Article by Michael Ellenberger
Nike Pegasus Plus ($180)
I missed the boat on Sam & Co.’s earlier review of the Pegasus Plus, and instead of adding my thoughts in the traditional RTR fashion, I thought I’d write a solo, “off-grid” look at my first 100 miles with the Pegasus Plus, including why I think they’re perhaps the best do-it-all or one-shoe-travel option available today.
Article by Markus Zinkl
Wapta 30 UL Backpack ($280.00)
Introduction
When it comes to ultralight backpacking, finding the perfect balance between weight, durability, and functionality can be a challenge. The Durston Gear Wapta 30 ultralight backpack promises to deliver on all fronts, boasting advanced materials and thoughtful design features. In this review, I’ll share my experiences with the Wapta 30, highlighting its technical specifications, standout features, and how it performed on the trail. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or new to ultralight gear, this review will help you determine if the Wapta 30 is the right pack for your adventures.
The Durston Gear Wapta 30 has been a standout in my ultralight backpacking gear kit since I received itand most recently was my pack for a trek in the Dolomites.
Article by Matt Kolat
Inov-8 RoadFly (RRP: £100 | $130 | €130)
Pros:
Very light and nimble
Can handle a variety of workouts
Great for travel
Can be used in the gym for recreational lifting
Very stable
Great value for money
Cons:
Forefoot might be firm for some (subjective!)
Stats
Spec Weight: men's - average across sizes - 9.3oz / 265g
Sample Weight: men’s 10.2 oz / 289g 12 US / 11 UK
Midsole Stack Height: men’s 18mm heel / 12mm forefoot
Full Stack Height: men’s 27mm heel / 21mm forefoot (6mm drop)
Standard and Wide Fits available
Article by Sam Winebaum
LF 2L Running Belt ($149)
The LF 2L is a very high capacity, zero bounce (proven in test) running, hiking, and adventure travel belt. Raide is a very small “boutique” developer of ski mountaineering packs and accessories from Carbondale, Colorado.
Kyle Siegel Its founder and developer is a veteran of both Space X and The North Face and is also an avid trail runner. Frustrated by current running belt offerings with their bounce and relatively low capacity and not a fan of race vests, he set out to develop the LF 2L belt which we test and review here. He succeeds!
Artikel von Markus Zinkl
F10 Neon UL 1 (€599,00)
Einleitung
Ich habe das Vango F10 Neon UL 1 getestet und muss sagen, ich bin ziemlich beeindruckt. Dieses Zelt ist wirklich das leichteste und kompakteste, das ich je benutzt habe. Mit einem Gewicht von nur 509 Gramm und einem Packmaß von 27 × 22 × 8 cm passt es problemlos in meinen Rucksack, ohne viel Platz wegzunehmen.
Technische Daten
Marke und Modell: Vango F10 Neon UL 1
Gewicht: 0.51 kg
Maße:
Länge: 230.0 cm
Höhe: 70.0 cm
Breite: 120.0 cm
Packmaß: L 27.0 x B 22.0 x H 8.0 cm
Material: Protex® 7D Double Silicone Fabric
Wasserdichte: 2000 mm HH
Kapazität: 1 Person
Article by Jeff Valliere
Rab Adrift 24L Day Pack ($80)
One size fits most
24 Liters / 1465 cu in
1lb/7oz
Available now. $80
Also available in 30L
The Rab Adrift Day Pack is designed as a durable multi use pack that crosses over well between daily use, travel and commuting, to day hiking or trips to the crag. Constructed with an exceptionally hard wearing nylon ripstop fabric, a close fitting back system for stability and comfort, easy U shape zipper, internal pockets and removable hip belt.
Artikel von Markus Zinkl
Soto 750ml Titan Topf (€54,90)
Einführung
Ich durfte den Soto 750ml Titan Topf testen und bin absolut begeistert. Der Topf ist aus hochwertigem Titan gefertigt und extrem leicht. Mit nur 60g für den Topf, 15g für den Deckel und 20g für die Griffzange ist er ein echtes Leichtgewicht. Das macht ihn perfekt für meine 3-Jahreszeiten-Touren.
Article by Mike Postaski and Sam Winebaum
adidas Terrex Agravic 3 ($130)
Introduction
Sam: Hot on the heels of a completely revamped road trainer line, adidas Terrex joins the party with a completely revamped trail running line including the Agravic Speed Ultra, Speed and here the Agravic 3.
A modern, simple design all around trail runner at a great $130 price, the Agravic 3 features:
Lightstrike 2.0 foam an energetic, vibration absorbing foam that is more forgiving than the usual trail shoe foam,
an internal midfoot plastic stability/protection plate that delivers a touch of springy propulsion,
a reinforced debris mesh upper
an all terrain even some road 4mm lug always fine Continental rubber outsole.
The whole package weighs a commendable 10.25 oz / 290g US9 with a just sub “maximal” stack height of 34 mm heel / 26 mm forefoot. After finding the Ultra and Speed a bit too “springy” at all but very fast paces and not that well held at the upper level for my paces, I was eager to see how this more "conventional" yet throughly modern trail runner would perform.
Article by Alexandra Zvezdin
Arc’teryx Sylan ($200 USD/ 240 CAD)
Introduction
Sylan is the new Arc’teryx “all around” trail shoe. I think it’s appropriate to start with a little bit of history explaining why this shoe is a big deal.
The Norvan series was the Arc’teryx trail shoe line up offering the LD (long distance), SL (super light) and the now discontinued VT (Vertical Terrain).
