FeastVoyage: Your Culinary Compass

INTRODUCTION TO THE ULTIMATE DIRECTION CIRRIFORM COLLECTION

MICHAEL: From a company better known for hydration on the trails, the Ultimate Direction Cirriform collection comes as the brand’s latest foray into the world of high-end, trail-focused apparel. Consisting of a short sleeve, a long sleeve (not reviewed here), and a singlet (called a vest for some reason?), the Cirriform collection is built for essentially one purpose: to keep your runs feeling light and cool. Let’s get into the details of what makes these tops perform better than your average dry-fit tee from TJ-Maxx, or in my case, old cotton t-shirts from college.

MELISSA: Ultimate Direction has had my back when it comes to keeping me hydrated over the years, and now they’re here to keep me dry as well. The Cirriform collection is designed with an array of cool features to keep you comfortable during your runs. Let’s dig in.

MEN’S ULTIMATE DIRECTION CIRRIFORM TEE AND VEST

MICHAEL: As I mentioned before, the Cirriform collection is built to keep the body feeling cool and light, so my typical morning runs in 85 degrees and 90% humidity proved to be pretty great testing grounds for the t-shirt. The fabric is not thin per se, so it doesn’t feel like a crazy light racing singlet or papery-thin, but rather a higher-end polyester blend.

Despite their thicker construction, these shirts are seriously breathable, aided in part by a perforated back of even more breathable mesh material. If you’re feeling like you want to pull a Walmsley in your daily running wear and poke holes in your shirts, no worries. The Cirriform collection has you covered in that department.

Other details I appreciated in the shirts were the flat-locked seams and seamless shoulder construction that made running with a pack very comfortable. And while I didn’t get a chance to test the long sleeve (we don’t exactly have the conditions for that yet), I have no doubt this will be a pretty well-loved piece for me during those weeks of early fall. I love the looser fit in my size M, and it’s also worth mentioning that the material provides UPF 20 sun protection and is also anti-microbial. I was skeptical at first, but sure enough, I do think these shirts didn’t smell quite as bad as others I’ve tried after literally ringing out the sweat in them after morning runs in AL.

Lastly, I would like to clear up some confusion about the vest name for the sleeveless shirt in the collection. This isn’t a vest or even a sleeveless tank; it’s really more like a singlet. So even if UD says this piece is vest-compatible, I personally wouldn’t attempt the sleeveless shirt/running vest combo. I’m just not cool like Billy Yang, and that’s okay.

PRICE: Tee – $54, Vest – $54

WOMEN’S ULTIMATE DIRECTION CIRRIFORM TEE AND TANK

MELISSA: First off, I love the colors. A lot of running clothes I see lately feature crazy colors and patterns. I’m all for simplicity — my street clothes are mostly solid-colored tees and jeans — but of course, that’s just my preference. The fit is true to size, too. I’m 5-foot-2, 115 lbs, and the XS fits very nicely.

In particular, the tee has a very flattering and comfortable fit. It’s form-fitting, yet loose where I’d like it to be. The material and cut make the likelihood of bunching and pilling minimal when worn with a hydration vest. Overall, it’s solidly constructed, and I have no doubt that these pieces can endure many, many miles. The material breathes well and dries quickly — perfect for those long summer runs. I also appreciate the mesh design over those key sweaty areas.

Some other neat features include SILVADUR, an antimicrobial polymer technology designed to prevent the growth of bacteria that contribute to odor and staining, and UV protection. However, I’m a bit confused about the extent of UV protection, as the tags claim UPF 50+ while the UD website claims UPF 20+. Either way, it’s better than goin’ bare.

PRICE: Tee – $54, Tank – $49

SETH: We live in a fast-paced world full of moving vehicles, terrible drivers, and other distractions — so audio devices like earbuds and headphones block your ability to hear, which can prove quite risky and dangerous. Is bumping that new Drake album really worth the risk of being trampled by an 18-wheeler? Probably not. But I, and many others, risk it every day.

Thankfully, there may just be a solution to avoid or minimize risk allowing you to jam out and still hear everything around you. These are the Shokz OpenRun bone conduction headphones.

WAIT, WHAT’S BONE CONDUCTION?

Bone conduction is when sound travels through the bones in your skull to reach your inner ear, allowing you to hear crisp, clear audio without blocking your ear canal.

OH, COOL, BUT ARE THE SHOKZ OPENRUN WORTH THE $129 ASKING PRICE?

The fact that I can jam out and remain aware of my surroundings is awesome, but is this a quality product worth more than a Benjamin to pick up? Well, that decision will be up to you. I can, of course, offer a little guidance along the way, so let’s dig into everything you ever wanted to know about the Shokz OpenRun headphones.

