Merrell Apparel for the Active Guy and Girl

If the plethora of Merrell running shoes wasn't enough to satiate your need for springtime outdoor outfittery, the Merrell team has a collection of new running apparel for you, too.

Since this is more of an overview rather than a review, per se, I'm going to spare you from my usual loquaciousness. It would be silly for me to paste the specs and marketing verbiage from the Merrell site here. You'd probably prefer to just follow the relevant links yourself to see that sort of data.

So, I enlisted the assistance of an actively-inclined female tester to try the women's apparel while I tested out the men's clothes. And, you'll find our impressions beneath each picture for some real-life perspective. If something looks good to you, click over to the Merrell site for fancy material terms and ordering.

First, some basic observations about most or all of these items:

• This collection has a generous fit. That means a size medium is definitely on the roomy side of medium. I wouldn't want to trade a medium for a small, though. The length of the sleeves and such is good. The clothes are not tight-fitting in the usual way that activewear might hug your body.
• These shirts, shorts, and jackets are all made of technical fabrics. They wick away moisture and feel smooth against your skin as successfully as any well-made activewear should.
• Each item here is available in at least one other color. So, don't let these colors dissuade you if you do not care for them. Of course, they all complement the M-Connect product line.

And, now, the specifics:

Merrell Women's Running Clothes for Spring

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Thelon Tech Shirt

One of the most practically appealing features of this tech tee is the length. We suppose it's what you might call a hip-length shirt. And, that's nice for unwanted flare ups during yoga in the wind, etc. The length in conjunction with the figure-complementing profile(?) make this an attractive option for outside activity.

Orenco Jacket

The Orenco Jacket feels as light as it looks. It's ventilated to keep you cool while working up a sweat in less-than-perfect springtime conditions. And, the hood is nice when you just don't feel like wearing a hat when the wind would just blow it off your head anyway.

As you would expect, the Merrell Aeroblock fabric resists attacks from wind and light rain. And, a handy zippered pocket in the back provides a more central location to store whatever you need to carry while out and about; thereby avoiding that unbalanced weight you might endure when keeping your phone in a side pocket. So, yeah, this lightweight running jacket is worth a look, especially if you want one with a hood.

Thelon Tank

This stylish tank top impressed our tester with its fitted waist, supportive core, and freedom-affording outer blouse. In fact, out of the four women's items in this overview, this Thelon Tank is our tester's favorite. She said it was like wearing a sports bra with the coverage of a regular tank but without the added weight. The waistband is an excellent feature, because it prevents the shirt from falling up the torso when stretching or bending forward.

Afton Short

These tester-approved running shorts have a 4" inseam and soft waistband. The fabric is incredibly light and does not seem conducive to chafing. And, hey, there's a zippered-pocket!

Merrell Men's Running Clothes for Spring

Mix Master Wind Shirt

"Windshirt" strikes me as an odd appellation for something that's heavier than my other wind-/water-resistant running jacket. But, regardless of what Merrell calls this durable top, I've found it to be quite useful on windy days during the past couple of chilly months. The unique knit of the fabric seems to breath very well while deterring wind and light rain.

I've found the Mix Master "shirt" to be more than sufficient over just a tech tee while running in moderate wind with temps in the upper thirties (fahrenheit). The high contrast red-orange ventilation is comforting, visibilitywise, during early morning runs, too.

Torrent Shell

If you need a super-duper, lightweight shell jacket, the Torrent Shell is it. I was immediately impressed by that vibrant blue and the featherweight material. It's as if you're wearing the lining of your running shorts as a wind-/water-resistant top layer. This shell even folds into the zippered chest pocket for easy packing.

This shell is a bit chilly if wear it over a tech tee with wind and temps in the low 40's. If the sun were shining in those conditions, it might be alright. But, if you had a long-sleeve shirt under the shell in those conditions, you'd be good. I imagine the Torrent Shell would be awesome if you were starting at a low altitude and going into some much higher elevation where the temps would drop considerably. You could carry it with you and put it on when necessary.

RFE Short

These running shorts are my first pair with actual pockets. So, I expected them to be heavy. But, no, they were not heavy at all.

The lightweight comfyness is even more remarkable, because the inseam length is eight inches. My wife says this length makes me look much less dorky than I do in my shorter running shorts. I say this just means I'll be wearing these shorts for everything in the summertime, because I'll have pockets and a socially acceptable inseam on shorts that will allow me to run at a moment's notice!

Thanks for reading!

Product provided by Merrell.

Salomon Men's Fast III Jacket Review

Or, I'm so Glad I Chose the Jacket Instead of a Vest

When I received a Running Warehouse gift card for my birthday a couple of months ago, my first thought was that I should use it to acquire some winter-weather running apparel in anticipation of the impending cooler temperatures. As a relatively inexperienced runner, my running apparel wardrobe is still relatively scant. So, outerware of some kind would be in order. But, the common question presented itself: Should I buy a jacket or a vest for running in the cooler temperatures.

