wear on the upper, indicating that the give of fabric does not compromise durability — and that’s coming from someone with a very wide forefoot who regularly wears through the outer edge of toe boxes.  

An additional layer of cushion underneath the laces allows the wearer to customize the tightness of the tie down without risking discomfort from the laces digging into the top of the foot during flexion. The seamless upper is snug and integrates well with the lacing to keep the foot securely in place.

The heel sits snugly in its reinforced cup with the carbon plate wrapping around the base of the Achilles. Combined with the fit of the upper, this provides excellent control — the shoe will match any action at the ankle to ensure your foot is landing how and where you want it to, with minimal slipping in any direction of the foot inside the shoe. 

On sizing: these shoes do run long. Dropping down half a size (US) did the trick for me. 

Next: the Feel. 

The Flight VECTIV was clearly designed for speed on trails. At roughly 8.6 ounces per shoe, they feel incredibly light. The rockered midsole paired with the carbon plate gives the shoe a snappy and responsive feel, making it a great choice for workouts or races. 

Despite the stiffness from the carbon plate, the shoe has ample cushion for longer runs. I did find that they felt a little hard on roads, but once they hit the dirt, they kept my feet feeling great, even four-plus hours deep. 

The 3D plate design aims to improve torsional stability and redirect motion into forward propulsion, and the resistance to twisting is noticeable on trail. While I do feel this design is supportive through lateral movements on smooth trails, I also find myself rolling my ankles more frequently on off-camber trails than I am used to. My theory is that the torsional flexibility in a traditional shoe allows the shock absorptive structure of the foot and ankle to naturally absorb more of the impact. In the Flight VECTIV, the stiffness of the 3D plate prevents this movement inside the shoe, so the ankle has to roll extra to offset the lack of movement in the foot. The rockered design may also decrease stability. Maybe I’m just clumsy.

As marketed, the breathability of the upper offers excellent drainage when the shoes are wet, and releases heat and moisture to keep feet comfortable during warmer runs. The downside is that they do not hold much warmth when the temperatures fall. My feet quickly progressed toward numbness when stomping through high country snow. 

Lastly: the Ride.

At just over 6,000 feet, Carbondale is a high-desert transitional zone between the classic slickrock landscape of Western Colorado and Southeast Utah and the alpine zones of nearby Aspen and the White River National Forest. How does this relate to the shoes? Within a small radius, I’m lucky to have dusty red dirt trails, blending into rugged foothills as the elevation increases and the geology morphs into classic Rocky Mountains high alpine zones. The terrain is widely varied, but also broadly more runnable than, say, the White Mountains or the Adirondacks in the Northeast, where trails are incredibly steep and technical. 

The biomechanical payout from the rocker and carbon plate is highest in runnable terrain, and this is where the Flight VECTIV shines. When landing on the midfoot of the shoe, the rocker gives the wearer the feeling of being propelled forward, promoting proper running mechanics and increasing the speed of the transition from landing to toe-off. 

Think of it as a diving board; as trails slow down and less force is being applied to the carbon plate, therefore the plate bends less and the subsequent return decreases, along with the benefit of the plate. That said, this shoe is as agile as the wearer in technical terrain. The footprint is tighter relative to the wider design of many trail shoes, like the popular Hoka Speedgoat. Because the outsole was closer in shape and size to my actual foot, I found this allowed me to navigate through technical terrain without worrying about catching the edges of my shoe on rocks or roots. 

The outsole offers excellent traction on all of the surfaces on which they’ve been tested, including mud, talus, and snow. The grip and structure of the lugs offer stability and control even on steep and loose descents, allowing the wearer to push the pace both up and downhill. 

Summary:

If you’re looking for a light and snappy performance trail shoe, the Flight VECTIV might be your new best friend. The Flight VECTIV can be found at many running and outdoor retailers throughout the U.S., and typically run at $199.

Indura Athletic, a small-scale business producing hand-crafted clothing, focuses on creating products that fit women’s athletic bodies and allows them to focus on their workouts, and not their clothing.  With unique innovative design features, the Stay Put Shorts do just that. 

Unlike most fitted running shorts, the Stay Put Shorts feature a thin grip strip on the bottom hem that keeps them in place and prevents them from riding up. Additionally, they are designed to fit the curves of your body with the inseam being longer to limit chafing, paired with a shorter outer seam to provide a flattering look. 

Pockets on both legs allow you to store items such as keys, phones, or snacks while out running. 

The shorts are presented with two options, the mid-rise or high rise curve. The mid-rise curve dips below the belly button, and curve up around the hips toward a high back, whereas the high rise option sits above the belly button at an even hight around the waist. 

Typically I have always stuck to a more loose fitting running short, but after having purchased the Indura Stay Put Shorts, I’ve begun to wear them more and more frequently. Not only are they practical and well-designed, but they are also stylish and make me feel speedy when I hit the trails. 

Being a new and evolving business, Indura is always open to feedback and each product launch produces a new and slightly improved design. Currently, Indura is closed to orders but you can keep an eye out for the next product launch at induraathletic.com or on Instagram at @induraathletic.

Made of more than 50% recycled synthetic fiber, the shorts are breathable, lightweight, and durable. Weighing in at 140 grams (that’s just under 5 ounces), they make for a great choice if you are trying to cut back on luggage while still prioritizing functionality. 

Normally, I stick to traditional running shorts when out for a run or hike, but this summer the Norrøna Loose Shorts have worked their way into my regular exercise clothing rotation. Thanks to the nylon and elastic material they are stretchy and loose enough to make running comfortable and offer a practical outfit choice if you are trying to squeeze in a workout during a busy day. The drawstring tightening feature at the waist ensures that your shorts stay up, even if the double pockets are loaded up. 

Speaking of pockets — arguably the most important part of any piece of clothing — the zipper closed pocket at the back is a great place for key storage or stashing a bar during a longer outing.

The double hand pockets are large enough to carry an iPhone 8 (the largest smartphone model available during testing), and are designed so that items don’t bounce out when you’re on the go. My one caution would be that the mesh lining the pockets did start to chafe my legs after a while when full. 

If you happen to encounter a body of water and feel like taking a dip, there’s no need to worry about getting these shorts wet. Empty your pockets and dive in; given the lightweight breathability, your bottoms will be dry again in no time. 

With a price tag of $79, the Loose Shorts are at the steep end of the market. That said, given the wide array of possible uses and the enduring reputation of Norrøna gear, you can trust that they are a safe investment for the long-term. 

As the smoke clears and I get ready to enjoy the last few weeks of summer, I’ll be pleased to head out for some mountain adventures in my Norrøna Loose Shorts, pockets loaded with snacks.

Fleece-lined and with a durable, wind-resistant exterior the lofoten hiloflex200 is the perfect in-between jacket for me. There’s a maxim for ski-touring that can be applied to most high-output endeavors: start cold. Traveling uphill, or running, or striding, it’s only a matter of time until the body heats up.  

For me, on a cold, clear day of touring with whipping wind above tree-line this jacket kept me warm and comfortable, and I found that I didn’t have to make multiple stops to shed and don layers with each minor temperature change. On days when I planned an easy distance nordic outing when temperatures hovered in the mid-20’s, the lofoten hiloflex200 was an excellent choice to keep me warm but not too hot.

In today’s mask-filled world, the jacket’s high zip collar had the added benefit of not only keeping me cozy and protected from wind-chill, but additionally serving as a temporary mask if I was passing other recreators. Furthermore, as someone who really loves any garment with a hood, the hood on the lofoten hiloflex200 was a big bonus for me. The hood also has a built-in balaclava feature that I would not recommend for casual wearing (unless it’s Halloween perhaps), though I would imagine this could be useful under a helmet for some cold descents. 

Other notable features of the jacket include elastic hand-gaiter options at the cuffs which I have employed many times while running or biking. Perhaps my favorite feature of the jacket however is the large chest zipper pocket. My experience with women’s technical clothing has often left me wanting in the pocket department, especially since I tend to take a lot of photos while out and thus appreciate having quick and easy access to my phone. The chest pocket in the lofoten hiloflex200 is super accessible and perfectly sized for storing a phone or a mid-workout snack. 

The size and cut of the jacket is another thing I appreciate about its design. I am 5’7” and 140 lbs and when choosing a size I often oscillate between small and medium. In this case, I went with a small and was glad for it. Slim fitting, but not too short in the torso, the lofoten hiloflex200 is well cut and doesn’t feel or look bulky at all. It weighs just 410 grams and is no burden to stuff into a backpack if you get too warm.

for drinkers, inhalers

At $169.00, the lofoten hiloflex200 on the reasonable end of midweight ski layers. Its durability and versatility seem to justify the investment. This jacket is built to last and with three months of use shows no sign of wear or tear. Furthermore, it seems to occupy a unique category of its own in terms of adaptability. 

As a self-proclaimed jacket expert, I can say I have yet to encounter a jacket that matches the range of utility of the lofoten hiloflex200. While I may own many jackets, this one holds its own as a bridge between my lightweight nordic ski jackets, and the warmer down options.

I look forward to many more adventures in the coming years, sporting the snappy red lofoten hiloflex200.

Residing in “dry” climates the past two decades — I’ve eschewed heavy-duty Gore-Tex products. Even after spending considerable time in high alpine snowstorms, and mid-summer rain, I’ve functioned perfectly fine. My only go-to rule for inclement weather gear is this – if the weather looks anything other than high-pressure and bluebird – no down. I’ve kept it basic when the sky spits precip. I rely on synthetic insulation topped with a feather-light windbreaker. (Essentially a highly tailored piece of rip-stop nylon.)

The reality of the situation is this: it still gets wet and dreary in the high desert. And places like Bend, Oregon have more than their share of wet days. Places like Mount Bachelor and Meissner Nordic sit nearly on the crest of the transition zone from wet Westside Cascades to drier Eastside. The gigs up. Believe half the hype, it’s not always sunny in places like Bend. With a busy life of work and kids, I ski during finite windows of time. I expect to ski in the rain or on wet-snow days that soak gear.

