I’m sure it’s something we all realize when the warm weather hits – we need to stay protected from the sun. As runners, we are mostly hitting the streets and trails outside, and Oregon is about as beautiful a place in the country to do so. When my dad first was diagnosed with cancer 9 years ago, there was a small epiphany that I needed to be better about this. But, I was 26 at the time and though I had a child, I was still youthfully invincible. Now at 35, with my dad’s cancer recently returning, it has again hit home that I actually need to be serious about this. And I need to be serious about protecting myself OFF of the running trails as well. As a result, I am going to be highlighting some casual-wear items that assist in protecting us from the sun with Patagonia.
As a runner, I often wear hats when I run. And outside of running, I have quite a collection of baseball hats, which is leaning towards minor league baseball teams as of late. What I don’t have is a bucket hat. While the Forge Hat isn’t generally my hat of choice, my wife did mention to me that having a full coverage hat – over the ears and everything – is probably a good idea.
This hat is made from hemp, recycled polyester and organic cotton blend and has proved to be absolutely durable and sturdy. It’s gonna be years before this thing has to get put to the wayside – it’s just a well constructed piece of apparel.
I absolutely recommend sizing down for this. I received an L/XL, but it was pretty large on my dome. Thankfully the adjustable strap was able to keep it pretty much in place – but I’d recommend still going a little smaller than expected.
As this was also my first bucket hat I wasn’t sure how the fit would go. As someone used to baseball hats (as mentioned above) the flimsy brim was a bit of a new experience for me.
The best part about the hat is that it is UPF 50+ protected, meaning everything under it’s shadow is protected and kept safe from the sun. It’s also multi-functional as I imagine me wearing these in the winter months as well, due to it’s weather-proof qualities. Keep that rain away!
Specs:
- 9.6-oz
- 55% hemp / 27% recycled polyester/18% organic cotton
- Comes in 4 colors
I received the Tezzeron Jacket literally as I was walking out the door to head to a weekend on the Oregon Coast. I decided to toss it in the car and see if I got the opportunity to wear it. Even though the weather was, for the most part, pristine for the coast, I got a ton of usage out of this jacket those 2+ days. And I left the coast with potentially my new favorite outerwear.
It is made of 100% recycled nylon with DWR (durable water repellent) finish – which is perfect for the rainy months – and 50+ UPF sun protection for those summer months. It’s obviously super versatile!
It has standard jacket pockets that are able to be closed with zippers and the right pocket actually can be converted into a stuffsack to keep small and compact when you are in between weather patterns. There is also a pocket on the chest that can easily be used with headphones, or just to store your phone safely. The hood also is able to be cinched at the neck for a tighter fit.
The Tezzeron is pretty simple in it’s design and look, with just straightforward and and clean color patterns. While I love me some funky designs and colors, from time to time, it is great to keep things muted and option up super versatility. Each of the Tezzeron’s 4 colors have that same simplistic feel (but with superb construction and design).
My trip to the beach was an ideal testing ground as the first days wind and overcast temperatures were kept at bay, while the second day’s surprising sunshine was blocked admirably without feeling too overheated. This may just be the perfect Oregon jacket.
The Quandry Hiking Shorts also feature a UPF 50+ rating, making them great shorts for use when you know you are going to be outside. They are functional and designed with the outdoors in mind, but are just as able to double to wear to a baseball game or for an afternoon of disc golf. And if the weather in those those games or hikes take a turn, they are made with a DWR finish to repel precipitation.
There are a variety of pockets (two main ones, a right coin pocket and two on the back, as well as a zipped right-thigh pocket.
The fit is the “baby bear” of shorts – a solid “just right” between being too baggy and too tight. I have unfortunately worn bottoms on both ends of the extremes and the Quandry’s stretch and construction (looking at you gusseted crotch) allow for movement without being constricting.
They also have a curved waistband that allows for greater mobility and stay in place when in motion. There’s nothing worse than being outdoors and spending the entire day tugging to keep your shorts up.
I have been pretty much wearing these continually for the past week and I just keep coming back to them due to the fit and comfort.
The Quandry’s are available in three inseam lengths – 8″, 10″ and 12″ – and 4 colors.
Last but not least is the short-sleeved casual Bandito Shirt. It comes in four colors on the blue/brown spectrum and I tried out Stone Blue.
I really like the look of this shirt – it’s almost a take on “modern westernwear” – a muted plaid exterior and button up front coupled with recycled polyester fabric and odor control. Maybe it’s the “Old Town Road” of shirts…
It is described as a slim fit, but I didn’t find it that form fitting. This was actually fine for me, as I’d rather error on the side of being slightly baggy then looking like a sausage, but I found this to be more of modern fit than slim – just an FYI.
Still, it fits quite nice and is super light (just 4.9 oz!) and breathable. There are venting locations under the arms, which is helpful for both cooling and ensuring a wide range of mobility. There are also vents on the shirttail sides and across the back as well. Yet, it doesn’t actually look like it as they are all pretty well hidden and unnoticeable unless really looking for it. It’s a UPF 25, so while not as strong as other Patagonia items, it still provides admirable sun coverage.
While this wouldn’t be that great for a run (duh), it is perfect for mountain biking, hiking, or just wearing as a casual piece. I took on a recent trip to California and wore on a Kayaking excursion. I was pleased to see how quickly it dried out after a morning pressed against me, and still smelled fine enough to wear to lunch a second time without washing.
Though the material is light, the construction seems to indicate that this will last some time, so the investment now will reap benefits as it holds up to the elements years from now.
Products:
- Forge Hat ($59)
- Tezzeron Jacket ($129)
- Quandry Shorts ($69)
- Bandito Shirt ($89)
More about Patagonia:
We believe the environmental crisis has reached a critical tipping point. Without commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, defend clean water and air, and divest from dirty technologies, humankind as a whole will destroy our planet’s ability to repair itself. At Patagonia, the protection and preservation of the environment isn’t what we do after hours. It’s the reason we’re in business and every day’s work.
Thank you to Patagonia for providing us with some sample items. Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
