Roam Free: Passenger Clothing’s Take on Escaping Meaningfully and Sustainably

Passenger Clothing is an apparel clothing that was actually dreamed up on a drive through the Pacific Northwest. During that excursion, thoughts went to meaningful escapism—a concept that feels right at home for anyone who finds solace in the outdoors. Beyond their company ethos (more on that below), they desired to bring something to the marked that focused on crafting quality outdoor apparel with sustainability at the forefront.

The brand incorporates recycled materials into their designs and partners with like-minded organizations to minimize their environmental footprint. It’s a mission we can definitely get behind. And their gear? It feels tailor-made for those of us here in the PNW—practical, versatile, and perfect for all kinds of adventures.

The Ethos

Passenger Clothing sums it up perfectly with their tagline: “Designed to Wander, Made to Roam.” It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply with anyone who runs not just for fitness, but for something bigger—an escape, a connection, or a chance to fully immerse in the world around us.

For me, running has always been more than just exercise. It’s about breaking free from the everyday grind, finding meaning in the miles, and discovering new corners of the world—both literally and figuratively. As someone who has traveled a lot for both work and play, there’s something incredibly rejuvenating – mentally and physically – about planning new routes, lacing up, and exploring unfamiliar trails or streets. It’s about connecting to a place, one step at a time.

Passenger gets that spirit, and it’s why their ethos feels so aligned with what many of us crave in our running adventures. Running isn’t just movement—it’s a way to roam with purpose.


Kirkwood Textured Active T-Shirt

Of all the tops we tested, the Kirkwood Textured Active T stands out as the most running-friendly of the bunch. While it’s not exclusively a running shirt, its versatile “active” design makes it well-suited for a variety of activities—including hitting the pavement or trail.

Made from 80% recycled polyester and 20% lyocell, it offers the breathability and moisture-wicking qualities runners appreciate, along with anti-odor technology to keep things fresh. It’s not the lightest running tee out there, but it’s plenty functional for most conditions.

I’ve been using it for indoor runs (winter weather isn’t exactly t-shirt friendly right now) and can see it becoming a go-to as the seasons change. It’s the kind of piece that will shine on outdoor runs or while exploring Oregon’s beautiful trails and landscapes. A solid pick for those who like gear that transitions effortlessly between activities.

Alpine Recycled Base Layer Long Sleeve T-Shirt

The Alpine Recycled Base Layer LS T-Shirt is a versatile pick that works for a variety of situations. It’s functional enough for running but also stylish enough to wear casually without anyone batting an eye.

For running, it’s slightly on the heavier side, making it better suited for those colder days when extra warmth is welcome. That said, it’s still practical, thanks to runner-friendly features like the Polygiene StayFresh treatment (hello, anti-stink) and Scotchgard moisture-wicking tech. Both work impressively well, and the soft interior fabric adds to its comfort during wear.

Where this shirt really shines is as a hiking or general outdoor top. It provides just the right amount of warmth as a thicker base layer, and the thumbholes help lock in heat for those extra-chilly moments. Bonus? It transitions seamlessly into casual settings. I’ve thrown it on for holiday shopping, and it looks great while keeping things comfy. Perfect for staying cozy without sacrificing style!

Point Recycled Grid Polar Fleece Hoodie

Back in college, hoodies were basically my uniform. With a tight budget and a schedule packed with classes and baseball practice, they were the perfect grab-and-go option. But as I’ve gotten older (and thankfully, developed a broader sense of style), I find myself reaching for hoodies a lot less. That said, every now and then, a hoodie comes along that feels just right—and the Point Recycled Grid Polar Fleece Hoodie might be one of those.

First off, this hoodie has an understated, polished vibe. It’s not shouting “I’m a hoodie!” at the top of its lungs, which, at 40, I really appreciate. It’s more like the grown-up version of a hoodie—simple, clean, and a bit more refined. The classic kangaroo pocket is swapped for two individual zippered ones, which I’m all for.

The fit is spot on: true to size, with just enough room for layering but not so baggy that I feel swallowed up. The arm length is close to perfect—something I often struggle to find. It may be a smidgeon short for me, but that typically means most others will be fine. And the fabric—it’s textured fleece that’s soft, warm, and comforting. Honestly, it’s like a cozy hug you can wear. I’m grabbing this a lot more than I anticipated.

Solitude Recycled Polartec Pant

I hold off on wearing running pants or leggings as long as possible—not because I don’t like them, but because putting them on means it’s officially cold outside. The kind of cold that makes running less about physical effort and more about mental toughness. It’s that bone-chilling challenge of convincing yourself to lace up in the first place.

Enter the Solitude Recycled Polartec Pant, which arrived just in time for those crisp, clear, yet freezing days. Lately, thanks to my schedule, I’ve been logging miles during the colder, darker hours, with temps dipping into the high 20s/low 30s. These pants made that transition to winter running so much easier.

Crafted from 84% recycled polyester and 16% elastane Polartec Power Stretch fabric, they strike the right balance of warmth and flexibility. The soft inner lining is quite nice—it made the freezing miles just a little more bearable.

The fit? Spot on. Not too tight, but supportive enough that I could lift my legs without feeling constricted (even if my toes were still freezing). I especially appreciated the higher waistband, which stayed in place throughout my runs. There’s nothing worse than tights that slowly creep down mid-stride—thankfully, these passed that test with flying colors. Safe to say, they’re staying in my rotation for the season!


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