In my quest for self-improvement, twenty years since I illogically swore off  Gore-Tex, I decided to try again.

I looked around for a dual-purpose lightweight and weatherproof jacket. One suitable for snowy ski tours and breathable enough to wear cross-country skiing when it rains, drizzles, or “sno-rains”.

Gore-Tex, it turns out, comes in many iterations. I was directed towards Gore-Tex Active 2 fabric, a more breathable version of the fabled three-layer fabric. Of the scores of options out there, Norrøna, a Norway-based designer of technical outerwear had an option.

The Norrøna lyngen Gore-Tex jacket appeared to check all the boxes. We’ll get to this in a bit, but the jacket is a highly engineered garment, designed for high output activities in inclement weather. Originally crafted for ski-touring, the lyngen seemed dialed for rain-soaked cross-country skiing too.

Since we are talking high-output, let’s get right to the jacket’s “breathable” attributes. The torso (front and back) are constructed from Gore-Tex Active 2, the most breathable of the Gore-Tex line of fabrics. With a RET (Resistance to Evaporative Heat Transfer) rating of 4, the lyngen sits in the sweet spot (0-6) in terms of breathability ratings. In contrast, the war-horse of Gore-Tex fabrics, Gore-Tex Pro, boasts a RET of 9. The lower the RET value, the more breathable.

The top of the arms and shoulders feature Gore-Tex C fabric, a slightly less breathable (RET 6) but more durable construction on the jacket’s high-wear surfaces.

Some outdoorsy folks are bothered by the audible “crinkly” sound made by fabrics like GoreTex Pro. The fabric on the lyngen, for what it’s worth, does not “crinkle”. Your silent sport endeavor will not be compromised by a sound similar to rummaging through a bag of chips. And next to skin, the fabric feels like durable cotton.

The lyngen offers two more features maximizing breathability by shedding heat during exercise. First, generous pit zips extend from the elbow to the lower torso. The pit zips are two-way, meaning you can unzip from both the elbow and the torso to fine-tune the venting.

I love pit zips but understand they are not for everyone. My main ski touring partner claims if a jacket features pit zips to shed heat, then it is poorly designed. He owns, by last count, two Gore-Tex jackets, two alpine oriented soft-shells, and two lightweight coated nylon shells. In other words, a jacket quiver.

Pit zips, in my opinion, broaden a jacket’s functionality. In the case of the lyngen, they do exactly that. Zip them up when you need/want weatherproofing and heat retention and presto, you’re sealed up. Feeling like the temps are rising while skiing uphill or gently striding an incline, the opened pit zips work wonders. They dump heat. And they dump it fast.

So far, the engineering of the lyngen, beyond the generous length of the pit zips, is quotidian for a lightweight and high end alpine oriented Gore-Tex piece. Taped Gore-Tex seams, weatherproof zippers, a helmet friendly hood, and a simple drawcord for the waist are timeless finishes.

Things get interesting when it comes to the main front zipper. Running along the length of the front are two zipper options — one is the normal zipper entombing you from the elements. The other zipper, running an inch or so to the right, offers another option to dump heat. When that zipper is used, running from below your chin to your waist is a mesh vent resembling a length of high-tech and robust mosquito netting.

Out of the box, the full-length mesh seems gimmicky. The ground truth reveals an innovative means to enhance breathability and provide a dose of cool air when descending or when the wind kicks up. Unless it’s 20 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, I use the mesh front-zip option when ski touring or cross-country skiing. The feature adds a bit more complexity to the jacket, yet its functionality reigns.

Another aspect of the lyngen initially seemed over-engineered. Each sleeve has what is called a hand gaiter – a  lightweight piece of Gore-Tex sealing the elements out of the sleeve. We know gaiters around boots in winter can keep snow from infiltrating boot liners. Similarly, the hand gaiter is designed to keep nasty weather, think water, from entering the sleeve. The gaiters are optional. You can simply push your hand through the sleeve and pop your hand out like any other jacket. Or, you can slot your thumb through a small hole and engage the hand gaiter.

Ski-touring, my hand gaiters are engaged. Again, proving my judgmental folly, it turns out the hand gaiters are elegantly engineered and another layer of protection and warmth when ski touring or pulling skins off at transitions.

The sleeves, generous in length, also include velcro closures.

If you want to hammer intervals skiing in the rain while wearing the lyngen, even with pit zips open, you’ll heat up. No Gore-Tex jacket has solved that heat dump conundrum. But if you want simply ski in the rain, level 1-2, with the occasional speed burst, you’ll be dry and comfortable.

I tend to run cold, but I do embrace the ethos of starting cold when exercising in the winter. Burning calories cross-country skiing or skiing uphill will warm you fast. Wearing a light poly-pro t-shirt and Patagonia R1 hoody under the lyngen can be overkill if you are pushing the tempo. Cross-country skiing in the rain with temps hovering near 32 degrees, the lyngen over a light poly-pro shirt rings the bell.

The lyngen is light, at approximately 320 grams or ¾ of a pound, for a full-featured alpine worthy Gore-Tex jacket. If you want something light yet weatherproof and breathable with a minimal weight penalty, the lyngen meets weight weeny scrutiny.

For comparison, the Patagonia Triolet Gore-Tex jacket, featuring Gore-Tex’s basic 3-ply membrane weighs 550 g (19.4 oz). The Patagonia Pluma, which uses Gore-Tex Pro fabric, weighs 414 g (14.6 oz).

The lyngen features two generous and weatherproof exterior chest pockets and an internal pocket roomy enough for keys and a phone.

The real downside to this piece is getting over the sticker shock. No matter how you look at it, the lyngen is pricey. It retails for $599.00. The price will certainly make one second guess the need for high-end Gore-Tex garments. I tend to keep outdoor pieces I like for years. Duct-tape, Tenacious Tape, dental floss and a needle are your best friends when it comes to technical clothing and longevity. I’ve now banged around in the lyngen for three months. The long-term worthiness appears to be there as it remains a hardened mountain piece. The return on investment for your cash, dry under layers and a stable core temperature might be worth your Kroners. It’s windproof, weatherproof, and breathable at moderate levels of exertion.

Norrøna calls the sizing of the lyngen a “technical fit”. At 5’10” and 155 pounds, the fit is athletic. But it is roomy enough to layer insulation underneath. On cold-cold days, a thin base layer, a hoody like the R-1, and even a trim fit puffy all fit under the medium size lyngen with no reduced mobility. The cut, like the engineering, seems perfect.

Maybe you already spent $$$$ on diversifying the ski quiver last season. Maybe you seek that jack of all trades Gore-Tex beauty that you’re more than likely to wear during your more adventure-oriented endeavors. So far, the lyngen has proven a quiver of one technical hard shell. And, if you are keen on cross-country skiing when you are guaranteed to get wet, the lyngen is a no brainer.

Regardless of the circumstances, here’s a review of Fischer’s latest lineup of top-end rollerskis that make hitting the pavement enjoyable and feel realistic enough to keep you in love with the sport until your next chance to slide on snow.

Fischer Speedmax Classic Rollerski

Launched this season, the Speedmax Classic rollerski holds bragging rights as the lightest classic rollerski available. With a full carbon frame, the medium flex ski weighs just 830 g, roughly 20% less than the RC7 classic model. Two models are available: medium for skiers less than 85 kg, and stiff for those greater than 80 kg. The stiff frame adds just 20 additional grams. 

Let’s put it simply: it’s noteworthy. The return of the ski when swinging back through felt much more like a classic ski and less like a clunky rollerski. Despite the ratcheted wheel, this might be the factor most attributable to the realistic feel of rollerskiing on the Speedmax. 

The Speedmax features an arched construction shaft, mimicking the camber of a classic ski. A quick materials engineering lesson: while the frame is certainly stiff and rigid, a carbon weave is strongest when loaded axially, like the way you apply force along the shaft of your set of carbon ski poles. It also resists twisting, but we’ll get to that later. 

When the rollerski is kicked, the load is applied perpendicular to the axis, meaning there is more forgiveness, giving a more realistic feeling of compressing a wax pocket. Though I’m about 25 kg below the threshold at which switching to the stiff shaft is advised, I had no trouble experiencing a realistic flex with the ski. I also noticed a significant amount of vibration dampening, making it comfortable — even for long sessions — to ski chip-seal or rough pavement. 

The pair was also loaned to the top local junior, Kate Oldham, in the midst of her high volume summer training to join the Middlebury Ski Team this fall. Oldham noted a similar experience with the flex as one of the most remarkable features of the ski, expressing that it was more realistic than her aluminum Swix C1 pair she typically trained on. (Swix now sells a carbon fiber classic ski that FasterSkier has not yet reviewed.) Oldham also expressed that the resistance in the wheels provided a more realistic feel in terms of the glide from each push off and the control on downhills.

In addition to the lightness and realistic feel of the full carbon frame, the shaft provides torsional stability, keeping the ski balanced even when taking corners with speed. The 745 mm shaft is a few centimeters longer than other Fischer models and the 70 mm (45 mm width) wheels are smaller in diameter and wider than average. I felt this combo made it easier to drive the ski and glide straight more easily than other classic sets I’ve tried. The Speedmax tracking felt very balanced, smooth, and controlled, very similar to skiing outside the track on a groomed track. 

And now for the downsides: given the full carbon construction, it is likely that the shaft does not provide the same durability you might expect from a composite or metal shaft. The arched shaft does improve ground clearance when unweighted, which helps protect the shaft when rolling over uneven surfaces, like getting on and off the wooden pedestrian bridges I regularly encounter. As carbon fiber is brittle, it is unclear how these would fare for full time high volume use season to season. I was lucky not to take any bad crashes while putting them to use, and Oldham opted not to use them for agility sessions during her testing out of concern for fragility. Bailing onto the rocky shoulder on a downhill or bad encounter with a curb could be devastating — I did my best not to find out the hard way. Ultimately, it’s the same cost-benefit analysis with any other piece of carbon fiber sporting equipment. We’ll leave it to you to run your own numbers.

