In between days of snowfall, we had 30ºF+ days that were perfect for taking this out on the trail for some runs and bike rides.
The Showers Pass Basecamp Merino Hoodie has been a great addition to my collection of baselayers. While it was nice to wear on a cool run and bike ride, it also paired really well under a fleece on colder days on the slopes, making this one of the most versatile pieces I have in my gear closet.
This hoodie is made with all-season 230 gsm fabric that is 95% merino wool and has UPF 40 sun protection.
Sliding it on, it is light and cozy, but highly functional.
Merino Wool, by its nature, is perfect for the outdoors. It keeps you warm, but when things start to heat up, keeps your core temperature regulated so you aren’t constantly shedding layers with its moisture wicking capability.
What makes the Basecamp Merino Hoodie stand out from it’s competition is the thoughtfulness and intentionality of its product design.
Showers Pass Basecamp Merino Hoodie
It has zippered kangaroo pockets that are easily accessible in the front, but, did I mention: they are zippered. I have hoodies that don’t have zippered pockets and they aren’t good at holding much; they are just a convenient place to put my hands. But with Showers Pass’s design, I can stash anything into these pockets, zip them shut, and not have to worry about bouncing my keys, wallet or phone out of them.
Basecamp Merino Hoodie
I love the hood, as well. There’s a few hoodies in my closet with hoods that just don’t fit right. They are too small or sit to far back on my head. I love how spacious the hood is on the Basecamp Merino Hoodie. It provides adequate coverage, but because of how light the fabric is, it doesn’t weigh me down.
Basecamp Merino Hoodie
The final feature I’ll highlight is the fit in the back. Showers Pass designs their shirts and jackets so that there’s a little swoop going past your waist. This is a great feature for cycling so that your shirt doesn’t ride up.
Overall, I love the Basecamp Merino Hoodie. It’s another great product from Showers Pass. The overall fit is great. It’s one of the most comfortable hoodies and baselayers in my gear closet. I am looking forward to taking this piece out on more advetures.
The Basecamp Merino Hoodie is available online. I am 5’11” and 185 lbs and I wear a large.
Following June’s brand launch, Vvolt e-mobility has enjoyed strong pre-orders of their value-oriented line of ebikes. With the arrival of their initial production of ebikes at their Oregon warehouse, they are now fulfilling those pre-orders and opening regular sales. Pre-order bikes are shipping now, with the brand working toward a one-week shipping time on new orders as the initial order backlog is cleared.
“It’s amazing to deliver our initial orders after we’ve had such great feedback on our pre-production units from consumers and media, but one of my favorite parts about this is that we finally get to debut our packaging,” says founder Kyle Ranson. “We’ve designed a fairly unique box enabling our riders to receive their bikes 97% assembled, only needing to install the front wheel and pedals before topping off the battery and enjoying their first ride.”
All models and sizes are now in stock at Vvolt.com. Both existing and new order customers will have the option of taking free home delivery, or having unboxing handled by one of the independent bike shops in Beeline Connect’s nationwide network for an additional charge.
Stellar Series Offers Clean Designs with Rider-Friendly Technologies
The Stellar Series comprises four ebike models sharing technologies designed to make the riding experience simple and rewarding. All bikes use clean-running Gates Carbon Drive belts, hydraulic disc brakes and motor systems selected for durability. The $1399 Alpha and Alpha S models deliver motor assist via 350w rear hub drive. Premium Sirius ($2699) and Proxima ($2799) models are equipped with 250w MPF mid-drive motors, delivering 80nm of torque through Enviolo’s unique CVT internal gearhubs. All bikes meet common Class 1 pedal-assist requirements, adding motor assistance up to 20mph. Mid-motor models can be upgraded to Class 3 with an alternate handlebar computer enabling motor assist to 28mph.
Stellar Series ebikes Are Built for Utility in the City and Beyond
Vvolt e–mobility announces their debut product line– a series of four electric bikes offering exceptional ease of use, delivering lifetime value to riders from the moment of unboxing. The Stellar Series of ebikes all feature belt drives for mess-free durability, hydraulic disc brakes for powerful and consistent stopping, and electric assist systems selected for durability and reliability.
Balancing portability and power, Vvolt ebikes use mid-sized electric power systems to keep overall weight down, because lifting and carrying your ebike shouldn’t require herculean strength. Furthering practicality, all models are designed for semi-upright riding positions that blend comfort with predictable handling on pavement, paths, gravel and trails. Frames are equipped with fittings to carry cargo, water and mount optional fenders for riding in damp conditions.
