Janji’s Winter Kit: Layer Up and Give Back

Published December 20, 2020 05:41AM

Winter is one of the most difficult times to train as a runner. With a proper layering scheme, however, you can block out the cold and hit the trails no matter where you live. Don’t let Jack Frost keep you inside. Layer up and get out there with Janji.

Founded in 2012, Janji is a running apparel brand focused on the exploratory nature of running. Not setting personal records, but making personal connections and experiences, traversing natural terrain conscientiously and giving back along the way. When you buy Janji, you’re giving to a brand founded on socially, ethically, and environmentally responsible production processes, a brand that continues to give back with every purchase.

Each Janji seasonal collection takes inspiration from a country where they’re working to solve a clean water issue. South Africa inspired their Fall/Winter 2020 product line, for example. When Janji says their gear is “inspired” by a country, however, that doesn’t mean someone at their office just did a few Wikipedia searches and decided on a location. The Janji product development process is a holistic, ground up campaign, intrinsically linked to the country it’s inspired by. The team collaborates with local artists to craft exclusive prints and graphics, partners with a local nonprofit working on clean water solutions, and tests their prototypes on the ground in the country.

The name “Janji” means promise in Malay, which refers to the brand’s promise to better the world with each and every product. 2% of all Janji proceeds go to support clean water projects in the countries that inspire each of their seasonal collections, from Nepal to Kenya to Bolivia to the Philippines. ht

Janji isn’t just a runner’s brand, it’s a brand for the world and for the people.

The Rainrunner Pack Jacket is the ultimate packable outer, with a 2.5L laminated shell using PFC-free, eco-friendly water repellency. The Rainrunner’s lightweight ripstop fabric is both wind-blocking and durable, while 360º panel venting provides an unprecedented level of breathability. With two zippered hand pockets and a secure internal chest pocket, along with a self-stowing pocket to pack the jacket down, this is an incredibly functional outer layer.

The snug, scuba-style hood provides 180º visibility with a micro-visor, and a protected zipper garage prevents chin irritation. Meanwhile, you can stow the hood when not in use with a minimalist elastic band which duals as an integrated locker loop. The Rainrunner is the outer layer you’ve always wanted.

The Mercury Quarter Zip is a cozy, lightweight, moisture-wicking mid, crafted from Janji’s revolutionary 4-way stretch Mercury Knit fabric. A refined raglan sleeve offers complete freedom of movement, while integrated thumb slits and a cadet collar add extra protection. Meanwhile, light peaching on both sides of the fabric provides warmth without sacrificing a single gram of weight or breathability. Mercury Knit is one of Janji’s greatest achievements, and this high performance fabric is sure to impress in the Mercury Quarter Zip. A perfect mid layer for colder days.

The form-fitting Swift Tech Mockneck works well both as a base layer or a simple long sleeve top for warmer days. The ultra-soft, merino/poly blend breathes and excels when wicking moisture. While designed for winter use, this fabric is also thermoregulating, making it comfortable in a wide variety of temps. Meanwhile, special Polygiene® anti-odor control and DriRelease tech allows you to wear the Swift Mockneck multiple times between washes.

The Groundwork Tights come in a “Flyby” design for men and a “7/8” style for women, with hi-vis reflective taping along the side seams that all but disappears in daylight. With four spacious pockets in the Flyby and five in the 7/8, there’s plenty of space to hold all your essentials. Double-lined fabric in the front panel provides added wind protection and warmth in the Flyby, and a yoga waistband with an internal drawcord offers a secure, adjustable fit in the 7/8. The ultra-smooth, durable nylon fabric on the Groundwork Tights moves like a second skin, and won’t sag out even after multiple wears between washes. The Groundwork Tights offer everything we want to see in a pair of winter running tights.

The Vortex Gloves provide lightweight warmth and breathability, no matter the conditions. A weather-resistant outer keeps the cold at bay, and with thermal stretch fleece venting heat and wicking moisture, clammy hands are a thing of the past. Hi-vis reflective tape on the backs of the hands keeps you visible on the road, while touchscreen-enabled fingertips allow you to stay connected on-the-go.

