Located about 20 minutes from Bend, Oregon, Mt. Bachelor has all of the traits you’d expect to find in a premier ski area: a trail system with enough kilometers to keep things interesting, and  excellent grooming. But it has something extra that sets it apart–a ski season the length of which is second to none. Mt. Bachelor’s season generally runs from late November to June—or longer. That’s why it’s often the choice of the U.S. national teams for their late spring/early summer camps. In fact, if you hopped on a plane and flew out to Bend today, you’d find over 7 feet—yes feet, not inches—of compacted base which came from over 459 inches of snow this winter. In other words, prime mid-season conditions.

Great Skiing in May and June

According to Mt. Bachelor’s cross-country manager Sydney Powell, “We always try to open around Thanksgiving and groom until the end of May. We then have camps which go through June. Maybe once in the last 10 years they haven’t been able to groom in May. Once we cross the 100 inch snowpack, it’s very likely we’ll groom through May.” Not only is the skiing excellent, but the weather is beautiful as well. “The weather in May is variable,” Powell says. “It can be in the 60s during the day and below freezing at night.” So, if you visit, prepare to ski in a T-shirt and bring lots of sunscreen.

Sue Foster, Nordic director from 2010-2022, reiterated that the standard season is from November until Memorial Day weekend. There was only one year during her time as manager that they were unable to operate through Memorial Day. Foster told FasterSkier that “The average snowfall is 462, so this year is right around average; in 2011 it was 616”—yes that’s over 51 feet of snow, or about the height of your average four story building!

Getting to Mt. Bachelor is a bit of a challenge, but certainly no more difficult than many other Nordic destination areas. Powell says that flying into Redmond Municipal airport is the best bet for most people; it’s about 20 minutes from Bend. Otherwise, you’re looking at a 150 mile drive from Portland. In the winter, driving from Portland can be difficult as roads can be treacherous or closed, so the drive could be more complex. One of Foster’s tips for winter visitors was to make sure that you rent a car with good traction.

There are a variety of opinions on the best time of year to visit. Powell favors February and March. “By that time, we have a good deep snowpack and we’re getting into the mid-winter part of our season, but March and April also have reliable spring skiing conditions.”

Dylan Watts, Nordic Director of MBSEF (Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation) recommends visiting in the spring but avoiding the spring break week. “There’s a lot of room in the calendar when the skiing is just great. You have clear nights, so things are fast and firm in the morning with endless crust skiing opportunities. The mountain does a tremendous job with their grooming. As long as it’s doable, they groom pretty much everything. The snow is so heavy that this week (third week of April) I was worried we would lose the trail signs under the snowpack. We have so much snow that some of the hills have actually flattened out. Once people get here, they see how worth it it is and how unique a place it is. If had I had to summarize it would be Mt. Bachelor; super long season, tons of snow.”

Chuck Kenlan, executive director of OBRA (Oregon Bicycle Racing Association), and manager of the Nordic center from 1999-2002, recommends visiting this time of year to take advantage of the crust skiing. “Clubs from all over the country will be up here having training camps in early June. The skiing is fantastic. Like all spring skiing, it’s timing your start and finish. There’s that sweet spot where it becomes really fun. I’ve joked that the only reason I ski in the wintertime is to have fitness when the crust skiing season starts. It can be incredible. You can head out into the forest, ski across Todd Lake and ski wherever you like. I’ve alpine skied in mid-July and cross-country skiing was available as well.” Kenlan feels that the best time to visit is right now. “Consistently, this time of year is amazing…They continue to groom, and they take the grooming seriously, so the groomed trails are really nice. If you want to ski in a T-shirt, it’s great. Bring tools to add structure. You also need waxes that can repel the dirt, there are lots of trees that drop debris.”  Kenlan offered another useful trip when visiting: “Avoid traffic from downhillers. Leave early or go at about 11 after the morning shift is leaving.”

The secret sauce to Mt. Bachelor’s enviously long winter is it’s location. The ski area is located at about 5,700 feet, with a maximum elevation of 6,400. Down in the valley where Bend is located, elevation is only 3,600 feet; neighboring Redmond is a little above 3,000 feet. The relatively high mountains and lower valley combine to create a near perfect confluence for skiing.

It’s not just elevation that’s responsible for Bachelor’s incredibly long season, it’s also the type of snow Powell said. “It’s pretty wet and consolidates, and sticks around a long time. We call it ‘Cascade concrete’. It sets up, condenses, and takes a long time to melt.”

With 56 kilometers of trails there’s enough variety to keep things interesting. There’s a nice ratio of easy to difficult trails.

“The trails are amazing and fun to ski,” Kenlan says that. “They ski incredibly well. They have a reputation of having a lot of uphills…but it’s never really long difficult climbs. It’s really fun skiing. There’s also a great training oval for novice skiers.”

Another favorable aspect of the area is the temperature range. Powell says there are only a handful of days when temps dip below zero. “Usually we’re in the 20s-30s during the daytime and we get a lot of sunshine. If it gets below zero (Fahrenheit) that’s usually only overnight.”

World Class Grooming

The grooming is also top notch. Powell said that they try to groom all the trails every evening as long as the snow cooperates. On average, it takes eight to 10 hours for one operator to groom the trail. “The grooming machines are kept off the trails while skiers are using them.” During the spring, trails close at 1:30 p.m and grooming starts at 2:00 p.m.

Foster emphasized the importance of trail grooming. “My relationship with my Operators was the most important part of my job. I don’t think folks know or appreciate the depth and talent of a good Operator. I was lucky to have some of the best and most responsible Operators in the business and I still feel that this was the secret to success in my career. These young men were avid skiers and were smart and dedicated. They knew every inch of the trail system, what was underneath the snow, the strengths and limitations of the machinery, how the Cat would react to varying conditions, and how to maximize operational efficiency to produce the best surface on a daily basis in the nightly timeframe. They did this every night, making a multitude of independent decisions to ensure that result.”

The ski center issues daily detailed grooming reports. Their Nordic Conditions Reports have developed a bit of their own following. They’re extremely detailed and useful; more than just “We groomed today.” For a sample, you can check out their most recent conditions.

Most of the accommodations are in the valley, so acclimation is made easier by being able to ski at elevation, sleep, rest, and live at a much lower altitude. Powell recommends seeking lodging in Bend or Sun River which puts you about 30 minutes from the mountain.

Foster added that “Mt. Bachelor operates on a permit from the United States Forest Service, therefore there isn’t lodging on site, or many of the private amenities you may find at other resorts.” But if it’s top-shelf skiing and a long season you’re after, those other things probably don’t matter.

More than just skiing

Watts points out that Mt. Bachelor’s unique geography also creates other incredible opportunities. “In the spring, visitors can ski all morning, return to the valley and hike, bike, or fly fish. It’s a combination which is hard to replicate elsewhere. Additionally, since the cross-country center is part of a downhill operation, there’s always the opportunity for Alpine skiing. The bike shops also rent bikes as well. Road biking and gravel biking are also great. There are also a lot of golf courses.”

Kenlan agrees with the view that there’s plenty to do besides ski. “Bend is an outdoor recreation mecca. Fat tire biking is available near the trail, there’s a snow park right before you get to the Mt. Bachelor parking lot.” Fat Bikes are not allowed on Mt. Bachelor ski trails, but Kenlan says that Fat bikes are allowed on the snowmobile trails, so you don’t have to break trail. “If families come and want to fat bike, there are many options. Bike rental is available at several local bike shops if you don’t want to haul your bike to Bend. Mountain biking is also becoming popular [once the snow melts] at Mt. Bachelor. There’s lift service available.”

If you can judge by the presence of the U.S. cross-country team, U.S. biathlon team, and U.S. paralympic team, then the effort to get to Bachelor is well worth it. According to Powell, each team has held, or will hold spring camps on the mountain. Powell added that there’s no impediment for unaffiliated skiers using the trails while national team camps are there.

One of Foster’s favorite memories was during a U.S. ski team visit. “One of my unforgettable memories of this grooming crew was on a day in May of 2021, when Matt (Whitcomb) made a special request for a trail section to be groomed for a classic time trial for the team the following day. The trail was in one of the most exposed areas in the network and while the snow was great elsewhere, this particular section was super thin, and the back side was already a ribbon. With the intensity of the sun, I doubted that it would even be skiable the next day. But I told him I would see what I could do, and I made the call. When I reached my lead Operator, I only asked him to do whatever he could do. His response was, ‘Do you think they want double tracks?’ The following day I arrived to a boulevard of snow the length of the “problem” area, a full PB400 width, with double classic tracks. To this day, I have no idea where that snow came from.”

Being on snow regularly through June offers opportunities not found elsewhere. Up for some April racing? Mt. Bachelor has that as well. Through its partnership with MBSEF, it offers the Cascade Crest Ski Race & Tour, which was held April 29^th. This year’s race was postponed because there was too much snow! Not many places in the world face that problem in April. The event offers everything from a 5k kids race to a 50k marathon. If you want to keep your racing chops finely tuned into the spring, this event might be just the ticket.

Mt. Bachelor’s Nordic program isn’t just resting on its prodigious snowfall to attract skiers. Powell is also focused on the changing demographics and growth of Bend and developing programs to get more people into the sport. “A lot of people move to Bend from a warmer climate and want to take up a winter sport, so we need to appeal to them. Lessons are a big way to reach new people. We have private lessons and clinics. She’s on skis is a female specific program to draw women into the sport. “

There are also three local Snow Parks (Virginia Meissner, Wanoga, and Edison) which offer additional cross-country skiing. For non-skiing activities, visitors can also check out ice skating at The Pavilion and Seventh Mountain Resorts. If you need to chill with some rest time, Foster has many recommendations for activities off the mountain. Local attractions which she recommends are the Tower Theatre and the soaking pool at McMenamins (also known as The Old St. Francis School), which is located in a former Catholic schoolhouse, which was converted to a hotel and has a long list of amenities.

So, regardless of what combination of activities you want, Mt. Bachelor has something to offer. Best of all, no matter what else you choose to do, you can ski in prime conditions while most of North America is roller skiing!

Believe it or not, it is mid-May. For those following a traditional cross-country calendar, this means the start of a new training year, building toward the 2022/2023 competition season. And, for many of the top American athletes, this means it’s time to make an annual pilgrimage to Bend, Oregon for the on-snow camp of the season at the Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center.

The weather gods were kind to the camp attendees, with nearly a foot of fresh snow falling on Mt. Bachelor last weekend, restoring it to mid-Winter conditions. April was also a fruitful month for snowfall, setting up for a base-depth of 92” currently reported on the trails – not bad for May!

To learn more about the camp and what has made Bend and Mt. Bachelor a staple of the U.S. Ski Team’s early season training, FasterSkier connected with head coach Matt Whitcomb, who shared that he has been coming to Bend almost-annually for the last 26 years. 

He first experienced the trails at Mt. Bachelor during the 1996 U.S. National Championships. 

“I was rooming with Justin Beckwith (current NENSA Competitive Program Director),” Whitcomb recalled fondly. “Amy Caldwell took us out and then Sverre [Caldwell] joined us, and we had our first experience racing Nationals. And it really jumped out as this town that had skiing at its center, not only alpine but cross country.” 

The following summer, Whitcomb, Beckwith, and a couple additional training partners hopped into a car and drove to Oregon to spend the summer of ‘97 in Bend. 

“But we weren’t, by any means, the first people to do this – we were following in the footsteps of Justin Wadsworth and Pat Weaver and a whole bunch of other people. And by our senior year [at Middlebury College], we had twenty-something people driving out from the east just to experience what Bend has in late May and June, and we’d be there through August until we had to go back to college.” 

What Bend has in late May and June, he said, is a vast array of diverse training opportunities, which most importantly includes snow. 

“That’s probably the first thing that really drew us in, particularly as people from the East.”

He shared that the snow report they had received from Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center manager Sue Foster was measuring the accumulation from April storms in feet, not inches. 

But it’s not just the access to snow on its own that makes Mt. Bachelor worth the trip.

“The trail system is world class. You’re skiing through Douglas fir — just these massive, old old trees on creative, windy, hard trails, and on a good year they’ll have close to 30 or 40 kilometers groomed for us still in May.” 

In addition to its geographical location and an accumulation of over 300” of snow annually, the elevation of the Nordic Center preserves the snowpack for late season skiing. The parking lot sits at roughly 6,000’ above sea level, while trails range from 5,750 to 6,400’. 