Unlike the Norvans, the Sylan is the first shoe entirely designed by Arc’teryx, whereas previous trail shoes retailed by the brand were heavily supported in the design process by Salomon (also owned by Amer Sports).
The shoe is branded as “athlete inspired and built for speed”. This is obvious right away: rocker, integrated gaiter, sturdy but lightly built. Some of the more technical features include InFuse foam (EVA & Polyolefin) and Vibram Megagrip LITEBASE outsole. The Sylan is offered in 3 models: Sylan, Sylan Pro, and Sylan GTX. This review is for the Sylan. Let’s dive in and see what this new shoe is all about compared to the Norvan and other shoes in this higher-stack, high rocker, still-light category.
Article by Markus Zinkl
Mirage Sun Hoodie ($99.95)Introduction
I recently got my hands on the ZPacks Mirage Sun Hoodie and it differs a bit from your usual sun hoodie. This hoodie is the result of a long development phase and a collaboration with EvolveSupplyCo.
Material and Comfort
First off, the material is a 96% Merino Wool Blend, which makes it incredibly soft and smooth against the skin. No itchiness or transparency here.
Article by Jeff Valliere
Dynafit Alpine DNA 2 ($219.99)
Introduction:
The Dynafit Alpine DNA 2 is a lightweight mountain running/race shoe for mid to shorter distance mountain outings and technical trail running races. It eaturies a responsive, lightweight midsole, a full length X shaped Pebax plate, Vibram Megagrip outsole with Litebase (4mm lugs) and a race fit snug upper.
Pros: Light, nimble, agile, traction, stability, security
Cons: Sizing (runs small, so size up at least a half size)
New: list 3-4 most comparable shoes (with your name next to each)
Dynafit Sky DNA
VJ Maxx 2
Merrell MTL Skyfire
Hoka Zinal 2
Artikel von Marcel Krebs & Nils Scharff
ASICS Gel-Kayano 31 (200 €)
Einleitung
Nils: Im letzten Jahr hat ASICS dem Kayano zu seinem dreißigsten Geburtstag eine Rundumerneuerung verpasst. Verschwunden waren jegliche klassischen Stabilitätselemente - hartes Plastik suchte man vergebens. Stattdessen hat das 4D GUIDANCE SYSTEM™ Einzug gehalten, dass mithilfe eines eher gummiartigen Schaums auf der medialen Seite des Mittelsohle sowie ganz viel inhärenter Stabilität ein sehr viel unaufdringlicheres Lauferlebnis bietet, als man das bisher von sog. Motion-Control-Schuhen wie dem Kayano gewöhnt war.
In diesem Jahr steht daher ein eher überschaubares Update an, das vor allem die kleinen Schwächen des Vorgängers ausbügeln soll. ASICS verspricht bessere Traktion und ein luftigeres Obermaterial. Gleichzeitig scheint der Kayano etwas an Gewicht verloren zu haben. Inwiefern sich diese Veränderungen bemerkbar machen oder ob man guten Gewissens auch zum Vorgängermodell greifen kann, versuchen Marcel und ich in den folgenden Zeilen darzustellen.
2XU x District Vision Desert Collection
Compression apparel specialist 2XU joined cutting edge sunglasses/apparel brand District Vision to create a collection of apparel focus on running in the heat, big time heat as the collection launched and was worn by Harvey Lewis at the 2025 Badwater 135, likely the hottest course on the planet starting in the hottest place on the planet, Death Valley.
Using cutting edge ultra light breathable fabrics and 2XU’s compression technologies this kit is all about comfort and performance in extreme conditions.
I tested the Lightweight Desert Compression Shorts and Ultralight Desert Singlet on multiple runs in this summer’s New England high heat and high humidity for the review
Artikel von Markus Zinkl
Xodus Ultra 3 (170,00 €)
Einleitung
Nachdem ich sowohl den Saucony Xodus 1 als auch den Xodus 2 gelaufen habe, war ich besonders gespannt darauf, den neuen Saucony Xodus 3 unter die Lupe zu nehmen. Die ersten beiden Versionen haben in puncto Leistung überzeugt: Der Xodus 1 bot bereits eine solide Performance, hatte jedoch einige Schwächen in der Langlebigkeit der Außensohle. Saucony gelang es jedoch, mit dem Xodus 2 nahezu alle Kinderkrankheiten auszumerzen und einen nahezu perfekten Trailschuh zu liefern. Mit diesen Erfahrungen im Hinterkopf war meine Erwartungshaltung an den Xodus 3 entsprechend hoch. In diesem Testbericht werde ich untersuchen, ob die neueste Version die Messlatte erneut höher legen kann.
Article by Sam Winebaum
Julbo Destiny Reactiv 0-3 High Contrast, Smith Shift Split MAG ChomaPop Photochromic, Rudy Project Rydon Photocrhomic with prescription Insert
In the article I test and review 3 performance photochromic (light adapting) sunglasses suitable for running, cycling, skiing, hiking and everyday wear.
All three feature photochromic lenses which means their Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage changes as light changes, letting through more or less light depending on conditions.
At their “darkest”, most sun in the mix, all three are quite close with 9% VLT for the Rydon, 12% for the Shift Split Mag and 15% for the Destiny. Their “low light” VLTs varies more with 67% for the Smith, 74% for the Rydon and a big 87% for the Julbo with higher numbers clearer in dimmer light.
I always choose photochromic lenses to maximize the utility of the sunglasses from full on sun to in and out of trees on trail runs, to dawn to dusk.
And there is a twist.. as I have always worn such glasses with typically big lens surfaces over my 25g Oakley carbon frame prescription eyeglasses (non sun) to be able to easily put them up on my head when need be and for just plain convenience.