The exotic geometric design on these gloves was designed exclusively for Janji’s South Africa Line, in collaboration with Cape Town-based artistic duo MRS + MR LUKE.

The Multipass Sling Bag works both as a lightweight, secure sling bag for stashing a shell, shades, or water and as a casual day-pack when out travelling. This weather-repellent, 2-liter bag is technical enough to perform on the trail and stylish enough for daily wear. The flexible honeycomb foam air-mesh back panel keeps air flowing and allows for all-day wear, meanwhile, the adaptable straps allow you to sling the Multipass across your back or wear it as a fanny pack. What’s not to like?

With Janji’s Winter Layering Kit, you’re fighting the cold AND you’re fighting the international water crisis, holistically and from the ground up.

1. CAMP X-All Mountain
$239.95

The X-All Mountain is a technical ice tool with balance and geometry optimized for vertical ice, and the rest of the features allow the tool to adapt to the varied terrain typical of advanced alpinism. The multi-part head can be configured with a hammer or adze. The handle is now 3 parts that can be assembled in a precise way to suit the terrain.

2. CAMP Rocket $59.95

The Rocket is a top-level workhorse for alpinists and ice climbers who rely on their ice screws in big mountain terrain. The chromoly steel construction is lightweight, strong and durable. The front teeth have been engineered for the fastest placements even in the coldest, most compact ice. Reverse-angle threads ensure smooth driving and maximum holding power. Compact chromoly hanger aligns with the screw to pull in an optimal direction and racks well on both sides of the harness.

3. CAMP Alpine Flash
$79.95

The Alpine Flash is a purpose-built design for technical alpinism and ice climbing at the highest level. By incorporating innovative Load Webbing construction, we achieve a remarkable combination of comfort, lightweight and hydrophobia, and exceptional packability. Features for ice climbing and alpinism include 5 gear loops, 4 integrated slots for Hub racking carabiners and adjustable leg loops with auto-locking steel buckles. Available in 5 sizes from XS – XL.

4. CAMP Storm $99.95

The Storm is a cutting-edge helmet that provides exceptional protection and is comfortable enough to wear all day in any conditions and for any kind of climbing. 22 streamlined vents keep the head cool on multi-pitch climbs and when conditions warm up on mountaineering routes. Two sizes have been optimized for a very broad fit range, and the harness and dial system cradle the head low to keep the helmet in position even with dynamic movements.

5. Hyperlite Prism $397

The Prism beckons ice climbers, mountaineers, alpinists, and backcountry skiers to think big and go deep. Designed to meet at the intersection of speed, weight, security, and comfort, this top-loading pack features an extendable drawstring closure and an adjustable, removable low-profile lid. The hip belt provides two gear racks and two ice clipper slots, but is removable when not required for the task at hand, or when wearing a climbing harness. Highly adjustable compression straps secure crucial equipment while keeping the pack close to the body for free and unrestricted movement.

6. Valandré Oden NEO
$849

Designed for low temperatures at high altitude, the Odin NEO brings warmth and comfort, allowing you to save energy and gather strength for the morning push. Its oversized volume avoids any down compression and the uniquely adjustable draft collar traps body heat where it needs to be. Itâ€™s yet another warm, comfy Valandre bag for extreme and cold altitudes.

7. Maxim Unity
$207, 50 meters

Maxim’s Unity is certified as both a twin and a half rope. It is a multi-purpose rope that is perfect for the weight-conscious alpinist or climber. Unity is constructed to reduce drag and increase fall protection over sharp edges. Therefore it is perfectly suited as an alpine climbing rope or ice climbing rope. For ice climbing Maxim recommends 2x-DRY treated models.

Janji’s Winter Kit: Layer Up and Give Back

1. CAMP X-All Mountain $239.95