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:
- Sequoia 1/4 Zip Sweater ($100)
- 60% merino wool (“GOTS“ certified), 40% nylon
- Ventour 1/4 Zip Sweater ($100)
- 44% merino wool (“GOTS“ certified), 36% nylon, 20% modal
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 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: We recently reviewed some pants and underwear from Royal Robbins, but we also were sent some sweaters that arrived just in time for Autumn weather in Oregon. Both sweaters have construction qualities that mimic that of the running wear that we know and love. They are made from a non-mulesed merino wool blend that naturally resists odors and regulates temperature, and the nylon fibers add quick-dry performance and durability.
We were huge fans of the Sequoia 1/4 Zip Sweater from the onset. I mean, look at that amazing design (reminiscent of the Sierras terrain and cold weather). All of the three color schemes (green/grey and brown/red) have the same cool waved graphic and really showcase an understated PNW vibe.
In addition to the similar fit and function of the Sequoia, the Ventour 1/4 Zip Sweater has the addition of open stitching in high heat areas for added ventilation. Along the upper chest and back you can actually see through the sweater itself. It is also awesome that it is machine washable – not something that common in sweaters. I have found this to be a great piece to wear when I am going to get my heart umping and body temperature up a bit – hiking, working in the yard, putting up/taking down holiday decorations, etc.
Ventour Sweater
Both of these sweaters are perfect for us PNW runners who need a little style and function in the off-summer months.
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