Outdoor Retailer: Patagonia Preview

While some brands aim for exponential expansion in spring 2013, others will hone in on what they do best—and then do it all over again. And we’re happy to report that Patagonia’s footwear line will follow that latter strategy. Focusing in on trail running, they’ve culled input from a cadre of high-performance athletes to refine and revamp their trail runners. They’ll introduce the EVERmore ($110, pictured), which boasts a 4mm drop and will be the lightest shoe in their line at a modest 7.8 ounces (men’s model). Durable, breathable mesh uppers join forces with drainage ports, a soft heel, flexible mid- and outsoles, and an integrated footbed to perform on a variety of terrain. Even though it’s a shoe catering to mid-strike running, it’ll still have ample padding, with 10mm in the heel and 6mm in the forefoot, along with a rock plate for long-distance protection.

We also like the look of their new multisport-inspired mountain shoe, the Fitz Sneak ($100). The punchy, low-key sneaker should provide all-day comfort, with a sticky rubber sole and a cushioned EVA midsole that could be a solid, go-to travel shoe. We also like the graphic, which integrates the Fitz Roy silhouette across the uppers.

On the casual side, they’ll introduce the C-Street collection—relaxed suede and textile sneaks that look to be eminently packable (prices start at $80). And they’re unveil two new women’s models in their Advocate line, vegan-friendly Mary Jane slip-on ($70) and a lace-up sneaker ($75). We’re looking forward to ‘em both, in part because the shoes will come in a blast of fun, funky colors, and also because the Advocate line showcases Patagonia’s partnership with 1% for the Planet—something that’ll never go out of style.

Prices vary.

Search for Product on Backcountry.com

Outdoor Retailer: The North Face Preview

The Verto Micro Hoodie, Pro Jacket, and the Satellite Pants, Part of the Verto Climbing Kit

Deciding what to wear in (and what to buy for) the mountainous backcountry will get a lot easier in spring 2013 thanks to the new Verto Climbing Kit from The North Face. This four-piece apparel set up delivers pretty much all the clothes you need for an alpine adventure in a ridiculously lightweight package. Start with the Litho t-shirt ($80), an all-merino base layer with a mid-rib zipper pocket. From there, toss on the Verto Micro Hoodie ($249), a featherweight down jacket with 800-fill goose down, strategic use of stretch, and Flashdry water protection. Then don the Verto Pro Jacket ($199) for Gore Windstopper protection against the elements and a pair of the soft shell Satellite Pants ($130), and you’ve got a go-to kit that collectively weighs in at less than two pounds.TNF athletes have been putting this combo to the test and we anticipate this to be one of the best-dialed alpine solutions on the market.

The North Face will also continue to refine their line of trail running products, including the Better Than Naked line of high-performance apparel for men and women, and new shoes like the Hyper-Track Guide ($120), a highly responsive runner designed to perform equally well on both the trail and the pavement.

They will also introduce a new Optifit harnessing system in their backpack line, said to greatly enhance both ventilation and load control. The Matthes Crest and Conness pack series will both boast this new technology, with a variety of custom-fit options in various sizes. We’ve got one of these new packs in the field right now, and we’ll report back on how well it performs shortly. Stay tuned for additional The North Face product reviews over the coming months.

Prices vary.

Search for Product on Backcountry.com

Outdoor Retailer: Salomon Preview

We already told you about Salomon‘s new Sense Hydro S-Lab Set, a killer, hands-free running hydration solution. Well, we checked it out, and it may well be a game-changer for distance runners. They’re also working on a model that’ll let you strap the water bottle to the back of your hand (rather than in your palm). We don’t think it’ll replace the convenience of a hydration pack while cycling, but it will offer runners another option on a product that many are excited to get into the field.

In addition to that product, spring 2013 will see other advances in hydration—specifically the Agile pack series. Offered in three sizes (five, 12, and 17 liters), these packs have grown from Salomon’s work with running-specific hydration vests. Rather than taking a pack and saying it’s good for running, these packs are designed specifically for runners; they move with your body and ride close to your body, with sliding shoulder and hip straps to dial in a custom fit. The mid-sized pack will retail for $125.

