Run Oregon has been fans of both Cotopaxi and Pistol Lake for a while now, and have had the opportunity to try out a multitude of different items over the years. Both companies provide quality gear, and with summer coming in hot, it’s appropriate to review some new tops from each.

Most definitely not me.
My last experience with Pistol Lake was a few months back when I reviewed their performance henleys and raglans. I was impressed with their construction, feel (so soft), and simple look – and I echo those sentimednts with their Eudae Minimalist Performance Tee.
There are two main components to this shirt that I feel come into play right away – the wear and the look. If you are looking for super flashy, neon, or cutting edge (which I personally don’t mind sprinkling into my wardrobe), then this is probably not for you. The color options are muted, with the flashiest style being taupe. Taupe. It’s just a classic design that absolutely kills it on the next factor – the feel and fit.
I have found with Pistol Lake, that their construction of tencel, polyester (from recycled plastic bottles), and cotton have created one of the softest “tech” shirts out there – yet still seems to hold up quite well to wear and tear. I also appreciate that they provide some stretch and a little room in the body. There is some wiggle room to breath and move without feeling constricted. This is a great summertime shirt and one that has already come in handy numerous times on warm days here in the valley.
Company: Pistol Lake (Facebook)
Products:
More about Pistol Lake:
We want to bring back a level of craftsmanship and quality that just isn’t around anymore. We build for purpose, sweat the details and make things to last. Summers camping on Pistol Lake were what my brother and I looked forward to all year. We’d drive all day, filling in missing parts of the road and building bridges to be able to spend time away.
Pistol Lake represents this reverence for the simple things in life.
The quality of our garments is a reflection of the expertise and care of our sewers. We are fortunate to work with great craftspeople, which is why we can stand behind our products.
Shelley: I tried Cotopaxi’s new Quito Active Tank for Women in an XS. Viewing the size chart in advance was helpful since I typically wear a small in tanks and tops. Their women’s tanks, or at least this one, is a bit larger than the average XS and the cut, color (I have red), fit, and fabric are very flattering and comfortable. The tank is also long in the body, which I prefer in all my workout tops. The athletic cut and fit is great for those on the go, and the fabric is very soft for women with delicate skin.
Overall, I was impressed. The price is comparable to similar brands and the quality is great. Cotopaxi also offers a 61 year guarantee – that’s the average lifespan of a person living in the developing world. Gear that will last and have a positive impact on the world – that’s a great deal!
Cotopaxi designs and creates men’s apparel as well. They offer a selection of outdoor wear, perfect for the Oregon climate. You can’t beat an apparel company that was founded by outdoor enthusiasts for outdoor enthusiasts, with a mission to give back.
Product: Quito Active Tank for Women ($49.95)
The Quito Active Tank has the following features:
- 4-way-stretch, drirelease fabric
- Scalloped, drop hem
- Racerback
- Athletic fit
- Reflective logos
- Made in the USA
Tech Specs:
- 83% polyester, 11% TENCEL®, 6% spandex
Cotopaxi’s mission is to create outdoor products and experiences that fund sustainable poverty alleviation, move people to do good, and inspire adventure. Cotopaxi funds initiatives that address the most persistent needs of those living in poverty. “Giving” is core to their model. Cotopaxi is committed to creating positive social impact and they focus on global poverty alleviation & give targeted grants to advance health, education, and livelihood initiatives world wide. Their motto: Gear for Good. They also founded Questival to encourage adventure and inspire people to volunteer in their communities.
Thank you to Pistol Lake and Cotopaxi for providing us with sample tops. Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.