SAYSKY may not be a running company you have heard of before, but that is starting to change a little. This Denmark-based brand has been around since 2013 and tries to bridge the gap between performance and relaxation, opting to fill a gap for those who care about running, but are less interested in the rat race of fashion. Thus, they churn out items (that often sell out quickly) with items that are extremely functional and with their own distinct style (we have heard it called “urban-Scandinavian”), but not over the top and in your face “look at me!”.
See our other review of SAYSKY gear here.
Element 3L Waterproof Jacket
Let me say first and foremost that this is probably the nicest, and most expensive, piece of running gear I have ever tried. The Element 3L Waterproof Jacket rings up just shy of $400 and is likely one of the greatest running investments one would have to make. While that number may seem steep, consider this simple fact – we live in the Pacific Northwest. On average (depending on location) we are seeing approximately 150+ days of precipitation per year – or about 41% of the time. And considering that, of those days, there are times when it’s not just an hour here or there, it’s every…single…hour, that there is a need for gear that can handle it. And this jacket is one that is up to the task – running or otherwise.
The jacket is designed for all runners and is their first venture into a completely waterproof jacket. Many running jackets out there can get the job done reasonably well with being water-resistant, but this one has a goal to completely withstand the rain and wind (not just “resist” it). It is constructed from 100% nylon and has a polyurethane membrane – a compound utilized when waterproofing new buildings. The seams themselves are fully sealed and taped – yet you can still get ventilation via side zippers (also waterproof) which allows this to be utilized on some warmer cold days, if that makes sense.
Inside there are three additional layers made specifically from Dermizax- a fabric with a membrane that achieves the highest level of waterproofness, breathability and resistance to condensation. Here’s more on the tech behind this:
The fabric is stretchable and, when combined with elasticated fabric, is adaptable and flexible. This makes it the ideal fabric for sporting activities that take place in extreme environmental conditions, such as mountain climbing, trail running and winter sports.
The fit is described as regular and is probably true to size, but I found that if you fit somewhere in between two sizes, or you desire a little more room underneath for layering, you may want to consider sizing up. Given all the tech pumped into this jacket, it is still surprisingly light (~9.8 ounces in a medium) and agile.
This jacket has gotten quite a bit of work over the past month or so as NW Oregon dealt with what felt like continual rain and flood warnings galore. I will say that it lives up to the billing and the price tag – I may never need another waterproof jacket again for the remainder of my life.
Merino Base 165 Longsleeve
I exist in Merino year round and run almost exclusively in Merino during the winter. It is warm without being bulky, dries quickly, and can be worn as a base layer, top layer, or single layer. It doesn’t stink so can be worn multiple days in a row (hello, backpacking!) and when cared for properly, will last through years and years of adventures. Saysky, a new brand we’re loving, has a Merino base long sleeve that I am enjoying this winter in the rain, snow, and yes, even the sunny days.
It is made with 100% Australian Merino wool (which is odor-resistant) and though it’s advertised as a “slim fit”, it is true to size and is a good length for torso and hip coverage, which is ideal for wearing a running pack without riding up.
This top comes in black, dark navy, or a black and white stripe, so they pair well with just about anything.
Merino is notoriously expensive – for decent reason – and Saysky’s base layer is priced alongside other top merino brands with a similar-quality product. So far this top has been on about 50 miles of trail runs, a couple days of skiing, out to brunch, and at least a dozen morning dog walks. It’s held up through machine washing (and line-drying) and I’ve been happy with its durability. I look forward to reaching for it on many more adventures.
SAYSKY
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Products:
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- Element 3L Waterproof Jacket ($395)
- Merino Base 165 Longsleeve ($125)
Thank you to SAYSKY for providing us with some sample items. Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
