The Best Trail-Tested Gear for 2007 -March 2007 In this special race edition of Trail Runner's Gear Guide, we bring you the latest in race-worthy footwear, clothing and accessories. By Elinor Fish
Upper Body
Whether you prefer natural wool fiber's softness and natural anti-microbial quality or the latest in highly technical polyester blends, these stylish tops keep you dry and comfortable every time out you hit the trails.
SALOMON Raid SS tech-T, $65
Salomon's most technical trail-running top, this super lightweight top with mesh panels has no seams, making it chafe-free when wearing a backpack. www.salomonsports.com
ZEAL Optics Jetstream sunglasses, $80
Arms of all frames, can heat temples to bend into place. in hot water. Lightest high-[performance shield 16 grams Fit comfortably right from day one. ZB 13 lens, versatile in both bright light and low light. Flash mirror protects reflects light off eyes to protect them and gives good contrast. www.zealoptics.com
GREGORY Pyr Pack, $79
For an overnight fastpacking trip or hut trip, the Pyr has a 1150-cubic-inche carrying capacity for all the essentials. The simple waist belt connects to the back at multiple points, keeping it snug against the lumbar region. Weighing only 1 lb, 8 ounces, the Pyr is unparalleled performance for its price. Expandable easy-access pockets holds extra items you want to keep on hand, such as gels, bars, shell jackets. www.gregorypacks.com
Trail Tops
SIERRA DESIGNS Latitude Zip Neck, $42
This wispy ultra-wicking polyester provides ultimate comfort. www.sierradesigns.com
GRAMICCI Cross Country Zipneck, $86
A 100% organic merino wool top offering next-to-skin softness and warmth. www.gramicci.com
MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR Imogene Crew, $45
This contoured-fit polyester top is treated with antimicrobial protection and wicking finish. www.mountainhardwear.com
CLOUDVEIL Highline 1/2 Zip, $80
Medium-weight stretchy polyester top with moisture-wicking, anti-bacterial wash and UV protection. www.cloudveil.com.
SMARTWOOL Threshold Bent Crew, $75
Ideal as for warm conditions or as a base layer in cooler temperatures, this lightweight merino wool top stylish comfort. www.smartwool.com
THE NORTH FACE Translution Tek Te, $45
Quick-drying VaporWick tee is made of highly breathable mesh for UV protection as well as next-to-skin moisture management. www.thenorthface.com
Jackets
OR Synapse Jacket, $119
An ultralight (3.3 oz) weather-resistant hooded shell has a zippered internal check pocket that doubles as stuff sack. www.orgear.com
MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR Ghost Anorak, $85
A featherweight pullover weighing a mere 3 oz, is a versatile shell made from wind-resistant ripstop nylon. www.mountainhardwear.com
PATAGONIA 9 Trails Jacket, $95
Offering lightweight weather protection with triple ripstop polyester and a durable waterproof finish and stretchy, breathathable back and underarm panels. 4.4 oz. www.patagonia.com
THE NORTH FACE Photon Hybrid Jacket, $99
Though a slightly heavy jacket, weighing 14 oz, the Photon Hybrid is a stretchy soft shell, including elasticized hood, keeps elements at bay. Zippered chest vents offer extra breathability. www.thenorthface.com
Lower Body
From shoes to shorts, lower-body attire is equally important to comfort for fit and function as tops. Here you'll find a selection of top trail racing shoes, socks and shorts to compliment your personal style and trail conditions.
Trail Treads
These four trail racing shoes reflect the latest trend in off-road footwear. Designed to be light and fast, these shoes will carry you to PR in your next trail race. Check out the next issue's Spring Shoe Review 2007 will feature a broad line-up of the latest trail running shoes. (Weights reflect men's size 9.)