This versatility gives the Stellar series more ways to inject more fun into your day from 9-5 and beyond.
Alpha / Alpha S: The Simplest Solution is Often the Best
Vvolt’s entry-level models are the Alpha and Alpha S. With simple, one-speed gearing it’s all about the ride; amplified by the 350w hub motor and silent-running belt drive. These models feature wide 27.5×2” tires to tame any surface and excel on dirt roads as well as around town. At $1399, Alpha models are the most affordable ebike in the US market to feature the combination of belt drive, clean-lined internal battery and powerful hydraulic disc brakes. The diamond-frame Alpha presents a traditional look, while the Alpha S offers a lower step-through frame, making it easier to hop on and off – especially when loaded with cargo.
Proxima and Sirius: Incredible Durability and Extra Power
Proxima and Sirius models step up to a more powerful mid-drive motor from Taiwan’s MPF drive with torque and speed sensors to deliver up to 350% of rider power. Vvolt is the first brand to offer the MPF system to the US in commuter and fitness-oriented ebikes, having made the selection due to their reputation for quiet operation and durability based on the self-lubricating, full-steel motor gearing.
Vvolt pairs this super-resilient engine with the toughest transmission on the market: Enviolo’s CVT rear hub that runs for tens of thousands of miles without requiring service. As with Alpha models, Proxima and Sirius drivetrains are linked by Gates Carbon Drive belts that run clean and silent without oil.
Made for long commutes and sporty weekend riders, the Proxima runs on gravel-bike style wheels to deliver speed and versatility across multiple terrains.
Riders who seek unpaved paths, dirt roads and singletrack will enjoy the wider 27.5×2” tires on the Sirius, which also features an air-sprung suspension fork to tackle rougher terrain.
Vvolt ebikes
The Bluetooth-compatible handlebar computer syncs to an upcoming mobile app for mid-drive models, with integrated speed/distance/range info and GPS navigation. Riders in hilly locales can also use the app to make their bike more responsive for tackling steep grades while riders looking to maximize range can reduce motor sensitivity to add an extra layer of battery conservation. All Vvolt ebikes come standard with 20mph top pedal assisted speed for compliance with Class 1 standards (the most widely-accepted ebike type across the US.) Mid-drive models may be upgraded to “Class 3” 28mph top pedal-assisted speeds with the purchase of an alternate handlebar computer.
Vvolt is primarily selling consumer direct, so particular care has been taken to create packaging that delivers a rewarding unboxing experience for riders with any level of mechanical ability. Arriving in an oversized box, new owners can easily slide the 97% assembled bike out of the end of the box, rather than lifting it up and out. The only parts needing installation are the front wheel and pedals, both easily attached using the included multitool. Unlike most bikes that arrive swaddled in layers of foam, cardboard and zip ties, Vvolt is able to package their bikes with minimal in-box protection due to the oversized envelope, cutting down on single-use plastics while making for a faster and more satisfying unboxing. To further plant their flag as a customer-centered company, Vvolt is offering a three-year warranty on all new ebikes. “It’s important to us to stand behind our products, and that includes taking on some additional responsibility when it comes to warranty,” says company founder Kyle Ranson. “We think the fact that most of our suppliers offer two-year warranties speaks to their quality, but we’re also making the additional commitment to our customers to say ‘Hey, we’re going to be here to help you out in the future should the need arise.’”
Vvolt ebikes
About Vvolt e–mobility
Vvolt is a new electric vehicle brand founded to solve the challenges of human transportation through creating innovative electric mobility products and advocating for people-safe streets.
Based in Portland Oregon, we’re drawing on our decades of experience in consumer electronics, bicycles and fashion to make rider-friendly ebikes and vehicles, and back them up with a company that delivers the kind of service we want as riders ourselves.
We’re imagining a future where more people ride more often, reducing the number of cars on the street in favor of a mix of electric and human-powered mobility vehicles. This human-scale future is one where we move efficiently from door-to-door, with less time spent in parking lots, or traffic jams. We’re here to change our streets and shared spaces from being dominated by cars to places where more riders create safety in numbers for one another. This future is for everyone, where ebikes and other EVs are easy to ride and easy to own.
It’s our purpose to get more people out of cars and into riding e-mobility. It’s a friendlier way to travel, and with the ability to sidestep auto traffic, often the fastest way to get door-to-door.
We’re also here to promote safer infrastructure in our cities, towns and beyond. It’s our goal to bring together our public agencies, advocates, media and other brands to make it easier for people to integrate electric mobility vehicles (bikes and beyond) into their lives.