This puts Mt. Bachelor in a similar altitude zone to Soldier Hollow, UT, offering athletes both an early season bump in red blood cells and the opportunity to fine tune their altitude skiing strategies, “which is something that we really value. Because skiing at altitude is not just something for the aerobically gifted; it’s also something for people that develop the skill of how to actually ski at altitude. So that’s been great.”

Whitcomb also lauded the convenience of Mt. Bachelor relative to their lodging down in Bend, roughly a 25 minute drive down the mountain at a significantly lower elevation of roughly 3,300’. In addition to easy access to the trails, this gives the team the opportunity to train high and sleep low, as well as to enjoy non-ski training modalities in a totally different climate. 

“So recovery is complete. We can also go roller skiing in the afternoon, we can go mountain biking, we can run in shorts and tee shirts. It’s like you’re experiencing the summer and the winter on the same day for two weeks in a row.”

 Overall, Bend and Mt. Bachelor have become a special place for Whitcomb, and for the many athletes who have made their way there over the years. 

“It’s just such a wonderful environment. The way these cascade forests smell this time of the year when the new growth is coming up — you step out of the car when you first arrive and it’s like, ahh. I could be blindfolded and tell you exactly where I was.”

While Mt. Bachelor offers high quality grooming all season, Whitcomb also spoke to the relationships the US Ski Team have developed with the trail operations team, and their willingness to adapt their usual grooming patterns to best serve the visiting skiers. This year, Whitcomb is looking to replicate the track format of a World Cup stadium so the team can practice “switching lanes in the finish and figuring out how to develop more speed — a bit of a twist to our [usual] speed training.”

At the helm, and helping US Ski Team coaches interface with the grooming team, is the aforementioned Nordic Center Manager, Sue Foster, who Whitcomb says has been an invaluable resource over the years. 

“She meets us in the lodge every day, she helps us prepare the TV and the chairs so that we can do a little visualization before every session. And she’s just a delightful, inviting person that makes you want to come back and see [her.] It’s rare that every athlete on the team knows the names of the people working the lodge, but Mt. Bachelor is one of those places.”

Off the ski trails, Whitcomb shared that a highlight for many athletes is the lower elevation terrain in Bend, where the unique volcanic geology of Mt. Bachelor sets up for miles of tacky “hero dirt” for afternoon rides. 

“The mountain biking is some of the best in the US, particularly in May, before it’s gotten dusty.”

During the late spring, many trails along the Deschutes River are also beginning to open up, and often the team will be dropped off an hour and a half up-river to enjoy a point-to-point run  back to their cluster of rental houses. 

This year, the team is spread between three large rental homes in close proximity, with the staff house centrally located to host nightly team dinners catered by USOPC chef Megan Chacosky. To reduce COVID risks among the team and staff, masks are still worn during team meetings, allowing them to safely happen in-person. Though mask mandates and COVID safety precautions are largely being dropped, Whitcomb expressed the importance of keeping athletes and staff healthy, setting everyone up for success during the high-volume summer months of training. 

“I think the world has made a major shift to decide that the pandemic is over, but we’re pretty well aware that the COVID is not done yet.”

Finally, Whitcomb cited the greater ski community in Bend as a reason the camp has been such a valuable component of the annual training cycle. 

“As far back as I can remember, it didn’t matter whether we are registered with a local club or not, we were always being invited by [coach/director] John Downing to the XC Oregon sessions. He’s still a good friend of the team, and we have so many locals in town that are helping us out and welcome us every year to town.”

Acknowledging that he was only giving the short-list of names from the Bend skiing community who have supported and welcomed the team each year, he also noted former physiologist at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs Tim Gibbons, who builds excitement for the camp by giving Whitcomb snow reports all winter, indicating how the trails are shaping up for spring skiing. And lastly, he thanked the members of the Mt. Bachelor Ski Education Foundation (MBSEF), including nordic director Dylan Watts. 

This community support allows the team to maximize their time training in Bend, while also creating opportunities for outreach via programs like Fast and Female or hosting workouts for the MBSEF junior athletes. This partnership helps the team feel connected, and also stoke the enthusiasm of the next generation of cross country skiers. 

“It just really feels like a family that we’re coming back to every year. So thanks to everybody that has always been welcoming. We try to be great ambassadors for the sport, and we need partners like this [to continue to move forward as a nation].

The Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center is known for it’s world class spring cross-country skiing. You can find more information about spring conditions at mtbachelor.com.

If you follow road running, the buzz around carbon-plated shoes is not new to you. Nike led the way with its Alphafly and Next% series, which sparked rapid innovation throughout the industry to quickly ensure their top racing shoes could compete. In 2021, “super shoes” have quickly transitioned from controversial to nearly ubiquitous, permeating the elite and recreational fields alike. 

But what about off-road? Is there a place for the carbon-plate in trail and ultra running, where the improved return on investment caused by the plate might be amplified? A 4% improvement for someone running 100 miles under the common 30-hour cutoff is 72 minutes by time, compared to 9.6 minutes for someone running a 4-hour marathon. Yes — there is a great deal more to this equation, but it’s worth the thought experiment.  

Given the dynamic nature of trail running, I was skeptical that carbon plate technology could be readily integrated. On trails, you’re not simply propelling yourself forward; you’re dodging rocks, jumping off of roots, climbing, descending, making quick turns, and trying not to let your dog take out your meniscus. 

This spring, The North Face put the concept to the test in the new VECTIV line, featuring the first carbon-plated trail shoes, the Flight VECTIV. I was lucky enough to win a pair at a race hosted by my local running store, Independence Run and Hike, and I have enjoyed putting the shoes through their paces on a variety of terrain surrounding my home in Carbondale, CO this summer and fall. Here are my thoughts.

First: the Fit. 

The Flight VECTIV features a seamless knit upper, meaning the shoe has no tongue. The upper is reinforced at the toe, lace eyelets, and heel, and has a “Matryx” panel made of Kevlar and polyamide on the sidewalls to boost stability in the midfoot. The fabric is also designed for breathability and drainage, making it a strong choice for warm days and/or wet trails. 

Coaxing my swollen already-wide feet into the shoes after a 14-mile race required effort, and I was unsure whether the toe box would have enough volume to be comfortable for the long haul. The upper was snug and the shoes felt rigid. However, I was pleased with how forgiving the stretchy upper turned out to be. After a few short runs, the shoes seemed custom molded to my feet and I have not experienced any discomfort from restriction in the toe box. Simultaneously, 200+ miles in, the shoes show minimal wear on the upper, indicating that the give of fabric does not compromise durability — and that’s coming from someone with a very wide forefoot who regularly wears through the outer edge of toe boxes.  

An additional layer of cushion underneath the laces allows the wearer to customize the tightness of the tie down without risking discomfort from the laces digging into the top of the foot during flexion. The seamless upper is snug and integrates well with the lacing to keep the foot securely in place.

The heel sits snugly in its reinforced cup with the carbon plate wrapping around the base of the Achilles. Combined with the fit of the upper, this provides excellent control — the shoe will match any action at the ankle to ensure your foot is landing how and where you want it to, with minimal slipping in any direction of the foot inside the shoe. 

On sizing: these shoes do run long. Dropping down half a size (US) did the trick for me. 

Next: the Feel. 

The Flight VECTIV was clearly designed for speed on trails. At roughly 8.6 ounces per shoe, they feel incredibly light. The rockered midsole paired with the carbon plate gives the shoe a snappy and responsive feel, making it a great choice for workouts or races. 

Despite the stiffness from the carbon plate, the shoe has ample cushion for longer runs. I did find that they felt a little hard on roads, but once they hit the dirt, they kept my feet feeling great, even four-plus hours deep. 

The 3D plate design aims to improve torsional stability and redirect motion into forward propulsion, and the resistance to twisting is noticeable on trail. While I do feel this design is supportive through lateral movements on smooth trails, I also find myself rolling my ankles more frequently on off-camber trails than I am used to. My theory is that the torsional flexibility in a traditional shoe allows the shock absorptive structure of the foot and ankle to naturally absorb more of the impact. In the Flight VECTIV, the stiffness of the 3D plate prevents this movement inside the shoe, so the ankle has to roll extra to offset the lack of movement in the foot. The rockered design may also decrease stability. Maybe I’m just clumsy.

As marketed, the breathability of the upper offers excellent drainage when the shoes are wet, and releases heat and moisture to keep feet comfortable during warmer runs. The downside is that they do not hold much warmth when the temperatures fall. My feet quickly progressed toward numbness when stomping through high country snow. 

Lastly: the Ride.

At just over 6,000 feet, Carbondale is a high-desert transitional zone between the classic slickrock landscape of Western Colorado and Southeast Utah and the alpine zones of nearby Aspen and the White River National Forest. How does this relate to the shoes? Within a small radius, I’m lucky to have dusty red dirt trails, blending into rugged foothills as the elevation increases and the geology morphs into classic Rocky Mountains high alpine zones. The terrain is widely varied, but also broadly more runnable than, say, the White Mountains or the Adirondacks in the Northeast, where trails are incredibly steep and technical. 

The biomechanical payout from the rocker and carbon plate is highest in runnable terrain, and this is where the Flight VECTIV shines. When landing on the midfoot of the shoe, the rocker gives the wearer the feeling of being propelled forward, promoting proper running mechanics and increasing the speed of the transition from landing to toe-off. 

Think of it as a diving board; as trails slow down and less force is being applied to the carbon plate, therefore the plate bends less and the subsequent return decreases, along with the benefit of the plate. That said, this shoe is as agile as the wearer in technical terrain. The footprint is tighter relative to the wider design of many trail shoes, like the popular Hoka Speedgoat. Because the outsole was closer in shape and size to my actual foot, I found this allowed me to navigate through technical terrain without worrying about catching the edges of my shoe on rocks or roots. 

The outsole offers excellent traction on all of the surfaces on which they’ve been tested, including mud, talus, and snow. The grip and structure of the lugs offer stability and control even on steep and loose descents, allowing the wearer to push the pace both up and downhill. 

Summary:

If you’re looking for a light and snappy performance trail shoe, the Flight VECTIV might be your new best friend. The Flight VECTIV can be found at many running and outdoor retailers throughout the U.S., and typically run at $199.

Indura Athletic, a small-scale business producing hand-crafted clothing, focuses on creating products that fit women’s athletic bodies and allows them to focus on their workouts, and not their clothing.  With unique innovative design features, the Stay Put Shorts do just that. 

Unlike most fitted running shorts, the Stay Put Shorts feature a thin grip strip on the bottom hem that keeps them in place and prevents them from riding up. Additionally, they are designed to fit the curves of your body with the inseam being longer to limit chafing, paired with a shorter outer seam to provide a flattering look. 

Pockets on both legs allow you to store items such as keys, phones, or snacks while out running. 

The shorts are presented with two options, the mid-rise or high rise curve. The mid-rise curve dips below the belly button, and curve up around the hips toward a high back, whereas the high rise option sits above the belly button at an even hight around the waist. 

Typically I have always stuck to a more loose fitting running short, but after having purchased the Indura Stay Put Shorts, I’ve begun to wear them more and more frequently. Not only are they practical and well-designed, but they are also stylish and make me feel speedy when I hit the trails. 

Being a new and evolving business, Indura is always open to feedback and each product launch produces a new and slightly improved design. Currently, Indura is closed to orders but you can keep an eye out for the next product launch at induraathletic.com or on Instagram at @induraathletic.

Made of more than 50% recycled synthetic fiber, the shorts are breathable, lightweight, and durable. Weighing in at 140 grams (that’s just under 5 ounces), they make for a great choice if you are trying to cut back on luggage while still prioritizing functionality. 

Normally, I stick to traditional running shorts when out for a run or hike, but this summer the Norrøna Loose Shorts have worked their way into my regular exercise clothing rotation. Thanks to the nylon and elastic material they are stretchy and loose enough to make running comfortable and offer a practical outfit choice if you are trying to squeeze in a workout during a busy day. The drawstring tightening feature at the waist ensures that your shorts stay up, even if the double pockets are loaded up. 

Speaking of pockets — arguably the most important part of any piece of clothing — the zipper closed pocket at the back is a great place for key storage or stashing a bar during a longer outing.

