And KÜHL delivers with their FUGITIVE FLANNEL, one of my favorite flannels in my closet.
The FUGITIVE FLANNEL is a men’s long sleeve mid-weight flannel. It is amazingly soft and has a KÜHL’s signature stretch in it’s fabric. It’s breathable fabric moves with you for all-day comfort during the high and low-temperature swings of Fall.
Why is this one of my favorite flannels? It is thick enough to be warm on the coldest days, but it isn’t too thick to wear on warmer days. It’s fit is versatile enough to fit over a light base-layer, as well.
It’s fabric is a nice cut and allows for complete range of motion.
When KÜHL sent me the FUGITIVE FLANNEL to test, my first opportunity was at a Cub Scout camp. I was camp chef for 100 scouts and their parents.
Even while in front of our camp stove, moving and cooking for over an hour, I didn’t feel overheated or uncomfortable.
The shirt moved easily as I set up the tent, as well. One of my annoyances with shirts like these is that they are too light and ride up easily. Luckily this shirt didn’t.
The FUGITIVE FLANNEL also looks great. It is the perfect shirt for camping, but also works well in the office or about town. It also pairs well with our recently review RESISTOR CHINO.
I am definitely going to replace a few of my other flannels with the FUGITIVE.
I am 5’11” and 185 pounds. I tested a size large and found that it was true to size.
If you’re in the market for a new blanket for camping or just being cozy, one brand you’ve probably heard of is Rumpl.
Their blankets are top-notch: light, water-resistant, and eco-friendly with their post-consumer recycled polyester.
Their dedication to environmental causes goes deeper, though. They donate 1% of sales to offset their carbon footprint. They also work with low carbon transportation options. And Rumpl is a Certified B Corporation.
Rumpl sent us their AllTrails collaboration blanket to test, we’ve enjoyed the versatility their product provides. It’s the perfect picnic blanket, great for camping, the perfect cozy wraparound, or as a cape with their Cape-Clip.
It also includes:
100% post-consumer recycled polyester shell and insulation
DWR finish for stain and water resistance
Corner loops
Machine washable
Water-resistant stuff sack included
I love this product. It’s a great companion especially for camping when you aren’t sure if a sleeping bag is enough. My kids love it too. We spend a lot of our early mornings outdoors and now that it’s cooler, it is a great blanket for cuddling.
If you’re looking for a cozy companion this Fall, look no further than Rumpl!
The Performance Fishing Shirt is a full-button stretch woven shirt made of a wrinkle-free polyester blend. The fabric is treated for UPF30 sun protection and will keep you safe from the sun’s harsh rays.
The shirt is also moisture wicking, making it really comfortable on those long, hot days on the water; keeping you cool for all-day adventures. It also doesn’t stink after a full day outdoors thanks to antimicrobial properties in the fabric.
There is also a vented back with mesh breathability.
Showers Pass today introduces the Men’s and Women’s Timberline Collection, adding to their growing line of sustainably manufactured outdoor apparel. A multi-activity rain collection, the Timberline Jacket & Pants are built using a new Biosource nylon face fabric and recycled polyester lining creating a lightweight and soft-to-the-touch performance kit. The modern trim fit and features like subdued reflective accents, helmet-friendly hood, larger core vents, and 3-Layer Artex™ waterproof-breathable construction make this an excellent choice for your next bike adventure or rainy-day hike. The Timberline collection is also part of Showers Pass’ Clean Color collection, garments made with eco-friendly dyes that keep harmful chemicals out of the manufacturing process.
The Timberline collection is loaded with features and built using the same standards and attention to detail that have made Showers Pass jackets trusted and sought-after by cyclists for 25 years. “When you need protection from the rain and wind that provides all-day comfort and versatility and is specifically designed with performance and reliability in mind, the Timberline is a perfect choice,” says Jeremy Rider, PR Director at Showers Pass. “As we celebrate 25 years in the industry we couldn’t be more excited to launch this collection as we head into the Fall season, with a jacket and pant combination that is reliably strong, that is perfect for colder weather adventures.”
See the Timberline Collection and full line of Showers Pass rainwear, active apparel, and waterproof accessories at http://www.showerspass.com.
Our Review
Showers Pass sent us the jacket to test a couple months ago. It was perfect timing, because I was heading to Costa Rica in the middle of their rainy season. It was guaranteed that at least once a day, it would pour.
On one day in particular, we had hiked through the rain forest to a beach. We had only been there for 45 minutes, when it started to rain. And we had 1.25 miles to hike back with kids.
How waterproof is it? It’s 100% waterproof. That downpour was no match for this jacket. It’s not just water-resistant. It’s truly waterproof.
I was dry and comfortable and able to focus on getting my kids back to the car and mostly happy. I mean, they were getting rained on in a rain forest! How cool is that?
There’s been plenty of additional opportunities for testing. We’ve been getting a lot of rain–thank God–in Colorado. This jacket has accompanied me on many hikes and bike rides. Throughout our two months of testing, the waterproofing has remained solid!