LA SPORTIVA Raceblade, 11 oz, $85
The brand new Raceblade has a sleek fit and lightweight FriXion XT sticky rubber outsole for excellent traction and durable toe cap to protect toes. The triple-density midsole offers stability and hydrophobic heel foam dries quickly in wet conditions. www.sportiva.com
TEVA X-1 Racer, 10 oz, $95
A lighter version of its popular predecessor, the X-1 Racer takes amphibious performance to the highest level. Mesh panels drain water easily and provide maximum breathability while the supportive Wraptor Lite system hugs the midfoot. Sticky diamond-shaped 4 mm lugs grip almost any terrain. www.teva.com
INOV-8 Roclite 285, 10 oz, $95
In pursuit of optimal comfort and performance, the Roclite 285 has a water-repellent finish and stable, low-profile midsole. The flexible fascia-band outsole is designed to enhance your foot's natural forward propulsion, making it ideal for short but speedy trail races. www.inov-8.com
GOLITE Sun Dragon, 11 oz, $95
The lightest member of GoLite's new Sky Running footwear line manufactured by Timberland, the Sun Dragon features large "Trail Claws" designed to act as independent springs to cushion the ride over uneven terrain. Its unique PreciseFit system lets you customize the fit with inserts (provided). www.golite-footwear.com
Shorts
Available in a variety of lengths and fits to suit your style on the trails, these shorts all feature a compression short made of moisture-wicking material underneath a superlight nylon short. Each also comes with pockets for carrying gels, keys and small-item essentials.
SUGOI Compression Ankle Sock, $8
This thin, lightweight Coolmax sock has an snug arch-supporting fit. www.sugoi.com
BRIDGEDALE X-Hale Trailhead, $17
Terry-looped knit design provides extra cushioning at strategic points. www.bridgedale.com
SMARTWOOL Running MedMini Crew, $14
This wool/nylon blend sock has a contoured fit, cushioned instep and flat-knit toe seam. www.smartwool.com
TEKO Ecopoly Quarter Cut Sock, $12
Made from recycled polyester, these socks are surprisingly soft and durable. www.tekosocks.com
FEETURES Light Wool HP, $13
A blend of merino wool and Coolmax provides optimal temperature and moisture control. www.feeturesbrand.com
NEW BALANCE Dual Layer Reversible Sock, $9
If you're susceptible to blisters, try this friction-reducing double-layer sock. www.newbalance.com
THORLO Trail Running Mini Crew, $12
This classic design is still as soft, durable and moisture-wicking as ever. www.thorlos.com
PATAGONIA Lightweight Endurance Quarter, $14.50
This merino wool and polyester blended sock has an arch-hugging fit and cushy feel. www.patagonia.com
INOV-8 Debris Socks, $18
This new single-piece gaiter sock prevents dirt and grit from entering the shoe. Available in Coolmax or merino wool ($23). www.inov-8.com
Accessories
Trail Essentials
These accessories have your trail safety and comfort in mind. This selection of running eyewear focuses on function and feel-without weighing you down. How you carry your water is a matter of personal choice, but here are a few of our favorites. Track heart rate, distance travelled and much more with the watches we've included here. Lastly, when the sun goes down but you still have miles to go, these light systems will help you find your way.
NIKE Siege 2, $200
Ventilated nose bridge and adjustable temples create a comfortable, stable fit and the "flying" lens reduces fogging when you're working up a sweat. www.nikevision.com
MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR Ghost Anorak, $85
A featherweight pullover weighing a mere 3 oz, is a versatile shell made from wind-resistant ripstop nylon. www.mountainhardwear.com
HELLY HANSEN Trailwizard Tight, $65
A compression tight featuring Helly Hansen's wicking LIFA stretch fabric also has mesh lumbar area, ankle zips and reflective striping. www.hellyhansen.com
THE NORTH FACE Dusky Pack, $75
Mid-size women's hydration pack is made from durable cordura nylon and has moisture-wicking backpanel and shoulder straps. Included is a 70-ounce Nalgene water reservoir, safety whistle, plus a magnet handily connects the bite valve to the sternum strap. www.thenorthface.com
SALOMON Fast & Lite II Jacket, $85
A wonderfully light taffeta shell jacket with water-repellent finish, and stretch panels across the back and shoulders. www.salomonsports.com
IBEX Energy Tight, $130
Made of winter-weight merino wool knit with a touch of stretchy nylon and lycra, this form-fitting tight has a ankle zips and wide waistband for ideal comfort and function. www.ibexwear.com
