What We’re Getting Dirty With This Week

I’m Zoë Rom, gear editor at Trail Runner. Each week, I hit the trails with a bunch of new products, everything from shoes to trail snacks. Here are some of the standout pieces that I used this week. These products are things I really use and genuinely love.

Territory Run Co.’s Long Haul Cap

Territory’s hats and apparel have a distinctly PNW-Old-School vibe, and I dig their bright colors. The mesh keeps your head cool and an inner band wicks sweat. If you flip up the bill, there’s a sweet fern print on the bottom.

Icebreaker Merino Longsleeve

This do-it-all top is sleek enough to be a base layer, but not too slinky to wear on its own. It’s body-mapped for extra ventilation where you need it and is perfect for high-intensity runs in winter weather. Men’s version here.

Janji Colorful Shorts

I’m staving off Seasonal Affective Disorder by dressing for the weather I want to have in Janji’s fun, floral shorts. I can’t say I’ve had any effect on the weather, but things sure do feel less gray in fun, floral shorts. Janji has colorful options for the dudes, too.

Cotopaxi Joggers

For chilly drives to the trailhead, I throw on Cotopaxi’s Ara joggers. The tapered fit slides over shorts for more coverage at the grocery store. These pants (also available for men) are stretchy enough for the gym and comfy enough for a Netflix ultramarathon.

Le Bent Le Lucy Socks

Le Lucy socks are made out of bamboo and merino wool and have a mountain print around the cuff so that people know you’re a trail runner – even when you’re running on the road or scrolling through Instagram on the only stationary bike at the gym. My pair has survived and held their

shape through at least one ultra marathon and several ultra-rinse cycles. The first time I raced in these, Lucy Bartholomew high fived me! I can’t guarantee those results for everyone, but you never know.

Laird’s Pumpkin Spice Creamer

Call me basic, but I want everything I eat this time of year to be warm and taste like my favorite gourd. Laird’s Superfood Pumpkin Spice Creamer is a great way to jazz up your morning joe as you’re getting ready for a long run.

Other Recommendations

This essay by one of my favorite writers, Leslie Jamison, is a beautiful and interesting examination of running and alcoholism as a means of escapism. Threshold Podcast has an amazing miniseries about the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. This deep-dive tracks the history of conflict on that land with incredible sound and reporting. Also recommended: follow environmental scientist turned artist Noelle Phares on Instagram.