Cotopaxi’s Yermo Hooded Jacket Review

 Article by Dominique Winebaum

Cotopaxi’s Yermo Hooded Jacket ($175)

The Yermo hooded jacket is a slim fit softshell with a generous amount of stretch to optimize mobility when enjoying the outdoors.  Though the jacket is designed for milder seasons, I have been testing my Yermo hooded jacket in the “dead of winter” on days just around freezing   To add warmth, I typically wore a hat, neck warmer, and gloves, along with a wooly layer or even two underneath in order to feel toasty inside.  Wind and rain resistant, the softshell has been treated with CO DWR (Durable Water Resistant) that is free of PFAS.  

In my size medium, the fit is extremely comfortable thanks to the two-way stretchy fabric and cozy interior that is a soft brushed material.  It’s a softshell with generous coverage minus the baggy look but with plenty of outdoorsy appeal.

2025 Salomon ADV Skin 12L Set Running Vest Multi Tester Review: 5 Comparisons

 Article by Jeff Valliere and Jen Schmidt

Salomon ADV Skin 12L Vest ($165)

Sizes XS-XL 

254 g / 9 oz (Size Large without flasks) - 334 g / 11.75 oz with flasks

$165 - Available now

Pros: 

• barely there softer fit and feel,
• best front pockets on the market, 
• well thought out rear pockets and pass through pocket, 
• easy pole carry options, 
• improved front closure operation
• stable/no bounce when loaded, 
• style, quality

Cons: none

Atreyu Daily Trainer 2 Multi Tester Review: 7 Comparisons

Article by Michael Ellenberger and Ben David

Atreyu Daily Trainer 2 ($170 USD)

Introduction

Ben: The Atreyu Running Co continues to quietly make stellar running shoes. While it may not be a household name, the Austin-based brand has garnered a cult-like following. When they came onto the scene a few years ago, I was wowed by their shoes’ simplicity, affordability and sleek design. The Base Model looked like nothing else on the market (and ran that way too). The Race Model is an extremely lively carbon-plated option and priced far below anything else on the market. Atreyu continues to evolve under the thoughtful leadership of founder Michael Krajicek. 

With the tagline of " “Premium simplicity, everyday performance”, the Daily Trainer 2, building on the well-received Daily Trainer 1.2, is a more versatile, longer-lasting model, using new “CPU (Casting Polyurethane) outsole technology.” for the outsole, a compound that is far lighter than the prior rubber and which contributes greatly to the big 54g drop in weight. Michael calls this latest model one of “premium simplicity” and it is that. The thoroughly modern supercritical 60% TPE / 40% PEBAX® blended foam midsole offers protection, responsiveness and cushion in ways that are far more substantial than earlier Atreyu models. 

The shoe is comfortable, peppy and fun. Let’s say it clearly: The Daily Trainer 2 remains true to its roots while offering up a more advanced ride and greater comfort. Let’s take a closer look. 

 

Testbericht: GOREWEAR Winter 2025-Kollektion (German)

Artikel von Maren Müller, Markus Zinkl & Nils Scharff

GOREWEAR Winter 2025-Kollektion

Einleitung

Gorewear ist bekannt und fast schon ein Synonym für hochwertige und vor allem wasserdichte Kleidung. Unserem Testerteam wurde eine Auswahl der aktuellen Winter-Laufkollektion zur Verfügung gestellt, die neben den gewohnt hochwertigen Materialien vor allem einen Fokus auf innovative Schnitte legen. So sollen durch weniger Nähte und Anpassung an die Laufbewegungen besonders gute Bewegungsfreiheit bei intensiven Aktivitäten gewährt werden.

Testebericht: On Cloudsurfer 2: 4 Vergleiche (German)

Artikel von Markus Zinkl

On Cloudsurfer 2 (170,00 €)

Einleitung

Da die Meinung über den originalen Cloudsurfer im RTR Team überwiegend positiv war, war meine Neugier für den neuen ON Cloudsurfer 2 besonders groß. Ich wollte wissen, ob er den Ansprüchen eines regelmäßigen Läufers gerecht wird – sei es beim Tempo oder bei längeren Strecken. In den folgenden Kapiteln berichte ich detailliert aus meiner Perspektive über meine Erfahrungen mit diesem Schuh.