It can mean something good or bad, but also used to describe something challenging.
Gnarly Nutrition Hydrate and BCAAs
When Gnarly Nutrition sent me samples of their product to try, it landed on my doorstep at a challenging time. I just gotten back from my first physical in many years and learned that I had topped the scales at an all-time high. Based on the BMI chart, I was now “overweight.”
Fitness has always been a priority for me, but as life changed, so has my fitness priorities. The COVID-19 presented challenges around my fitness and I fell out of my normal routines, including running (something I have been devoutly fanatical about for 13 years).
The balance between home learning, work, and making time for my wife to have to herself put a lot of my fitness to the side.
And now I showed the evidence of that. Since my first child was born 10 years ago, I had put on 47 pounds. Since COVID, I had put on 20 pounds.
It was a lot and I knew I had to do something different. Something challenging. Something… gnarly.
When these samples arrived, I decided that it was time to kick my own ass.
I started a high-intensity-impact-training program, increased my frequency and mileage running, and started flipping a tractor tire in my garage. Along with that, I started intermittent fasting for 16-18 hours a day and cold showers in the morning to activate my brown fat cells.
These supplements from Gnarly Nutrition have been a welcome addition.
Gnarly Hydrate
Gnarly Nutrition Hydrate
Thirty-minutes prior to a workout, I’ll down a serving of Gnarly Hydrate.
Typically, I’m working out in the late afternoon and the B-Vitamins are a nice energizing pick-me-up to motivate me out of my office and into my workout space.
Each serving is super-packed with electrolytes to help aid performance and stave off muscle cramps and burnout. 250 mg of sodium, 100 mg of potassium, 90 mg of magnesium, 125 mg of calcium, and 135 mg of chloride.
What I appreciate about this product is that it doesn’t have caffeine. Since I’m working out in the afternoon, I don’t need extra caffeine in my system.
Additionally, this product mixes really well. There’s another brand (that shan’t be named) that I’ve used that is always clumpy and feels heavy in the gut. Gnarly Hydrate mixes well enough that I’ve replaced the Nuun tablets in my Hydropak.
Gnarly BCAAs
Gnarly Nutrition BCAAs
I’ve never used BCAAs as part of my recovery. If you don’t know, BCAAs stand for Branched Chain Amino Acids.
You have 20 different amino acids in your body and three of those (leucine, isoleucine and valine) are branched chain amino acids.
By supplementing BCAAs, you’re helping your body build back better (sorry, Biden). BCAAs can help with muscle growth, decrease muscle soreness, reduce fatigue, and prevent muscle wasting.
When I’ve gotten on these ass-kicking routines, my ass has gotten kicked and I have fallen off the wagon quickly.
But since supplementing Gnarly BCAAs I’ve found significant improvement in my recovery time.
I’ve been able to hit the same level of intensity the next day after an intense workout.
I’m a week into my journey and I’ve already dropped a couple pounds, which I’ll take as a victory.
Gnarly BCAAs has several flavors to choose from including caffeinated and decaf options. I’m using the caffeinated version, but with only 35 mg of caffeine per serving, it hasn’t negatively impacted my sleep routine.
Gnarly Vegan Protein
Gnarly Nutrition Vegan Protein
Finding the right vegan protein has been hit or miss. Especially when it comes to how well it mixes. There are many out there that are grainy and clumpy.
Thankfully, Gnarly Vegan Protein is one of the best I’ve had. Their protein is a blend of pea protein isolate, cranberry seed protein and chia seed protein.
Since using it, I also haven’t had the gut issues I’ve had before with other proteins. I think it’s in part due to their forms of protein, but the fiber content (7 grams per serving), and the pre and probiotics to support digestion and gut health.
When I’ve been breaking my fast, I’ve turned to their vegan protein versus running to the local sandwich or fast food shop. Each serving, when combined with water, is only 200 calories.
Out of the two flavors I samples (vanilla and chocolate), chocolate was my favorite.
Bottom Line
As I’ve gone on this journey of better health and fitness, I couldn’t be more happy to have Gnarly Nutrition in my corner. It’s definitely been a bit gnarly. But gnarly is a good way.
My hope is that I’ll be able to get to a point where I’m able to do ultras again and have Gnarly on all my training runs.
It’s worth noting that Gnarly Nutrition products are NSF certified and the three products above are all soy free, gluten free, and vegan.
When I stopped at the Tasc Performance booth at Outdoor Retailer, I knew I had stumbled onto a pretty special and unique brand.
