The big issue for me is the chafe factor. Natural fibers, including cotton and wool, tear me up on any run more than an hour. Merino wool chafes less, but I still avoid it because of chafing over long distances, particularly noticeable once in the shower and the next day. I wear synthetics as a base layer for this reason, then merino over that for its superior thermal and bacterial qualities. I would wear Arc'Teryx, but I decided to buy a car instead.
If you´re cold, you ain´t runnin fast enough. I do trailrunning in the german alps and for me, personally, there is nothing worst than too warm clothing. Even in the winter time I run always with shorts and shirts even in deep snow. But only on 1 day runs! My tip. Try football (fußball) shorts, or football leggings like adidas. It is way cheaper than those brands specificly for trailrunning and will last you for years. And yes, synthetic is always my choice.
@2:43 I am primarily a polyester guy too. I find that every few weeks I have to soak my gear in vinegar for an hour to kill off the odor-causing bacteria. Totally worth the minor added hassle. FWIW, I'm an all season runner in the PNW
This video offers a very good starting point. It then comes down to experimenting in various situations and learning from mistakes. Great work, as always!
I always had trouble with getting cold in normal polyester sport shirts. Then I switched to Goretex RunWare shirts with Wind Stopper. (BikeWare Wind Stopper are the same shirts with a different sticker.) A game changer. These shirts are phenomenal. Excellent moisture and temperature regulation, fast drying, almost no wind chill. They are available sleeveless, short and long sleeved. The later is also a bit thicker for a tad more warmth. If it gets below 5..7 Celsius I add an other normal, cheap, thight polyester shirt or two on top. Below freezing I use Skins A200 thermal top and tights as base layer. Then the aforementioned layers on top. This is sufficient for me, as I don't go for runs over two to three hours in winter. In summer I may be out for four to five hours, but that's it. I am not a multi-day ultra endurance machine. I just like to have a jog after work and maybe a longer run on Sunday.
1) Great video - thanks so much for all these wonderful tips. 2) You mentioned the Norvan SL; have you used or seen the insulated version? It is the least breathable trash bag I have ever owned. Looks slick as hell, but it turns into a sauna in all but the most frigid weather. 3) I just got a new Marmot jacket with the "Featherless" technology, claims to be as warm as 700 down and 75% recycled. Pretty sweet!
@@JeffPelletier It's okay. Probably not as good as down, but as a vegan I'll only use synthetics. The one product I've seen that's synthetic that is CRAZY compressible is the NEMO sleeping bag model "Kyan." I have one and it compresses like freakin' crazy.
Always good content on your channel, exposed in a crystal clear way. Digging in ultralight backpackers groups I've recently discovered the Polartec Alpha fabric, that seems to be the holy grail of lightweight thermal insulation for midlayers. Any experience with it? I'm trying to understand if is suitable also for trail running/fastpacking activities, or if should be considered just for campsite and slow paced activity. Ciao from Italy!
Thans for the explanation... I really want to know more about Anorak (waterproof jacket), please!!! They are a mandatory item in some trail running competitions. I´m a little bit lost about this item!!!
Are you sure you need an Anorak style jacket? In my experience, a waterproof jacket just needs to have taped seams which both the Arcteryx Norvan SL and the Salomon Bonatti have.
Thanks for this Jeff, I am curious about different underwear. Especially for shorts that don’t have inners. Do you have a video we could view on those options? Cheers. 😀
Thanks Dave, that’s something I could definitely cover in a future video. I personally love Saxx briefs, the ones designed for sports. I wear them for all my runs under my shorts.
What do you think of higher quality softshells like from goretex infinium? Almost fully waterproof, windtight and a bit warmer. It is a bit of middelground, so I do not use it in alpine terrain, but for other purposes I really like it. Especially the langlaufing tight to body style of something like the gore X7 infinium.
Hi Jeff! Great vids! Would you recommend the Bonatti pro for the TDG or you would recommend something more heavy duty? Thank you and keep up the great videos
Hi Jeff, Any suggestions how to restore some of the waterproofing on that Bonatti? Got mine for years but it's more of a windshell right now and the water stopped running off in nice drops. Thanks!
i cant figure for the life of me, why Arterex is so expensive?? I recently purchased a Marmot rain shell from amazon which is ok. I have lots of LLBean, which to me is the best quality for the $$. My goto down is north face vest, excellent quality and warm. Eddie Bower nano down jacket and vest. Vest is not as good as my north face. In cold, I found Athleta foresthill merino wool turtleneck is great.