The Speedmax classic rollerski retails at $379.00 and can be found 

Want to see more? Here’s a video from Fischer. 

Fischer Carbonlite Skate Rollerski

The 2020 Carbonlite Skate rollerski was a pleasure to test out. Fischer boasts that the Air Core Composite frame provides “excellent vibration dampening for smooth, efficient performance that feels just like real snow.” A new set of wheels definitely added fun and reward to what I normally see as a somewhat boring but necessary form of training to balance out the impact of summer running volume and keep my body feeling ready for ski season. 

Near my home in Carbondale, CO, I have three standard rollerski options. One is a very smooth bike path, though I have to roll over ~1k of rough pavement and a raised wooden bridge to get there. One is a up-and-down 5k loop through a chip-sealed neighborhood with two bridge crossings that have gaps in the pavement at the entrance and exit and can be spicy if taken with speed. And one is a less-smooth bike path along ranches and the Crystal River with swooping curves that sometimes accumulate sand, gravel, and other debris from the ranch vehicles crossing at various points to access gates. 

The Carbonlite Skate made all of these venues more enjoyable to ski. The 630 mm wheelbase allows for great handling, whether that be a quick reaction to dodge a patch of gravel or taking a corner at high speed during an interval. The length of the shaft also allows for a bit more flexion than I was accustomed, giving a more realistic push off. 

Adding to the agility and maneuverability of the shaft is the “Razor Shaped Base”. Cross-sectionally, the bottom edges of the shaft are beveled, ensuring adequate ground clearance even with a steep kick angle and reducing the wear and tear on the ski. 

In addition to commenting that the flex provided a realistic feel, Oldham noted the clearance as a feature she appreciated on the Carbonlites. 

“I enjoyed the height of the skate skis. The bolts never scraped the ground while turning and I never bottomed out while going over bumps.”

I’m not sure I’d go quite as far as “just like real snow”, but putting it generously, I’d say it comes close to being on par with ideal spring conditions where the trail base is softening from its bulletproof overnight freeze to the buttery, fast, and firm surface we all know and love. Fast, smooth, probably still some exciting encounters of the “late seasons hazards may exist” nature. After all, that’s skiing on varied pavement.  

The Carbonlite Skate rollerski also retails at $379.00. 

If you’re looking for a high end rollerski to support your training year round, both of Fischer’s 2020 releases are a worthy choice.

As cross-country skiers we’ve all defaulted to running with a standard drink belt. The sort we’ve skied with for years: a foam insulated vessel covered in nylon with a small zipper pocket up top – just enough room for a bar and phone. Suitable for skiing, not exactly the smooth water carrying companion you’d want on a trail run with the undue bouncing. The standard go-to for longer trail runs is the vest. Great for stashing a windbreaker, water, and plenty of fuel. For shorter trail runs, that can be overkill. Many companies sell running belts for those shorter trail runs when minimalism reigns. Think only a small water-filled soft flask, a bar/gel, phone, and car keys.

Nathan Sports sells a men’s version of the “waistpak”, the VaporKrar. I tested the women’s model, the VaporHowe. The basic premise of a “waistpak” is simple: a lightweight belt worn around the waist fabricated from stretchy fabric, and it boasts several pockets for essentials. They feature a step-through design, meaning there’s no adjustable buckle to secure the belt around your waist. They are designed to fit rather snug. If fit properly, there’s no sag or bounce when running. 

The VaoprHowe comes with a 600 ml (20 oz.) soft flask that fits in a rear pocket. There’s a front zipper pocket large enough for a standard smartphone, and two side pockets for stashing fuel.

This belt has served me well for short-medium distance trail runs in the 5-10 mile range. I’ve used both the Nathan bottle and my own more rigid water bottles and the Nathan bottle definitely chafes less. From my experience, the “waistpak” has little if any chaffing compared to running with a traditional cross-country ski drink belt.

The main reason I continue to use the belt is the large stretchy pocket for my phone so I can have headphones in while running and the ease with which it carries the basics. I’ve also worn it on shorter runs without the soft flask, just to carry the phone  — and it hardly feels like I’m wearing a belt.

There’s one last feature that’s an upside if you run with collapsible/lightweight running poles. The “waistpak” comes with elastic straps to secure collapsed poles. It’s a nice way to carry poles when not in use. Which brings this to mind, if you are carrying water and poles, you can cinch down the load with two small compression straps. 

The main limitations of this belt are size and versatility. As someone who tries to use the same gear for as many sports as possible, versatility plays a role in how I choose that gear. I wouldn’t use this for any other activity except trail running. I also feel like I have the right size belt/pack for my body right now but even just a little weight gained (or more with pregnancy or injury) and I don’t think I could squeeze into it. Different body types with more muscle in the legs/thighs (like I was when training harder) and narrow waists might not be able to pull this up and over the thighs. It also can carry a substantial volume of snacks but not much more water than the allotted 600 ml flask. That’s probably by design but for a longer trail run, this wouldn’t be enough for me. Bring on the vest. But there’s a downside to the vest when it’s too much capacity for a shorter run, they can trap heat against your back. That’s not the case with the “waistpak”.

Nathan offers a sizing chart online. The “waistepak” comes in an XXS/XS, S/M, and L/XL. My waist measurement falls in the S/M range, and the fit worked for me. You can find a range of prices in the ballpark of $45.00 to $60.00. 

Casey Collins is a Bend, Ore. based speech pathologist, mom, and outdoor adventurer. And best-ever neighbor.  

Looking for an option to keep your glycogen stores full while logging hours this fall? Consider adding Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel to your bottles for stable energy without distressing your gut. With a variety of tasty flavors that are quickly absorbed, Tailwind claims it’s “All you need, all day. Really.”

It’s been a weird summer. Yes, that is an obvious minimization of the times. Layered on top of the global pandemic and social and political unrest, most inhabitants of the west have been experiencing a literal haze of smoke from the wildfires raging throughout the dehydrated landscape. The northeastern corner of Maine was the hottest area in the country over Father’s Day Weekend, after New York City had snow on Mother’s Day. Snow recently fell around fires that burn throughout Colorado — an odd blip in a long string of hot, sunny, and dry days. 

If you’re like me, finding time to exercise has been grounding; a welcome escape from all of this uncertainty. Waking up early, making some coffee, lacing up my shoes, throwing on my running vest, and heading out for a run on the nearby trails routinely provided me a sense of normalcy, quieting my mind and helping me center myself before facing the day ahead. 

Despite the lack of races, it may have been one of my best summers of running yet. Being more than 1.5 years postpartum and having a great ski season, I had a solid aerobic base and my body felt strong enough to steadily increase the mileage and elevation gain of my long runs. The lack of travel inspired me to dive deeper into maps of the wilderness area closest to my home in Carbondale, CO, finding ways to explore “new” terrain and avoid the more congested trailheads near Aspen. 

From the beginning of June to the end of August, I logged roughly 650 miles almost exclusively on trail, including a lap of the marathon length Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop with my closest friend and a point-to-point almost 30 miler with 9,000’ of climbing on my 30th birthday. 

My weekly adventures in the mountains also provided ample opportunity to experiment with a variety of performance fueling products: drink mixes, gels, chews, candy, etc. One of the products that quickly became a staple in my routine is Tailwind Endurance Fuel, which, in addition to keeping my energy stable on long days, stood out for its digestibility, portability, and flavor. 

Based in Durango, CO and developed by avid endurance athlete, Jeff Vierling, who was “fed up with fueling issues hijacking the blood, sweat and tears of my training.” After learning as much as he could about sports nutrition, he began tinkering with his own mix, and eventually handing out Ziplock baggies of the powder to his friends. Over a decade later, Tailwind has solidified itself as an excellent choice for athletes across the endurance sports spectrum. (They are a sponsor of SMST2’s Alayna Sonnesyn, who used Tailwind in her bottles during the 2019 American Birkie.)

Tailwind has four Endurance Fuel flavors to choose from, each with 100 calories per serving: Naked (unflavored), Lemon, Mandarin Orange, and Berry. They also produce a line of caffeinated Endurance Fuel, which comes in Colorado Cola, Green Tea Buzz, Raspberry Buzz, and Tropical Buzz, each with 35 mg of caffeine per serving.

The powders are made with organic and non-GMO ingredients: simple sugars, namely dextrose (glucose) and sucrose (table sugar), and a balance of electrolytes to replace what is lost through sweat, making it a one-stop-shop for hydration and fueling. Dextrose is a monosaccharide — meaning it is a single unit sugar molecule — which can be absorbed through the small intestine without any additional digestive processes, and sucrose is a disaccharide — two joined glucose molecules — which requires minimal digestion. This choice of sugars makes Tailwind easy on the gut and a great source of quick energy.

Tailwind sent along a “Starter Kit”, allowing me to try out each of the flavors, in addition to their protein shake mix, which has an ideal ratio of carbohydrates to protein to jumpstart recovery after a training session. 

The quality that stood out first and foremost was the taste — just the right amount of sweetness and flavors that were subtle, natural, and appealing, even five hours deep on a hot day. In particular, I am normally averse to citrus flavored products, as they inexplicably remind me of the overwhelming aroma of bathroom cleaner. I was surprised to find that Tailwind’s Lemon and Mandarin Orange flavors elicited no such response — think homemade lemonade, not Soft Scrub — and I’ve continued to purchase those flavors of the product since exhausting the initial supply. 

What has kept me using Tailwind products, though, is how reliably gentle it is on my stomach, regardless of the intensity of the run. From early morning easy runs, to hard intervals, to 13,000’ summits, I could trust that sipping on bottles of Endurance Fuel would keep me hydrated and provide steady energy without causing my stomach to bloat, cramp, or slosh. 