THE GOOD

SETH: Let’s say your Shokz OpenRun are dead because you haven’t charged them in a week and your buddy invites you to go workout. He says he’ll be at your house in 20 minutes, what do you do? Well, don’t worry because 15 minutes on the charger is enough to juice your OpenRun headphones for a full 60-minute workout. If you have a fast-paced lifestyle, or you’re just too lazy to charge your headphones before bed (that’s me), you’ll love the quick charging.

The Shokz OpenRun also fit pretty much perfectly. I’ve had trouble in the past with earbuds that didn’t quite fit my ear canal or just weren’t secure enough over the course of a run. The over-ear design of the OpenRun pretty much knocks that worry out of the question. You just loop each earbud — for lack of a better term — over your ear, and the slight curve of the band holds them tight to your head.

One area that traditional earbuds tend to shine, however, is by getting your tunes directly into your ears. They block out the outside world, letting you just enjoy whatever it is that helps to pass your run. I honestly questioned how the open-ear design would affect the sound quality of the Shokz but found myself pleasantly surprised. Tones come through crisp and clear, especially when listening to the human voice.

You can also tap into the super convenient audio control features (skip, pause, pairing, and volume) and the fact that the Shokz OpenRun headphones are waterproof. I’ve never had any worries about running in the pouring rain.

THE BAD

SETH: The Shokz OpenRun headphones are pretty cool, but there are a few things you should probably consider before you smash the Add to Cart button. For starters, the microphone. It’s fine in quiet areas like an apartment, but once you get into a noisy gym or step into a breezy afternoon, the quality goes out the window. Sounds come out distorted like you’re on a call in the middle of a tornado… and we’re not in Kansas anymore.

I also have some concerns with the volume output from the Shokz OpenRun. Yes, sound quality is great, but I find that I can’t make it louder than the ambient noise of running by a major highway or an active construction site. Even if I max the volume out, I still hear jackhammers instead of Jack White. My headphones are my savior on brutal long runs, and I just can’t handle the outside sounds.

Despite the Shokz offering fast charging for a quick pick-me-up, the battery life could be a bit better. Eight hours is more than enough for a workout or a run, but you might want more if you’re powering through an ultramarathon or you have a long shift at work. Additionally, you have to remember to shut off your headphones in order to preserve that idle charge — not something that AirPods have to contend with.

One final issue — the Shokz OpenRun charger. It’s a proprietary design, which means you’ll have to order a new one if you lose it rather than using a charger from an iPhone or Android.

SHOKZ OPENRUN CONCLUSION

SETH: I’ve really enjoyed the Shokz OpenRun in my day-to-day life. The headphones are quick, easy, and convenient. I place them around my neck when heading out the door, whether I know I’ll need them or not. That said, if you’re looking for a premium pair of headphones to immerse yourself in the audio dimension or take phone calls all the time, the OpenRun probably isn’t for you.

I’d still recommend a pair for travel days and whatever other times you need to be mostly aware but still want to listen to your favorite playlist. Whether you’re in an Uber, walking through an airport, or waiting on a pizza in the oven while cleaning your house, there’s always something you need to hear.

The Shokz OpenRun offers decent battery life, good sound quality, and premium durability to go along with a sense of safety while out and about. If you’re one who loves listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks while needing to hear the world around you, the OpenRun is right up your alley.

You can pick up the Shokz OpenRun for $129 at Running Warehouse (featuring free two-day shipping and 90-day returns).

GET OUT

Patagonia is synonymous with sustainability and quality in the outdoor industry. From their 1% for the Planet pledge to their Fair Trade Certified manufacturing facilities, they’re always on the cutting edge of ethical outdoor apparel. They stand by their products and offer gear repairs and a Worn Wear store for gently used items. You get it– they talk the talk and walk the walk.

While Patagonia is the quintessential gorpcore vibe, campy through and through, runners should know that their performance run gear is just as solid as their outdoor goods. So we’re here to walk you through our favorite Patagonia pieces for running. From shorts to joggers to hydration vests and duffel bags, this is gear that will stay with you for many miles to come.

OUR FAVORITE PATAGONIA RUNNING GEAR FOR FALL

ROAD OR TRAIL

Strider Pro 5″ Shorts ($85)

We get in a lot of shorts to review at Believe in the Run, because they’re basically the only thing that’s a requirement for every runner. And I’ll be honest, a lot of brands just throw in the towel when it comes to shorts, or, alternatively– overthink and over engineer them. The Strider Pro 5” shorts strike a perfect balance between simplicity and good design.

A quick-drying recycled polyester made from 90% ocean plastic is incredibly lightweight and comfortable with a slight stretch for movement. Four envelope pockets provide plenty of storage for gels, while a center back pocket can hold more. The brief liner is comfortable and the whole thing comes together to make one of the best running shorts out there, rivaling my all-time favorite short, The North Face Better Than Naked (rest in peace).