You’re absolutely right, Arcteryx is priced very high compared to many brands. But it really is some of the highest quality and best performing stuff out there, and they have an excellent warranty policy. It’s based here in Vancouver so it’s of course very popular in our outdoor community.
Most synthetic material derive from by-products of the oil and gas industry. I don't want to get too political about this (search for video trolling North Face); but I do find it funny that protesters who denounce pipelines & related projects, use technical clothing. We should treasure the things we buy, buy stuff that lasts, fix them when it breaks & hand it down to someone else when you don't need it anymore.
Jeff, How are you?? What's the diference betwen this 3 Salomon jacket??? Salomon Bonatti Pro, Salomon Bonatti Race WP jacket and Salomon Bonatti WP jacket????
They appear to have changed the names for the new line-up, but in the past the Bonatti Race WP was just a little lighter but possibly less durable than the regular Bonatti WP and didn't have a pocket. I'm not entirely sure, but it appears they've now rebranded these both as the Bonatti Trail and Bonatti Pro WP..
Links to all of the products I recommend in the video are in the description!
The big issue for me is the chafe factor. Natural fibers, including cotton and wool, tear me up on any run more than an hour. Merino wool chafes less, but I still avoid it because of chafing over long distances, particularly noticeable once in the shower and the next day. I wear synthetics as a base layer for this reason, then merino over that for its superior thermal and bacterial qualities. I would wear Arc'Teryx, but I decided to buy a car instead.
Xddd
Have you tried something made of silk perhaps?
If you´re cold, you ain´t runnin fast enough. I do trailrunning in the german alps and for me, personally, there is nothing worst than too warm clothing. Even in the winter time I run always with shorts and shirts even in deep snow. But only on 1 day runs!
My tip. Try football (fußball) shorts, or football leggings like adidas. It is way cheaper than those brands specificly for trailrunning and will last you for years. And yes, synthetic is always my choice.
@2:43 I am primarily a polyester guy too. I find that every few weeks I have to soak my gear in vinegar for an hour to kill off the odor-causing bacteria. Totally worth the minor added hassle.
FWIW, I'm an all season runner in the PNW
You can apply Chlorhexidine to the skin, bacteriostatic antiseptic and surgical cleanser since 50s, no smell.
This video offers a very good starting point. It then comes down to experimenting in various situations and learning from mistakes. Great work, as always!
Thank you! Like you said, it’s all about experimenting to see what works for you.
I always had trouble with getting cold in normal polyester sport shirts. Then I switched to Goretex RunWare shirts with Wind Stopper. (BikeWare Wind Stopper are the same shirts with a different sticker.) A game changer. These shirts are phenomenal. Excellent moisture and temperature regulation, fast drying, almost no wind chill. They are available sleeveless, short and long sleeved. The later is also a bit thicker for a tad more warmth. If it gets below 5..7 Celsius I add an other normal, cheap, thight polyester shirt or two on top.
Below freezing I use Skins A200 thermal top and tights as base layer. Then the aforementioned layers on top. This is sufficient for me, as I don't go for runs over two to three hours in winter. In summer I may be out for four to five hours, but that's it. I am not a multi-day ultra endurance machine. I just like to have a jog after work and maybe a longer run on Sunday.
These videos are so well done. I didn't know any of this stuff.
Thank you! Glad you found it helpful.
Thanks for making this video. I liked the recap at the end.
Thanks for your professionelle advices Jeff.
Well done. Keep them coming Jeff. 👌
Thanks Marius! Lots more in the works.
Thank you very much!
1) Great video - thanks so much for all these wonderful tips.
2) You mentioned the Norvan SL; have you used or seen the insulated version? It is the least breathable trash bag I have ever owned. Looks slick as hell, but it turns into a sauna in all but the most frigid weather.
3) I just got a new Marmot jacket with the "Featherless" technology, claims to be as warm as 700 down and 75% recycled. Pretty sweet!