Needless to say, I chose to get a jacket, the Salomon Men's Fast III Jacket. And, I am so glad I did! I've been wearing it on every morning run this month, while the temps have hovered between 10 and 25 degrees, sometimes with strong winds.

The Reason

So, why did I choose the Salomon Fast III Jacket?

Well, look at it. You have to admit that it's pretty stylish. And, the correlation between the Salomon brand and trail running was not unnoticed by me when comparing jackets.

Also, the features and specs listed for the the Salomon Fast III jacket made a pretty good case for this piece of running apparel:

• ClimaWIND provides wind resistance, water resistance, and breathability
• SMART SKIN technology provides moisture management and high-mobility fit
• Front and back reflectivity
• Full-length, lockdown zipper with zipper garage
• 2 side zippered pockets with lockdown zipper
• Thumbholes
• Side and back stretch panels

I'd originally intended to purchase a running jacket that was brightly colored for the sake of safety on my morning runs. But, I decided not to base my decision on visiblity, since I use a light while running on well-lit sidewalks. So, although this jacket is available in three flashy colors, I went with the black option, because I thought I'd be able to wear this as casual outer ware, too.

Comfort Range

An important thing to consider when shopping for a running jacket is the temperature range at which the jacket will be protective and comfortable. Naturally, the question of comfort as it relates to temperatures is a very individual thing. So, for the sake of establishing perspective, know that my preferred attire on a sunny day with no wind and temps in the low 30s (f) consists of running shorts, a base layer tech-tee shirt, and a lightweight long-sleeve tech shirt.

Now, then, if it is 45 degrees with wind and light rain, you'll be hot in this jacket with a tech-tee underneath. But, you'll be glad you're wearing it, because the rain would be annoyingly cold otherwise.

If it is 40 degrees, sunny, and windy; you'll be hot in this jacket and wish you'd not worn it over your tech-tee.

If it is dark with temps in the mid-30s, you'll be fine wearing this jacket along with a tech-tee underneath. You could probably get away with skipping the tech-tee underneath. But, that's not very comfortable. I mean, really, if it's in the mid thirties without wind or rain, you'll be better off wearing a long-sleeve tech shirt and leaving the jacket home.

If it is dark with wind gusts up to 15 mph and temps in the low 20s, you'll want to wear this jacket with at least a long-sleeve tech shirt as a base layer. You'll be even more cozy in this jacket if you wear a short-sleeve base layer and a long-sleeve mid layer under it.

If it is dark and snowing or sleeting with temps around 20, you'll be surprised at how much more comfortable you feel than you did when you wore this jacket in the gusty wind, provided you have a long sleeve layer underneath.

If it is dark with temps in the low teens, you'll be okay as long as you have at least one long-sleeve layer beneath it.

The Verdict

I stated before that I've not had the opportunity to try out a wide variety of running clothes. So, I'm easily impressed. But, I'm pretty confident in claiming that this jacket is definitely a finely crafted piece of technical apparel. It feels lighter than a couple of my tech shirts. And, it is definitely resistant to moderate gusts of frigid wind. Wearing a jacket like this in conjunction with one or two under layers allows me to keep the bundling to a minimum while running in winter temperatures.

So, if you are looking for a lightweight, wind and water resistant jacket to wear while running, the Salomon Men's Fast III Jacket is available at Running Warehouse right now for a pretty good price.

Cold-Weather Running and the Unpleasantness of Long Pants

'Tis the season for new-ish runners to determine how much cold they can stand, when we figure out what sort of attire to put on during inclement weather. Is 30 degrees farenheit too cold for shorts? What if it's raining? How many layers do I need.

I recall running outside once or twice when I lived in Chicago a few years ago. But, I don't remember what I wore. I had a pair of track pants back then. So, I'm sure I wore those. But, then, I was a member of a gym. And, if you're a member at a gym in Chicago, that's where you exercise in the winter. Trust me.

Anyway, the drop in temperatures here in central NC these past few weeks has allowed me to experiment with the cold-weather running apparel and layering practices that have eluded me for so long. I mean, really, this is my first winter running in NC. Previous winters here have always coincided with my annual running hiatus.

So, I have this jacket that I purchased from RunningWarehouse a few weeks ago. It's the Salomon Men's Fast III Jacket. I like it. The jacket is incredibly light and breathes as well as we're led to believe.

I wore the Salomon jacket for the first time on a sunny, 45-degree afternoon in strong winds. The base layer was a short-sleeve t-shirt. I was too warm. Either the sun, the temps in the forties, or both were too much for this jacket.

So, the next time I wore this jacket was during one of my morning runs last week. The temps were in the twenties with a real-feel temperature of around eighteen degrees. I wore a long-sleeve tech shirt under the jacket that time. And, it worked out perfectly. I was slightly chilly for the first mile. But, I was more than comfortable for the rest of the run. The tech shirt and the jacket did very well with pulling the perspiration away from my skin so that I didn't freeze in the cold wind.

I haven't tried the jacket in rain yet. Perhaps tomorrow.