The double hand pockets are large enough to carry an iPhone 8 (the largest smartphone model available during testing), and are designed so that items don’t bounce out when you’re on the go. My one caution would be that the mesh lining the pockets did start to chafe my legs after a while when full. 

If you happen to encounter a body of water and feel like taking a dip, there’s no need to worry about getting these shorts wet. Empty your pockets and dive in; given the lightweight breathability, your bottoms will be dry again in no time. 

With a price tag of $79, the Loose Shorts are at the steep end of the market. That said, given the wide array of possible uses and the enduring reputation of Norrøna gear, you can trust that they are a safe investment for the long-term. 

As the smoke clears and I get ready to enjoy the last few weeks of summer, I’ll be pleased to head out for some mountain adventures in my Norrøna Loose Shorts, pockets loaded with snacks.

Fleece-lined and with a durable, wind-resistant exterior the lofoten hiloflex200 is the perfect in-between jacket for me. There’s a maxim for ski-touring that can be applied to most high-output endeavors: start cold. Traveling uphill, or running, or striding, it’s only a matter of time until the body heats up.  

For me, on a cold, clear day of touring with whipping wind above tree-line this jacket kept me warm and comfortable, and I found that I didn’t have to make multiple stops to shed and don layers with each minor temperature change. On days when I planned an easy distance nordic outing when temperatures hovered in the mid-20’s, the lofoten hiloflex200 was an excellent choice to keep me warm but not too hot.

In today’s mask-filled world, the jacket’s high zip collar had the added benefit of not only keeping me cozy and protected from wind-chill, but additionally serving as a temporary mask if I was passing other recreators. Furthermore, as someone who really loves any garment with a hood, the hood on the lofoten hiloflex200 was a big bonus for me. The hood also has a built-in balaclava feature that I would not recommend for casual wearing (unless it’s Halloween perhaps), though I would imagine this could be useful under a helmet for some cold descents. 

Other notable features of the jacket include elastic hand-gaiter options at the cuffs which I have employed many times while running or biking. Perhaps my favorite feature of the jacket however is the large chest zipper pocket. My experience with women’s technical clothing has often left me wanting in the pocket department, especially since I tend to take a lot of photos while out and thus appreciate having quick and easy access to my phone. The chest pocket in the lofoten hiloflex200 is super accessible and perfectly sized for storing a phone or a mid-workout snack. 

The size and cut of the jacket is another thing I appreciate about its design. I am 5’7” and 140 lbs and when choosing a size I often oscillate between small and medium. In this case, I went with a small and was glad for it. Slim fitting, but not too short in the torso, the lofoten hiloflex200 is well cut and doesn’t feel or look bulky at all. It weighs just 410 grams and is no burden to stuff into a backpack if you get too warm.

for drinkers, inhalers

At $169.00, the lofoten hiloflex200 on the reasonable end of midweight ski layers. Its durability and versatility seem to justify the investment. This jacket is built to last and with three months of use shows no sign of wear or tear. Furthermore, it seems to occupy a unique category of its own in terms of adaptability. 

As a self-proclaimed jacket expert, I can say I have yet to encounter a jacket that matches the range of utility of the lofoten hiloflex200. While I may own many jackets, this one holds its own as a bridge between my lightweight nordic ski jackets, and the warmer down options.

I look forward to many more adventures in the coming years, sporting the snappy red lofoten hiloflex200.

Starting with a quick disclaimer, I’ve been a fan of Emma Coburn, Olympic Bronze Medalist and World Champion steeplechaser, for most of her career. Spending this winter in her hometown of Crested Butte, Colorado has, if anything, amplified my appreciation for her as both an athlete and role model for other female runners. As such, I was very excited this fall when she announced the release of her cookbook, “The Runner’s Kitchen”, and immediately pre-ordered.

I’m pleased to say the purchase did not disappoint.

For starters, the food philosophy Coburn promotes is a breath of fresh air. Contrasting the fad diets often promoted as a panacea in mainstream media — Paleo, keto, vegan, gluten-free — she promotes an “everything in moderation” approach. Her recipes emphasize creating balanced meals that help athletes get the nutrients they need without cutting out foods that simply bring joy and taste delicious.

Through my time in sport, I’ve seen the prevalence of disordered eating in endurance sport from coach, teammate, and personal perspectives. My history involves a tenuous-at-best relationship with food body image, which I’ve recognized in countless others, male and female. I love the message that butter, all-purpose flour, and bacon are part of an Olympian’s diet even during peak competition season. Yes, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are important (and prevalent in the recipes), but Coburn eschews the idea that restriction is a necessary element of a healthy diet. It’s a message that athletes of all ages can benefit from.

“Fueling for performance doesn’t mean that you have to eat only ‘clean’ foods and cut out all of the foods you enjoy,” writes Coburn. “It means finding a balance that allows you to provide your body with the fuel it needs to perform and recover while still enjoying the foods you love.”

In the introduction, Coburn breaks down how her nutrition strategy changes during the different phases of a training cycle: off-season, mileage increase, and peak season. She guides readers to recipes that can help them similarly tailor their nutrition to meet the demands of their training.

As her volume and intensity builds from January through April, she notes, “During this phase, I increase my carbs, I am diligent about eating enough protein, and when in doubt, I try to over-fuel a bit. I would rather be eating too much and feeling strong and healthy than be restrictive and risk any injury or illness.”

While you’ll find recipes for roasted beets, cauliflower-based vegan “mac and cheese”, and kale salad, The Runner’s Kitchen also has recipes for french toast with a brown sugar crumb topping, a baked “fried chicken” sandwich with bacon, and a from-scratch chocolate cake with vanilla buttercream. I most appreciated that the ingredient lists were easy to find –most were already in my pantry– and the recipes were both creative and user friendly.

Despite being packed with flavor and inspired by a variety of cuisine, few recipes require too much chopping or time in the kitchen — a plus for those of us squeezing in skiing around work and/or family.

So far, all of the recipes we’ve tried from The Runner’s Kitchen have been remarkably tasty, despite our relatively mediocre cooking skills. As we’ve been trying to avoid frequent trips to the grocery store since last March, it also helped my family break out of a rut from cooking the same meals on repeat.

The first recipe that caught my attention was maple turmeric chicken thighs, marinated and cooked in a flavorful sauce that has just the right amount of sweetness. Placed atop some rice and veggies, this recipe is unbelievably good. It is by far our most repeated recipe — we’ve made it five times in the two months since receiving the book. Yum.

Topped with marinated and grilled pineapple (or broiled/pan-seared when your grill is buried in snow), the teriyaki turkey burgers check all the boxes: sweet, savory, spicy, and satisfying. We also love the buffalo chicken meatballs — even my husband, who previously was opposed to ground poultry as he didn’t think it could quell his voracious appetite.

Both the beet and arugula cashew pesto recipes offer a quick and refreshing alternative to our pasta routines, while also being packed with nutrient-rich ingredients.

On long ski days, I’ve taken to making the golden milk latte (with coconut milk because I don’t mix well with dairy) as a satisfying way to get in extra calories with the bonus of anti-inflammatory from the turmeric. The aforementioned chocolate cake doesn’t hurt with offsetting calorie deficits either.

My “make soon” list includes brunch options, like veggie or chicken apple sausage frittatas, the dutch baby pancake, and shakshouka. When warm weather returns and I begin to crave crunchy and refreshing salads, I have a feeling that the Asian chicken salad will become a mainstay. I’m also eyeing the bibimbap, butternut squash gnocchi, and Pad Thai egg rolls for when I’ve got a little more meal-prep time on my hands.

If I’ve sold you on Coburn’s message and piqued your interest in these flavorful recipes, you can snag an autographed copy of The Runner’s Kitchen on her website, emmacoburn.com, or order a non-autographed copy on Amazon for $19.99.

Residing in “dry” climates the past two decades — I’ve eschewed heavy-duty Gore-Tex products. Even after spending considerable time in high alpine snowstorms, and mid-summer rain, I’ve functioned perfectly fine. My only go-to rule for inclement weather gear is this – if the weather looks anything other than high-pressure and bluebird – no down. I’ve kept it basic when the sky spits precip. I rely on synthetic insulation topped with a feather-light windbreaker. (Essentially a highly tailored piece of rip-stop nylon.)

The reality of the situation is this: it still gets wet and dreary in the high desert. And places like Bend, Oregon have more than their share of wet days. Places like Mount Bachelor and Meissner Nordic sit nearly on the crest of the transition zone from wet Westside Cascades to drier Eastside. The gigs up. Believe half the hype, it’s not always sunny in places like Bend. With a busy life of work and kids, I ski during finite windows of time. I expect to ski in the rain or on wet-snow days that soak gear.

In my quest for self-improvement, twenty years since I illogically swore off  Gore-Tex, I decided to try again.

I looked around for a dual-purpose lightweight and weatherproof jacket. One suitable for snowy ski tours and breathable enough to wear cross-country skiing when it rains, drizzles, or “sno-rains”.

Gore-Tex, it turns out, comes in many iterations. I was directed towards Gore-Tex Active 2 fabric, a more breathable version of the fabled three-layer fabric. Of the scores of options out there, Norrøna, a Norway-based designer of technical outerwear had an option.

The Norrøna lyngen Gore-Tex jacket appeared to check all the boxes. We’ll get to this in a bit, but the jacket is a highly engineered garment, designed for high output activities in inclement weather. Originally crafted for ski-touring, the lyngen seemed dialed for rain-soaked cross-country skiing too.

Since we are talking high-output, let’s get right to the jacket’s “breathable” attributes. The torso (front and back) are constructed from Gore-Tex Active 2, the most breathable of the Gore-Tex line of fabrics. With a RET (Resistance to Evaporative Heat Transfer) rating of 4, the lyngen sits in the sweet spot (0-6) in terms of breathability ratings. In contrast, the war-horse of Gore-Tex fabrics, Gore-Tex Pro, boasts a RET of 9. The lower the RET value, the more breathable.

The top of the arms and shoulders feature Gore-Tex C fabric, a slightly less breathable (RET 6) but more durable construction on the jacket’s high-wear surfaces.

Some outdoorsy folks are bothered by the audible “crinkly” sound made by fabrics like GoreTex Pro. The fabric on the lyngen, for what it’s worth, does not “crinkle”. Your silent sport endeavor will not be compromised by a sound similar to rummaging through a bag of chips. And next to skin, the fabric feels like durable cotton.

The lyngen offers two more features maximizing breathability by shedding heat during exercise. First, generous pit zips extend from the elbow to the lower torso. The pit zips are two-way, meaning you can unzip from both the elbow and the torso to fine-tune the venting.

I love pit zips but understand they are not for everyone. My main ski touring partner claims if a jacket features pit zips to shed heat, then it is poorly designed. He owns, by last count, two Gore-Tex jackets, two alpine oriented soft-shells, and two lightweight coated nylon shells. In other words, a jacket quiver.

Pit zips, in my opinion, broaden a jacket’s functionality. In the case of the lyngen, they do exactly that. Zip them up when you need/want weatherproofing and heat retention and presto, you’re sealed up. Feeling like the temps are rising while skiing uphill or gently striding an incline, the opened pit zips work wonders. They dump heat. And they dump it fast.

So far, the engineering of the lyngen, beyond the generous length of the pit zips, is quotidian for a lightweight and high end alpine oriented Gore-Tex piece. Taped Gore-Tex seams, weatherproof zippers, a helmet friendly hood, and a simple drawcord for the waist are timeless finishes.

Things get interesting when it comes to the main front zipper. Running along the length of the front are two zipper options — one is the normal zipper entombing you from the elements. The other zipper, running an inch or so to the right, offers another option to dump heat. When that zipper is used, running from below your chin to your waist is a mesh vent resembling a length of high-tech and robust mosquito netting.

Out of the box, the full-length mesh seems gimmicky. The ground truth reveals an innovative means to enhance breathability and provide a dose of cool air when descending or when the wind kicks up. Unless it’s 20 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, I use the mesh front-zip option when ski touring or cross-country skiing. The feature adds a bit more complexity to the jacket, yet its functionality reigns.

Another aspect of the lyngen initially seemed over-engineered. Each sleeve has what is called a hand gaiter – a  lightweight piece of Gore-Tex sealing the elements out of the sleeve. We know gaiters around boots in winter can keep snow from infiltrating boot liners. Similarly, the hand gaiter is designed to keep nasty weather, think water, from entering the sleeve. The gaiters are optional. You can simply push your hand through the sleeve and pop your hand out like any other jacket. Or, you can slot your thumb through a small hole and engage the hand gaiter.