Pro & Contra

Pro:

• Hervorragende Dämpfung (gepolsterte Ferse, zusätzliche laterale Dämpfung)

• Leicht und atmungsaktiv (dünnes Mesh-Obermaterial)

• Innovative Mittelsohle (Helion™ Superfoam mit cloudtec phase)

• Vielseitige Außensohle (sicherer Grip, Gewichtsreduktion)

Contra:

• Fällt eine halbe Größe kleiner aus

• Eher schmal geschnitten (weniger geeignet für breite Füße)

• etwas teuer für einen Daily-Trainer

On Cloudsurfer 2 Multi Tester Review

Article by Dominique Winebaum and Jeremy Marie

On Cloudsurfer 2 ($160)

Pros:

• Very stable, planted and secure/Sam/Dominique/Jeremy

• Crossover: gym and lifestyle/Sam/Dominique/Jeremy

• Enhanced shoelace system on this model/Dominique/Jeremy

• Excellent heel lock/Dominique

• General comfort of the upper Jeremy

Cons:

• Firm dense cushion: not the fun if a bit wild and thin forefoot v1: /Sam/Jeremy

• Cushioning is too firm and lacks rebound:/Dominique/Jeremy

• Missing that “running on Clouds” feel: Dominique

• Overbuilt heel area:/Sam/Dominique 

• Very little difference from recent Cloudsurfer Next: Sam

• Hard to position in On’s trainer lineup Jeremy

Stats

Approx. Weight: men's 8.9 oz / 252g US9

Prior Version Weight:  men’s oz /  g

  Sample Weight: men’s  8.7 oz / 247g US8.5 (prior version 8.06 oz  / 228 g US8.5) 

oz / g US, 9.59 oz / 272g (US10.5)

Stack Height: men’s  32mm heel /  23mm forefoot (9 mm drop spec) 

Prior Version Stack Height: 31 mm heel (measured) /21 mm forefoot (10mm drop spec)

Platform Width: 85mm heel / 65mm midfoot / 110mm forefoot 

Test et Avis: On Cloudsurfer 2 (Français)

Article par Jeremy Marie

On Cloudsurfer 2 (160€)

Pour

• Chaussure très stable

• Course, fitness, sneaker: chaussure polyvalente

• Excellent système de laçage

• Bon maintien, excellent confort général

Contre:

• Amorti ferme, dense, qui dénote de la v1

• Peu de rebond, semelle un peu “morte”

• Positionnement peu clair dans la gamme avec la Cloudsurfer Next

Statistiques

Poids officiel: 260g (42.5)

Poids de l’exemplaire testé:  272g (44.5EU/US10.5)

Stack: 32mm/ 23mm (Drop 9mm) 

Stack v1: 31mm/21mm (drop 10mm)

Empreinte au sol: 85mm talon/ 65mm medio/ 110mm meta

The North Face Vectiv Enduris 4 Review: 8 Detailed Comparisons

Article by Mike Postaski

The North Face Vectiv Enduris 4 ($160)

Introduction

Mike P: The Vectiv Enduris 4 slots in as a companion training shoe to the top of the line racing model, the Pro 3.  BREAKING NEWS - Seth Ruhling just won Black Canyon 100k (one of the most competitive US trail races) in the Enduris 4, NOT the Pro !!!  

I started to formulate thoughts on the Enduris before the Black Canyon race, and honestly that result does blow my mind.  In my mind, It’s indicative of one or possibly two factors: 1) pros can pretty much race in anything and crush! 2) The Enduris 4 is really that good of a shoe.  Maybe a little bit of both.. Let’s dig in..

Hoka Cielo X 1 2.0 Multi Tester Review: 7 Comparisons

Article by Renee Krusemark, Peter Stuart,, Jennifer Schmidt, and Sally Reiley

Hoka Cielo X 1 2.0 ($275)

Pros:

• Massive 35g /  1.23  oz  (US W8) drop in weight to 7.1 oz / 201g  at the same 48/41 stack height: Renee/Peter/Sally

• Improved upper fit: Renee/Peter/Sally

• Now race-pace oriented and weighted: Renee/Peter/Jen/Sally
• Responsive and bouncy: Jen

Cons:

• Not as comfortable or easy to run at slow paces as v1: Renee/Sally

• Lack of midfoot/arch support: Renee'

• Actually feels pretty built up in the arch, maybe a bit too much Peter
• Not ideal for heel striking: will work better for midfoot and forefoot strikers: Jen/Sally