Though I typically keep a bag in the pantry, the two-serving sticks are a convenient method of carrying additional fuel when I know I’ll need to refill bottles. 

This strategy saved me during the Four Pass Loop — with the final steep climb over West Maroon left to go and an unhappy stomach (thanks, hormones) that made it difficult to get in the calories I needed to feel strong for ~7 hours at altitude, refilling a flask with Raspberry Buzz felt like it rescued me from impending doom. The gels, waffles, and pbj I had packed were a non-option, but I knew that liquid calories from Tailwind would not exacerbate the issue. The quick energy boost from the sugar paired with the kick of caffeine was almost as revitalizing as the giant burrito and Oreos that were consumed on the drive home. 

Tailwind can be found at retailers throughout the U.S. and Canada, or ordered through their website. Large 50-serving bags of Endurance Fuel run at $35.99, or grab a medium sized bag for $25.99. You can also go all in and take the unique “Tailwind Challenge” by purchasing four bags of Endurance Fuel for $130. The concept is simple: if you aren’t happy with using the product during your training and races (when they happen again someday), they’ll pay your entry fee for an upcoming race (up to $150). How’s that for confidence? 

As summer training hours trend toward a peak, many athletes are looking for ways to support their nutritional needs, matching high volume training with high volume eating. A new product that should be on your radar is Drink Wholesome protein powder, created by former Williams ski racer Jack Schrupp. This protein is basically the RXBAR of protein powders: all natural without artificial flavorings or sweeteners, packing a high nutrient protein dense punch in each scoop. 

The nature of exercise, in particular the type of training that supports building strength and fitness for cross country skiing, is a cycle of breaking down muscle then allowing the muscle to repair itself and grow stronger. Brick by brick, we build a stronger body and more efficient aerobic and cardiovascular systems to power us down the trail. Regardless of whether you follow a rigorous training schedule, upholding an overall active lifestyle with regular exercise increases the body’s energy demands, particularly carbohydrates to replenish glycogen stores and protein to support muscle recovery. 

According to the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), athletes require approximately double the protein intake of an inactive healthy individual to support their overall health and recovery from exercise. By the numbers, an inactive individual requires approximately 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, whereas an athlete needs 1.4 – 2 grams per kilogram. For an athlete who weighs 160 lbs, this means consuming 100 to 145 grams of protein each day. 

Research supports that this is true regardless of the type of exercise an athlete engages in, or whether they are recreational versus elite. The ISSN also explains that insufficient protein intake leads to impairment in the body’s ability to recover from exercise and an increase in muscle catabolism, meaning muscles continue to break down rather than repair after exercise. 

Endurance athletes — like a road cyclist or marathoner — generally fall on the lower end of the range, while those who engage in more strength and power based sports — like weight lifting or CrossFit — occupy the upper end. Where does this leave skiers who lift heavy, throw down during intensity sessions, AND put in lots of hours of L1? Probably somewhere in the middle. 

Spreading intake throughout the day has been found to best support muscle protein synthesis, while additionally contributing to a more favorable body composition and improved performance outcomes. This means meals and snacks should contain 20-40 grams of protein each, assuming you’re eating every three to four hours.

For many, these demands can be met with a balanced and varied diet, but protein powders can be a convenient option to boost protein intake, especially when your stomach might not feel up to a full meal after a hard set of intervals or if you are unable or choose not to eat certain foods. 

I tend to fall into both of those categories. During the summer, I generally maintain 50 to 60 miles per week of trail running with a day or two of rollerskiing or mountain biking, combined with the general activity of chasing around a toddler requires that I stay on top of my game while properly fueling my body. But hard training tends to throw off my body’s hunger cues – my stomach can only handle a small amount of dairy, and I choose not to eat a lot of meat. 

Protein powder has been a nice insurance policy to support my nutritional demands and help me stay healthy. However, it can be hard to find one that I feel good about consuming as many are laden with artificial sweeteners and ingredients I’d have to Google. They also often taste chalky, overly sweet, and like artificial flavoring. 

As such, I was excited to try Drink Wholesome protein. After a similar experience with protein powders, the designer, Schrupp, set out to create a product made only of natural ingredients that also tasted good. What resulted is a line of products that have egg white as the first ingredient, or chickpeas for the vegan protein options. They’re sweetened with monk fruit or maple sugar, taste delicious, and pack in 20 grams of protein per serving. 

As an extra nod for the ingredient list, Registered Sports Dietician Kylee VanHorn explains in an article for Trail Runner Magazine that egg white protein has been found to be one of the most bioavailable protein sources, meaning it is easily digested and absorbed allowing it to be readily used for muscle repair. It is second to whey protein, but easier on the stomach for many. 

Of the three flavors I tried — peanut butter coconut, mocha, and peanut butter chocolate (vegan) — the pb coconut takes the cake as a total slam dunk. Though perhaps a bit sweeter than the other two, it tastes on its own great blended with water and a splash of almond milk as a post-workout drink to jumpstart recovery. Note that without anti-caking or gelling agents, emulsifiers, or stabilizers, you’ll get the smoothest mixture by preparing this with a blender or in a shaker bottle. 

Getting in the habit of mixing up a drink, tossing in some ice cubes, and keeping it in my car to drink after long runs in the mountains when I am generally dehydrated, depleted, and usually feeling a little blah from consuming lots of sports nutrition products on the go has made a big difference in how I feel later that day and the next day. 

Most commonly, I stir a half-serving Drink Wholesome into my post run breakfast bowl of oatmeal topped with berries and nuts. Since the protein is sourced from egg white and peanuts, it doesn’t curdle when mixed into the bowl of hot oats, which I have experienced with whey products, making a thick and creamy texture packed with flavor. The vegan pb chocolate is a close second for this purpose, especially when paired with strawberries. 

I’ve also enjoyed adding Drink Wholesome to smoothies. One of my go-to blends has become a banana, a handful of spinach, some almond milk, a scoop of mocha protein, and ice, maybe with some nuts tossed in after for texture and fats. It tastes like a coffee milkshake and provides me with plenty of energy to keep me going. 

As a parent who generally has to share whatever they are eating with their toddler, it also feels good not to hesitate to give my little one a sip or bite since I know the ingredients are all natural, and it has the added benefit of exposing her to multiple common allergens (peanuts and eggs), as is recommended to reduce the risk of developing an allergy to those foods later on. I’ve also noticed a marked decrease in bloating without the whey protein or artificial sweeteners I had been consuming. 

I also feel good about supporting the company’s principles: “keep it real food, keep it local, keep it green”. Drink Wholesome, which is based in New Hampshire and produced in small batches in Massachusetts, sources free range eggs and organic ingredients locally whenever possible. Not using whey protein cuts out the dairy industry, reducing their environmental footprint, and the company gives back, aiming to donate at least 10% of its profits to the preservation of green spaces in New England by 2022. Specifically, the donation goes toward purchasing undeveloped land for public use, particularly in areas where access is limited. 

Drink Wholesome protein can be ordered on their website. Full sized bags of egg white based protein retail at $38.00 for 20 servings, or $26.60 for 14 servings of vegan protein. You can also order two free sample servings to see which flavor suits your palate. 

Here in the Rockies near Carbondale, Colorado, June is often a transitional month. Low elevation trails are dry and surrounded by lush vegetation and spring blooms, while jagged peaks and ridges remain encrusted with receding snowfields. Roaring creeks and flooded riverbanks hint the speed with which these sun-cupped features melt away. 

As someone whose preferred form of movement in the summer is running in the high country, it is the season of preparing my legs for long climbs and descents, gradually increasing mileage and vertical gain and lusting over ridgelines and alpine lakes in CalTopo. It is also the time to check in on my gear so I am ready when opportunities arise.

There are a number of items that stay in my running vest for big days of moving light and fast — an emergency space blanket, a small roll of medical tape, a caffeinated gel for when I desperately need a kick. One of the newest members of the team is the Katadyn BeFree 0.6L Filter Bottle, a soft flask with a built in water filtration system, providing a fast and convenient method of obtaining safe drinking water on the go. Simply fill up the flask, reattach the filter cap (keeping the mouthpiece clean), and you’re good to go. 

Prior to purchasing the BeFree Bottle from the local running store, I treated water with AquaMira, which entailed carrying the two-part system, mixing the chlorine dioxide reactants and waiting roughly 3-5 minutes for a color change, adding to a bottle, then waiting the recommended 30 minutes for the water to become sterile. While this is a reliable system and perhaps advantageous for treating large volumes of water, the wait was always frustrating on the go, especially if I had run out of water several miles ago and was feeling dehydrated.  

As an example, when snow appeared in the forecast last October, I headed out on the Three Pass Loop for a last hurrah. The route ticks off Buckskin, Willow, and East Snowmass passes (each above 12,400’), requiring roughly 6,300’ of climbing in 23 miles. Knowing that I would be near water regularly, I opted to carry the BeFree bottle as my only means of drinking.

I left my car as soon as there was enough light to see without a headlamp — i.e., I was scared being alone in the dark on a trail where cattle are openly ranged because I am irrationally more afraid of cows than most other animals I might encounter in the wilderness. The day was forecasted to be warm and clear, but there was a heavy frost, and the trail led me due south through a narrow valley that was blocked from sun by a high ridgeline for the first two hours of the run. 

Underestimating how long it would take for sunlight and me to mingle, I found myself regretting the layer I left behind. I was freezing all the way to the Snowmass Lake where I soaked in my first ray of warmth while trying not to break a tooth on a frozen energy bar. 

Given my tango with hypothermia, I had taken in no water over the first ten miles, sending me into the first stiff climb with an untouched bottle. In true Colorado fashion, the transition from freezing to delayering was abrupt and as I power hiked 2000 vertical feet in 2.5 miles to Buckskin Pass, my negligence on the hydration front began to catch up to me. 