Tasc Performance clothes are made from a bamboo fiber blend, which is great for any type of activity due to its moisture-wicking, anti-odor, and wrinkle-resistant properties.
At Outdoor Retailer, it was immediately noticeable how lightweight and comfortable their clothing was. The bamboo fiber blend made it extremely soft and I knew I had to try them out on the trail.
Field Testing
Tasc sent me a handful of products to review. In this post, we’ll break down two products: the Carrolton Tee and the Recess Short.
The Recess Short
Tasc Performance Recess Short
With the Tasc Performance Recess Short, the softness of the bamboo fiber blend was immediately apparent. It might TMI, but I have been have some chafing issues in the nether region. During the field test I took them out on a mountain hike and several runs and I never experienced any redness or soreness down there. I also through in a handful of home workouts and yoga sessions.
When comparing them to my other go-to running shorts, they also weighed in 2 grams lighter.
The shorts have several pockets for storage. I was able to easily hold a few gels and a flexible water bottle in the side pockets, and my keys in a zippered side pocket. On the bamboo liner, it has a cell phone pocket that easily held my iPhone 12 Pro.
The pockets kept things secure enough so that there wasn’t too much bouncing, but ideally on longer runs, I would store a majority of those things in my running pack.
Not getting chafed by itself made these shorts a winner. But I’ve also just lounged around the house in them. The liner isn’t too tight or constrictive. It kept everything in it’s place while giving me room to stretch out.
I also found that they are suitable to nearly every workout activity I could think of. While doing jump squats or downward-facing dog, I never felt that the shorts were slipping in a way that would expose my butt crack. But I also didn’t find myself constantly adjusting the liner.
The Carrolton Tee
Tasc Performance Carrolton Tee
To say that the Tasc Performance Carrolton Tee is as smooth and as soft as butter may sound like an exaggeration, but it’s not. I wish all my shirts were this soft.
While on my mountain hike, I had my go-to running back slung over it, and what I noticed was that I really liked the collar.
The collar sits a bit higher than my other running shirts. And what’s great about it is that I didn’t experience the normal chaffing I would get around my neck from my running pack. It’s the little things that make a difference.
The bamboo fiber also lays a bit different than a normal running shirt. It is heavier and because of that, I didn’t experience the typical riding-up I normally would have during yoga or HITT workouts.
The Bottom Line
Truth be told: I’m a big fan of Tasc Performance.
Not only were they really comfortable during my activities, but I put them through the ringer to test out the other bamboo proprieties: moisture-wicking and anti-odor.
I spent around 15 hours of heavy activity in them and they passed the smell test. I mean, it was a little funky towards the end, but it didn’t have the normal funk of my workout and running clothes.
If you’re looking to upgrade your running apparel or needing something that you just want to be comfortable in, look no further than Tasc Performance.
A year ago I thought I had discovered the be-all end-all of cycling jackets: their Hi-Vis Torch Jacket. And until this moment, it had been my go-to commuter jacket. Showers Pass has exceeded my expectations with the release of the Elements Jacket.
What sets the Elements Jacket apart from the Hi-Vis Torch or other Showers Pass jackets is it’s design and functionality. Since receiving their product to test, I’ve had the opportunity to wear it on my bike commutes to work, but also on the trail rides. However, since temperatures have been gradually getting colder, I’ve found myself grabbing it even when I wasn’t cycling. It has become a go-to wardrobe element for walks in the cool mornings or playtime at the park at dusk.
The Elements Jacket is lightweight and extremely packable. There’s been many commutes where it has warmed up considerably by the time that I have to bike home and it easily stashes in my Backpack Pannier.
Showers Pass Elements Jacket
Like all Showers Pass products, the Elements Jacket was made for wet conditions with a fully seam-taped, waterproof-breathable performance fabric. The interior is made with a carbon-print lining that provides natural odor-resistance. With these fabrics the jacket is still flexible allowing for free movement. I never felt like the jacket was sticking or pulling on my skin, but I also never felt like I was constrained in my movements.
If you’ve followed our blogs, you know by now that I like to highlight products that have a sustainable or eco-friendly feature. The Elements Jacket does this by using eco-friendly dyes in it’s manufacturing process.
The jacket comes loaded with features: a removable hood, front pockets, reinforced shoulders, and ventilation around the midsection. While it doesn’t have all of the same reflectivity features as the Hi-Vis Torch Jacket, while the days are longer this hasn’t been an issue during my commutes.
Showers Pass Elements Jacket
The Elements Jacket comes in both Mens and Womens sizes. I’m 5’11” and 180 lbs and I wear a Medium.
