Outopia Trail Gear Review: Weightless Wool, Maximum Storage, Built to Last

We’ve often heard the saying “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear” and Outopia is all over that with running gear that will take you through the elements.  Let’s dive in to this new to the US brand.One of the highest compliments you can give gear is often that you forget you’re wearing it. That sounds odd, but it’s totally true. While running I don’t want to think about a seam or falling down tights or anything else and Outopia absolutely gets that.

Outopia Run Review

Timing could not have been better for my gear to arrive, it was the first real snowfall in Denver and some of our first really chilly mornings. It was a no brainer to grab the merino wool base layer, but I was curious to see what the other pieces would do in terms of it and features.

Let’s go through some key pieces to help you understand fit and what might just make your runs better through all seasons. BONUS!!! They loved seeing the gear out there and want to make it easier for you to try, so we’ve got a discount.

Outopia discount code: Use code RUNTOTHEFINISH for 25% off

Wonderland ZQ Merino Blend Long Sleeves

As noted, merino is a win for runners for a  million reasons. It’s going to help regulate body temperature making it great in winter and summer, but also helps with smell!! Outopia took it farther by thinking through some additional features like placement of the shoulder seems so that you aren’t going to have rubbing issues with a pack and the under arm allows more heat to escape.

Where some wool can feel a bit scratchy, you’ll find none of that here. It’s smooth and really comfortable. I went with a medium and that was a perfect fit. I tend to be a small in most brands, so good to know that sizing up is necessary. David also ran in this top and where he is normally a medium, he wore a large. It was a very comfortable fit and he really liked the colors which aren’t the standard neon running gear feel.

The shirt was super light and comfy, it’s now in the winter rotation for good!

And what does the ZQ mean? “ZQ™-certified merino wool is traceable to farms that prioritize animal welfare, environmental care, and community well-being.” Like we said, putting more into the thought behind every piece.

• Sizes: XXS to 3XL
• Colors: 4 available
• Available in men’s and women’s
• Currently only in long sleeve, but that seems to be seasonal, so I’m watching for short sleeves
• Available for $128

Soul Run Short Tights

Pockets!!! One of the things many of us now find as a must feature is a phone pocket, but we are talking about all the pockets to carry you through that marathon or a long day on the trails. I piled stuff in the sides and back to see how it felt and they absolutely stayed put.

Technically there are 7 pockets that can hold up to 2.5L (I would say 7-10 gels). The mesh pockets around the waist make it really easy to pull things in and out, while keeping them snug against you. I grabbed a medium in these as well and that high waist was snug. The benefit of that is they didn’t move an inch, no matter what I put in to the pockets. But I also felt a bit like I was in compression around my middle and that wasn’t going to be comfortable for longer miles.

The legs felt great, and the little rubber around the bottom prevented any ride up. From the photo I thought maybe they were a loose over short with a biker under short, but nope it’s all one piece with that spandex style fit.

Personally, I loved the little bit longer fit. A 4 inch for me feels like rid ups waiting to happen.

• Sizes: XS to XL
• Colors: 2 available
• Available in men’s and women’s
• Available for $88

Solar Shield Insulated Jacket

Now we’re getting in to some of their serious tech. I’ve never heard of Pertex before, but in this case it’s all about providing you warmth that feels insanely light. It delivers on that promise. I’ve tested a lot of winter running jackets and this was truly almost like wearing a wind breaker from the weight, but getting all of the warmth you want thanks to Polartec.The inside is like a brushed fleece feeling. I’ve often said Polartec is a favorite feature for me and the Alpha version here is absolutely a winner. It also remains really light and breathable, helping to pull that moisture away to better manage temperature.

You don’t often see a jacket with the hand covers, so that’s also a nice feature. How many days do I start with gloves and remove them after a mile or two? A lot.

Bonus points the Pertex is also water repellent. That means it’s not as hot as something waterproof, but gives you enough coverage to head out on a snowy day feeling confident you’ll stay warm.

Once again I’m in a medium where I’m a small in most other running jackets.

• Sizes: XS to XL
• Colors: 2 available
• Available in men’s and women’s
• Also available as a vest and matching pants below
• Available for $328

Solar Shield Insulation Pants

For all my runners who have told me they want an option that’s not running tights for the winner, Outopia has the solution. Sharing all the great Pertex and Polartec features of the jacket these were super fun to run in. They provide that extra wind protection which you aren’t getting from tights and that’s an incredible feature for CO.

It was just a nice light feeling, but I am already thinking about these for all of our other winter activities like snowshoeing and cross country skiing!The waistband has an internal drawcord so you can tighten them up if needed. I had no need, they sat comfortably and stayed in place as we ran and hiked around in the snow.

While there are two size zippered pockets and two back zippered pockets, I didn’t put anything in them for the run. I think a gel might be fine, but anything heavier seemed like it might just bounce against my leg which I don’t enjoy. Still a great feature for those other winter activities.

At 5’9″ you can see while running they are just a smidge short for me, but longer socks and we’re off to the races. The brushed fleece is so nice to keep from overheating that I honestly don’t even mind. And yes the cuffs can be adjusted so if you’re tromping through the snow, you can tighten them to keep it out.

• Sizes: XS to XL
• Colors: 2 available
• Available in men’s and women’s
• Available for $298

Unisex’s Earth Tencel Merino Blend Tank

This is the shirt I was excited about due to a cat and honestly I  LOVE a muscle tank. Unfortunately with the Unisex sizing in a medium it’s just way too large for me and will sadly never be used.

This feels like t-shirt fabric so it’s almost a surprise to realize that it’s wool!

• Sizes: XS to XXL
• Colors: 2 available
• Available for $78

Run Wild Short

We’ve already established that I like pockets, so for those of you wanting that looser fit welcome to the Run Wild. They are super light and provide that comfortable quick dry sensation we want.There are some mesh side and waist pockets for gels, along with a back zippered pocket and two side zippered pockets. Plenty of places for keys and gels, but we didn’t find anything that would comfortably hold a phone.

Technically these can pack in to their own pocket for travel. But unlike I jacket, I see less cases where we’d actually do that.

• Sizes: XS to XL
• Colors: 3 available for women
• Available in men’s and women’s
• Available for $98

All right, there it is, our breakdown of Outopia Run! We’re going to keep putting these pieces to the test over the winter and update again with thoughts on durability. Our initial impression is these fabrics should hold up well.

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