Moving on to hats and hands: I wear a pair of Giant cycling gloves for my cold-weather runs, because that's what I happen to have. They're definitely a technical type of fabric that wicks away moisture. So, I'm sure that's helpful. If I didn't have these gloves, I'd experiment with cheaper options before investing in anything fancy.

Gloves are a must for me if it's under thirty-five degrees out there. I can stand not having gloves if it's warmer than that. But, if it's less than forty, my hands are pretty cold for the first couple of miles.

My usual, baseball-hat-style running hat has served me fine in temperatures as low as the mid twenties. It keeps heat in while pulling sweat away. But, its the ears that get ya on cold, dark mornings. So, if it's windy or just super cold, like, in the low-twenties and teens, I wear a ski cap that covers my ears. I don't think it's necessary to invest in a fancy tech hat here, either.

Okay, now we're on to the subject of pants: A runner will never appreciate shorts more than when he has to put on a pair of long pants in order to run outside. Pants are confining.

You'd think this is obvious. But, I certainly hadn't counted on it once the temperatures dropped this year. I have a pair of wind-resistant track pants that I've been running in over the past week. They're a few years old, something I bought at Marshall's. And, I do not like them. (Knowing that, you should take my opinion of running in long pants with a grain of salt) They make a swoosh-swish sound with every step I take, they're an inch too short, and they're only semi-wind-resistant.

Nevertheless, I'm glad I have these long pants when the temperature is below the mid-thirties. And, I'll probably head out to Target soon in order to purchase a cheap pair of quieter track pants. One day, perhaps I'll invest in a pair of running tights. But, my wife's smirk every time she she's a man running in tights pretty much means I'm not allowed to buy them at this point.

Besides, this is North Carolina, after all. How much cold-weather running gear does a runner need?

Puma Men's Running Shorts Review

As someone who researches anything he's about to buy for weeks, I am always on the lookout for opinions and reviews of whatever article of running-related clothing I think I might "need". So, if some of you are considering the Puma Men's Shorts offered here for a great price, I submit to you the following review.

First, I'll make it known that I've not worn many different varieties of running shorts in the past. Really, the only other shorts I've worn are the Target C9 brand running shorts manufactured by Champion. So, take my opinion about the Puma Running Shorts for what it is—limited.

These shorts are awesome. If the point of a pair of running shorts (aside from covering a fellow's junk) is to feel like nothing while a person runs, then these shorts succeed wonderfully. They're incredibly lightweight. And, the 3" inseam pretty much guarantees that you will not feel restricted by the hems.

Here are some details about the Puma Running Shorts from the RunningWarehouse website:

• 3" inseam, 10 1/2" outseam (size Medium)
• Mesh side and back panels enhance ventilation
• Fast drying inner brief with key pocket
• Reflective detail
• Elastic waistband with drawstring
• (100% Polyester Microfiber) quick-drying material to keep you drier longer

The brief lining is much softer than the lining in the C9 running shorts. And, I definitely notice a difference in the elastic within after running for more than an hour. The C9 shorts seem more inclined to chafe than the Puma shorts, if you know what I mean.

The key pocket in the waist lining of the shorts is ample. In fact, a runner could probably stash a gel or iPod Nano in there if he were so inclined. The design is stylish yet subtle. And, the shorts are available in a wide range of colors.

A review of running shorts would be lacking without addressing the issue of the inseam length. Most American men are not accustomed to wearing shorts that are truly short. The C9 running shorts are probably hemmed with a 6" or 7" inseam, falling approximately one inch above my knees. And, I won't even venture a guess at how long the legs are on most casual shorts.

So, the 3" inseam on these Puma running shorts is conspicuous, especially to the man who is not accustomed to wearing short running shorts. The Puma running shorts here were my first pair of short shorts. And, of course, being the modest fellow that I am, I felt a little self conscious the first time I pulled these on. But, that sense of unease is pretty easy to shake off once you begin running.

There's a point at which you just don't care what people think of your attire while exercising. And, allowing yourself to put on a pair of really short shorts helps you reach that point quite quickly. This affords you the capacity to realize that shorter shorts result in a feeling of physical freedom, which is more conducive to optimal running comfort. At least, that's how I felt once I ran in these 3" shorts.

That's a personal thing, though. And, I hasten to add that it is not necessary to wear shorter shorts in order to run fast.

Comfort aside, one thing to keep in mind when considering a short pair of shorts like these ones from Puma: No lunges in public. Okay, maybe quick lunges are fine. But, the Yoga lunges seen here are not a good idea in short shorts of this caliber.

Sure, the fellow in the picture looks perfectly presentable in his rather long-length shorts. But, if that were you there in a pair of shorts with a 3"-or-less inseam, junk would be hanging out. I'm just sayin'...

So, if you are as modest as me, keep in mind that you cannot do this in the presence of others. There are plenty of other stretches for running you can do, though.

So, in short, these men's running shorts from the good folks at Puma are fantastic! They're short. They're comfortable. They're less expensive than many of the other running shorts out there. I highly recommend these ones!