On the footwear front, Salomon continues to push ahead. The Sense Mantra ($120) model will help athletes transition to forefoot running with light cushion and EndoFit construction for no-sock comfort. It’s also part of their new “door to trail” series, targeting runners who run on sidewalks or the street before reaching the trail. Meanwhile, the S-Lab Sense Ultra (pictured) is the latest extension of their award-winning S-Lab racing shoes, with solid traction from mid-sole to the rear. It’ll retail for $180. They’ll also unveil a new adventure travel-friendly shoe called the Kalau, named after a variable-condition hiking trail in Hawaii. The show boasts anti-debris mesh upper, grippy soles, and a fashion-forward aesthetic.

We’ll be getting the gear onto the feet, hands, and backs of our ultra-marathon testing crew this fall and report back.

Various prices.

Search for Product on Backcountry.com

TrekSta Evolution II Trail Runner

www.trekstausa.com, 13.9 ounces
A classic maxim in the sports world is that you know a referee has done his job when no one notices him. If the same is true for trail shoes, then the TrekSta Evolution II could umpire the World Series. When embarking on a particularly long or intense excursion—especially on race day itself—the last thing you want is a gear distraction. This shoe is comfortable and reliable, making you forget you’re wearing them (but grateful that you are). Fundamentally, the TrekSta Evolution II is ready to go right out of the box, thanks in no small part to the dynamic “footnest” constructed from measurements taken from more than 20,000 individual feet. If there is a breaking-in period to be had with these shoes, I didn’t notice it. Versatility is the word of the day; you can tackle asphalt and dirt alike without recognizing much difference. This adaptability does come with a cost, however, leaving the traction dependable but unremarkable. I wore them during a 13-mile Tough Mudder adventure race, running through almost every element possible: rocks, freezing water, thick mud, flaming hay bales, and even ultra-slick grease. They performed admirably (even though I’m sure TrekSta didn’t have sprinting up greased half-pipes in mind during development). They shed water quickly and easily; they returned to dry weight mere minutes after full submersion. They also stay tightly grafted to your feet in thick mud; there’s no risk of losing a shoe in boggy conditions. While staying light, the Evolution II’s provide plenty of foot and ankle support, and really shine in areas of uncertain footing and sharp rocks, at least on the bottom and sides. While increasing the breatheability in warm weather, the mesh toe tops did leave me a bit vulnerable to stubs on roots and stones. Ultimately, if you’re a fan of low-maintenance steadfast footwear in adverse conditions, the TrekSta Evolution IIs are the shoes for you.
-Justin Kintz

$140

Search for Product on Backcountry.com

Altra Lone Peak Trail Runner

www.altrazerodrop.com, 9.9 ounces
The Altra Lone Peak trail shoe was everything I was expecting, and more. I am used to hitting the pavement for my runs, so the ability to make an effortless transition into trail running has a lot to do with the shoe. I had never ran on trails or in a minimalist shoe, so I was not sure what to expect with the Altra’s zero drop approach, which means that the heel and toes are on the exact same distance from the surface on which you are running. This drop is the same you get while running barefoot, but with the Altras, you also get a nice layer of padding between you and the trail, which insulates you from rocks and roots and other obstacles. Once I laced up the Lone Peak shoe, my foot felt comfortable and I quickly acclimated to the different rung style. The vibrant yellow accents compliment almost any athletic wear and the graphical component—a black silhouette of Utah’s Wasatch Mountain range—is a great way to announce your love of the trails (the barefoot graphic on the shoe tread is also perfectly playful). The shoe also has a rear “mud flap” that helps prevent debris from striking the back of your legs, which I found to be a helpful feature. The tread is aggressive enough to provide the grip I needed when I tripped over a root or had to climb up the side of a mountain. I ran through and jumped over streams, but the shoe never failed to do its job. My foot did get slightly wet when passing through water, but that is to be expected with almost any shoe. The Lone Peaks will continue to take me to places that I’d only dreamed of exploring.
-Jonathan Seabolt

$110

Search for Product on Backcountry.com

« Previous Page

See More Gear »