Thanks Samuel. Yea, I could imagine that the insulated Norvan SL would be just way too warm. That Marmot sounds cool though, does it pack down at all?
@@JeffPelletier It's okay. Probably not as good as down, but as a vegan I'll only use synthetics. The one product I've seen that's synthetic that is CRAZY compressible is the NEMO sleeping bag model "Kyan." I have one and it compresses like freakin' crazy.
Thanx Jeff - helpful info!
Great video Jeff!
Thanks Nathan!
Great vid as usual! I invested in a lot of the gear you used on your Alpine Rim Trail fastpack and it has been doing the job well!
Thanks Scott! I’ve been enjoying your content as well. 💪
Always good content on your channel, exposed in a crystal clear way.
Digging in ultralight backpackers groups I've recently discovered the Polartec Alpha fabric, that seems to be the holy grail of lightweight thermal insulation for midlayers. Any experience with it? I'm trying to understand if is suitable also for trail running/fastpacking activities, or if should be considered just for campsite and slow paced activity.
Ciao from Italy!
Thanks! I’ve seen a lot of chatter on those channels myself about it. No experience with it yet, but I’ll have to give it a try.
Thans for the explanation... I really want to know more about Anorak (waterproof jacket), please!!! They are a mandatory item in some trail running competitions. I´m a little bit lost about this item!!!
Are you sure you need an Anorak style jacket? In my experience, a waterproof jacket just needs to have taped seams which both the Arcteryx Norvan SL and the Salomon Bonatti have.
@@JeffPelletier thanks Jeff... I think you are right. When they require an Anorak here in Brazil, i think they need to be waterproof and thats It!!!
Thanks for this Jeff, I am curious about different underwear. Especially for shorts that don’t have inners. Do you have a video we could view on those options? Cheers. 😀
Thanks Dave, that’s something I could definitely cover in a future video. I personally love Saxx briefs, the ones designed for sports. I wear them for all my runs under my shorts.
What do you think of higher quality softshells like from goretex infinium? Almost fully waterproof, windtight and a bit warmer. It is a bit of middelground, so I do not use it in alpine terrain, but for other purposes I really like it. Especially the langlaufing tight to body style of something like the gore X7 infinium.
I’ve never tried the Infinium line, but it sounds like that could be a good happy medium as you say for colder weather.
Hi Jeff! Great vids! Would you recommend the Bonatti pro for the TDG or you would recommend something more heavy duty? Thank you and keep up the great videos
Thanks Andre! Yep, Bonatti would be a great choice for TDG.
Identify n put aside synthetics
Hi Jeff, Any suggestions how to restore some of the waterproofing on that Bonatti? Got mine for years but it's more of a windshell right now and the water stopped running off in nice drops. Thanks!
i cant figure for the life of me, why Arterex is so expensive?? I recently purchased a Marmot rain shell from amazon which is ok. I have lots of LLBean, which to me is the best quality for the $$. My goto down is north face vest, excellent quality and warm. Eddie Bower nano down jacket and vest. Vest is not as good as my north face. In cold, I found Athleta foresthill merino wool turtleneck is great.
You’re absolutely right, Arcteryx is priced very high compared to many brands. But it really is some of the highest quality and best performing stuff out there, and they have an excellent warranty policy. It’s based here in Vancouver so it’s of course very popular in our outdoor community.
@@JeffPelletier thanks. maybe Ill splurge and give Arterex a try.
Most synthetic material derive from by-products of the oil and gas industry. I don't want to get too political about this (search for video trolling North Face); but I do find it funny that protesters who denounce pipelines & related projects, use technical clothing. We should treasure the things we buy, buy stuff that lasts, fix them when it breaks & hand it down to someone else when you don't need it anymore.
Jeff, How are you?? What's the diference betwen this 3 Salomon jacket??? Salomon Bonatti Pro, Salomon Bonatti Race WP jacket and Salomon Bonatti WP jacket????
They appear to have changed the names for the new line-up, but in the past the Bonatti Race WP was just a little lighter but possibly less durable than the regular Bonatti WP and didn't have a pocket. I'm not entirely sure, but it appears they've now rebranded these both as the Bonatti Trail and Bonatti Pro WP..