The Timberline Jacket is waterproof due to the 3-layer waterproof-breathable Artex fabric.
The jacket also features reflective accents so you can have maximum visibility to motorists.
The Timberline Jacket’s fit is also very customizable. Which is great depending on your activity, temperature, or weather conditions.
The cuffs and waist of the jacket are adjustable, so that you can have it as tight or loose as needed.
The hood is adjustable, as well. It can be large enough to fit over a bike helmet or cinch down to cover your head on a hike.
The sides of the jacket feature large core vents to prevent overheating and double as pockets.
As Summer turns to Fall and we see our first snow, I’ll continue using this jacket. It’s built for layering and works really great with a mid-layer underneath.
I highly recommend this jacket for anyone that is looking to stay dry outdoors. Don’t let rain or snow stop you from enjoying the outdoors!
It’s available for men and women. I’m 5’11” and 185 pounds and wear a large.
Chubbies, known for their versatile men’s apparel, announced today that they are launching their first pants collection.
For over a decade, Chubbies has been perfecting shortswear. Their product catalogue is full of amazing casual and swim shorts. But now, they are playing the long game with The Everywear Pant.
The Everywear Pant is the ultimate performance casual pant. It features a super soft, lightweight fabrication with Chubbies’ signature built-in 4-way stretch for comfort and motion. These pants were designed to go everywhere and do anything.
“We’ve built a brand laser-focused on delivering weekend-ready apparel to our customers via proper-length shorts,” mentioned Rainer Castillo, Co-Founder and President of Chubbies. “But, seasons change, and poison ivy exists. Today, we evolve our brand to include a silhouette you can wear 7 days a week, 365 days a year. It’s still the same Chubbies… just a little longer.”
The Everywear Pant marks over 3 years of customer research, surveying, and wear-testing. Chubbies prioritized comfort and versatility in their product design.
The Everywear Pant’s fabric is water-resistant and wrinkle-resistant. They can be dressed up or dressed down. They were made for hikes, date nights, travel, and everything else in between.
Prior to their launch, Chubbies sent us a pair to test and I have to say, from the first time I put them on, I was in love.
These pants were so darn comfortable. The fabric was soft and light and when I took it out on the town and trail, I found that the fabric was pretty comfortable and breathable. Even on exposed hikes, I never thought to myself, “Boy, I wish I was in shorts.” That’s how awesome and versatile these pants are!
The design of the Everywear Pant is great as well. They come in a variety of colors and the ones I tested were a light grey. But the detail of the pants is what stood out. Inside each pocket is a little tropical floral design. It’s fun and matches well with the Chubbies shirt I was testing out as well.
I love the wrinkle resistance in the fabric, too. These came with me on a recent trip and when I pulled them out of my duffle, they were ready to be thrown on. No ironing needed.
The Everywear Pants are available for purchase today at noon EDT in stores and online for $94.50. Available in 6 colors and in sizes S-XXL.
Swiftwick recently expanded its collection of national park-themed socks, adding several new designs inspired by North America’s most popular parks.
Beginning August 1, you can buy socks for your favorite destinations, including Acadia, Banff, Bryce Canyon, Death Valley, Glacier, Jasper, and Mt. Rainer National Parks.
This is added to an all-ready terrific lineup of national park-themed designs. They include Arches, Denali, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Great Smoky Mountains, Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion.
These socks are part of Swiftwick’s VISION Six Collection and are designed in partnership with the Anderson Design Group.
The VISION is made of moisture-wicking materials and are made to function in any activity. They have a medium amount of cushion, a contoured fit, and ventilation through a thin channeled upper.
The National Park collection comes with a 6-inch cuff with the park design printed above the ankle.
I recently took them on a run on the breathtaking beaches of Costa Rica and was blown away by their performance. I was running during low tide when the sand was hard and compact, and I was pleasantly surprised by the firm grip these shoes provided.
The knitted upper allowed for optimal flexibility and breathability, making the run not only comfortable but also enjoyable. I didn’t have to worry about my feet overheating or feeling restricted, which made for a truly memorable experience.
When I returned home, I put these shoes to the test on the rocky trails of the Colorado Mountains.
These trails can be a real challenge for any runner, with jagged rocks and uneven terrain that can be hard on the feet. But with the Vivobarefoot PRIMUS TRAIL KNIT, I felt confident and protected. The firm ground sole did an excellent job of keeping my feet safe while still allowing me to feel connected to the ground. I appreciated how the knitted upper provided a snug fit and excellent breathability, even when I was pushing myself to the limit.
In terms of comfort, these shoes are fantastic. They felt great on my feet, even after hours of running on the trails. I was pleased with the lack of any hot spots or blisters, and the shoes hugged my feet in all the right places. The Vivobarefoot PRIMUS TRAIL KNIT shoes have truly changed the way I run. They have rewilded my body, brain, and feet, and I feel more connected to nature than ever before.
In conclusion, I highly recommend the Vivobarefoot PRIMUS TRAIL KNIT trail-running shoes for anyone looking for a comfortable and high-performance shoe.
