New apparel can really give your running mojo a boost. I have never known it not to work… I think deep down we always like new kit to try out or new kit to give our running a boost. Running is a simple sport, you need a pair of shoes, socks, shorts (or skort) and away you go. Never quite works out like that though does it. New products arrive in the market place all the time; new colour ways, re designs, new cuts and completely new products.
Scott Sports are well established in the bike, winter sports and outdoor sector but less so in running. That is until recently. With some high level athlete sponsorship and a new range of products, the brand goes from strength to strength.
I have used and ‘loved’ the Scott T2 Kinabalu trail show for some time now (read my review here) and I used the eRide Grip 2 almost exclusively over Winter months and on the Transvulcania La Palma course in December 2012 (review here).
In March 2013 I received some of the new apparel range from Scott and I have been testing these products for a while now on local trails and when travelling. They have several ranges of clothing that crossover and coordinate with each other extremely well. However, Scott also have two distinct groups:
The Performance range (in my opinion) is geared towards road running and potential triathlon markets, whereas the Outdoor & Trail is far more ‘ultra’ specific or ideal for any general running. Outdoor & Trail has two distinct looks; the AMT range which is colourful, light and boasts some innovative fabrics and the more conventional and understated. For this review I am looking at the more conventional and understated.
- Scott Windbreaker AMT
- Scott Sardar long sleeve with 1/2 zip
- Scott Crestone crew
- Scott Somerset short
- Scott T2 Kinabalu shoes
- Accessory – Scott Race cap
It’s not often that you get to try out new kit and run with the brands main athlete (or at least one of the main athletes) but that is what happened in La Palma. Just a couple of days after Sage Canaday secured a stunning third place behind Kilian Jornet and Luis Alberto Hernando at the 2013 edition of the Transvulcania La Palma, we went out on the trails for a ‘play’ and a little sight seeing.
Sage Canaday 3rd place Transvulcania 2013
The CLOTHING
Crestone Crew
You may think at first touch that this garment is a ‘compression’ piece of clothing. It has a slightly ‘heavier’ feel to the fabric and panels on the back, front and under the arms look as though they would ‘compress’. Not so. The fit is ‘athletic’, so in real terms it is cut to the shape of your buddy but it does not fit really tight. It has just the right amount of freedom. I have to say that really ‘tight’ garments now don’t appeal to me. An element of loose fabric is nice. The ‘panels’ on the front, back and underarms allow key areas to release heat and sweat and they work extremely well.
Scott have used a fabric (Polyamide) in conjunction with (Elastane) that provides an ‘elasticity’ to it. The garment stretches and adapts to body movement without pulling. Treated with Chitosante the fabric is odor resistant and I have to say that from repeated use and washing, the garment has retained no lasting door. Weighing in at 180g for a mens medium the Crestone is a real pleasure to wear and has become a great day-to-day product. Looks are understated with a simple one tone colour, a small logo in the middle of the chest and the word ‘Scott’ at the bottom front of the garment on the left hand side.
Sizing – I personally feel that the whole Scott Apparel range sizes a little small. I am a 38″ chest and would normally choose ‘small’, however, I have found that ‘medium’ is best across the board. In particular, the ‘elastic’ nature of the Crestone does mean that this garment will have a tighter fit in comparison to a ‘loose’ tee top such as the AMT s/s. It comes down to personal choice.
Somerset Short
These shorts are long (9.5″ seam) and loose with three pockets. They are ideal for training runs and long days out providing no rubbing or irritation. The waist band is extremely comfortable and has a simple drawstring to adjust tension.
Branded with the Scott logo on the right hand leg, the shorts are simple and understated. They have a ‘V’ cut into the seam to allow some additional leg freedom and this works extremely well, particularly when climbing or stepping up.
Two side pockets are generous and will easily hold a mobile phone, camera or equally chunky item. On the rear in the middle and at the top is a zippered pocket that will hold keys or any other valuable item.
The inner brief is short and comfortable and they have a lightweight 2-way breathable fabric. They also include the Chitosante to keep door away and they have DUROshade to protect against the sun.
In use the shorts are hassle free, comfortable and ideal for long days on the trail. In addition, due to the understated look, longer length and pockets, they would also be ideal as a casual short.
In racing, you may require something more minimal? Weighing 220g for a mens medium they are not heavy but depending on how minimalist you like to go, the additional pockets in a racing short may well be an unnecessary addition.
Sardar Long Sleeve with 1/2 zip
Made from lightweight Polyester with mesh inserts, this top is ideally for cold or chilly days on the trail. It has a 1/2 zip to help regulate temperature.
Mesh panels are on the elbow to allow additional movement and a mesh panel across the shoulders for breathability. On the rear is a zipperd pocket situated in the lower back. The pocket is ideal for money, phone and/or keys.
The top is not a garment that you can take off and run with (unless you tie it around your waist) should you become warm. It’s too bulky for that, so, it is definitely a garment when the external temperatures require something warmer. Having said that, the fabric is extremely smooth and comfortable. Without doubt you can use this layer on its own or as a second layer.
Made from 73% Polyester, 27% Polyamide it also has ‘Coolmax’ and Chitosante to reduce door . At 180g it really is a great lightweight warm layer.
Winbreaker AMT
The AMT range is a breakthrough range for Scott. Designed to be extremely light weight and functional, they really do offer something fresh the the apparel market. The ‘Windbreaker’ is just 60g for a medium. It rolls up into a tiny ball (smaller than an apple) and it really is a jacket that can be taken on every run.
It has a hood, tailored fit and a 1/2 zip.
The hood although useful is a little loose with no option to adjust, so, if the wind is blowing it an become a little irritating. However, this is very much an emergency layer and as such the hood may very well be welcome should conditions turn nasty.
The 1/2 zip provides an ability to regulate temperature and reassuringly, when zipped up it goes high and helps stop the wind blowing around your neck and going down your back.
Elastic hems promise a secure fit and a lower back adds some additional protection. The fabric is water repellant and abrasion resistant, this jacket is an ideal emergency layer in mild conditions.
T2 Kinabalu
I have worn and reviewed the T2 Kinabalu before, so, please read HERE
In summary, they are currently my favourite every day shoe for trail. Extremely versatile, comfortable and great to look at. They adapt to all surfaces, including mud. The only time I would reach for another shoe is when conditions required a very aggressive grip.
Ultimately, if you could only purchase one pair of shoes that could do all jobs, the T2 Kinabalu would be it.
Race cap
I guess a hat is a hat… but not all hats are the same! The Scott Race cap ticks all the boxes. It has mesh on the top to allow heat to escape, a terry band to keep sweat from dripping down your face, velcro adjustment at the rear for a precise fit and good looks.
Would I change anything? Yes! I like my hats (for summer use) to have the inside of the peak black… why? well it reduces glare and allows me to relax my eyes and squint less. Very few manufacturers do this but in my opinion it makes perfect sense. Am I being fussy?
It’s a great hat though, comfortable to wear, cool and the terry band works really well.
SUMMARY
Scott Sports really have stepped up the mark in the last twenty four months. The addition of Marco De Gasperi, Sage Canaday and Ian Sharman on the athlete team has most certainly influenced product development. The T2 Kinabalu has a great deal of Marco’s direct feedback into the shoe.
As time progresses the brand will develop even more. Currently, Scott have on offer some great apparel and shoes. It’s always a great sign for me when I go to my cupboards to get clothing for a run and I seek out a certain top or short instead of grabbing what is at hand. I do this with the Scott apparel all the time!
LINKS:
IAN CORLESS 