At the top of the climb, I downed a handful of Peanut M&M’s (athlete food) and finished my last sip of rationed water, surveying the basin below to determine how soon I could refill the flask. The M&M’s churned in my stomach with no water to help them digest and I started to wonder if they might reappear as a colorful trailside gift to the local marmot population. Just in time, I hit Willow Creek where I filled, drank, and refilled the flask in a semi-frozen stream, feeling extreme gratitude for the immediate relief. I took a few minutes to let the water settle while enjoying the sun that filled the high alpine meadow, then began trudging up the next pass, vowing to stay on top of fluids for the remainder of the trek. 

Back to the review…

Key Features:

Unlike chemical treatments, the Katadyn BeFree Bottle uses a 0.1 micron (0.0001mm) fiber filter straw, featuring Katadyn’s EZ-Clean Membrane. The system can handle clear or cloudy water, clearing bacteria, cysts and sediment. 

At 59g dry, the system weighs less than a ClifBar — unnoticeable even when traveling light. Though top-heavy as it empties, the flask fits snugly into the chest sleeves of most running vests and I have not found it to create any bouncing so long as I tuck the filter top down into the sleeve as I drink. 

Drink directly through the cap or gently squeeze water through the filter to fill additional bottles or flasks. The system touts a 2L/min flow rate; I have little reference for this, but I don’t notice much difference in the amount of suction needed to drink through the filter versus a normal soft flask or bladder with a traditional bite valve. I generally compress the bottle gently against my chest as I drink, which allows the water to flow freely. 

Between uses, rinse or swish the filter with clear water and allow it to dry. A well maintained filter will last up to 1000L, and can be replaced without purchasing a second flask. So far, my flask shows no sign of tearing or cracking, but other reviewers have indicated that the cap can be fixed onto Patagonia or Ultimate Direction flasks if needed.  

Potential Drawbacks:

Where I live and play, it is easy to find low turbidity streams and creeks and the Katadyn BeFree Filter Bottle is up for the task. However, for adventures in areas with water that contains a significant amount of silt or organic material, you might be best served by sticking to AquaMira or another chemical treatment. 

Keep in mind that a damp filter will freeze in sub-zero temps, which may permanently damage its effectiveness, deeming it a subideal method of obtaining potable water on a spring ski tour. 

The plastic cap must be flipped open and shut — should this break or be left open, water will steadily leak out of the bottle. Reconfiguring this as a bite-valve or other more secure spout would be a valuable change on future models. 

Need more volume? For longer treks where weight, size, or the potential to bounce are less of a factor, consider the 1L bottle or the 3L gravity flow filtration system. 

The 0.6L BeFree bottle retails for $40 and can be found at outdoor retailers online or around the country. 

“You should probably wear something over that.”

That was my husband’s witty response when I asked what he thought of the Brynje RaceBase long sleeve shirt and 3/4 tight base layers. No, most people don’t ski in just their long underwear, but these, in particular, would be quite revealing. 

Why? Unlike traditional base layers, the RaceBase is made out of a polypropylene mesh, designed to allow maximum breathability while reducing air turbulence between the outermost layer of fabric, like your race suit or cycling jersey, and the skin. 

“The design objective of an exceptional base layer is to provide warmth without trapping moisture against the skin,” reads the Brynje website. “Traditional solid knit garments made of Merino wool or synthetic yarns do a fair job of this. They provide some trapped air insulation within the fabric and allow some ‘wicking’ of moisture away from the skin. Mesh, however, efforts up to six times the insulation value per gram of weight and, due to its porous design, allows body moisture to immediately ‘transport’ to the outer layers. This means perspiration does not need to become a liquid to be wicked away, but instead moves directly as vapor to the next clothing layer.”

I’ll admit, when I looked at the base layers, I was skeptical of these claims. Breathable, I could buy, but how could a mesh shirt and tights be warm or windproof? After a few skis, I was humming a different tune.

I began testing the Brynje RaceBase layers in early February when overnight temperatures in Colorado were in the low teens or single digits and rarely climbed near freezing. 

Whether under a pair of tights or ski pants, the bottoms dependably blocked wind and kept my lower half warm without overheating. As designed, the 3/4 length, which stayed put mid-calf, paired well with crew length ski socks to keep the whole leg warm without adding bulk inside a skate boot. 

On warmer days, the top fit underneath a long-sleeve tech shirt or mid-layer to boost the insulation and wind resistance. 

I was so satisfied with the RaceBase setup, that I wore it during the Birkie underneath a set of thin lycra tights and a fitted long-sleeve top. It was roughly 22 degrees at the start and climbed into the mid-30’s by the finish. Despite the large temperature swing, I was comfortable and dry throughout the race. 

Now, with life in the time of corona, my exercise window as a work-from-home parent whose partner works outside the home is from 6-8 AM most days. This means sunrise bike rides with temperatures around freezing, complete with long climbs and descents, and skinning up ski resorts only to chatter back down on the refrozen chunder. No time to wait for it to turn into corn.  

Regardless of activity, the RaceBase has been a great option to increase the air resistance to keep my legs and core warm, despite the higher speeds. An added bonus is the material is antimicrobial and odor resistant, meaning air drying between use is complete sufficient and beneficial for the material, not to mention convenient. 

If you’re looking for lightweight, breathable base layers that are versatile enough to keep you warm and dry during any activity, this is it. 

Brynje is a product of Norway with roots dating back to 1887. Its revolutionary mesh design was born out of a need for a fabric that could keep fishermen warm and dry while casting their nets in the North Sea. As the design evolved, it caught the attention of alpinists seeking lightweight clothing that was capable of handling the elements at high elevations, including Colonel John Hunt, leader of the first successful expedition on Everest on which Sir Edmund Hilary and Tenzing Norway became the first known men to stand atop the peak. More recently, Brynje wearers have reached both the North and South Pole, and have cycled across Greenland. 

The top and bottom of the Brynje RaceBase are sold separately at $69.95 each. Short sleeve and sleeveless top options are also available. Sizes are Unisex ranging from XS to XL. Because of this, women may consider sizing down; I normally wear a women’s small, but the XS fits comfortably, even with bike shorts underneath. 

The RaceBase and a line up of pure Merino wool Brynje products can be found online or in a variety of outdoor retailers across the U.S. Click here to find a local dealer. 

We’ll be publishing a few select gear reviews moving forward. It’s not business as usual for FS or readers: we are posting gear reviews as a brief respite from grim news. We know minds are on more serious Coronavirus related issues. 

The sock drawer: part no-person’s land, part nod to orderliness with pairs folded using techniques like the roll & tuck, the fold over, the konmai, and part Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds kaleidoscope with mismatched socks paired together. Honestly, if you are like most outdoor folks that are hard on gear, you’ve probably got 30 percent of your sock stock as single sock one-offs — that’s due to many socks simply lacking durability. Drilling down further, my guess is that 50 percent of my socks from SockGuy, DeFeet, and Pearlizumi don’t last a season of biking/running, or rollerskiing. The ailment? Holes in the heel, or holes in the toe region. Thus, the sock mash-up in my dresser.

I’ve got an older child with a part-time gig at a local biking/xc ski store. He began coming home with socks from Swiftwick. No five-finger-discounts here, he paid for them. Anyhow, in the course of two years, he went from a U.S. size 8 to a size 13. Let’s say we are sock rich in the house – I’m roughly a men’s large and his growth spurt meant more socks for me. In particular, socks from Swiftwick. Swiftwick crafts, made in the U.S., burly socks. They last. They breathe. They offer stylee designs and more traditional looks like a straight-up black sport sock. 

With that multi-paragraph backstory, we’re here to review Swiftwick’s Flite XT sock. (Samples were provided by Swiftwick.) The Flite XT comes in a Zero, meaning no cuff, and Five, with a five-inch cuff. We tested the Five. Swiftwick markets the Flite XT as an athletic sock for activities like running. We’ve run in the socks, cross-country skied in the socks, backcountry skied in the socks, and last weekend, I gardened in them. Two months of abuse — no obvious fabric distress. Not in the cuff, not in the heel, not in the toes. 

Swiftwick adds what it calls Gripdry fabric to the heel and the underside of the toes. In other words, Gripdry is touted as a non-slip fabric. Do we feel slippage? Not really. But honestly, we don’t notice slippage with other sock brands either. What we noticed is that the Gripdry appears to make high wear areas, areas susceptible to deal-breaking holes, more durable. That’s a huge plus. 

The design also incorporates several different weaves of stretchy fabric that provides a snug fit. And any sock touted as an athletic sock should wick properly. The Flite XT reigns supreme in the wicking department. Yes, they breath too. 

Socks these days, like seemingly every sector in the outdoor product world, are susceptible to specialization. For some consumers, gone are the days when the L.L. Bean Ragg wool sock was the ultimate all-arounder. And socks now aren’t necessarily cheap.   

The Flite XTs can be had for $17.99 a pair. They come in a variety of colors in both the women’s and men’s versions. For those aspiring to the white tube sock look in the Flite XT, you’ll be at a loss. Here’s the only complaint; we’d like to see the Flite XT offered in a seven-inch cuff height model.

If you are looking for great socks with an athletic fit and purpose, the Softwick Flite XT could become your go-to. Note, they are not your typical wintertime warm when it is brrrrrrrrr sock. That said, if you have good circulation and the temps are around freezing, you might find this sock a perfect fit. 

Size ranges can be found here. I’m between a men’s U.S. size 9 to 9.5  in a running shoe and a large in the Flite XT fit great despite it being recommended for a U.S. 10-12. Accordingly the XLs fit great on a size men’s U.S. 13 foot.

We’ll be publishing a few select gear reviews moving forward. It’s not business as usual for FS or readers: we are posting gear reviews as a brief respite from grim news. We know minds are on more serious Coronavirus related issues.

‘Tis the season for layering. Here in Colorado, the high altitude sun wrestles with the snow packed mountains to create highly variable temperatures. One moment the sun is shining and I’m stripping down to a tee shirt, the next an afternoon winds pick up, the sun dips behind a ridge, and my core temperature begins to plummet. 

Enter “the Sadie” vest. 