Ski-touring, my hand gaiters are engaged. Again, proving my judgmental folly, it turns out the hand gaiters are elegantly engineered and another layer of protection and warmth when ski touring or pulling skins off at transitions.

The sleeves, generous in length, also include velcro closures.

If you want to hammer intervals skiing in the rain while wearing the lyngen, even with pit zips open, you’ll heat up. No Gore-Tex jacket has solved that heat dump conundrum. But if you want simply ski in the rain, level 1-2, with the occasional speed burst, you’ll be dry and comfortable.

I tend to run cold, but I do embrace the ethos of starting cold when exercising in the winter. Burning calories cross-country skiing or skiing uphill will warm you fast. Wearing a light poly-pro t-shirt and Patagonia R1 hoody under the lyngen can be overkill if you are pushing the tempo. Cross-country skiing in the rain with temps hovering near 32 degrees, the lyngen over a light poly-pro shirt rings the bell.

The lyngen is light, at approximately 320 grams or ¾ of a pound, for a full-featured alpine worthy Gore-Tex jacket. If you want something light yet weatherproof and breathable with a minimal weight penalty, the lyngen meets weight weeny scrutiny.

For comparison, the Patagonia Triolet Gore-Tex jacket, featuring Gore-Tex’s basic 3-ply membrane weighs 550 g (19.4 oz). The Patagonia Pluma, which uses Gore-Tex Pro fabric, weighs 414 g (14.6 oz).

The lyngen features two generous and weatherproof exterior chest pockets and an internal pocket roomy enough for keys and a phone.

The real downside to this piece is getting over the sticker shock. No matter how you look at it, the lyngen is pricey. It retails for $599.00. The price will certainly make one second guess the need for high-end Gore-Tex garments. I tend to keep outdoor pieces I like for years. Duct-tape, Tenacious Tape, dental floss and a needle are your best friends when it comes to technical clothing and longevity. I’ve now banged around in the lyngen for three months. The long-term worthiness appears to be there as it remains a hardened mountain piece. The return on investment for your cash, dry under layers and a stable core temperature might be worth your Kroners. It’s windproof, weatherproof, and breathable at moderate levels of exertion.

Norrøna calls the sizing of the lyngen a “technical fit”. At 5’10” and 155 pounds, the fit is athletic. But it is roomy enough to layer insulation underneath. On cold-cold days, a thin base layer, a hoody like the R-1, and even a trim fit puffy all fit under the medium size lyngen with no reduced mobility. The cut, like the engineering, seems perfect.

Maybe you already spent $$$$ on diversifying the ski quiver last season. Maybe you seek that jack of all trades Gore-Tex beauty that you’re more than likely to wear during your more adventure-oriented endeavors. So far, the lyngen has proven a quiver of one technical hard shell. And, if you are keen on cross-country skiing when you are guaranteed to get wet, the lyngen is a no brainer.

Regardless of the circumstances, here’s a review of Fischer’s latest lineup of top-end rollerskis that make hitting the pavement enjoyable and feel realistic enough to keep you in love with the sport until your next chance to slide on snow.

Fischer Speedmax Classic Rollerski

Launched this season, the Speedmax Classic rollerski holds bragging rights as the lightest classic rollerski available. With a full carbon frame, the medium flex ski weighs just 830 g, roughly 20% less than the RC7 classic model. Two models are available: medium for skiers less than 85 kg, and stiff for those greater than 80 kg. The stiff frame adds just 20 additional grams. 

Let’s put it simply: it’s noteworthy. The return of the ski when swinging back through felt much more like a classic ski and less like a clunky rollerski. Despite the ratcheted wheel, this might be the factor most attributable to the realistic feel of rollerskiing on the Speedmax. 

The Speedmax features an arched construction shaft, mimicking the camber of a classic ski. A quick materials engineering lesson: while the frame is certainly stiff and rigid, a carbon weave is strongest when loaded axially, like the way you apply force along the shaft of your set of carbon ski poles. It also resists twisting, but we’ll get to that later. 

When the rollerski is kicked, the load is applied perpendicular to the axis, meaning there is more forgiveness, giving a more realistic feeling of compressing a wax pocket. Though I’m about 25 kg below the threshold at which switching to the stiff shaft is advised, I had no trouble experiencing a realistic flex with the ski. I also noticed a significant amount of vibration dampening, making it comfortable — even for long sessions — to ski chip-seal or rough pavement. 

The pair was also loaned to the top local junior, Kate Oldham, in the midst of her high volume summer training to join the Middlebury Ski Team this fall. Oldham noted a similar experience with the flex as one of the most remarkable features of the ski, expressing that it was more realistic than her aluminum Swix C1 pair she typically trained on. (Swix now sells a carbon fiber classic ski that FasterSkier has not yet reviewed.) Oldham also expressed that the resistance in the wheels provided a more realistic feel in terms of the glide from each push off and the control on downhills.

In addition to the lightness and realistic feel of the full carbon frame, the shaft provides torsional stability, keeping the ski balanced even when taking corners with speed. The 745 mm shaft is a few centimeters longer than other Fischer models and the 70 mm (45 mm width) wheels are smaller in diameter and wider than average. I felt this combo made it easier to drive the ski and glide straight more easily than other classic sets I’ve tried. The Speedmax tracking felt very balanced, smooth, and controlled, very similar to skiing outside the track on a groomed track. 

And now for the downsides: given the full carbon construction, it is likely that the shaft does not provide the same durability you might expect from a composite or metal shaft. The arched shaft does improve ground clearance when unweighted, which helps protect the shaft when rolling over uneven surfaces, like getting on and off the wooden pedestrian bridges I regularly encounter. As carbon fiber is brittle, it is unclear how these would fare for full time high volume use season to season. I was lucky not to take any bad crashes while putting them to use, and Oldham opted not to use them for agility sessions during her testing out of concern for fragility. Bailing onto the rocky shoulder on a downhill or bad encounter with a curb could be devastating — I did my best not to find out the hard way. Ultimately, it’s the same cost-benefit analysis with any other piece of carbon fiber sporting equipment. We’ll leave it to you to run your own numbers.

The Speedmax classic rollerski retails at $379.00 and can be found 

Want to see more? Here’s a video from Fischer. 

Fischer Carbonlite Skate Rollerski

The 2020 Carbonlite Skate rollerski was a pleasure to test out. Fischer boasts that the Air Core Composite frame provides “excellent vibration dampening for smooth, efficient performance that feels just like real snow.” A new set of wheels definitely added fun and reward to what I normally see as a somewhat boring but necessary form of training to balance out the impact of summer running volume and keep my body feeling ready for ski season. 

Near my home in Carbondale, CO, I have three standard rollerski options. One is a very smooth bike path, though I have to roll over ~1k of rough pavement and a raised wooden bridge to get there. One is a up-and-down 5k loop through a chip-sealed neighborhood with two bridge crossings that have gaps in the pavement at the entrance and exit and can be spicy if taken with speed. And one is a less-smooth bike path along ranches and the Crystal River with swooping curves that sometimes accumulate sand, gravel, and other debris from the ranch vehicles crossing at various points to access gates. 

The Carbonlite Skate made all of these venues more enjoyable to ski. The 630 mm wheelbase allows for great handling, whether that be a quick reaction to dodge a patch of gravel or taking a corner at high speed during an interval. The length of the shaft also allows for a bit more flexion than I was accustomed, giving a more realistic push off. 

Adding to the agility and maneuverability of the shaft is the “Razor Shaped Base”. Cross-sectionally, the bottom edges of the shaft are beveled, ensuring adequate ground clearance even with a steep kick angle and reducing the wear and tear on the ski. 

In addition to commenting that the flex provided a realistic feel, Oldham noted the clearance as a feature she appreciated on the Carbonlites. 

“I enjoyed the height of the skate skis. The bolts never scraped the ground while turning and I never bottomed out while going over bumps.”

I’m not sure I’d go quite as far as “just like real snow”, but putting it generously, I’d say it comes close to being on par with ideal spring conditions where the trail base is softening from its bulletproof overnight freeze to the buttery, fast, and firm surface we all know and love. Fast, smooth, probably still some exciting encounters of the “late seasons hazards may exist” nature. After all, that’s skiing on varied pavement.  

The Carbonlite Skate rollerski also retails at $379.00. 

If you’re looking for a high end rollerski to support your training year round, both of Fischer’s 2020 releases are a worthy choice.

As cross-country skiers we’ve all defaulted to running with a standard drink belt. The sort we’ve skied with for years: a foam insulated vessel covered in nylon with a small zipper pocket up top – just enough room for a bar and phone. Suitable for skiing, not exactly the smooth water carrying companion you’d want on a trail run with the undue bouncing. The standard go-to for longer trail runs is the vest. Great for stashing a windbreaker, water, and plenty of fuel. For shorter trail runs, that can be overkill. Many companies sell running belts for those shorter trail runs when minimalism reigns. Think only a small water-filled soft flask, a bar/gel, phone, and car keys.

Nathan Sports sells a men’s version of the “waistpak”, the VaporKrar. I tested the women’s model, the VaporHowe. The basic premise of a “waistpak” is simple: a lightweight belt worn around the waist fabricated from stretchy fabric, and it boasts several pockets for essentials. They feature a step-through design, meaning there’s no adjustable buckle to secure the belt around your waist. They are designed to fit rather snug. If fit properly, there’s no sag or bounce when running. 

The VaoprHowe comes with a 600 ml (20 oz.) soft flask that fits in a rear pocket. There’s a front zipper pocket large enough for a standard smartphone, and two side pockets for stashing fuel.

This belt has served me well for short-medium distance trail runs in the 5-10 mile range. I’ve used both the Nathan bottle and my own more rigid water bottles and the Nathan bottle definitely chafes less. From my experience, the “waistpak” has little if any chaffing compared to running with a traditional cross-country ski drink belt.

The main reason I continue to use the belt is the large stretchy pocket for my phone so I can have headphones in while running and the ease with which it carries the basics. I’ve also worn it on shorter runs without the soft flask, just to carry the phone  — and it hardly feels like I’m wearing a belt.

There’s one last feature that’s an upside if you run with collapsible/lightweight running poles. The “waistpak” comes with elastic straps to secure collapsed poles. It’s a nice way to carry poles when not in use. Which brings this to mind, if you are carrying water and poles, you can cinch down the load with two small compression straps. 

The main limitations of this belt are size and versatility. As someone who tries to use the same gear for as many sports as possible, versatility plays a role in how I choose that gear. I wouldn’t use this for any other activity except trail running. I also feel like I have the right size belt/pack for my body right now but even just a little weight gained (or more with pregnancy or injury) and I don’t think I could squeeze into it. Different body types with more muscle in the legs/thighs (like I was when training harder) and narrow waists might not be able to pull this up and over the thighs. It also can carry a substantial volume of snacks but not much more water than the allotted 600 ml flask. That’s probably by design but for a longer trail run, this wouldn’t be enough for me. Bring on the vest. But there’s a downside to the vest when it’s too much capacity for a shorter run, they can trap heat against your back. That’s not the case with the “waistpak”.

Nathan offers a sizing chart online. The “waistepak” comes in an XXS/XS, S/M, and L/XL. My waist measurement falls in the S/M range, and the fit worked for me. You can find a range of prices in the ballpark of $45.00 to $60.00. 

Casey Collins is a Bend, Ore. based speech pathologist, mom, and outdoor adventurer. And best-ever neighbor.  

Looking for an option to keep your glycogen stores full while logging hours this fall? Consider adding Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel to your bottles for stable energy without distressing your gut. With a variety of tasty flavors that are quickly absorbed, Tailwind claims it’s “All you need, all day. Really.”

It’s been a weird summer. Yes, that is an obvious minimization of the times. Layered on top of the global pandemic and social and political unrest, most inhabitants of the west have been experiencing a literal haze of smoke from the wildfires raging throughout the dehydrated landscape. The northeastern corner of Maine was the hottest area in the country over Father’s Day Weekend, after New York City had snow on Mother’s Day. Snow recently fell around fires that burn throughout Colorado — an odd blip in a long string of hot, sunny, and dry days. 

