Kit Focus – SOAR Winter Running Apparel

-
Kit Focus – SOAR Winter Running Apparel
There is some kit that blows the nearest competition out of the water — that works better, feels better and allows you to perform better than anything you have used before. For winter trail running, the selection of kit from SOAR Running does exactly that.

For the last few weeks, I have been testing the SOAR Running WoolTech Winter Running Tights, the SOAR Nano Rain Jacket and the SOAR Long Sleeve Merino/Silk Base Layer. They have all proven themselves to be exceptional apparel, worth featuring here on The Expedition Journals.


Review – SOAR WoolTech Running Tights

A pair of winter running tights is more than just two tubes of stretch material – done right, they can keep you warm, supported, and keep blood flowing to your muscles and feet to help you go that further distance.

The SOAR WoolTech tights mix naturally thermo-regulating merino against the skin with a weather-resistant exterior to deliver a winter staple that insulates, breathes and protects in cold running conditions.

With a 4-way stretch, internal silicone gripper dots, and a wide elastic waistband everything is kept in check and feels secure. There is a split centre-front seam for reduce abrasion, ankle zips for a close and easy fit, and reflective detailing for safety. In terms of pocketing, you get two small internal card/key pockets, as well as a zippered rear pocket – loads of room for storage on long winter runs.

Put simply, the WoolTech tights fit better, insulate more and have greater breathability than any other winter running tights I have used to date. I attribute this to the fleece lining, contoured seams and the unique internal gripper dots. Comfort and classy – these are a real performer on the road or trails.




Review – SOAR Nano Waterproof Running Rain Jacket

The SOAR Nano Jacket is a flyweight waterproof rain jacket using a proprietary EPIC-3L® membraned fabric technology and a tailored running fit to offer protection in the wettest running conditions.

EPIC-3L® is an outstanding fabric development: nano-sized perforations on the internal membrane let moisture escape from within to offer exceptional breathability, while proven two-fold DWR application – one at yarn level and one at fabric level – works to ensure waterproofness, for superb water run-off. The jacket attains an RET breathability rating of 2.7 (an RET of 0.0 to 6.0 means the fabric is extremely breathable) and a hydrostatic head waterproof rating of 15K.

The cut and design have been optimised for running: with stretch cuffs for comfort, a drawstring wind-skirt to block out the cold or increase air flow, high-vis detailing for visibility in low light and a rear pocket for on-run essentials. As well as fully taped seams, the Nano Jacket also has an ergonomic pre-tensioned hood with a pull-cord adjuster to sinch it down in a gale.

Lightweight at just 199 grams for the size Medium I have on test, this Nano Jacket is a featherweight shield against the winter elements, that will keep you running in comfort all year round.

>> Shop the SOAR Nano Waterproof Running Jacket




Review – SOAR Long Sleeve Merino & Silk T-Shirt Base Layer

Finally, it's all about the base… the SOAR Long Sleeve Merino & Silk T-Shirt Base Layer is a lightweight natural fabric blend base layer that can be worn on its own on milder days or worn underneath a jacket such as the Nano jacket on colder or wetter days.

Made from 75% merino wool and 25% silk, this luxurious winter base layer is effective at wicking away sweat, and it is naturally odour resistant thanks to merino's resistance to the build-up of odour causing bacteria.

Great for regulating temperature, and keeping you comfortable. The SOAR Long Sleeve Merino & Silk T-Shirt Base Layer is a comfortable and close-fitting layer that is perfect for those winter running adventures.

>> Shop the SOAR Merino Silk LS Base Layer



Disclaimer: SOAR supplied the above apparel for test and review on The Expedition Journals

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Kit Focus – Merrell MQM 3 Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots

-
Image
Fresh from the mountains of Sri Lanka, this is my review of the versatile and sure-footed Merrell MQM 3 Mid GORE-TEX hiking boots.  Merrell shoes have been a trustworthy walking partner of mine for several years now; with previous models reviewed here on The Expedition Journals including the MQM Flex 2.0 and ChopRock Aqua Shoes . The brand's footwear is comfortable, durable, and provides a reassuring foothold on a multitude of terrains. The Merrell MQM 3 Mid GORE-TEX boots were my choice of hiking shoes for a three week adventure to the island of Sri Lanka. With jungle treks, mountain hikes, and days spent wandering through markets and nature reserves, I wanted a pair of lightweight waterproof hiking boots that would be comfortable and reliable – the MQM 3 Mid boots delivered flawlessly. Waterproof hiking boots are the best option when choosing walking shoes for all conditions, in my opinion. Waterproof boots offer all-weather protection, and although slightly warmer than non...
Read more

Kit Focus – Rab Expedition 50L Kit Bag

-
Image
Rab Equipment is one of my favourite outdoor brands on the market – they produce the legendary Microlight down jacket (see my recent review of the Rab Infinity Microlight Down Jacket ), as well as sleeping bags that I have used on some of my longest expeditions.  A new piece of Rab Equipment that has landed in my kit store though, is the Rab Expedition 50 Kit Bag – a rugged and hardwearing 50 litre duffel bag that is superbly made and ready for any adventure. The Rab Kitbag 50 is made using a tough and durable 600D fabric and is coated with a TPU water-resistant film. Triple-stitched seams and a double thickness base add further to the ruggedness of the kit bag.  The contents of the duffel bag are easily accessible through a large, double zippered (lockable) main opening. On the underside of the lid there are two internal zippered mesh pockets, as well as two pockets at either end of the bag's internal main compartment. For transporting the Rab Expedition Kit Bag, there are tw...
Read more

Kit Focus – Review 361º Strata 5 Running Shoes

-
Image
I have been using 361 trainers for several years now, and they continue to impress me in their support, cushioning, speed, and longevity. My previous pair of 361 Strata 3 trainers lasted over 800 kilometres before being retired, and during that time they delivered a number of PBs. So, when the time came to replace them, the obvious choice was the new 361 Strata 5. Here is my review… The Strata 3 is a long-distance road running shoe. The soft upper mesh offers maximum breathability, while the new anatomically shaped tongue adapts to your foot to avoid pressure points. The lacing system has always been a highlight of 361 trainers for me; the Morphit system provides a secure and adaptable lacing system; which combined with the Ortholite insole offers impressive support against pronation. For long distance endurance running comfort, the 361 Strata 5 trainers use a Qu!kfoam midsole and a weight-optimised footbed made from Qu!kspring+ EVA foam – this combination creates a responsive r...
Read more