Named for Skhoop sponsored U.S. Ski Team member and two-time Olympian Sadie Maubet Bjornsen, the versatile vest is the perfect intersection of lifestyle and performance wear. Breathable yet warm, fitted yet unrestricting, stylish yet functional. 

It was love at first zip, though I was uncertain whether the length would be comfortable while skiing. For me at roughly 5’5”, a size small vest hits mid-thigh, gently hugging my hips. Despite my skepticism, I did not experience any decrease in mobility in skate or classic. There is also a two way zipper to conveniently add additional range of motion if needed. 

The nylon shell blocks wind, while a stretch fabric panel on the back increases breathability, helping regulate body temperature while skiing. This vest will surprise you — it’s warmer than it looks, but won’t overheat you when the temperature or your heartbeat starts to rise. 

Apart from its performance on the ski trail, the Sadie vest looks great over jeans, corduroys, or leggings as a casual everyday layer. The deep zippered side pockets fit a cell phone or the random odds and ends you need to stuff in there while at the playground with your toddler. It’s sleek design fits comfortably under a coat on cold days, potentially lengthening your protection and making you question why you never realized an insulated layer over your bum could keep your whole body so warm.  

You can also feel good about the impact your purchase has on the environment. The vest is filled with PrimaLoft Eco Insulation, a synthetic material produced from 70% recycled fibers. The environmentally friendly DWR coating repels moisture and dirt, preventing falling snow or sweat from soaking in, and keeping the vest looking clean even after leaning against the road-sprayed car. 

Skhoop is based in Åre, Sweden (home of the sprint hill climb stop during this season’s Scandinavian Ski Tour) where founder Sissi Kewenter originally sewed an old down jacket into a skirt to keep her bum and legs warm on chilly morning walks with her dog. Skhoop now offers a full line of warm and cozy clothing from insulated skirts, vests, and jackets to wool leggings and Scandinavian style sweaters. 

You can find Skhoop products at retailers throughout the snowy parts of the United States, or order online. The Sadie vest retails for $239.

We tested two Black Diamond headlamps for approximately three months. Both on and off snow and trail/road running. 

Black Diamond Sprinter

The first model is for folks intent on running in the dark in placed where you might encounter road traffic. This is where the BD Sprinter is at home. The Sprinter boasts a rear-facing red strobe. An alert night time motorist is able to see you’re out there logging the hours. The blinking/strobing red light screams pedestrian. Always better safe than sorry. Hi-vis reflective clothing is key for running in low light situations. But in the event the reflective schwag is in the dirty laundry pile and you choose not to wear it anyway, the Sprinter has you covered. (For those on the ski trails, the Sprinter’s rear strobe can be switched off.)

The 105 gram unit is fitted with a rechargeable USB Li-ion battery. That’s right, no AAA batteries for the Sprinter. Like almost all high-tech gadgets, the only way for an energy refresh is to recharge. The Sprinter comes with a USB charging cord, but not a plug for a wall outlet. You’ll have to use a computer, or poach one of those ubiquitous white wall plug blocks to fill the power up. (It takes approximately five hours to fully recharge.)

The Li-ion battery is housed in the rear with the strobe. A weatherproof wire runs discretely from the battery along the head strap to the front headlamp. The housing for the front lamp is reduced in size — it’s approximately one inch by one inch square with the lamp in the middle. A stretchable strap running from the front lamp to the rear strobe/battery sits atop the head and makes for a secure fit. With a bit of weight in the front and the back, the top strap prevents any slippage down the forehead or rear of the head. 

If you are keen on wearing ski hats with a pom-pom, that might be a deal-breaker as far as the Sprinter is concerned. The strap running atop the head needs to be flipped to the side of the pom-pom. Not really a big deal. But for those fixated on symmetry, well, the top will be slightly askew. And remember, it’s dark out. No one will see. 

One tester who runs with a ponytail noted that sometimes she had a tough time finding a sweet spot to accommodate her ponytail. Grilled further for details, she stated ponytail comfort was a problem she has with most headlamps. So no special ponytail fittings with the BD Sprinter.  

The Sprinter’s brightness runs from 4 lumens (lm) to a max of 200 lm. The front lamp has a dimming button to adjust brightness. Th 4 lm is rated for 7 meters, the 200 lm extends your range of visibility to 50 meters. Both of these are accurate. On snow, we preferred to dim down the lumens, as much of the light is reflected. 

BD says the Sprinter, on a full charge, runs 4 hours at 200 lm. We tested this on several cold mornings for two hours with no issues with the light dimming or the battery draining. However, take precautions if depending on the Sprinter in low-low temps and you are intent on pushing that four-hour threshold. Be conservative when navigating at night with the Sprinter on big backcountry days. Li-ion batteries historically have a tough go with running time in bitter cold temps. Although we like the rechargeable battery, the Sprinter probably should not be your go-to for big days in the mountains. When the battery drains, that’s it. Lights out.

The Sprinter is weatherproof and comes with a three-year warranty. The retail cost is $79.95. But if you sniff around, this rechargeable gem of a headlamp, with a bonus safety strobe in the rear, can be had for roughly $60.00. 

The BD Spot

Right upfront, we’ll say this: the Spot is what you think of when it comes to headlamp essentials. This is a trail-ready — dirt, rock, or snow — headlamp. It features a basic stretchy strap to secure the headlamp on your head. The lamp and batteries are housed in a single front unit. Like many headlamps, the Spot runs on three AAA batteries. (Unlike the Sprinter, it is not rechargeable. However, it will take rechargeable AAA batteries.)

Running through the simple stats, the Spot is waterproof to one meter and comes with a three-year warranty. Without batteries, the Spot weighs 50 grams. Add in the batteries at approximately 36 grams, and it’s an 86 gram package. 

Like the Sprinter, the Spot comes with a “power tap” which is BD’s way of saying the brightness is adjustable with the touch of a button. 

The Spot has three basic settings for brightness: 6 lm, 160 lm, and a robust 325 lumens at its brightest. In “bright” mode, the Spot uses light from two separate LEDs to harness that bump to over 300 lumens. With the three basic brightness settings, the Spot shines when considering close up and far away functionality. In other words, if you are fumbling for a tin of kick wax and applying wax on the fly, the Spot can dial back the brightness for a dimmed down but still well-lit work environment. 

Running, skiing, camping, the Spot really has you covered in terms of output and burn time. If you are one who pushes the scale of their adventures, have no fear: bring a spare set of AAAs and you can run the Spot on medium output, about 60 lm, for even the darkest of nights on the solstice excluding maybe those rarefied locales that don’t see any sun this time of year. We feel for you. 

Another key feature for big days is what BD calls reserve power. The Spot is programmed to provide a beam of light to about four meters distant when the batteries are running low. That reserve light is minimal, but it will do in a pinch when it hits the fan. (The Spot comes with an illuminated battery charge indicator along the side.)

We loved the Spot. The only drawback, no rear-facing strobe for those more urban-based runs.

The Spot retails for about $40.00, but this time of year, look around and you’ll spot the Spot for $25.00. It’s a reliable design and a workhorse. 

This review is based on three weeks of product testing. During this time, the pack was used on ten outings, approximately 80 miles of running and one 20k rollerski. 

Since my introduction to endurance sports in high school, my two loves have been running and cross-country skiing. After moving to the Roaring Fork Valley in Colorado in 2012, a mecca for trail running, I took to running in the mountains and dipping my toes in the water of ultramarathon racing. Between the snow melt in late June and late fall when snow coats the high country, I spend as much time as I can traveling fast and light through the mountains. This year, that meant over 1000 miles between the beginning of June and the end of September. 

Putting in long days in the mountains requires the ability to carry sufficient amounts of food, water, and layers. That makes a running vest imperative. I jumped at the opportunity to test out Nathan’s newest women spcific trail vest, the 7-Liter VaporAiress 2.0, always looking to expand my lineup of options. A men’s version, the VaporAir vest, is also available. Both packs retail for $149.99.

After traipsing over snow, ice, mud, and combinations of those three while logging late-fall miles, I found this vest up for the challenge of carting plenty of fuel and fluids, but not quite my dream pack. Is there such a thing? Here are the aspects I enjoyed, and those that left me wanting. 

The Pros

Without the bladder, the pack weighs 8.3 oz (235 g), making it lighter than the 8 L Black Diamond Distance Pack, but heavier than the sleeker Salomon Salomon S/Lab Sense Ultra 8. It’s sleek design fit under a jacket, which kept the bladder and hose from freezing on a single digit dawn patrol. 

Pockets, pockets, pockets! This vest has three layers of chest pockets on each strap: a waterproof phone pocket, a soft flask sleeve, and a smaller pouch with an elastic closure system for snacks or gels. The back features a large kangaroo pocket which can be used as a sleeve for the bladder or for stashing layers. There is also a medium zippered pocket, a stretchy horizontal sleeve, and a small open pocket on the back of the vest, and elastic loops to secure trekking poles. 

This volume was unnecessary for the 1.5 – 3 hour runs I was completing, but is valuable for all-day adventures that require a larger amount of food and clothing. It’s also great for keeping your supplies organized. 

Running at night? The Vapor Airess 2.0 features reflective strips on the chest and back which contour to the sides of the body giving the wearer 360 degrees of visibility. These strips glowed brightly when illuminated by a car or a running buddy’s headlamp. 

The Cons

Breathability: with so many layers of pockets, the vest holds more heat than a paired down race vests. There is a moisture wicking panel between the bladder sleeve and the wearer which may help in the summer if the user is just wearing a sports bra or thin tee shirt, but is less effective over thicker winter wear. 

The pack features Nathan’s signature “Adaptive-Fit” adjustment system, which allows the wearer to tighten the sides of the pack at the ribcage, as well as the two straps across the chest. The product page features a helpful instructional video on how to make this adjustment. At 5’6” and 125 lbs, I needed the elastic tightened fully for the size XXS-M pack to feel snug and still felt it was less secure than other vests that I’ve worn. I experienced less bounce using soft flasks in the chest sleeves than using the bladder, but could never quite get the glove-like feel I desired. 