If you’re like me, finding time to exercise has been grounding; a welcome escape from all of this uncertainty. Waking up early, making some coffee, lacing up my shoes, throwing on my running vest, and heading out for a run on the nearby trails routinely provided me a sense of normalcy, quieting my mind and helping me center myself before facing the day ahead. 

Despite the lack of races, it may have been one of my best summers of running yet. Being more than 1.5 years postpartum and having a great ski season, I had a solid aerobic base and my body felt strong enough to steadily increase the mileage and elevation gain of my long runs. The lack of travel inspired me to dive deeper into maps of the wilderness area closest to my home in Carbondale, CO, finding ways to explore “new” terrain and avoid the more congested trailheads near Aspen. 

From the beginning of June to the end of August, I logged roughly 650 miles almost exclusively on trail, including a lap of the marathon length Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop with my closest friend and a point-to-point almost 30 miler with 9,000’ of climbing on my 30th birthday. 

My weekly adventures in the mountains also provided ample opportunity to experiment with a variety of performance fueling products: drink mixes, gels, chews, candy, etc. One of the products that quickly became a staple in my routine is Tailwind Endurance Fuel, which, in addition to keeping my energy stable on long days, stood out for its digestibility, portability, and flavor. 

Based in Durango, CO and developed by avid endurance athlete, Jeff Vierling, who was “fed up with fueling issues hijacking the blood, sweat and tears of my training.” After learning as much as he could about sports nutrition, he began tinkering with his own mix, and eventually handing out Ziplock baggies of the powder to his friends. Over a decade later, Tailwind has solidified itself as an excellent choice for athletes across the endurance sports spectrum. (They are a sponsor of SMST2’s Alayna Sonnesyn, who used Tailwind in her bottles during the 2019 American Birkie.)

Tailwind has four Endurance Fuel flavors to choose from, each with 100 calories per serving: Naked (unflavored), Lemon, Mandarin Orange, and Berry. They also produce a line of caffeinated Endurance Fuel, which comes in Colorado Cola, Green Tea Buzz, Raspberry Buzz, and Tropical Buzz, each with 35 mg of caffeine per serving.

The powders are made with organic and non-GMO ingredients: simple sugars, namely dextrose (glucose) and sucrose (table sugar), and a balance of electrolytes to replace what is lost through sweat, making it a one-stop-shop for hydration and fueling. Dextrose is a monosaccharide — meaning it is a single unit sugar molecule — which can be absorbed through the small intestine without any additional digestive processes, and sucrose is a disaccharide — two joined glucose molecules — which requires minimal digestion. This choice of sugars makes Tailwind easy on the gut and a great source of quick energy.

Tailwind sent along a “Starter Kit”, allowing me to try out each of the flavors, in addition to their protein shake mix, which has an ideal ratio of carbohydrates to protein to jumpstart recovery after a training session. 

The quality that stood out first and foremost was the taste — just the right amount of sweetness and flavors that were subtle, natural, and appealing, even five hours deep on a hot day. In particular, I am normally averse to citrus flavored products, as they inexplicably remind me of the overwhelming aroma of bathroom cleaner. I was surprised to find that Tailwind’s Lemon and Mandarin Orange flavors elicited no such response — think homemade lemonade, not Soft Scrub — and I’ve continued to purchase those flavors of the product since exhausting the initial supply. 

What has kept me using Tailwind products, though, is how reliably gentle it is on my stomach, regardless of the intensity of the run. From early morning easy runs, to hard intervals, to 13,000’ summits, I could trust that sipping on bottles of Endurance Fuel would keep me hydrated and provide steady energy without causing my stomach to bloat, cramp, or slosh. 

Though I typically keep a bag in the pantry, the two-serving sticks are a convenient method of carrying additional fuel when I know I’ll need to refill bottles. 

This strategy saved me during the Four Pass Loop — with the final steep climb over West Maroon left to go and an unhappy stomach (thanks, hormones) that made it difficult to get in the calories I needed to feel strong for ~7 hours at altitude, refilling a flask with Raspberry Buzz felt like it rescued me from impending doom. The gels, waffles, and pbj I had packed were a non-option, but I knew that liquid calories from Tailwind would not exacerbate the issue. The quick energy boost from the sugar paired with the kick of caffeine was almost as revitalizing as the giant burrito and Oreos that were consumed on the drive home. 

Tailwind can be found at retailers throughout the U.S. and Canada, or ordered through their website. Large 50-serving bags of Endurance Fuel run at $35.99, or grab a medium sized bag for $25.99. You can also go all in and take the unique “Tailwind Challenge” by purchasing four bags of Endurance Fuel for $130. The concept is simple: if you aren’t happy with using the product during your training and races (when they happen again someday), they’ll pay your entry fee for an upcoming race (up to $150). How’s that for confidence? 

As summer training hours trend toward a peak, many athletes are looking for ways to support their nutritional needs, matching high volume training with high volume eating. A new product that should be on your radar is Drink Wholesome protein powder, created by former Williams ski racer Jack Schrupp. This protein is basically the RXBAR of protein powders: all natural without artificial flavorings or sweeteners, packing a high nutrient protein dense punch in each scoop. 

The nature of exercise, in particular the type of training that supports building strength and fitness for cross country skiing, is a cycle of breaking down muscle then allowing the muscle to repair itself and grow stronger. Brick by brick, we build a stronger body and more efficient aerobic and cardiovascular systems to power us down the trail. Regardless of whether you follow a rigorous training schedule, upholding an overall active lifestyle with regular exercise increases the body’s energy demands, particularly carbohydrates to replenish glycogen stores and protein to support muscle recovery. 

According to the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), athletes require approximately double the protein intake of an inactive healthy individual to support their overall health and recovery from exercise. By the numbers, an inactive individual requires approximately 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, whereas an athlete needs 1.4 – 2 grams per kilogram. For an athlete who weighs 160 lbs, this means consuming 100 to 145 grams of protein each day. 

Research supports that this is true regardless of the type of exercise an athlete engages in, or whether they are recreational versus elite. The ISSN also explains that insufficient protein intake leads to impairment in the body’s ability to recover from exercise and an increase in muscle catabolism, meaning muscles continue to break down rather than repair after exercise. 

Endurance athletes — like a road cyclist or marathoner — generally fall on the lower end of the range, while those who engage in more strength and power based sports — like weight lifting or CrossFit — occupy the upper end. Where does this leave skiers who lift heavy, throw down during intensity sessions, AND put in lots of hours of L1? Probably somewhere in the middle. 

Spreading intake throughout the day has been found to best support muscle protein synthesis, while additionally contributing to a more favorable body composition and improved performance outcomes. This means meals and snacks should contain 20-40 grams of protein each, assuming you’re eating every three to four hours.

For many, these demands can be met with a balanced and varied diet, but protein powders can be a convenient option to boost protein intake, especially when your stomach might not feel up to a full meal after a hard set of intervals or if you are unable or choose not to eat certain foods. 

I tend to fall into both of those categories. During the summer, I generally maintain 50 to 60 miles per week of trail running with a day or two of rollerskiing or mountain biking, combined with the general activity of chasing around a toddler requires that I stay on top of my game while properly fueling my body. But hard training tends to throw off my body’s hunger cues – my stomach can only handle a small amount of dairy, and I choose not to eat a lot of meat. 

Protein powder has been a nice insurance policy to support my nutritional demands and help me stay healthy. However, it can be hard to find one that I feel good about consuming as many are laden with artificial sweeteners and ingredients I’d have to Google. They also often taste chalky, overly sweet, and like artificial flavoring. 

As such, I was excited to try Drink Wholesome protein. After a similar experience with protein powders, the designer, Schrupp, set out to create a product made only of natural ingredients that also tasted good. What resulted is a line of products that have egg white as the first ingredient, or chickpeas for the vegan protein options. They’re sweetened with monk fruit or maple sugar, taste delicious, and pack in 20 grams of protein per serving. 

As an extra nod for the ingredient list, Registered Sports Dietician Kylee VanHorn explains in an article for Trail Runner Magazine that egg white protein has been found to be one of the most bioavailable protein sources, meaning it is easily digested and absorbed allowing it to be readily used for muscle repair. It is second to whey protein, but easier on the stomach for many. 

Of the three flavors I tried — peanut butter coconut, mocha, and peanut butter chocolate (vegan) — the pb coconut takes the cake as a total slam dunk. Though perhaps a bit sweeter than the other two, it tastes on its own great blended with water and a splash of almond milk as a post-workout drink to jumpstart recovery. Note that without anti-caking or gelling agents, emulsifiers, or stabilizers, you’ll get the smoothest mixture by preparing this with a blender or in a shaker bottle. 

Getting in the habit of mixing up a drink, tossing in some ice cubes, and keeping it in my car to drink after long runs in the mountains when I am generally dehydrated, depleted, and usually feeling a little blah from consuming lots of sports nutrition products on the go has made a big difference in how I feel later that day and the next day. 

Most commonly, I stir a half-serving Drink Wholesome into my post run breakfast bowl of oatmeal topped with berries and nuts. Since the protein is sourced from egg white and peanuts, it doesn’t curdle when mixed into the bowl of hot oats, which I have experienced with whey products, making a thick and creamy texture packed with flavor. The vegan pb chocolate is a close second for this purpose, especially when paired with strawberries. 

I’ve also enjoyed adding Drink Wholesome to smoothies. One of my go-to blends has become a banana, a handful of spinach, some almond milk, a scoop of mocha protein, and ice, maybe with some nuts tossed in after for texture and fats. It tastes like a coffee milkshake and provides me with plenty of energy to keep me going. 

As a parent who generally has to share whatever they are eating with their toddler, it also feels good not to hesitate to give my little one a sip or bite since I know the ingredients are all natural, and it has the added benefit of exposing her to multiple common allergens (peanuts and eggs), as is recommended to reduce the risk of developing an allergy to those foods later on. I’ve also noticed a marked decrease in bloating without the whey protein or artificial sweeteners I had been consuming. 

I also feel good about supporting the company’s principles: “keep it real food, keep it local, keep it green”. Drink Wholesome, which is based in New Hampshire and produced in small batches in Massachusetts, sources free range eggs and organic ingredients locally whenever possible. Not using whey protein cuts out the dairy industry, reducing their environmental footprint, and the company gives back, aiming to donate at least 10% of its profits to the preservation of green spaces in New England by 2022. Specifically, the donation goes toward purchasing undeveloped land for public use, particularly in areas where access is limited. 

Drink Wholesome protein can be ordered on their website. Full sized bags of egg white based protein retail at $38.00 for 20 servings, or $26.60 for 14 servings of vegan protein. You can also order two free sample servings to see which flavor suits your palate. 

Here in the Rockies near Carbondale, Colorado, June is often a transitional month. Low elevation trails are dry and surrounded by lush vegetation and spring blooms, while jagged peaks and ridges remain encrusted with receding snowfields. Roaring creeks and flooded riverbanks hint the speed with which these sun-cupped features melt away. 

As someone whose preferred form of movement in the summer is running in the high country, it is the season of preparing my legs for long climbs and descents, gradually increasing mileage and vertical gain and lusting over ridgelines and alpine lakes in CalTopo. It is also the time to check in on my gear so I am ready when opportunities arise.

There are a number of items that stay in my running vest for big days of moving light and fast — an emergency space blanket, a small roll of medical tape, a caffeinated gel for when I desperately need a kick. One of the newest members of the team is the Katadyn BeFree 0.6L Filter Bottle, a soft flask with a built in water filtration system, providing a fast and convenient method of obtaining safe drinking water on the go. Simply fill up the flask, reattach the filter cap (keeping the mouthpiece clean), and you’re good to go. 

Prior to purchasing the BeFree Bottle from the local running store, I treated water with AquaMira, which entailed carrying the two-part system, mixing the chlorine dioxide reactants and waiting roughly 3-5 minutes for a color change, adding to a bottle, then waiting the recommended 30 minutes for the water to become sterile. While this is a reliable system and perhaps advantageous for treating large volumes of water, the wait was always frustrating on the go, especially if I had run out of water several miles ago and was feeling dehydrated.  

As an example, when snow appeared in the forecast last October, I headed out on the Three Pass Loop for a last hurrah. The route ticks off Buckskin, Willow, and East Snowmass passes (each above 12,400’), requiring roughly 6,300’ of climbing in 23 miles. Knowing that I would be near water regularly, I opted to carry the BeFree bottle as my only means of drinking.