Eyewear
KAENON, Rhino, $179
This oversize unisex sport frame is fashionable while offering practical wrap-around UV protection and durable rubber nose pads comfortably keep glasses in place. Polarized lenses provide clear visibility in both shady and bright conditions. www.kaenon.com
ZEAL OPTICS Slipstream, $90
This unique featherweight running-specific shield weighs only 23 grams, has a removable sweat-guard along the brow and polarized lenses cut glare and adjust to changing light conditions. www.zealoptics.com
JULBO Race, $120
This wonderfully versatile eyewear features a hinged nosepiece to accommodate various face sizes and a removable stretch headband to secure the glasses to your head during particularly vigorous activity. Julbo's Zebra technology means lenses adapt to prevailing light conditions throughout the day's adventure. www.julboinc.com
BOLLE Recoil, $90
The Recoil belongs to Bolle's Serpent line of wrap-around eyewear that holds tight around your head and is made from shatter-resistant polycarbonate lenses. It's sleek design is ideal for trail runners who demand lightweight polarized sunglasses at an affordable price. www.bolle.com
Light Systems
PETZL e+LITE, $30
The ultimate emergency headlamp, the e+LITE is waterproof, resistant to extreme temperatures (-22 to 140 degrees F) and comes with a compact carry case. Weighing only 27 grams, it totes up to 45 hour shine time, has two brightness levels, plus a single red LED helps to preserve night vision. www.petzl.com
BRUNTON L3 with Runners Belt. $110 for L3 headlight, $19 for belt
Now runners can make use of the Brunton L3, the brightest 3-watt LED headlight available, thanks to the new Runner's Belt, which takes the batteries' weight off your head and onto your waist. www.brunton.com
PRINCETON TEC, Apex Pro, $90
Weighing in at only 173 grams, the Apex Pro has four ultra bright LED lights pack up to 35 hours of burn time. The Apex Pro is more durable, lighter and watertight than its basic cousin, Apex. www.princetontec.com
Watches
TECH 4 O Accelerator Running Watch, $60
If you are looking for an affordable, user-friendly alternative to the latest GPS wrist computer, the Accelerator provides a highly accurate speed, distance, and caloric expenditure readings via a simple wrist sensor-- no foot pods or belt clip sensors. www.silvacompass.com
NEW BALANCE N5 Max $90
New Balance recently teamed up with Highgear to create a new line of heart rate monitors for runners. The N5 Max watch, featuring time-keeping functions, chronometer and calorie-counting functions, comes with a chest strap to measure heart rate. www.nbmonitors.com
Packs
HYDRAPACK AS Trail, $60
The AS stands for "Air Scoop" consisting of small moisture-wicking back pods that hold the pack off your back. Details include insulated reservoir compartment and "Hydratunes" opening accommodates earphone cord from your music device. The AS Trail has 195 cubic inches of gear space and the 70-ounce bladder can be turned inside-out for easy cleaning. www.hydrapack.com
NATHAN Proton 2.0, $70
Weighing only 15 ounces, the compact, narrow-fit Proton won't slow you down or inhibit your range of motion while on the trails. Air Scoop ventilation channels keep your back sweat-free and mesh shoulder straps don't chafe. It holds a 2 liter hydration bladder and still has 100 cubic inches of carrying capacity. www.nathansports.com
ULTIMATE DIRECTION Uno, $27
This single-bottle waistpack has two contoured zipper storage pockets, lightweight mesh holster with bungee cord to keep bottle in place. www.ultimatedirection.com
For Women Only
GOLITE Calamity Jane Running Skirt, $55
For a change from shorts, try this stylish yet functional polyester running skirt with built-in compression short. www.golite.com
SALOMON W Trail ¾ Tight, $55
This lycra tight, has a flattering cut, low-rise waist, flattering cut, and venting mesh behind the knees. www.salomonsports.com
IBEX Seamless Sports Bra, $49
Though our testers were initially skeptical about the support and fit of a wool sport bra, its tailored fit and touch of spandex provides support for trail runners who don't require a great deal of support. www.ibex.com
CW-X Sport Support Bra, $45
For women who need extra support, the Sports Support Bra uses encapsulation instead of compression to control movement. Each breast is supported by a five-pointed star supportive web. www.cw-x.com
This article appeared in Trail Runner magazine, issue #44 (MARCH 2007). Order your back issue now!