A word of caution: one reviewer commented that sliding adjustments on the chest straps can slip right off the end of the ribbing they are attached to, as there is no seam at the top or bottom to stop it. It is then very challenging to slide them back on. 

The 2 L bladder that comes with the pack feels too large for running and had a tendency to slosh from side to side even when the pack was fully tightened.  My preference is 1.5 L at most for running for this reason, though the larger volume would be helpful on a long hike where bounce is less of a factor. I had much better luck keeping the pack from moving using 16 – 20 oz soft flasks in the chest sleeves. 

While storage opportunities are plentiful, the rear pockets are difficult to access on the go and it is nearly impossible to do so while keeping the pack on. This may not be a problem on outings where stopping to stash a layer is not a problem, but if you’re looking to make good time on a mountain mission or using it during a race, a pack with more accessible storage might be a better match. When the bladder occupies the largest compartment, it is challenging to store a larger jacket, like one might wear cross country skiing. I was able to stuff a thin waterproof wind shell into the zippered pocket and the horizontal sleeve.

The Takeaways

If you are looking for organized storage opportunities, the carrying capacity for lots of fluids, the Nathan Vapor Airess 2.0 might be a good choice for you. If your preference, like mine, is a more paired down pack race-style pack with stretchy easily accessible pockets, you might be better suited for one of Nathan’s other options, like the VaporHowe or VaporMag lines. I will likely use the 7 L Vapor Airess 2.0 as a small day hiking pack rather than a trail running vest.

$129.00 may not seem much if, for example, you’re stocking up on perfluoro wax. But take the weight of the Black Diamond Distance Wind Shell, 98 grams, and the cost seems disproportionate to the mass. Working the wax angle, the BD Distance Wind Shell actually might be a deal since the rate for 30 grams of fluoro powders runs roughly the same price — and depending on the brand, much more.

In the BD Distance Wind Shell, you’ll find a lightweight, slim fitting, highly pack-able windbreaker. BD claims the jacket is water repellent and breathable — more on that in a bit. 

For years, Patagonia has sold the Houdini. This remains a classic piece. Light and fast ski mountaineering missions, fall and spring mountain bikes, any alpine climb above tree line, and cross-country skis in inclement weather begs for something like the Houdini: windproof and barely noticeable in the pack or when its on. 

A few years back I misplaced my Houdini. I’m a 5’10 155 pounder; fairly slim, but aging. The misplaced jacket was a medium. I ordered up another medium and quickly realized the sizing was off. The medium cut had been reconfigured — too tight in the chest when I brought my arms forward. I scored a large. That felt too baggy, not the fitted cut I prefer when it comes to technically oriented jackets. 

I looked around for a Houdini analogue to test out the fit. Enter BD’s answer.

Perfect. That’s precisely how I would describe the fit of the medium sized BD’s Distance Wind Shell. It’s slim fitting with no extraneous fabric flapping around. Arm length, perfect. Chest width, perfect. And with a shock cord adjustable waist, you can position the hem right where you want it. Even with the athletic fit, the Distance Wind Shell fits comfortably over an insulating pile hoody.  

I’ve had the jacket since late August. I’ve worn it in some capacity almost every day since. As a person who runs cold below say 75 degrees, I have no reason not to bring the Distance Wind Shell along. While trail running, climbing, mountain biking, roller and cross-country skiing, and a handful of early season ski tours this fall, it came with.

As noted, the jacket is light. It’s barely noticeable when on, and offers unrestricted movement. It’s minimalist design includes a single chest pocket big enough for a snack, or phone and keys. The adjustable hood fits over a hat or climbing helmet. 

The fabric is rip-stop. So despite it’s featherweight, there’s some abrasion resistance. And at least for me, in moderate winds, the fabric feels impermeable. BD says the jacket is breathable, even during high output activities. On real cold days — in the 20 degree Fahrenheit range –I didn’t feel clammy in the jacket running or skiing. When the temps notched up a bit, say around 30 degrees and I was cross-country skiing at a good clip, my sweat built up.

It’s not some miracle ether fabric that stops wind and allows miraculous moisture transfer. Like I said, I tend to run a bit cold. So, the extra insulation and buffer from the wind has made this a no-brainer piece of apparel for me. But I’m mindful of my level of exertion in warmer temps.  

Speaking of moisture, BD has applied a PFC-free water repellent finish that it claims is “green” and “fused” into the fabric. PFC stands for perfluorinated compound. PFCs repel water and dirt. Hey…just like they do on ski bases. 

I no longer own a full-on Gore-Tex jacket or rough equivalent. In my attempt to go light in nasty weather, I often bring along a non-down layer of insulation, and, in the past, a Houdini. I expect to get a bit damp in drizzle. 

On a recent day ski-touring in misty weather, water droplets initially beaded on the Distance Wind Shell. But it eventually soaked through. If you’re like me and aspire to bring lightweight gear, I’m OK with that technical cost on days I know it won’t be a downpour. If the weather improves, and it remains breezy, the fabric is quick drying. 

The BD Distance Wind Shell is this: backup wind protection when things get dicey. Or simply, it’s an über lightweight buffer when you want a bit more protection skiing than what a traditional cross-country skiing jacket offers.

The jacket packs down to the size of a tennis ball. Without kick wax and a cork along for the ride, you can easily stuff the Distance Wind Shell in the top pocket of a water carrier. Add the cork and two canisters of wax and it still fits, you’ll have just enough spare room for a bar. 

Way back, maybe a decade ago, I scoffed at jackets like the BD Distance Wind Shell. I assumed they were too light and minimal to serve any function. I was wrong. In this instance, early adoption would have paid dividends. I’ve learned the biggest asset of jackets like the Distance Wind Shell is its simplicity.

BD sells both a women’s and men’s cut.

If you are still running with a traditional drink belt strapped to your waist — listen here: It’s time to give up the drink belt for running excursions. The fight is over and the running vest is miles ahead of you, already sipping a refreshing recovery drink at the parking lot––heck they might have even swapped their cold, sweaty top layer for a warm, dry one by now. Instead of spending time catering to your bruised hips and a sore back from the bumpy ride of the drink belt; swap it out and enjoy more storage, convenient water access and a “barely there” feel.

From the dawn of the CamelBak, which might date some readers, to the svelt body-hugging running vest of today, it’s a buyers market when it comes to options including fit, color, and the ad-nauseam accessories. One brand that was an early entrant into the more tech featured running vest niche was Salomon. Many of their running vests share the most basic of templates: a wrap-around vest made with breathable and stretchy fabric and plenty of pockets. 

For the past several months, I’ve been testing the Salomon S/Lab Sense Ultra 5 Set, which includes two soft flasks. The “5” in the name represents the volume of the vests carrying capacity for extra gear. There’s a back pocket/sleeve Salomon wisely calls a “kangaroo” pocket. That rear pocket is perfect for stashing a windbreaker, or a light extra layer you might want to haul on your run.

The vest comes with 2 zippered side pockets(you can stuff a light windbreaker there too), and several pockets for nutrition, gloves, and a hat. It’s a fast feeling and looking pack. For those with an average ape-index, you can reach all your gear mid-stride, including items in the kangaroo pocket.

Perfect Distance: <4 hours

Temperature: Reasonably Sustained (not a ton of layer swapping)

Storage: 5L

Liquid Capacity: 1L

User Pros: 

1. Lightweight
2. Comfortable
3. Plenty of secure storage space
4. Customizable front adjustments for fit 
5. All pockets reachable while on the move 
6. No chaffing in even the hottest of conditions

User Cons:

1. Perhaps too many storage pockets for the length of time the vest supports
2. Takes some finessing to get the water jugs to sit still on fast terrain
3. No space for extra water (However, if you are looking for water bladder storage upgrade to the Salomon ADV Skin 12)

Bottom Line: This vest performs with ease as you jump from rock to rock, downhill to pavement, and everything in between. A great running race vest for any distance (especially when refueling stations are an option). 

Like many Solomon products, you pay a premium for the refined design and premium fabrics. The vest retails for $155.00. (If you do your homework, it’s possible to find the vest on  sale.) And for those with fashion sense, it comes in several color options: black, blue, and red — with sizes ranging from XS, S, M, L, and XL. Here’s a link to Salomon’s running vest size chart.

Over the last eleven years, Skida has taken off from its humble beginning as cross-country skier Corinne Prevot’s side hustle. Prevot began sewing hats and headbands for her teammates and friends in 2008 while attending Burke Mountain Academy. While at Middlebury, she continued to squeeze in production around her classes and ski training, with some help from her mom. After graduating in 2013, she officially started Skida in Burlington and her hats, headbands, neck warmers, and scarves can now be found in cross country ski shops across the country. 

This success is for good reason: the products are awesome. They also come with the added bonus of being akin to wearing a badge declaring your love of skinny skiing. Seriously. Let your freak flag fly and say it loud and proud: I love cross-country skiing!

Sadly, with Skida’s rise in popularity, runners, hikers, backcountry skiers, mountain bikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts have begun diluting the nordie badge effect, but it’s still worth giving a fellow wearer a knowing nod of solidarity. Kanalizacijos įrengimas, šulinių kasimas, nuotekų valymo įrenginiai

Jokes aside, the hats and headbands are an excellent addition to any collection. The line of fleece-lined “Alpine” hats and headbands are great for skiing on cold days or for wearing around town, while the thinner moisture-wicking polyester-blend “Nordic” line keeps your head warm and dry when you’re working hard. Both lines of headgear are well-made (by hand in Vermont) and long enough to keep your ears covered. 

The Nordic headband also fits well under a helmet during chilly rollerski sessions or bike ride, or when you’re having an affair with wider boards. 

The “Tour” neckwarmer is thicker than the traditional Buff, which may be too warm in some conditions, but it’s breathability will help keep your neck and chin dry even when sweating. It can also be rolled to wear as a headband.