I left my car as soon as there was enough light to see without a headlamp — i.e., I was scared being alone in the dark on a trail where cattle are openly ranged because I am irrationally more afraid of cows than most other animals I might encounter in the wilderness. The day was forecasted to be warm and clear, but there was a heavy frost, and the trail led me due south through a narrow valley that was blocked from sun by a high ridgeline for the first two hours of the run. 

Underestimating how long it would take for sunlight and me to mingle, I found myself regretting the layer I left behind. I was freezing all the way to the Snowmass Lake where I soaked in my first ray of warmth while trying not to break a tooth on a frozen energy bar. 

Given my tango with hypothermia, I had taken in no water over the first ten miles, sending me into the first stiff climb with an untouched bottle. In true Colorado fashion, the transition from freezing to delayering was abrupt and as I power hiked 2000 vertical feet in 2.5 miles to Buckskin Pass, my negligence on the hydration front began to catch up to me. 

At the top of the climb, I downed a handful of Peanut M&M’s (athlete food) and finished my last sip of rationed water, surveying the basin below to determine how soon I could refill the flask. The M&M’s churned in my stomach with no water to help them digest and I started to wonder if they might reappear as a colorful trailside gift to the local marmot population. Just in time, I hit Willow Creek where I filled, drank, and refilled the flask in a semi-frozen stream, feeling extreme gratitude for the immediate relief. I took a few minutes to let the water settle while enjoying the sun that filled the high alpine meadow, then began trudging up the next pass, vowing to stay on top of fluids for the remainder of the trek. 

Back to the review…

Key Features:

Unlike chemical treatments, the Katadyn BeFree Bottle uses a 0.1 micron (0.0001mm) fiber filter straw, featuring Katadyn’s EZ-Clean Membrane. The system can handle clear or cloudy water, clearing bacteria, cysts and sediment. 

At 59g dry, the system weighs less than a ClifBar — unnoticeable even when traveling light. Though top-heavy as it empties, the flask fits snugly into the chest sleeves of most running vests and I have not found it to create any bouncing so long as I tuck the filter top down into the sleeve as I drink. 

Drink directly through the cap or gently squeeze water through the filter to fill additional bottles or flasks. The system touts a 2L/min flow rate; I have little reference for this, but I don’t notice much difference in the amount of suction needed to drink through the filter versus a normal soft flask or bladder with a traditional bite valve. I generally compress the bottle gently against my chest as I drink, which allows the water to flow freely. 

Between uses, rinse or swish the filter with clear water and allow it to dry. A well maintained filter will last up to 1000L, and can be replaced without purchasing a second flask. So far, my flask shows no sign of tearing or cracking, but other reviewers have indicated that the cap can be fixed onto Patagonia or Ultimate Direction flasks if needed.  

Potential Drawbacks:

Where I live and play, it is easy to find low turbidity streams and creeks and the Katadyn BeFree Filter Bottle is up for the task. However, for adventures in areas with water that contains a significant amount of silt or organic material, you might be best served by sticking to AquaMira or another chemical treatment. 

Keep in mind that a damp filter will freeze in sub-zero temps, which may permanently damage its effectiveness, deeming it a subideal method of obtaining potable water on a spring ski tour. 

The plastic cap must be flipped open and shut — should this break or be left open, water will steadily leak out of the bottle. Reconfiguring this as a bite-valve or other more secure spout would be a valuable change on future models. 

Need more volume? For longer treks where weight, size, or the potential to bounce are less of a factor, consider the 1L bottle or the 3L gravity flow filtration system. 

The 0.6L BeFree bottle retails for $40 and can be found at outdoor retailers online or around the country. 

“You should probably wear something over that.”

That was my husband’s witty response when I asked what he thought of the Brynje RaceBase long sleeve shirt and 3/4 tight base layers. No, most people don’t ski in just their long underwear, but these, in particular, would be quite revealing. 

Why? Unlike traditional base layers, the RaceBase is made out of a polypropylene mesh, designed to allow maximum breathability while reducing air turbulence between the outermost layer of fabric, like your race suit or cycling jersey, and the skin. 

“The design objective of an exceptional base layer is to provide warmth without trapping moisture against the skin,” reads the Brynje website. “Traditional solid knit garments made of Merino wool or synthetic yarns do a fair job of this. They provide some trapped air insulation within the fabric and allow some ‘wicking’ of moisture away from the skin. Mesh, however, efforts up to six times the insulation value per gram of weight and, due to its porous design, allows body moisture to immediately ‘transport’ to the outer layers. This means perspiration does not need to become a liquid to be wicked away, but instead moves directly as vapor to the next clothing layer.”

I’ll admit, when I looked at the base layers, I was skeptical of these claims. Breathable, I could buy, but how could a mesh shirt and tights be warm or windproof? After a few skis, I was humming a different tune.

I began testing the Brynje RaceBase layers in early February when overnight temperatures in Colorado were in the low teens or single digits and rarely climbed near freezing. 

Whether under a pair of tights or ski pants, the bottoms dependably blocked wind and kept my lower half warm without overheating. As designed, the 3/4 length, which stayed put mid-calf, paired well with crew length ski socks to keep the whole leg warm without adding bulk inside a skate boot. 

On warmer days, the top fit underneath a long-sleeve tech shirt or mid-layer to boost the insulation and wind resistance. 

I was so satisfied with the RaceBase setup, that I wore it during the Birkie underneath a set of thin lycra tights and a fitted long-sleeve top. It was roughly 22 degrees at the start and climbed into the mid-30’s by the finish. Despite the large temperature swing, I was comfortable and dry throughout the race. 

Now, with life in the time of corona, my exercise window as a work-from-home parent whose partner works outside the home is from 6-8 AM most days. This means sunrise bike rides with temperatures around freezing, complete with long climbs and descents, and skinning up ski resorts only to chatter back down on the refrozen chunder. No time to wait for it to turn into corn.  

Regardless of activity, the RaceBase has been a great option to increase the air resistance to keep my legs and core warm, despite the higher speeds. An added bonus is the material is antimicrobial and odor resistant, meaning air drying between use is complete sufficient and beneficial for the material, not to mention convenient. 

If you’re looking for lightweight, breathable base layers that are versatile enough to keep you warm and dry during any activity, this is it. 

Brynje is a product of Norway with roots dating back to 1887. Its revolutionary mesh design was born out of a need for a fabric that could keep fishermen warm and dry while casting their nets in the North Sea. As the design evolved, it caught the attention of alpinists seeking lightweight clothing that was capable of handling the elements at high elevations, including Colonel John Hunt, leader of the first successful expedition on Everest on which Sir Edmund Hilary and Tenzing Norway became the first known men to stand atop the peak. More recently, Brynje wearers have reached both the North and South Pole, and have cycled across Greenland. 

The top and bottom of the Brynje RaceBase are sold separately at $69.95 each. Short sleeve and sleeveless top options are also available. Sizes are Unisex ranging from XS to XL. Because of this, women may consider sizing down; I normally wear a women’s small, but the XS fits comfortably, even with bike shorts underneath. 

The RaceBase and a line up of pure Merino wool Brynje products can be found online or in a variety of outdoor retailers across the U.S. Click here to find a local dealer. 

My relationship with yoga is very one-sided. Though I do not consider it in any way lesser, I ignore it most of the year when considering my options for exercise, choosing primarily running or skiing instead. 

Then something crops up. A switch from skiing back to running in the spring makes my hips and IT bands cranky, causing pain in my knee. A couple ankle rolls on a trail run fire up my peroneal tendon. My elbow isn’t pleased about double pole intervals on pavement. 

As if I hadn’t cast it aside, yoga welcomes me back with open arms, helping me improve body awareness and stability, and increase overall mobility and structural resilience. 

Though local studios offer a variety of excellent classes, I consistently turn to an online resource: Athletes for Yoga. Started in 2010 by Erin Taylor, former collegiate basketball player turned runner, Athletes for Yoga (A4Y) is a unique resource designed to complement and support an active lifestyle or serious training. 

Her message is this: “Don’t do yoga. Use yoga — right now, where you are, to get where you want to be.”

Taylor has a true talent for teaching how to unlock tight muscle groups, access and recruit the correct muscle groups, and develop a better understanding of the relationship between muscle groups in the body. For me, A4Y has been an essential tool to feel, identify, and understand muscle imbalances and sources of injury,

The robust A4Y video series, which can be viewed on a cell phone, tablet, or computer, includes routines designed for pre and post workout, strength and balance training, and collections specific to triathlon, running, cycling, pregnancy, and more. There are also resources to quickly relieve tightness in the hip flexors, neck, and shoulders from too much computer time during the COVID-induced work from home grind. Your body will thank you on your aprés workout.

“Athletes for Yoga is home to the only athlete-led, on-demand yoga video platform and app, coach training, and global community of athletes using yoga to achieve their goals. We are here to help you use yoga, for real. That means putting yoga into the context of your sport and goals with functional strength, strategic injury prevention, and optimized recovery to make you a more balanced, resilient, and powerful athlete.”

While longer videos are also available, most of the resources fall between 10-20 minutes, allowing them to fit comfortably into your day. 

The A4Y resources I use most frequently include the “5-minute resets”. These videos target specific areas such as hips, hamstrings, or shoulders, quickly yet effectively increasing circulation and range of motion to improve recovery and mobility. Given their length, it doesn’t feel daunting to tack one on at the end of a run, ski, or gym session. There is also a pre-run warmup routine of equal length to activate the glutes and hamstrings, promoting healthy running mechanics. 

When I have a bit more time, “Power Your Pushoff” (16 mins) is one of my go-to’s, which activates and strengthens the rear chain while mimicking the forward motion of running or skiing, adding power and stability to those movements. I also utilize “Booty Lock Mitigation” (19 mins) to loosen my hips after a workout, and “Standing Balance Flow” (10 mins) to improve body awareness for better glide on my skis. 

“Full Body Core” and “Functional Core” are great strength training sessions that teach you to engage and develop inner core muscles, translating to improved strength and coordination in other activities. 

If you’re looking to slow down, try the guided meditation series which includes specific practices to improve sleep, refocus, or visualize race performance. 

For those averse to yoga, you may find A4Y challenges your presumptions. It is not “Yoga for Yogis”. You don’t need to wear Lululemon, drink golden milk lattes, or listen to Enya. The style is to the point and down to earth.

A4Y serves all active people, male or female, regardless of sport. 

To exemplify that athletes of all caliber have something to learn form Taylor’s approach, take a look at the list of athletes and alumni of the A4Y team, which includes Ironman Champion Ted Treise, professional track athlete Alysia Montaño, professional basketball player Desmond Simmons, and 4x national rowing champion Michaela Copenhaver. 

In acknowledgement of the number of people currently looking for opportunities to exercise from home, A4Y is offering 50% off the first month with the code “HOMESTUDIO”, after which a subscription costs $9.99/month or $99.99/year. Subscriptions can be cancelled at any time. 

We’ll be publishing a few select gear reviews moving forward. It’s not business as usual for FS or readers: we are posting gear reviews as a brief respite from grim news. We know minds are on more serious Coronavirus related issues. 

The sock drawer: part no-person’s land, part nod to orderliness with pairs folded using techniques like the roll & tuck, the fold over, the konmai, and part Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds kaleidoscope with mismatched socks paired together. Honestly, if you are like most outdoor folks that are hard on gear, you’ve probably got 30 percent of your sock stock as single sock one-offs — that’s due to many socks simply lacking durability. Drilling down further, my guess is that 50 percent of my socks from SockGuy, DeFeet, and Pearlizumi don’t last a season of biking/running, or rollerskiing. The ailment? Holes in the heel, or holes in the toe region. Thus, the sock mash-up in my dresser.

I’ve got an older child with a part-time gig at a local biking/xc ski store. He began coming home with socks from Swiftwick. No five-finger-discounts here, he paid for them. Anyhow, in the course of two years, he went from a U.S. size 8 to a size 13. Let’s say we are sock rich in the house – I’m roughly a men’s large and his growth spurt meant more socks for me. In particular, socks from Swiftwick. Swiftwick crafts, made in the U.S., burly socks. They last. They breathe. They offer stylee designs and more traditional looks like a straight-up black sport sock. 

