The warm spring weather, emerging flowers and a recent beach trip have me trading out my fleece and down for more spring-like gear.
Icebreaker Aero Crewe
No matter how cold or hot it is outside, wool is always my go-to fiber for tops. It is quite possibly the most versatile fabric for outdoor pursuits. I’ve recently been running and riding in the Icebreaker Aero short sleeve crew. This shirt will keep you warm and dry on windy days with flurries and on warmer spring adventures. It does an exceptional job of wicking moisture away from skin to allow your body to regulate its temperature.
It also does not hold onto body odors the way most synthetic fabrics seem to do. The merino wool used by Icebreaker is exceptionally soft and quite durable. The Aero is blended with a small amount of polyester to provide a little stretch and help improve the fit of the top, which I appreciated. Runs true to size. (MSRP $60)
Mountain Hardwear Butter Printed Tank
For sunny days of hiking, floating down the river, or climbing, look no further than the Mountain Hardwear Butter Printed Tank. This tank features a halter design and offers quick drying fabric to keep you cool. The lightweight and smooth Butter fabric is soft like a jersey tee, yet wicks with Hardwear’s proprietary synthetics, making it the perfect choice for sweltering summer days to come.
The tank reminds me of a fitted yoga top with a built-in sports bra. The Butter Printed Tank runs a little slim, so consider this when selecting your size. As with all Mountain Hardwear gear, this top is designed to last season after season. (MSRP $58)
Inova STS Headlamp by Nite Ize
I’m an admitted headlamp junkie. I have at least half a dozen different headlamps and a similar number of bike lights. In the spring, fall and winter, I tend to exercise on the trails around Asheville at least a couple nights a week after the sun has set. A new favorite trail running light is the Inova STS Headlamp from Nite Ize.
STS stands for Swipe-to-Shine and allows the wearer to turn the lamp on or off with a simple swipe of a finger, as opposed to pushing a button. The Inova STS outshines the competition in terms of brightness at 142 lumens, adjustability (50 degrees) and weight. It’s also waterproof up to a meter, has both white and red light, as well as strobe options. If you are in the market for a new headlamp for trail running or camping, check out the new STS technology. (MSRP $34.99)
Mountain Hardwear Women’s Butter Printed Tank from Mountain Hardwear on Vimeo.