Tifosi Optics, a leading sport and lifestyle sunglasses brand, is proud to introduce Sizzle series sunglasses. Pushing the boundaries of crossover eyewear, the Sizzle is the first Tifosi sunglass to feature a shielded lens design embedded within the body of a lifestyle frame. The Sizzle is built for performance but styled for all-day aesthetics, making it the perfect summer eyewear companion.
Single-shield lens sunglasses offer superior eye coverage for runners and cyclists but their oversized appearance can make them awkward to wear in casual settings. The Sizzle offers the best of both worlds–a casual frame featuring a low-profile, shatterproof and scratch resistant polycarbonate shield for active pursuits. “We recognize that our customers take full advantage of summer weather. This could mean a bike ride in the morning followed by an afternoon barbecue,” offered Tifosi Optics CEO, Joe Earley. “The Sizzle is meant to be a lightweight, all-day eyewear companion that can provide protection for active pursuits, yet blends in when it’s time to relax with friends and family,” Earley continued.
The Sizzle’s performance oriented Grilamid TR-90 frame complements its shielded lens. This includes Tifosi Glide, a treatment applied to the Sizzle’s arms which allows the sunglass to comfortably slide onto the face and stay in place during movement.
While built with the same high-quality materials associated with a premium price tag, the Sizzle is highly affordable. Each of four frame and lens options, including the sleek looking Blackout frame and Smoke lens combination, retails for $34.95 and includes a microfiber cleaning bag.
The Sizzle series sunglasses will launch online at http://www.tifosioptics.com and with retail partners on July 6.
First Impressions
I received a pair to test from Tifosi on July 5th. Not much time for testing, but I wanted to share my first impressions.
First, the look of these are pretty sweet. They are cool and stylish and they look great.
As for the fit: on my big head, they fit somewhat narrow. The arms have a little bit of give, so I don’t feel a squeeze. But time is the biggest test for sunglasses like this.
I plan to take these out for a few long runs to see how they hold up. More to come.
In the meantime, I’m looking forward to wearing these some more.
The Showers Pass Apex Merino Wool Tech is an extremely comfortable performance t-shirt. They sent us one to test and it’s been the perfect companion on many rides and hikes.
The Apex Merino Tech is made with 87% Merino Wool and 13% Nylon blend.
Merino Wool is a powerhouse of a fabric. It provides antimicrobial protection from odors and natural breathability. This makes the Apex Merino Tech the perfect shirt for long activities. When testing Merino Wool products, I always like to see how long I can go between washes before the stink sets in. I did a nice sweaty five-mile run, two 15 mile bike rides, and a four hour hike before I felt that I needed to put it in the wash. Given this performance, I am planning to take this on an overnight backpacking trip.
The Apex Merino Tech is also designed to reduce chafing. The sleeves and side panels have flatlocked stitching to reduce chafing. During testing with backpacks or hydration packs, I found that the shirt moved less than other performance fabrics, reducing the movement that my packs typically did.
I also appreciate that Showers Pass shirts have a longer back to keep the shirt from riding up. This is a great feature while cycling, reducing back exposure as you’re bent over the handlebars.
Unpacking the shipping box, I was immediately impressed by how light and soft this shirt was. You can tell how much thought and care Showers Pass put into this shirt.
The fit is on the slimmer side, but is perfect for the types of activities I’ve taken it on.
KÜHL sent our team the AIRSPEED shirt to review and I was immediately impressed.
Colorado summers where I live are warm and dry with temperatures fluctuating from early morning to evening. Higher in the mountains, you get a wider range and lower low points in the morning and evening.
I found this shirt to be the perfect outdoor companion for those types of days.
For our test, I took this on an overnight camping and hiking trip.
The AIRSPEED is a long-sleeve shirt, which provides ample, UPF 30+, coverage. It was warm enough for cool mornings hiking through the woods. As the day heated up, the cuffs roll up easily to attach to a button located mid-bicep.
It is constructed using three different fabric types:
This combination of fabrics makes the AIRSPEED a breathable, high-performance shirt. The knit panels provide ventilation and stretch for easy movement. The sleeves are designed with five panels for freedom of motion; making it easy to set up the tent or cast a fishing line.
Throughout the testing period, I found this shirt to be extremely comfortable. While hiking with a backpack on, my back did get sticky. It’s worth noting that the fabric isn’t “moisture wicking,” but as KÜHL describes it: “moisture managing.”
But after my hike, as I rested at the camp site, the shirt dried out quickly.
Additional features on this shirt include:
Zipper security pocket where I was easily able to stash my driver’s license and credit card
Hidden, button-down collar
Two button-down chest pockets for additional storage
Sunglass cleaner inside bottom left placket
This is an extremely functional and durable shirt. Perfect companion for the outdoors. And it pairs really well with our recently reviewed KÜHL RENEGADE pant.
I am 5’11” and 185 pounds and wear a size large. Found that it fit true to size.
You can purchase this on their website or at your favorite outdoor store.