Run Oregon is Staying Slick and Dry in Gore Wear

If you’re looking for a brand you can trust to give you the best quality for all running conditions, you really can’t go wrong with Gore Wear. Their designs are lightweight, durable, and breathable. Everything is carefully thought out and fully functional. Run Oregon was thrilled to get the opportunity to test out the Concurve GTX Jacket and both the Contest 2.0 Long Sleeve Tee and Singlet.

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Looks

The jacket:

Pulling this out of the bag, I immediately noticed two things. This jacket is very lightweight, and it’s very well made. The taped seams mean that water isn’t getting through this shell, but it’s light enough to keep you from sweltering inside as soon as you heat up on a run. I received this jacket in the lime yellow color, which turned out to be a really cheery color that will help make you seen on the roads. I also love the reflective details that will help keep you safe if the sun should happen to go down on your journey.

The long sleeve tee and the singlet:

At first glance, these shirts might look like any other basic running tops. I received them in black, so they don’t look especially different than any other shirt you’d pull out of your closet the morning of your run. However, Gore Wear’s lightest-weight long sleeve running shirt and most breathable singlet are their own secret weapons. The long sleeve is ideal for most running conditions, including warm weather, which is not typically what I think of when purchasing a long sleeve, and the singlet is perfect for the hottest of summer days. Both have a gauzy see-thru look with laser-cut ventilation and some reflective elements as well.

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Function

The jacket:

I hate overheating on a run, so I’m picky about running jackets. This one fits the bill perfectly. It’s both windproof and waterproof (hello GORE-TEX!!)  so it’s ideal for Pacific NW runners. In fact, this jacket has a “GUARENTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY” promise, which is more than any other jacket in my closet can claim.

The long sleeve tee and the singlet:

There’s a reason why these shirts are so thin, and it has everything to do with being made with a very quick-drying, moisture-wicking material. You’ll stay both cool and dry in the long sleeve in all conditions, whether you’re needing some protection from the sun or you’re looking for something to cover you in the morning chill. As for the singlet, this light fabric feels like nothing at all the second you put it on with non-existent friction at all touch points. Whatever you need, Gore Wear will perform throughout your long runs and these shirts will dry quickly when you’re done for the day too.

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Construction

The jacket:

This jacket has an adjustable hem, a stand up collar, and an adjustable hood with elastic trim that also employs magnetic buckle technology that ensures the hood won’t budge. The two hand pockets have zippers, which is a personal non-negotiable requirement for me . Who wants to worry about losing things in your pockets?  Better yet, this jacket is made with recycled content and has a new GORE-TEX ePE membrane with is very thin and light. You gotta love the lower carbon footprint too!

The long sleeve tee and the singlet:

Remember when people used to cut off the banded necks on sweatshirts to make them more comfortable? Well, the same general principle applies to both the long sleeve tee and the singlet. The bonded collar fabric around the neck is seamless, so it reduces friction and is next-to-skin comfortable. Additionally, the specially knit material is made to eliminate “wet-cling” when you sweat, so the construction of these shirts have a “barely there” feel to them. There’s nothing better than feeling comfortable when you start to sweat! Lastly, like the jacket, these shirts are made with recycled content, so you’re doing the environment a solid too.

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Fit

The jacket:

The call out for this jacket is “slim fit” and I would agree with this assessment. This does not make it tight (I received what I consider to be my “true to size” medium which is called out as a size 8 to 10) but it does give it a streamlined shape that moves well with you. This has a “second skin-like” fit thanks to the innovative body mapping design which leaves you free to move without restriction.  The kinetic garment design is well thought out, with the GORE-TEX fabric panels strategically positioned to make the most of flexibility and movement while also reducing weight with the seam placement.

The long sleeve tee and the singlet:

Like the jacket, the long sleeve tee and the singlet both have a slim fit. Also as with the jacket, I got the shirts in the medium/8-10 size and I’m glad I did. For the long sleeve, I don’t think going any smaller would have been comfortable around my shoulders and armpits, but I was glad that it didn’t feel boxy like many oversized shirts do. Some shirts, (even those supposedly “womens” shirts,) feel unisex on but the “one size fits all” approach is not always great for curves. These  shirts have a second-skin feel which means no drag, no need to roll up the long-sleeved tee’s sleeves, and no other adjustments while in motion. The singlet was even lighter than the long sleeve tee, as there’s obviously less material.

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Overall:

The jacket:

This is an ISPO Award winning jacket and it’s easy to see why. The ergonomic fit means it truly moves with you and it looks great in all the right places, be it the shoulders, the waistline, or through the chest. Even better, it’s thin and light despite being windproof and waterproof, which usually makes a jacket heavy and stiff. It’s also PFC-free and delivers a lower carbon footprint, so it’s better for the planet too.

The long sleeve tee and the singlet:

I’ve finally found my go-to long sleeve running top! I love that I can wear this in warm weather to help protect myself from the sun but it’s not something that I will bake in. On those really hot days where I want to free the armpits, I’m going to love having the singlet. It feels like nothing is on, but it won’t get me arrested for public nudity, ha.

In either case, whichever shirt I pick, the material will hug my curves and keep me cool and dry. Though the price-points may initially seem high, it’s worth paying a bit more on the front end for clothing like this that will withstand the elements and feel amazing when you put them on.