6 minute read
THE GOODS
MOVE IT
It’s time to shake off the winter blues and hit the ground running. Let us help you find the right gear for where you most want to rack up some miles this year.
BY DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN
HOKA
SCARPA
Scarpa
Ribelle Run GTX
Designed for the type of loose, wet, rocky, rooty, and generally tough terrain that’s par for course when trail running in the Blue Ridge, this shoe serves up stability and confidence. The 4mm drop is just enough for a bit of cushion without subtracting feel and the solid Presa outsole sticks to all that ugly stuff underfoot. And the Gore-Tex liner and sock fit keep out at least some of the wet elements.
$199; scarpa.com
Hoka
Mafate Speed 4
You can always count on Hoka to deliver underfoot comfort, and this sleek shoe for those who like to hit it hard on the trail is no exception. The low-profile cushion bed is not as plush as some of the brand’s other offerings, making the shoe more quick and responsive, and the Profly+ midsole delivers explosive performance on tricky trail surfaces. Also, a Vibram Megagrip outsole provides plenty of traction.
$185; hoka.com
SCOTT
ALTRA
Scott
Ultra Carbon RC
Designed for the rigors of ultra racing and training, this carbon-plated shoe combines the lightweight and durability necessary to tackle day-long distances. Built with an innovative swallowtail design, that carbon plate actually stiffens as you run faster and eases up when you slow down. That kind of responsiveness in a shoe not only helps you keep pace and navigate tough terrain, it also helps prevent injury. Add a bit of rocker for more roll on your foot strike and you have the perfect weapon for long-distance endeavors.
$230; scott-sports.com
Altra
Rivera 3
This road runner brings trail ingenuity to the pavement. It’s the ideal shoe for those who want to mix in some road training with trail running or just want to get out for a run a few days a week. The Altra Ego midsole and balanced cushioning makes it comfy and bouncy with each step. And breathable mesh keeps your dogs cool when you are pounding out miles.
$140; altrarunning.com
TRACKSMITH
ROARK
TAILWIND
Roark
Alta Light Men's Shorts
You don’t want to have to think about your running shorts. With four-way stretch and a moisture-wicking brief liner, these babies both breathe and refuse to sweat out. Thoughtfully designed, the super-light shorts feature a water resistant finish on the seat and a flat, jacquard elastic single-ply waistband to ensure they stay where you want them while you are on the move.
$89; roark.com
Tracksmith
Thaw Long Sleeve
Merino is the key to the cozy feel and high performance of this long-sleeve running shirt. Bolstered by a wicking eco-friendly finish that sheds mud and wet, it’s made for those cold ugly days when you are just getting back in your training groove or refusing to be kept from your run by bad weather.
$118; tracksmith.com
Tailwind
Active Hydration
Every runner knows that hydration and nutrition are the all-important back-end necessities of the sport. Tailwind gives you both in this tasty mix— flavors include cherry acai, strawberry lemonade, tangerine grapefruit, and tropical orange—with electrolytes, collagen, and vitamin C. Hydrate pre-run or load up your bottle for long rambles.
$21; tailwindnutrition.com
LOCAL FAVORITES
It’s time to celebrate the brands making world-class outdoor gear right here in our own backyard.
BY DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN
ASTRAL ENO
SYLVANSPORT
RECOVER BRANDS
KITSBOW
Recover Brands
Eco Polo
This North Carolina-based brand prides itself on keeping its entire supply chain within 250 miles of its Charlotte headquarters. This polo serves up all the high-performance attributes of Recover’s recycled-PET fabric, which feels surprisingly soft for something made from old water bottles, and looks snazzy when you transition from trail to brew pub.
$45; recoverbrands.com
Kitsbow
Icon Denim Shirt for Women
Kitsbow moved down to the small textile town of Old Fort, N.C., simply because it saw the promise and potential of making apparel in the small Southern town. That decision has pumped cash into the community and cemented the authentic attitude of the brand in the core outdoor community in the region. In 2022, employees and local investors took over ownership of the brand. This sharp denim shirt shows off how a bike brand with that mindset can make a shirt ideal for a night on the town, trail, or sitting on the porch.
$259; kitsbow.com
Astral
APPALACHIAN GEAR COMPANY
Loyak
Founded in 2002 by local paddler Philip Curry, Asheville’s Astral Designs has a well-earned reputation for producing hardcore paddling gear. And its technical footwear impresses both guides and weekend warriors with know-how gained on long days on the river. With a self-draining, grippy outsole, the Loyak shines when you are trying to haul gear in and out of a raft—but its low volume and tread are just as welcome on a wet hike or even just kicking around the house.
$95; astraldesigns.com
ENO
Lounger DL
Asheville-based Eagles Nest Outfitters has helped define the casual end of the Southern outdoor scene. Its hammocks encourage lazing around no matter where you set up camp—from Pisgah to the porch. You will find that portable comfort in its easy-to-stow, easy-to-set-up camp chair, the aptly-named Lounger DL, which takes inspiration from its beloved hammocks. And the Dead Heads among us all covet the tie-dye print.
$140–$150; eaglesnestoutfitters.com
Appalachian Gear Company
All-Paca Poncho
Textile pros John Gage and Mike Hawkins wanted to champion American manufacturing and the resilience and beauty of the Appalachian mountains, so they invested in alpacas, the South American pack animals, then set up shop in Charlotte and started spinning fabric to make U.S. apparel with a new twist. With style and intelligence from the Andes, this surprisingly versatile poncho keeps you warm but breathes and is the ideal garb for festival season.
$175; appalachiangearcompany.com
SylvanSport
Loft Rooftop Tent
Founded in 2004 in Brevard, N.C., SylvanSport shook up the camper market with its light, easyto-stow yet super-classy Go Trailer. For those of us who don’t want to commit to a full trailer right now, the car-top tent is an outstanding option, giving you the ability to camp almost anywhere and then revert your vehicle back to daily duties when you get back home. Better yet, you can also set up the ultra-light tent on the brand’s Go Easy kayak trailer.
$2,795; sylvansport.com
Waterbird Spirits
Ranch Water
Founded in 2019 in BRO’s home base of Charlottesville, Va., Waterbird helps you bring a bit of sophistication to car camping, backpacking, or a summit hike (just please pack it out). We suggest you try all the mixes, but we are partial to the swagger and pop of the Ranch Water, a combo of blanco tequila from Jalisco, Mexico, soda, and lime juice that would wow even the snobbiest mixologist.
