Mountain life. It’s in our bones out here in the PNW. Whether you’re hitting the trails, lounging by the lake, or just sipping coffee with a view of Hood, most of us live within sight (and soul) of the mighty Cascades. And while we’re not all ultrarunners or alpinists, we are people who gravitate toward the outdoors. So, when we get to test out gear from a brand like Stio, it just makes sense.
Based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Stio is a company born from the same kind of mountain-town heartbeat that flows through places like Bend, Hood River, and Sisters. Their goal? “To inspire connection with the outdoors through beautiful, functional products infused with mountain soul.” If that doesn’t sound like it belongs in Oregon, I don’t know what does.
We recently tested out four pieces from Stio — two designed for performance and two for style. Let’s dig in.
The Sweat
Lucent Tee
This one’s a warm-weather MVP. The Lucent Tee is a no-frills, high-function training shirt that’s made for movement — whether you’re chasing Strava segments or just trying not to melt on a summer hike. It’s crafted from a material called Tempic, which I hadn’t heard of before, but now I’m a fan.
It’s got a subtle honeycomb design that’s meant to help sweat evaporate quickly, and it legit works — keeping things cool, dry, and odor-free even in triple digits – which we know we are gonna get here shortly. The fit is regular and it even includes UPF 50+, which is great for long runs or paddleboard sessions when you’re baking under the sun. Simple, sharp, and summer-ready.
Second Light Short
Pair the Lucent with the Second Light Shorts and you’re set. These are minimal in design but maximum in comfort — just the way we like it. I tested the 7” inseam version, which is that sweet spot length: long enough for casual wear or hikes, but short and light enough for running.
They’re made from a recycled nylon mini-ripstop called reMeridian, with a DWR finish to repel light moisture. There’s even a mesh brief liner and a ridiculously low weight (under 4 ounces). I literally packed these in my running shoes on a recent trip to Arizona — that’s how compact they are. Bonus: the “Boundary Black Whitebark Camo” colorway is low-key cool and gives a nod to the outdoors without being loud.
The Style
Curtis Camp Shirt
Sometimes you want gear that’s not meant to wick sweat or support miles — you just want to look good, feel comfortable, and still channel a bit of that mountain-town aesthetic. Enter the Curtis Camp Shirt.
This one nails the look. Think clean lines with a touch of Western ranch flavor — stylish without trying too hard. The cut is casual (neither fitted nor baggy), and the organic cotton/recycled poly blend feels durable yet breathable.
Whether you’re at the campsite, sipping something cold by the fire, or meeting friends at a brewery, this shirt just fits. There are six colorways to match your vibe, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of them.
Shifter Shirt
Of all the gear we tested, the Shifter Shirt might be the most versatile. Technically built for mountain biking (and you can definitely run in it), but it has quickly become my go-to for everything. Casual runs? Check. Morning coffee? Yup. Dinner on a patio? Absolutely.
It’s got that rare combo of technical performance (UPF50+, moisture-wicking, underarm vents) and button-up polish that you just don’t see often. And if you’ve followed Run Oregon for a while, you know I’m a sucker for collared running shirts — this one might just top the list.
Stio may be based out of Wyoming, but their gear feels right at home here in Oregon. They’ve crafted a summer lineup that blends trail-ready tech with campground-casual style, and honestly, I’ve been reaching for these pieces constantly. Whether you’re logging miles, lounging by the fire, or doing a bit of both — don’t sleep on Stio this season.
