Seattle-based Outdoor Research has a rich history dating back to 1981 when the company was founded. Function-driven gear is the mantra this Pacific Northwest brand lives by and the comprehensive inventory of outdoor gear provides a welcome shopping spree for any trail runner looking to create or enhance an existing wardrobe.
Stratoburst Stretch SE Rain Jacket
In a word, this jacket is cute, especially if you choose the Oyster Creekside Print colorway as opposed to the standard black. The pattern is one I’ve never seen in a jacket before and it is hands down adorable as is the cut of the jacket which tends toward a more cropped fit.
Looking beyond the color, the jacket has so many great features beyond just being waterproof. Pockets, lots of pockets. Four in total, all of which have zippers and are in convenient spots including two standard side pockets, one vertical access on the left chest, and one horizontal access on the right side below the chest. The sleeves have Velcro to create a secure closure around the wrist.
This jacket has a built-in hood that lives inside the lining of the neck in a zippered closet with reinforced snaps to keep it hidden until you’re ready to use it. The only down side of the hood is that it takes some maneuvering to get it out of its hiding place, and to get it back in. I had to do this while out on a trail run and I needed help from my running partner to accomplish the task since I didn’t want to take the jacket off. Once the hood is ready to wear, it can be tightened with drawstring cords. As well, there is a drawstring cord at the bottom of the jacket to cinch it a bit tighter, but I have yet to use that feature…I like the fit just the way it is.
I wore this jacket on a recent trip to Ireland and Northern Ireland (see video diary above) on the trails, and just walking around town. I give the jacket high marks on performance and fit which is true to size – mine being XS.
MSRP: $225
ActiveIce Sun Sleeves
These sun sleeves with a UPF 50 come in two colors – heather gray and titanium gray. The latter leans more toward shiny silver and is the one I tested. The best feature is thumb holes for a stylized fit to cover part of the hand and a bicep grip for secure placement. Unfortunately the sizing is not ideal. I received a pair of S/M and they were big. Very big. The length was off by quite a bit and they were not at all snug around my upper arm. Having said this, if an XS, or XXS was offered, I think this sizing would be a great sleeve fit for small arms.
MSRP: $40
ActiveIce Chroma Full Sun Gloves
These gloves are available in two colors, the same as the aforementioned sleeves. I tested the titanium grey. The positive is that these gloves come in more sizes with XS being one of them. However, I ordered the small not sure whether the XS would be too small. It is always a challenge to purchase the correctly sized glove and although the small did fit, I did have a bit of room at the ends of my fingers. Even so, I was still able to use my iPhone without issue. These are lightweight gloves, breathable yet grippy, very comfortable and feature UPF 50+ sun protection. Another item of note, these gloves can be clipped together to keep them paired when storing in a hydration pack, pocket, or dresser drawer.
MSRP: $40
Eclipse Sun Tank
This tank is a winner. It is breathable, feels flowy and comfortable on the run, wicks sweat, and is lightweight. Offered in four colors, I tested the black. The fit is true to size and the length is perfect for a shorter torso like mine. I have worn it tucked into my shorts as well as untucked and I like both versions.
I prefer a tank over a singlet because the tank typically limits the effects of the sun’s rays around the neck and doesn’t have a cut like a racerback which can lead to sunburn on exposed areas not protected by a good sunscreen.
Swift Lite Short – 4”
This short comes in two colors, black and something I wasn’t familiar with, malachite baker print. I typically wear single color shorts, but I will say the print short is appealing. Having said this, I ordered the black to test. I typically wear small shorts so this is the size I ordered, but I could have worn either a small or XS. The fit is a bit more boxy than most of my shorts, but they were very comfortable on the run.
The fabric is lightweight and breathable, the elastic in the right spots on the waist and in the liner. There is a zip pocket in the back flanked by an elastic pocket on either side. I wouldn’t carry anything too heavy in the pockets because I found that the weight pulls the shorts down. To combat any pulling (ie: shorts falling down), the drawstring in the waistband could be cinched, but I’m not a fan of using a drawstring around the waist on any short or pant that I wear.
MSRP: $80
After testing these items from Outdoor Research, and others I tested from OR in the past, I remain impressed with the scope and range of products as well as the function and performance of the gear and happily give a thumbs-up review.
Product was provided at no charge for the test and review.