With that multi-paragraph backstory, we’re here to review Swiftwick’s Flite XT sock. (Samples were provided by Swiftwick.) The Flite XT comes in a Zero, meaning no cuff, and Five, with a five-inch cuff. We tested the Five. Swiftwick markets the Flite XT as an athletic sock for activities like running. We’ve run in the socks, cross-country skied in the socks, backcountry skied in the socks, and last weekend, I gardened in them. Two months of abuse — no obvious fabric distress. Not in the cuff, not in the heel, not in the toes. 

Swiftwick adds what it calls Gripdry fabric to the heel and the underside of the toes. In other words, Gripdry is touted as a non-slip fabric. Do we feel slippage? Not really. But honestly, we don’t notice slippage with other sock brands either. What we noticed is that the Gripdry appears to make high wear areas, areas susceptible to deal-breaking holes, more durable. That’s a huge plus. 

The design also incorporates several different weaves of stretchy fabric that provides a snug fit. And any sock touted as an athletic sock should wick properly. The Flite XT reigns supreme in the wicking department. Yes, they breath too. 

Socks these days, like seemingly every sector in the outdoor product world, are susceptible to specialization. For some consumers, gone are the days when the L.L. Bean Ragg wool sock was the ultimate all-arounder. And socks now aren’t necessarily cheap.   

The Flite XTs can be had for $17.99 a pair. They come in a variety of colors in both the women’s and men’s versions. For those aspiring to the white tube sock look in the Flite XT, you’ll be at a loss. Here’s the only complaint; we’d like to see the Flite XT offered in a seven-inch cuff height model.

If you are looking for great socks with an athletic fit and purpose, the Softwick Flite XT could become your go-to. Note, they are not your typical wintertime warm when it is brrrrrrrrr sock. That said, if you have good circulation and the temps are around freezing, you might find this sock a perfect fit. 

Size ranges can be found here. I’m between a men’s U.S. size 9 to 9.5  in a running shoe and a large in the Flite XT fit great despite it being recommended for a U.S. 10-12. Accordingly the XLs fit great on a size men’s U.S. 13 foot.

We’ll be publishing a few select gear reviews moving forward. It’s not business as usual for FS or readers: we are posting gear reviews as a brief respite from grim news. We know minds are on more serious Coronavirus related issues.

‘Tis the season for layering. Here in Colorado, the high altitude sun wrestles with the snow packed mountains to create highly variable temperatures. One moment the sun is shining and I’m stripping down to a tee shirt, the next an afternoon winds pick up, the sun dips behind a ridge, and my core temperature begins to plummet. 

Enter “the Sadie” vest. 

Named for Skhoop sponsored U.S. Ski Team member and two-time Olympian Sadie Maubet Bjornsen, the versatile vest is the perfect intersection of lifestyle and performance wear. Breathable yet warm, fitted yet unrestricting, stylish yet functional. 

It was love at first zip, though I was uncertain whether the length would be comfortable while skiing. For me at roughly 5’5”, a size small vest hits mid-thigh, gently hugging my hips. Despite my skepticism, I did not experience any decrease in mobility in skate or classic. There is also a two way zipper to conveniently add additional range of motion if needed. 

The nylon shell blocks wind, while a stretch fabric panel on the back increases breathability, helping regulate body temperature while skiing. This vest will surprise you — it’s warmer than it looks, but won’t overheat you when the temperature or your heartbeat starts to rise. 

Apart from its performance on the ski trail, the Sadie vest looks great over jeans, corduroys, or leggings as a casual everyday layer. The deep zippered side pockets fit a cell phone or the random odds and ends you need to stuff in there while at the playground with your toddler. It’s sleek design fits comfortably under a coat on cold days, potentially lengthening your protection and making you question why you never realized an insulated layer over your bum could keep your whole body so warm.  

You can also feel good about the impact your purchase has on the environment. The vest is filled with PrimaLoft Eco Insulation, a synthetic material produced from 70% recycled fibers. The environmentally friendly DWR coating repels moisture and dirt, preventing falling snow or sweat from soaking in, and keeping the vest looking clean even after leaning against the road-sprayed car. 

Skhoop is based in Åre, Sweden (home of the sprint hill climb stop during this season’s Scandinavian Ski Tour) where founder Sissi Kewenter originally sewed an old down jacket into a skirt to keep her bum and legs warm on chilly morning walks with her dog. Skhoop now offers a full line of warm and cozy clothing from insulated skirts, vests, and jackets to wool leggings and Scandinavian style sweaters. 

You can find Skhoop products at retailers throughout the snowy parts of the United States, or order online. The Sadie vest retails for $239.

This book is for female athletes ages 12 to 92. Or for parents of female athletes. Or coaches of female athletes. Or anyone who wishes to otherwise support female athletes. 

In 2016, Stacy Sims, Ph.D sparked a shift in training philosophy with her simple message to female athletes: “You are not a small man. Stop eating and training like one.” 

Although the fact that there are physiological differences between men and women are abundantly clear, the implications in the realm of athletic performance do not date back to proto-humans.

In her book, “ROAR: How to Match Your Food and Fitness to Your Female Physiology for Optimum Performance, Great Health, and a Strong, Lean Body For Life”, Sims explains that for generations, research in exercise physiology excluded women because the varying hormone levels depending on age and phase within the menstrual cycle created anomalies in data. It was assumed — perhaps naively by male scientists — that women followed the trends seen in studies performed on males. 

Sims experienced this phenomenon first-hand during her own career as an elite triathlete; she competed in the Ironman World Championships in Kona, HI and the XTerra Worlds in Maui. She recognized that the training plan her male peers followed did not work as well for her, and that she and her female teammates recognized their fueling and hydration needs and performance were impacted by their menstrual cycles. So she set out as a scientist to better understand female-specific physiology. 

From 2007 – 2012, Sims studied “sex differences of environmental and nutritional considerations for recovery and performance” at Stanford University. Basing “ROAR” on the outcomes, Sims offers women research-based methods to align their training, fueling, and hydration with their female physiology to improve performance. 

“Sex differences extend far beyond ponytails and sports bras,” she writes in the introduction.

Some of the topics in the book include aligning training and performance schedules with phases of the menstrual cycle, understanding how female hormones affect nutrition and hydration needs, the impacts of hormonal birth control, and the effects of aging and menopause on physiology and performance. While the supporting science is included, it is well explained and can be easily understood without a degree in exercise physiology, endocrinology, or nutrition.

Though I have been training, competing, and menstruating for more than half my life, I found “ROAR” to be eye-opening and an invaluable tool to identify opportunities to improve my own training and nutrition as I prepare for the American Birkie. I highly recommend it as a resource for female athletes of all levels and for anyone who works with female athletes. 

Here are some of my biggest takeaways. 

“Chapter 1: Demystifying and Mastering Your Menstrual Cycle.” 

Right off the bat, Sims states that periods should not be avoided, and the absence of menstruation is a major red flag indicating that the athlete is not properly fueling their body, resulting in RED-S. She emphasizes that an under-fueled athlete cannot achieve peak performances and is impairing their overall health. Sims advocates for an “all in” approach to naturally restoring the body’s hormone balance by decreasing training intensity and volume (athletes can shift focus to technique here), and increasing caloric intake.

In this chapter, Sims also unravels the phases of the menstrual cycle, providing information on the physiological effects of hormonal fluctuation.

One of the biggest surprises she shares is that competing during your period actually aids performance, because that is the phase of the cycle when estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest. In the hormonal sense, this is when women and men are most alike. 

“Once you’re in the clear of the possibility of pregnancy, the body goes into a more relaxed mode and all those energy systems used in the high-hormone phase are at your disposal for exertion,” Sims writes. 

She explains that this optimal window extends through the low-hormone follicular phase in the week following menstruation. This window is also when women are at their strongest and can experience increased pain tolerance and decreased recovery time. This is the best window for an intense training block or a peak race, though the latter is not always in our control.

Anecdotally, my summer goal race, the Lead King Loop 25k trail run, fell during my period. While I was expecting the worst (since I had not yet read the book), I ended up crushing my time goal, finishing third for women, and feeling the strongest I had in years. 

Conversely, during the luteal phase of the cycle when estrogen and progesterone are at their highest. Though performance metrics like VO2 Max and lactate threshold remain constant, it is harder for women to build and repair muscle. Carbohydrate demands are higher during this phase, which affects fueling needs during exercise and may explain why many women experience cravings during the week before their period. Blood volume is also impacted, which can make it harder to control body temperature — not the easiest time to race in the heat!

There are also the lovely symptoms of PMS which include cramping, headaches, GI issues, bloating, and mood swings. Sims explains why each of these symptoms occurs and offers suggestions for mitigation.

Her overarching message is not to dwell on manipulating the cycle to align the low-hormone phase with peak performance, and especially not to fear the menstrual cycle as an athlete. Rather, by understanding the female physiology throughout the cycle, athletes can feel empowered to adjust their nutrition and hydration accordingly to optimize training and performance at any phase of the cycle.

One addendum: the impacts of high levels of estrogen and progesterone also explain the negative performance impact many women experience from hormonal contraceptives. This method of birth control uses artificial forms of these hormones throughout the cycle to manipulate the lining of the uterus and prevent ovulation, essentially prolonging the high-hormone phase. 

“Chapter 10: Daily Fueling”

I found this takeaway less revolutionary, but so important to repeat. Sims advises women to eschew diet culture, in particular the low-carb high-fat trends, like the Ketogenic diet. She explains that while some males respond well to this type of fueling, women experience elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which increases muscle breakdown and impairs the body’s ability to repair. A double whammy. 

“In the end, a low-carb diet compromises your ability to maintain high-intensity or prolonged periods of exercise and puts your body under exorbitant stress.”

Sims recommends a well rounded diet that includes roughly 30% of calories coming from protein, 30% fat, 40% carbohydrate. 

No surprise — the longer and harder you train, the more carbohydrates your body needs. The same goes for protein. She offers a formula to calculate individual need for these macronutrients based on the current demands of your training program.

From her guidance, I recognized that I need to include a bit more protein before and after my workouts (Sims recommends 10-15 grams before, 25-30 grams after hard exercise). I have also begun including a bit more protein in my bedtime snack, which typically looks like some Greek yogurt and a piece of whole grain toast with peanut butter. 

Sims also recommends front-loading calories, in particular carbohydrates, during the morning when the body’s natural hormone stasis makes it “primed for carbohydrates”, whereas it can rely more on fats and protein later in the day. This helps keep blood sugar levels balanced, preventing spikes and crashes in energy throughout training and life. 

Are you, like me, a 5 AM alarm clock athlete? Just give me some coffee (life-blood) so I can properly tie my shoes and get out the door! It turns out, training first thing in the morning with an empty stomach is a recipe to put your body in an over-stressed state. 

“[Fasted training] is particularly bad in the morning because your cortisol (a stress hormone) levels are already elevated. If you go out and exercise first thing, your body wants to pump out more cortisol, but needs the right ingredients to manufacture it, which are your sex hormones – testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone.”

High levels of cortisol stimulate fat storage and impair muscle repair and growth — not what you were hoping to get out of that gym session! You’re also digging yourself into a calorie depleted hole… 

To counter these effects, Sims recommends consuming some protein and carbohydrates before the session, which boosts blood sugar and drops cortisol levels. In an Outside Magazine piece, Sims shares that one of her go-to’s is oats soaked overnight in almond milk and topped with greek yogurt and a little maple syrup. Yes — you might need to give yourself a little extra time to digest before getting after it, but that gives you time to do that foam rolling or activation drills you’ve been neglecting, or to mindlessly scroll Instagram. Just me?

“Chapter 11: Sport Specific Fueling”

This is where Sims dives into the nitty gritty. Her advice for pre, during, and post-workout fueling include explanations of how various carbohydrates are broken down in the gut and suggestions to troubleshoot GI issues like cramping, bloating, and sloshing. And though her book is based on female physiology, this section is beneficial to those with Y-chromosomes as well. 

One of the most revealing messages regarded the breakdown of sports gels in the stomach. I have never had much luck with gels during races or training — I inevitably end up with a bloated crampy belly and sticky residue in my mouth, on my hands, and wherever I stash the wrapper. Perhaps I was just looking for Sims to confirm this bias, but her explanation of the digestive process sealed the deal that candy and real food alternatives will continue to be my fuel of choice. 

