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Soar | Ultra Bomber Jacket + Rain Jacket
Soar is always coming out with pieces that challenge traditional running cuts and products. These two new jackets for colder weather seasons are just that. The Ultra Bomber is a windproof layer that’s ultralight and protective.
It’s virtually seamless, with gusseted underarms so you can keep your elbow drive on lock in the cold months.
What I love most is the shape: cropped and boxy, which makes it easy to layer and access running belts. I can imagine myself rocking this as easily off the run as on, which just speaks to how aesthetically good the design is.
The rain jacket is super lightweight and made from a fabric Soar calls Rainout, which is absent of a waterproof membrane layer to make it extremely breathable. This shell is meant for conditions that are wet but not outright drenched, where you want something that you won’t overheat in, but will repel water.
It’s got adjustable cords on the bottom hem to help keep potential moisture that may splash up.
As someone who spends several months running in snow, this seems like a perfect top layer for snowy runs, where you don’t get drenched, and staying dry underneath means being warmer.
Ridar Sport Clothing Capsule
Ridar Sport is a Korea-based running brand that has primarily been producing sport sunglasses. They’re frames are exciting and sleek and at an approachable price point, so definitely check them out.
Recently, they launched an apparel + accessories collection, with multiple tops, hats, and socks to check out. All are at a good price point, and I like the minimalist approach of the tees. My favorite piece is the bandana hat, which closes in the back with a bandana-like tie.
Ridar’s logo is great and all of their stuff is very clean. I hope we see more apparel in the future.
Hoka x Unna Speedgoat 2
If you’ve been following us, you know that Unna is a Borderlands/High Tones favorite. Founder John-Ruben is impossible to not love, and Unna continually makes fun and relatable gear for runners. This collaboration with Hoka is my favorite trail/lifestyle crossover of the year in the shoe category.
Where other collabs have targeted expensive, high-end models, Unna opts to reimagine the Speedgoat 2, an everyday workhorse that’s priced fairly; which is a prime example of Unna’s approachability as a brand. Several design elements and colors make these an easy choice, but the caterpillar charms encapsulate Unna’s playfulness.
These are a great option for on the trail or your everyday wear. If you haven’t had a chance to check out the creative for this campaign, go enjoy it.
9.9 x Lining Trail Capsule
I may need to do an entire follow up article on this collection as I think it’s brilliant. NINEpointNINE (or 9.9 for short), a technical outerwear brand based out of Hong Kong, links up with Chinese athletic brand Lining for a trail-focused capsule.
I got to preview this at Paris Fashion Week in June and was very impressed with the footwear. The Duli-2 Pro is a legit model and looks great with the 9.9 accents.
This capsule is a complete collection, with a full range of apparel in addition to the footwear. Each of the Light Tracker apparel pieces are sleek in their own right, with detailing to make them stand out.
This collection embraces the 9.9 aesthetic and pairs with technical performance, all at an approachable price point. If you’re looking for something unique to add to your trail collection, pick up something from this collection.
Circus Running Tech Shorts
Loving the new collection from Circus Running, a London-based brand. The Tech Shorts stand out to me, with a flowy cut and 4-pocket waistband. The waistband isn’t overbuilt or overbearing, with enough space for small items.
This keeps it light and comfortable, as these built-in waist pockets can often be too much. The shorts come in two nice colorways, white and black. Stretch and cut to keep plenty of thigh movement.
Loving what I’m seeing from Circus.
Purple Mountain Observatory Polartec Balaclava
Everybody loves a fleece layer – they’re particularly useful in the cold months and can function as a mid-layer or your outer-layer depending on temperature.
Purple Mountain Observatory, another London-based brand, has come out with a perfect fleece layer for your fast-pursuit efforts. Although PMO isn’t a running-focused brands, they make great technical outdoors gear that easily translates.
They often go with playful colors or transient designs. This balaclava layer is awesome and I’d love to have it in my arsenal for cold-weather running.
The Polartec Alpha will keep your temperature regulated and easily wick moisture.
The hood has a balaclava closure, so you can keep yourself insulated all the way up through your face and head. It pairs well with a wind shell over it or with another layer underneath.
Super versatile and a piece you’ll likely be using multiple times a week.
Check it out and some other outer layers from PMO – it’s never dull and always good.
Salomon x Mental Athletic
Salomon released a collection with Mental Athletic, calling it the ‘Driftform Collection”, with 6 different pieces.
Mental Athletic is an amorphous brand, acting as a creative agency, magazine, physical brand, and everything in between.
They bring their cult-favorite logo and design elements to a Salomon trail collection featuring the Ultra Glid 3, an ADV Skin pack, and a handful of apparel items. Salomon is known for being super clean and minimal in their design, so I like to see their logo next to something like Mental Athletic.
This is a collab not for the masses, but for those who are deeply rooted in the Mental Athletic culture and ethos.
On x Beams x REI
Alright, alright – admittedly, this is mostly a camp/hike collab between On, REI, and Japanese label Beams.
However, I included it for a couple of reasons.
One, the collection features a limited colorway of the On Cloudultra 3, which is a great shoe. Super deep blue colorway for a very versatile trail model that was recently updated to the third iteration, which I think is On’s best go at a trail shoe thus far.
Second, the creative features Kurt Steiner; Kurt is a world record Stone Skipper, and one of my favorite athletes in the history of the earth.
Like trail runners, Kurt possesses a singular focus on a niche activity, dedicating his life to the sacred art of stone skipping.
Not only do I love his story, but I find his pursuit of something, typically viewed as trivial like rock skipping, to be full of meaning and inspiration.
Check out the collection and the creative on this one.