Perhaps the most recognizable quality of Skida gear is it’s visual appeal. The patterns are striking, colorful, and ever-changing. Some of the proceeds from certain patterns go to charities, like the High Fives Foundation, which provides resources to athletes who have suffered life-altering injuries and promotes injury prevention education. Another collection supported former U.S. Ski Team member Liz Stephen, who was a friend of Prevot’s from Burke.

The company furthers it’s outreach through the “Skida [+1]” program, where customers can opt into donating a hat to a cancer patient at a hospital of their choosing. Simply choose a hospital from the list of options and enter the corresponding abbreviation as a discount code at check out, and someone undergoing chemotherapy receives a hat to stay warm. 

Skida even offers headgear for your little ones, with sizes that fit from birth to age 8. My 13 month old, who has a 90th percentile head, outgrew her baby hat but does not quite fit in her new kids Alpine hat (in “Watering Hole” print). She still wears it for rides in the chariot or stroller, but it tends to slide down over her eyes when she’s mobile. We love that the fleece lining keeps her ears warm, and she loves pointing at all the animals. 

In short, a Skida hat, neckwarmer, or headband is the perfect stocking stuffer for yourself, or anyone on your list that loves being outside in the winter. 

Skida is offering 20% off during their one-day Tubular Tuesday Sale today 12/4/19. For each order, a hate will be donated to a cancer patient through the Skida [+1] program.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5nduA7g2YN/

Black Diamond has been around in several iterations for decades. First, there was Chouinard Equipment. Yup, that Chouinard. The emerging alpine climbing gear powerhouse was sold to employees and became Black Diamond Equipment. A few bumps on the proverbial road to growth and prosperity and now Black Diamond is traded on the New York Stock Exchange. But, the Salt Lake City based company has remained true to their core users: alpinist and rock climbers, backcountry skiers and mountaineers. And now trail runners.

Within that adventure tribe, there’s room for cross-country skiers. A scant glance at Instagram, and you’d know that many cross-country skiers trail run for fitness and solace. FasterSkier reviewed some pieces from Black Diamond’s new trail running line that might be functional for those desiring gear with big-mission capacity but also fits in closer to home.

BD Distance Packs:

Think out of the box on this. The packs come in  15L and 8L versions. Beyond the volume, they are identical. These running packs are a hybrid: definitely running vest DNA, but some serious alpinism genes expressed in the final product. For example, if the terrain calls for it, you can carry two lightweight axes.

I’ve been ever so slowly growing my pack collection since I started running ultras in the mountains. Each new pack was an attempt to find “the one.” I felt like every pack I tried left me disappointed, they were all trying too hard. A million pockets and quick ties had me fumbling with frustration … Then I met the Distance 15L and 8L. They had me at their first embrace. The Distance packs move when you move — hugging all the right places. There’s no sloshing of water or fumbling around with 17 different pockets and ties looking for your last bar. Either size compresses down to mimic a smaller pack on your shorter, lighter missions and has plenty of room for longer adventures turned unexpected mountain epics.

The 15L was my go-to on a multi-week trail running trip in the Swiss Alps. Enough volume to go hut-to-hut, which means I could pack a few extra layers, a light windbreaker, and enough food and water to last many hours without resupply. The 8L, a slimmer close-cousin to the 15L, would be perfect for those bent on minimalism, or for shorter missions. In fact, the 8L would be a great companion for coaches needing to pack extra food or water for kids. Both packs come with a water-resistant zippered pocket for quick phone access.

There are two pockets for soft water flasks and a hydration sleeve for those desiring a water bladder. Like many running vests, the chest pockets allow for easy access to nutrition, hats/gloves, or sunblock.

Depending on my adventure, I found this duo of packs ideal. And with its durable outer and rugged stitching, I know we will be the perfect match for years to come. 

Lastly, and this brings us to the next review item, these packs sport clever side pockets that house BD’s collapsible running/trekking poles.

Costs can vary for the packs. The 15L retails for $149.95, the 8L for $139.95. Both packs can be found for just over $100.00.

BD Carbon Z Poles:

Ultra-lightweight, durable and comfortable.  The poles turned my partner from a non-pole believer into a Carbon Z preacher. It also turned him into an absolute animal on the uphills. Our favorite feature? Super quick linking segments made for fast and easy transitions on the fly. Think mid-stride and your poles go from pack to in-hand. We ran 176 miles with 72,000 feet of gain in 12 days, can’t imagine a step without these. Up, up and away – Carbon Z poles for the win.

The z pole series also comes in a slightly heavier aluminum version. For comparison, the 110cm Carbon Z pole weighs 10oz, whereas the 110cm aluminum version comes in at 12.5oz. If you are finicky about swing weight, go with the carbon. If you’re super hard on gear and don’t mind the modest weight penalty, go the aluminum route. The carbon poles will ding a bit from those scree infested downhill miles – which amount to small blemishes on the enamel coating. But remember, these are mountain travel tools — things get dinged in the hills.

The poles can be purchased in four different “fixed” lengths, meaning the length is not adjustable. BD does sell a model with an adjustable length. (Here’s a recommended sizing chart for the fixed poles.)

The poles collapse to roughly a third of their deployed length. The Carbon Z poles retail for $169.95, but are on sale for about 25% off at several outlets.

Rhythm T:

I’ve read a hundreds product descriptions for shirts advertising the fastest drying, wicking, performance material on planet earth…until I had the pleasure of testing BD’s Rythym T I just didn’t get the hype! But this shirt really does what it says its going to do! It dries faster, breathes better and even stretches to accommodate that long run bonk burger when you make it to town. They’ll even let you sit inside because unlike other wool products, this merino goodness doesn’t trap the stink. So if the question is $75 for a T shirt? YES. You’ll be glad you did, and so will your waitress. Now get after it!

Back in August, during a ten-day stint of solo parenting while my husband led an outdoor education trip, I decided to take my ten month old daughter and four year old mutt on a two-day camping and hiking mission in the Fryingpan Wilderness, which sits just east of our home in Carbondale, Colorado. The plan was to camp at the east end of the Reudi Reservoir, then hike to Carter and Savage Lakes, eventually connecting with my husband’s group at the latter of the two for a quick visit.

Camping in the Rocky Mountains in late August presents a lot of variables. Nights can dip below freezing, while afternoons can be in the upper seventies with intense high-altitude sun. Essentially, you have to be prepared for any “season”. 

Add in an infant who you will need to keep warm in a tent and cool on the hike, and you’ve got quite the packing challenge. Layers of clothing, a fleece onesie to stuff her in, snacks, bottles, wipes, and of course diapers. If there’s anything that the “N + 1 rule” applies to, it’s how many diapers you should bring on a camping trip. 

Luckily, the 55-Liter Patagonia Black Hole Duffel was up for the challenge. The deceptively accommodating main compartment was easily able to fit all of our clothes plus my sleeping pad with room to spare. A mesh pocket inside the lid kept the excessive amount of diapers and wipes easily accessible, while the zippered side pocket housed other small items, like my headlamp, keys, and sunscreen. Padded shoulder straps that allow the bag to be carried as a backpack made it easy to transport the bag from house to car and car to campsite while also carrying a kiddo who would crawl off and begin eating pebbles if left unattended, even briefly.  

To continue the story, after a record-setting winter that kept the high-country snowed in until July followed by a relatively wet summer, Colorado mosquito populations flourished. And it was unbearable. Upon arriving, the campground host handed me a bottle of Off Deep Woods bug spray, which I could not bring myself to spray on my baby or my dog. We suffered through dinner while doing our best to keep the majority of our skin covered by thick clothing, but our efforts were futile and we quickly retreated to the tent. 

We then spent 13 hours almost exclusively inside a two-man backpacking tent. That’s an adult, an infant, and a dog in a tent with a footprint of 30 square feet. My kiddo was all about tent-time, but the poor itchy hound was less than enthused. Character-building.

Luckily, the next day went as smoothly as could be. True to its name, the bag allowed for the haphazard stuffing of clothing and gear, getting us out of camp and to the trailhead efficiently. My kiddo dozed in and out throughout the hike and squealed excitedly at the unfamiliar sights meeting her eyes, while her furry sister sprinted, sniffed, and pranced in all her glory. 

Unfortunately, we ended up missing my husband by a margin of about 20-minutes, but the solitude and adventure were well worth the challenges of carrying 30 plus pounds of baby and equipment up 2,600 vertical feet to an alpine lake.  

Since this trip, the Black Hole Duffel has been put through its paces as a go-to gear bag, housing my extra food, water, and change of clothes that are tossed in the car for after a long run. It is also a great size for weekend getaways. 

Though it has not yet been tested through a winter, it is slated to be my primary travel bag this season. The durable water repellent finish blocks out melting snow, keeping the contents dry even if tossed into a snowbank or loaded onto a bus underneath several pairs of dripping skis and boots. It is also more comfortable to carry a backpack with a ski bag than other bag styles. 

Lastly, you can feel good about the impact your purchase has on the environment. The polyester body and nylon webbing are 100% post-consumer recycled materials, approved by industry leader bluesign technologies. 

“Patagonia has worked with bluesign technologies since 2000 to evaluate and reduce resource consumption in our materials supply chain, and to assist us with managing the chemicals, dyes and finishes used in the process. bluesign technologies, based in Switzerland, works at each step in the textile supply chain to approve chemicals, processes, materials, and products that are safe for the environment, safe for workers, and safe for the end customers.”

A final note if you are looking for a bag to fly with: Checking in at 26.7″ x 15.7″ x 11.8″, the bag is technically too large to pass as a carry-on bag when packed full. However, if not packed full, I can attest that the bag works great for this purpose. Most recently, my husband carried this bag onboard for a five day trip east for Thanksgiving. It fit easily into the overhead compartment packed at about 80% of its maximum capacity. Multiple reviewers also commented that they had used it as such.