“The trouble with gels”, as Sims puts it, comes down to two factors: osmolality and the mix of sugars contained in the gel. Osmolality is “the concentration of dissolved particles such as electrolytes in your blood plasma. The higher the carb concentration, the higher the osmolality, and the slower it leaves your stomach and your intestines.” 

Essentially, the viscous sugary gel is too thick to be absorbed readily during exercise when your body is diverting blood flow into your working muscles and away from your stomach. Even washing it down with water, as is recommended, does not transform the gel into an optimal form. 

This concept is explored further in the subsequent chapter, “Hydration is Power”, which transformed my understanding of hydration. Sims explains that many electrolyte drink solutions aim to be a source of fuel and fluids, but this doesn’t jive with the body’s digestive processes either. Sims recommends the approach of “hydration in your bottle, fuel in your pocket”, meaning separating the two for better overall fueling. The chapter is so rife with information that summarizing it here does not do it justice — go read the book!

Back to gels. The second factor of the problem is that most gels contain a blend of three sugars: glucose, fructose, and maltodextrin. The first is good, the second two are difficult for the body to digest, requiring water to be drawn from the bloodstream into the gut during digestion, which leads to the suboptimal sloshy gut feeling. No bueno.

That said, Sims acknowledges that gels do work well for some athletes. If this is the case for you, there is no need to fix what isn’t broken.

What should you use if you need an alternative? Sims recommends using 100-200 food calories per hour containing primarily carbohydrates, though some protein and fats are okay. For the above reason, she recommends avoiding fructose — which is found in fruits — and sticking to low-fiber foods that contain glucose and dextrose, which can be found in bread, and sucrose, which is table sugar. In essence, nibbling on a PBJ might keep your stomach happier and your body better fueled during a training session than sucking down a couple of GUs. 

She also speculates that many people place too much emphasis on fueling during races, but it is not a “more is better” scenario.

“Contrary to what you may have heard, when in doubt, err toward the lesser amount [of food]. It is very common for athletes to overeat during training and racing with the thought that they are supplying their muscles with needed carbohydrate. But in reality, you’re consuming more than your gut can absorb, so the excess just remains in the stomach or intestinal tract too long, causing nausea, pain, and discomfort (which, of course, impairs performance).”

Sims also emphasizes that when it comes to performance in long events, like the Birkie, hydration is king. Your over-distance training session bonk might actually be a result of dehydration, not of under-fueling. 

“I’m going to drill the point home here. The solution to staying strong and delaying fatigue is taking care of hydration first and foremost — reducing your loss of blood volume — and topping off your stores with small amounts of carbohydrates from real food when possible, not the kind you drink or slurp.”

The Consensus

These points hardly scratch the surface of what “ROAR” has to offer. It is a worthwhile read for any female athlete, regardless of age or performance level, and can certainly be a valuable tool for a coach looking to direct developing female athletes to sound nutritional guidance to help build a healthy body that also performs its best. Having a period is a good thing. Fueling the body is essential. “Women are not small men.”

We tested two Black Diamond headlamps for approximately three months. Both on and off snow and trail/road running. 

Black Diamond Sprinter

The first model is for folks intent on running in the dark in placed where you might encounter road traffic. This is where the BD Sprinter is at home. The Sprinter boasts a rear-facing red strobe. An alert night time motorist is able to see you’re out there logging the hours. The blinking/strobing red light screams pedestrian. Always better safe than sorry. Hi-vis reflective clothing is key for running in low light situations. But in the event the reflective schwag is in the dirty laundry pile and you choose not to wear it anyway, the Sprinter has you covered. (For those on the ski trails, the Sprinter’s rear strobe can be switched off.)

The 105 gram unit is fitted with a rechargeable USB Li-ion battery. That’s right, no AAA batteries for the Sprinter. Like almost all high-tech gadgets, the only way for an energy refresh is to recharge. The Sprinter comes with a USB charging cord, but not a plug for a wall outlet. You’ll have to use a computer, or poach one of those ubiquitous white wall plug blocks to fill the power up. (It takes approximately five hours to fully recharge.)

The Li-ion battery is housed in the rear with the strobe. A weatherproof wire runs discretely from the battery along the head strap to the front headlamp. The housing for the front lamp is reduced in size — it’s approximately one inch by one inch square with the lamp in the middle. A stretchable strap running from the front lamp to the rear strobe/battery sits atop the head and makes for a secure fit. With a bit of weight in the front and the back, the top strap prevents any slippage down the forehead or rear of the head. 

If you are keen on wearing ski hats with a pom-pom, that might be a deal-breaker as far as the Sprinter is concerned. The strap running atop the head needs to be flipped to the side of the pom-pom. Not really a big deal. But for those fixated on symmetry, well, the top will be slightly askew. And remember, it’s dark out. No one will see. 

One tester who runs with a ponytail noted that sometimes she had a tough time finding a sweet spot to accommodate her ponytail. Grilled further for details, she stated ponytail comfort was a problem she has with most headlamps. So no special ponytail fittings with the BD Sprinter.  

The Sprinter’s brightness runs from 4 lumens (lm) to a max of 200 lm. The front lamp has a dimming button to adjust brightness. Th 4 lm is rated for 7 meters, the 200 lm extends your range of visibility to 50 meters. Both of these are accurate. On snow, we preferred to dim down the lumens, as much of the light is reflected. 

BD says the Sprinter, on a full charge, runs 4 hours at 200 lm. We tested this on several cold mornings for two hours with no issues with the light dimming or the battery draining. However, take precautions if depending on the Sprinter in low-low temps and you are intent on pushing that four-hour threshold. Be conservative when navigating at night with the Sprinter on big backcountry days. Li-ion batteries historically have a tough go with running time in bitter cold temps. Although we like the rechargeable battery, the Sprinter probably should not be your go-to for big days in the mountains. When the battery drains, that’s it. Lights out.

The Sprinter is weatherproof and comes with a three-year warranty. The retail cost is $79.95. But if you sniff around, this rechargeable gem of a headlamp, with a bonus safety strobe in the rear, can be had for roughly $60.00. 

The BD Spot

Right upfront, we’ll say this: the Spot is what you think of when it comes to headlamp essentials. This is a trail-ready — dirt, rock, or snow — headlamp. It features a basic stretchy strap to secure the headlamp on your head. The lamp and batteries are housed in a single front unit. Like many headlamps, the Spot runs on three AAA batteries. (Unlike the Sprinter, it is not rechargeable. However, it will take rechargeable AAA batteries.)

Running through the simple stats, the Spot is waterproof to one meter and comes with a three-year warranty. Without batteries, the Spot weighs 50 grams. Add in the batteries at approximately 36 grams, and it’s an 86 gram package. 

Like the Sprinter, the Spot comes with a “power tap” which is BD’s way of saying the brightness is adjustable with the touch of a button. 

The Spot has three basic settings for brightness: 6 lm, 160 lm, and a robust 325 lumens at its brightest. In “bright” mode, the Spot uses light from two separate LEDs to harness that bump to over 300 lumens. With the three basic brightness settings, the Spot shines when considering close up and far away functionality. In other words, if you are fumbling for a tin of kick wax and applying wax on the fly, the Spot can dial back the brightness for a dimmed down but still well-lit work environment. 

Running, skiing, camping, the Spot really has you covered in terms of output and burn time. If you are one who pushes the scale of their adventures, have no fear: bring a spare set of AAAs and you can run the Spot on medium output, about 60 lm, for even the darkest of nights on the solstice excluding maybe those rarefied locales that don’t see any sun this time of year. We feel for you. 

Another key feature for big days is what BD calls reserve power. The Spot is programmed to provide a beam of light to about four meters distant when the batteries are running low. That reserve light is minimal, but it will do in a pinch when it hits the fan. (The Spot comes with an illuminated battery charge indicator along the side.)

We loved the Spot. The only drawback, no rear-facing strobe for those more urban-based runs.

The Spot retails for about $40.00, but this time of year, look around and you’ll spot the Spot for $25.00. It’s a reliable design and a workhorse. 

This review is based on three weeks of product testing. During this time, the pack was used on ten outings, approximately 80 miles of running and one 20k rollerski. 

Since my introduction to endurance sports in high school, my two loves have been running and cross-country skiing. After moving to the Roaring Fork Valley in Colorado in 2012, a mecca for trail running, I took to running in the mountains and dipping my toes in the water of ultramarathon racing. Between the snow melt in late June and late fall when snow coats the high country, I spend as much time as I can traveling fast and light through the mountains. This year, that meant over 1000 miles between the beginning of June and the end of September. 

Putting in long days in the mountains requires the ability to carry sufficient amounts of food, water, and layers. That makes a running vest imperative. I jumped at the opportunity to test out Nathan’s newest women spcific trail vest, the 7-Liter VaporAiress 2.0, always looking to expand my lineup of options. A men’s version, the VaporAir vest, is also available. Both packs retail for $149.99.

After traipsing over snow, ice, mud, and combinations of those three while logging late-fall miles, I found this vest up for the challenge of carting plenty of fuel and fluids, but not quite my dream pack. Is there such a thing? Here are the aspects I enjoyed, and those that left me wanting. 

The Pros

Without the bladder, the pack weighs 8.3 oz (235 g), making it lighter than the 8 L Black Diamond Distance Pack, but heavier than the sleeker Salomon Salomon S/Lab Sense Ultra 8. It’s sleek design fit under a jacket, which kept the bladder and hose from freezing on a single digit dawn patrol. 

Pockets, pockets, pockets! This vest has three layers of chest pockets on each strap: a waterproof phone pocket, a soft flask sleeve, and a smaller pouch with an elastic closure system for snacks or gels. The back features a large kangaroo pocket which can be used as a sleeve for the bladder or for stashing layers. There is also a medium zippered pocket, a stretchy horizontal sleeve, and a small open pocket on the back of the vest, and elastic loops to secure trekking poles. 

This volume was unnecessary for the 1.5 – 3 hour runs I was completing, but is valuable for all-day adventures that require a larger amount of food and clothing. It’s also great for keeping your supplies organized. 

Running at night? The Vapor Airess 2.0 features reflective strips on the chest and back which contour to the sides of the body giving the wearer 360 degrees of visibility. These strips glowed brightly when illuminated by a car or a running buddy’s headlamp. 

The Cons

Breathability: with so many layers of pockets, the vest holds more heat than a paired down race vests. There is a moisture wicking panel between the bladder sleeve and the wearer which may help in the summer if the user is just wearing a sports bra or thin tee shirt, but is less effective over thicker winter wear. 

The pack features Nathan’s signature “Adaptive-Fit” adjustment system, which allows the wearer to tighten the sides of the pack at the ribcage, as well as the two straps across the chest. The product page features a helpful instructional video on how to make this adjustment. At 5’6” and 125 lbs, I needed the elastic tightened fully for the size XXS-M pack to feel snug and still felt it was less secure than other vests that I’ve worn. I experienced less bounce using soft flasks in the chest sleeves than using the bladder, but could never quite get the glove-like feel I desired. 

A word of caution: one reviewer commented that sliding adjustments on the chest straps can slip right off the end of the ribbing they are attached to, as there is no seam at the top or bottom to stop it. It is then very challenging to slide them back on. 

The 2 L bladder that comes with the pack feels too large for running and had a tendency to slosh from side to side even when the pack was fully tightened.  My preference is 1.5 L at most for running for this reason, though the larger volume would be helpful on a long hike where bounce is less of a factor. I had much better luck keeping the pack from moving using 16 – 20 oz soft flasks in the chest sleeves. 

While storage opportunities are plentiful, the rear pockets are difficult to access on the go and it is nearly impossible to do so while keeping the pack on. This may not be a problem on outings where stopping to stash a layer is not a problem, but if you’re looking to make good time on a mountain mission or using it during a race, a pack with more accessible storage might be a better match. When the bladder occupies the largest compartment, it is challenging to store a larger jacket, like one might wear cross country skiing. I was able to stuff a thin waterproof wind shell into the zippered pocket and the horizontal sleeve.

The Takeaways

If you are looking for organized storage opportunities, the carrying capacity for lots of fluids, the Nathan Vapor Airess 2.0 might be a good choice for you. If your preference, like mine, is a more paired down pack race-style pack with stretchy easily accessible pockets, you might be better suited for one of Nathan’s other options, like the VaporHowe or VaporMag lines. I will likely use the 7 L Vapor Airess 2.0 as a small day hiking pack rather than a trail running vest.