The North Face Chilkat V & V 400 Waterproof Winter Boots Review

Article by Jeff and Allison Valliere

The North Face Chilkat V ($135) & V 400 Waterproof Boots ($159)

Introduction:  

The North Face Chilkat comes in 2 different options, the Chilkat V, featuring 200 G Heatseeker™ Eco Synthetic Insulation, where the V 400 features 400 G Heatseeker™ Eco Synthetic Insulation which is a warmer insulation.  Otherwise, the boots are essentially the same aside from some variations in the upper, so we will review as one and note any differences as necessary along the way.  With warm insulation, a waterproof design, excellent traction, well cushioned comfort and snowshoe compatibility, the Chilkat is a fine choice for cold, snowy winter adventures.

Reseña 500 Kilómetros: Hoka Bondi 9 (Spanish)

Artículo de Beto Hughes

Hoka Bondi 9 ($170 USD, €180,00)

El pionero de los entrenadores de máximo acolchonamiento regresa rediseñado y mejorado para bien.

Pros:

• Más ligero y más energético que las versiones anteriores.

• Es flexible a pesar de estar grueso.

• Un rocker muy eficiente y balanceado con el retorno de energía que ofrece.

• Es suave y energético a pesar de tanta mediasuela.

• Un Knit Upper que es amplio y demasiado cómodo.

Cons:

• Ligeramente inestable si lo comparamos con las media suelas de versiones anteriores.

Stats

Size: US 12.5M 

Peso/Weight: 363 gramos / 12.8 oz

Stack Height/Drop: 43mm-38mm / 5mm drop

Altra Timp 5 BOA Review: 3 Comparisons

Article by Sam Winebaum

Altra Timp 5 BOA ($175)

Introduction

The Altra Timp 5 BOA is Altra’s entry in the trails speedster category with a moderate 29mm heel stack height, dense yet bouncy EGO Max midsole, and a new to the Timp aggressive Vibram MegaGrip outsole. Of course, but not always these days at Altra, the Timp is a zero drop shoe so its forefoot has a substantial 29mm stack height while its heel is relatively speaking for 2025 on the low side at 29mm.

What catches the eye here is the upper. What striking colors with an all black version also already available. It is made of a tightly woven relatively stiff mesh with, instead of laces, a single dial BOA System closure. Altra’s Foot Shape toe box is of course also at the party here in the regular mid volume fit.

Nathan Handheld Pinnacle 14 oz Soft Flask Review

Article by Courtney Kelly

Nathan Handheld Pinnacle 14 oz Soft Flask ($35-$55 for 18 oz version)

             

Hydrate easily and often with the Nathan Pinnacle Soft Flask 14 oz. For me, this is the perfect running handheld. The 14 oz size is the perfect hydration amount for a 90 minute or less long run (weather dependent). 

Altra Torin 8 Review

Article by Kurt Biesemans

Altra Torin 8 ($150/149,95€)

Introduction

The Altra Torin 8 is positioned in Altra’s lineup as a well-cushioned, everyday road running shoe. The Torin features a zero-drop platform, meaning the heel and forefoot are at the same height, promoting a more natural running form and better alignment. 

It sits within Altra’s range as a neutral long-distance trainer, offering a balance of comfort and responsiveness. Ideal for runners seeking a versatile shoe for daily running. 

It may not be the lightest shoe in Altra’s lineup, but it delivers a smooth, comfortable, and stable ride for a wide range of runs. The Torin 8 is my first Altra and I was eager to test and see how a zero drop daily trainer performed.

Apple Watch Series 10: A Runner's Review

Article by Michael Ellenberger

Apple Watch Series 10 Watch-42mm Titanium Slate (from $699)

I’ve repeatedly written about how underrated the Apple Watch is as a running watch while still admitting its many faults. I’ve owned every—or very nearly every—generation of the main “Series” Watches (I don’t have the wrists to support the Ultra, unfortunately) and reviewed Series 4 and Series 5.

Here’s the truth—or at least, the truth as I see it: while Series 10 is, once again, the most polished, enjoyable, and ultimately usable running watch from Apple that I’ve tested, it’s not that different from the Series 5, which introduced the Always-On display and (in my opinion) transformed the utility of the product. The latest additions—primarily fast charging, which completely eliminates battery concerns in my use case, but also the thinner profile and brighter display—make this an extremely good running watch. In fact, having tested AMOLED options from competitors, I think the Apple Watch’s execution is in many ways superior to the top models across the spectrum.