I live close enough to my office, that bike commuting has become more of a have to instead of continuous mental debate of “Should I?” I have comfortable enough commuting backpacks, but in the heat of summer there were days where I’d show up to work and my back would be a hot sticky mess.
Avoiding a good back sweat is only one reason to buy a pannier. There’s also the convenience of not having that extra weight on your back. Even though my commute to work is around 15 minutes, the route I take back home takes me 25, but given all the trails around me, it also provides the option of going for a longer ride. And lets be honest, if you’re commuting more than 15 minutes, having the weight of a computer, lunch, clothes, etc is not the best way to start your day.
Po Campo popped up on my radar mostly because of their mission. Besides creating some really awesomely designed bags, they partner with World Bike Relief and for every 50 bags sold, they fund a bike to mobilize students, healthcare workers, and entrepreneurs in parts of the world where distance is a barrier.
They recently sent me the Irving Backpack Pannier 2 to test. This is the first pannier I’ve owned. It was easy to transition my work things from a larger backpack into the smaller, compact Irving Backpack Pannier.
On my work commutes, I can easily carry my 13-inch Macbook Pro, a change of clothes for a lunch run, food, and toss my protein shake shaker in a side pocket.
Po Campo Irving Backpack Pannier 2
It functions as a backpack, as well. To attach it to my rack, I flip the backpack straps to the front, clip the sternum strap so they stay in place, and use their patented Fidlock® magnetic clips to attach it to the rack. The straps, once reversed, are a bright reflective green that really stands out in the wee hours of the morning before the sun has fully come up over the horizon.
My ride to and from work is a bit bumpy on gravel trails, so I also utilize their hook at the bottom of the bag to connect to the bottom of the rack.
Po Campo Irving Backpack Pannier 2
The bag itself is waterproof with water-protected zippers. Hidden away in the bottom of the bag is a built-in raincover. It’s made from a bright green, waterproof vegan fabric. I had the ability to utilize this a couple weeks ago when Colorado got their earliest snowfall in decades. When I got to work the raincover was splattered, but it was easy enough to wipe away the mud before stashing it back away in it’s hidden pocket.
If your bike has a rack that can equip a pannier, I highly suggest the Irving Backpack Pannier 2. Since using it for the first time, I haven’t gone back to my standard backpack. It is a great companion for my work commute and I’m looking forward to finding the right opportunity to take it on longer and larger adventures.
I bike to work several days a week, and even though most of my commute happens on trails, visibility is key. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve started the bike ride home from the office and had my taillight die or rode by another cyclist in a similar situation. On the road, it’s even more important to reduce the possibility of risk.
So when Showers Pass sent me their Hi-Vis Torch Jacket to test, it immediately caught my eye. With its reflective fabric, it’s hard to miss during the day or night, but so is its unique design. They imprinted the jackets with the maps of 11 international cities known for cycling with their silver MapREflect Fabric. As headlights approach, the streets on the fabric light up.
Down the sides of the jacket is a blinding neon green eliteTM fabric providing day-time visibility. Additionally, the jacket comes with four LED Beacon Lights that can be inserted into specific areas of the jacket and activated at night for greater visibility.
Showers Pass sent me a jacket to test out and review, and I can attest the Hi-Vis Torch Jacket is a great addition to any cycling gear closet.
The jacket is 100% waterproof, but it’s still permeable, so that heat and sweat generated can escape. When combined with other waterproof gear, including the Showers Pass Crosspoint Flip-Mitt and their Waterproof Crosspoint Socks, you’re basically invincible to the elements. I even stood under the steady downpour of our shower to see just how waterproof this jacket was and while a little bit of water had seeped in through the neck, my shirt underneath was dry.
There’s also three ventilation areas on the jacket (one on each side and another in the back) that can be opened or closed to allow cool air in. It also performs well in colder temperatures. Cycling with a base layer underneath the jacket in temperatures hovering just above 20ºF I was comfortable during moderate aerobic effort.
For storage, the jacket has chest and rear pockets. Both are sized well. I was able to easily slide in and out my iPhone 7 Plus into the front pocket. In the back I could fit in a CO2 inflation kit, my keys, multi tool, and a snack bar.
Conclusion
I’ve been impressed by the Showers Pass Hi-Vis Torch Jacket. It does everything a cycling jacket in this category should do and does it exceptionally well. It’s a great jacket that’s a regular part of my commute and weekend rides.
Please note that Showers Pass is an affiliate to Huck Adventures, and at no additional cost to you, Huck earns a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the links above. We appreciate your support!
