Run Oregon sometimes receives products to review and was sent some styles from each to try out for the Fall season ahead. Clearly, the items of clothing received from Royal Robbins aren’t all that running related, but they definitely fit into a Pacific Northwesterners sensibilities and have ties to many other PNW outdoor activities.
Items:
- Go Everywhere Merino 1/4 Zip ($70)
- 68% Sorona®, 32% Merino Wool
- Go Everywhere Merino Crew ($55)
- 68% Sorona®, 32% Merino Wool
- Traveler Stretch Pants ($75)
- 96% Nylon, 4% Spandex
Company: I had actually heard of Royal Robbins prior to them sending us some items to test out. Obviously, their gear is more casual and outdoors wear than running wear, but their big claim to fame has actually been in the rock climbing world. I recommend reading about their story, but here is a little synopsis of their company was started:
Royal and Liz, the first woman to climb Half Dome in Yosemite.
Royal Robbins and his wife Liz were iconic Sierra Nevada rock climbers during the 1960s. They belonged to a scrappy band of modern climber/philosophers who coined and embraced the term “clean climbing”: a set of practices and techniques that enabled them to climb big walls with little or no damage to the rock, a literal representation of their lived ethos of deep respect for the natural world.
When Royal and Liz were making their mark in the climbing world, the outdoor apparel industry started and ended with Army surplus and jean cut-offs. Climbers and hikers sorely needed clothing that could move, that could stand up to the harsh Yosemite granite, and that fit well and looked good.
Today, our heritage brand still makes enduring, classic, outdoor clothing for people who embody a love for the natural world. Our modern classics enable people to get up in the morning and “dress once.” Our clothing performs well because it moves, dries, packs and wears extremely well. We embrace a refined aesthetic with a sophisticated, nature-inspired palette that is understated, classic and smart. It works on the trail, at the office, on a plane, at dinner. Our clothing literally goes everywhere.
Impressions:
The Go Everywhere crew and 1/4 Zip are essentially constructed the same except, obviously, the sleeves and zipper/necline area. They are both really lightweight and comfortable and seem to be pretty breathable. The crew would actually do a decent job, in a pinch, as a running shirt. The anti-odor qualities will even help with that as well. The 1/4 Zip is equally as nice, but I found that, while it fit well around my torse, the sleeves were shorter than I would have preferred. I do have a pretty long arms (and this is a problem with many of my longer sleeved shirts), so I don’t doubt that this sizing would work well with the majority of people. The great part is that the 1/4 zip looks fantastic as a 3/4 sleeve, so I will still be able to rock this quite well. Combine this with the Traveler Stretch Pant, and you are set for a comfortable autumn day in Oregon.
I’ll be honest, the Traveler Stretch Pant are not exactly my style. As someone who prefers a slimmer profile, these were baggier than I would have picked out for myself. That being said, after an initial wear, I had my thoughts completely flipped and I ended up enjoying these more than I thought they would. While there is more room in the pants, that is obviously by design – as they are a perfect lightweight bottom to wear when you are in the outdoors for hiking, camping, or just doing fall yardwork. Despite their lightweight feel, they have proved to be extremely durable so far – and have held up to the elements (i.e. rain and wind) quite amazingly. Even though these are great for fall, they will be perfect during next summer’s summer camping trips, as they won’t overheat me and are UPF 50+ as well.
Royal Robbins has a variety of other pieces of apparel in Men’s and Women’s varieties that may strike your fancy for all your outdoors needs. You can even try it and return it for free if you don’t love it.
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