OUTERWEAR

Houdini Air ($179)

When you talk about lightweight running shells, there are few that have the same legendary status as the Patagonia Houdini, a packable and simple shell that provides an extra layer of warmth and protection when needed. That’s great and all, but we’re here to talk about the elevated version of that jacket, the Houdini Air.

This shell adds extra weather protection with a DWR finish to keep out light rain (it’s not  fully waterproof), while blocking out the wind and keeping in the warmth. We love it because it packs down to basically nothing and looks great, and is technically superior to every other wind shell out there. As such, it’s a great travel companion because it has immense versatility, from running to climbing to exploring to throwing on when the in-flight A/C is too cold. 

Additional features include low-light visibility, and adjustable hood, and, like all Patagonia products, is made in a Fair Trade Certified factory.

HEADWEAR

Duckbill Cap ($35)

Another icon in the trail running/outdoor scene, the Duckbill cap is the standard for short-brim caps. With full perforations on the sides and top, it’s as breathable as a cap you can get. It’s ultra comfortable thanks to the soft, quick-wicking sweatband and the foldable design is perfect for on-the-go. It’s really one of the best running caps that money can buy and beats all the imitators out there.

COLD WEATHER GEAR

Capilene Midweight Baselayer ($79)

Cooler temps are coming, and a good base layer is always a key essential in any runner’s wardrobe. The Capilene midweight works great in that 25F-40F range, as the 100% recycled, hollo-core yarns trap warm air, while wicking moisture away from the body and drying fast. It’s also incredibly comfortable, so can work well as a casual long sleeve or base layer for all your winter activities, whether that’s hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, or more.

We also appreciate the small details like the thumb loops for keeping the sleeves down on the hands, as well as a slight stretch that allows for a good range of motion on the run.

TRAIL RUNNING

Slope Runner Endurance Vest ($159)

I ran with this vest throughout the summer and I love that it’s simple and straightforward, with just the right amount of details to keep you comfortable on the run. Hydration vests are oftentimes overbuilt, but this one is stripped down to just the essentials and that’s a good thing. Patagonia says it fits like a shirt and they’re not wrong. 

Though the vest is minimal, it offers a surprising amount of storage in the form of a large back compartment that’s bladder-compatible, as well as a smaller zipper pocket. The large pocket also has a side zipper so you can pull stuff out while on the go. It comes with two HydraPak soft flasks that are basically my favorite soft flasks and used on a weekly basis. Bungee-style sternum straps are the only weakness in my opinion, I question their durability and felt like there was some bounce when loaded up, in part due to their flexible design. Overall, a pretty great vest.

OUTERWEAR

Airshed Pro Pullover ($139)

If you’re wearing the Airshed for running, it’s probably pretty cold outside. And everyone knows that the worst parts of winter running are the windy days, and that wind shells can sometimes get too hot, but the Airshed bridges the divide. The core area is made from a water-repellent, ultra lightweight Pertex body fabric that’s both stretchy and windproof. 

So while the pullover is a bit more substantial than your average running top and sits somewhere between a base layer and a light jacket, it does a great job of settling into that in-between area of winter run layers and accomplishing more than one goal at once.

Bonus points for the Capilene sleeves– long enough to cover the hands– and fitted hood (no winter cap needed here).

BOTTOMS

Terrebone Joggers ($99)

If you’re not at the “Robin Hood: Men in Tights” phase of your running journey yet, but still want to get outside when it’s below freezing, then the Terrebone Joggers can be a nice companion. Or, just wear them casually, that works too.

The slim cut adheres to the standard jogger silhouette and the 100% recycled polyester stretch ripstop is super comfortable. Plus, it comes with a PFC-free DWR finish to ward off light rain. Storage is still important, so two hand pockets and a right rear pocket take care of that issue (though it would be nice to have zippers on the hand pockets, just saying). A versatile pant for travel, activity, and relaxing.

TRAVEL

Black Hole Duffel 55L ($169)

We actually received the newest version of the Black Hole Duffel for review (coming spring ‘24), but since it’s not for sale yet, we’re going to highlight our favorite Patagonia duffel, going on four years strong. I personally own a ton of packs and duffels, ranging from The North Face Base Camp 90L to the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L to the Ortlieb Metrosphere Daypack. I use them all and they all have great features, but there’s nothing as versatile, durable, and useful as the 55L version of the Black Hole Duffel. 

We travel a lot here at Believe in the Run and for anything less than four days, it’s my go-to bag every time. Duffels can tend to be too small or too unwieldy, this is neither. It also still fits under the carry-on dimensions for all airlines, but if you choose to check it, it can take everything and more that the bowels of the TSA underground can throw at it. While it’s not fully waterproof, the TPU-film laminate can handle a good dose of the elements before giving in. Oh also, this packs into its own side pocket if you want to transport it on its own.

Not sure how else to sell you on it, it’s one of the best pieces of gear I’ve ever owned.

Pro tip: Pair it with the Black Hole packing cubes for ultimate organization and packing adaptability.