Altra Wasatch Jacket Review

I started running in Altra shoes about a three years ago.  I wrote several reviews during my ”Week of Altra,” earlier this year.  To say I am a fan of the Foot Shaped Toe Box and Zero Heel Drop is an understatement.  Altra ventured into the world of running apparel within the past few years and strives to make running gear that will improve your running experience.  Altra just came out with the Wasatch Jacket last month and I couldn’t wait to try it out

I’ve written reviews for several Altra shoes in the past.  Click the links to read my past reviews:

Instinct 2

Paradigm

Instinct 3

Lone Peak 2.5

The One 2.5

Instinct 4.0

Olympus 2.0

Escalante

Instinct Everyday

Lone Peak 3.5

Paradigm 3.0

I ran my 12-hour trail race in July in the Altra Men’s Running Tank.  It’s a semi-fitted top that provides top-notch breathability and I felt awesome, all day long.  I was extremely pleased with the top as it was my first time using Altra apparel.

I have tested and reviewed several weather and waterproof jackets over the past few years from various brands.  Some of them don’t keep the water out for very long.  Other jackets keep water out, but you sweat so much that you’re drenched, mainly due to poor breathability.  I was curious to see how Altra addressed these issues in designing their new jacket.  Let’s look at some of the features that make the Wasatch Jacket great.

All of the seams are welded (taped)

Altra's new ThumbLock™ loops keep your sleeves secure

Breathable fabric including vent holes under armpits

Hood stays put thanks to the cord lock behind the hood

Elastic cord and lock at waist keep the jacket secure and wind out

The Wasatch Jacket uses some incredible waterproofing material that not only works extremely well, but is breathable and has a 4-way stretch.  It truly moves with your body and the jacket is softer than many of the jackets out there.  Many waterproof jackets tend to be rather stiff.  There are also two front pockets and an internal pocket that are all waterproof as well, so you can take your gear or electronics with you.

I tested the Wasatch Jacket on a several very rainy runs with 15-20 mph winds.  I had no issues with water getting in and had less heat buildup than with most waterproof jackets.  The jacket felt comfortable and moved well with my body.  The hood stayed put, which is a common issue with jackets in windy conditions. Check out my YouTube video where I tested the Wasatch Jacket.

Pros:

Completely waterproof

4-way stretch material is comfortable

3 waterproof pockets for storage

Hood and sleeves stay put

Lightweight at 9 ounces

Decent price ($199 at Altra.com)

Altra’s Social Media Links:

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I would recommend the Altra Wasatch Jacket.  It weighs in at only 9 ounces, packs small, and outperforms most other waterproof jackets out there.  When it comes to comfort and features, this is a great jacket for a decent price.  You can find them for $199 on the Altra website.  While most people are hesitant to spend a bunch of money on a waterproof jacket, it truly is a worthwhile investment if you will be out in the rain.   I love to train in adverse conditions as I feel it better prepares me for race day.  Having the right gear is critical to getting out there and performing well.  The Altra Wasatch Jacket has become a top choice for me and I think it will be for you too.

Note:  I received this product in exchange for a review.  The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it.  I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.

Goodr Sunglasses Review

Taking care of your eyes is important.  Wearing sunglasses is a must for me and while I have found some great shades out there, many of them are at least $100 if not twice that.  Do you really have to pay that much money to have a great pair of running sunglasses?

The founders of Goodr are all about having fun.  Their mission is to ignite and unite the spirits of active people. “When you look good, you play gooder.”  Yes, they know it is not proper grammar.  With fun names like “Orange You Glad We Didn’t Say Banana?” and “Phoenix At A Bloody Mary Bar” you can tell they are all about not being too serious at Goodr.  So okay… They have some cool names, but what about the shades themselves?

Goodr shades are made to stay comfortably on your face no matter if you are blazing some new trails or hanging with your friends having a beer.  All of the shades offer a no slip, no bounce experience and most of the sunglasses have polarized lenses with great clarity (There are some clear and yellow tinted lenses that aren’t polarized, due to the fact they are for low-light use).  They also have UV400 protection to make sure your eyes are safe from the harmful rays of the sun. 

The lenses have 5 layers (scratch resistant layer, mirror layer, UV400 protection layer, polarized layer, and another scratch resistant layer) and are super durable.  They have lenses of all different colors and the color combinations between lenses and frames are awesome.  I got to test the “Doc Brown’s Sizzurp Habit” which is a brown frame with a gold lens and “Sunbathing With Wizards” which is a blue frame with a gold lens. 

I was curious how they would really fit and function on the trails, especially when running downhill.  Just as advertised, these shades did not slip or bounce at all.  The clarity of the lenses is good and they look freakin’ awesome!  In fact, I liked them so much that I purchased another pair at the local running shop.  I got the “Swedish Meatball Hangover” which is a translucent yellow frame with a blue lens.  It’s my favorite out of the three.  The best part thing is that the Goodr shades are only $25 each.  How crazy is that!

Pros:

Extremely durable

Polarized lenses

No bouncing or slipping

So many awesome looks

Awesome price at $25

Goodr’s Social Media Links:

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I love my Goodr shades.  I am not the most fashionable person in the world, but these shades look good, perform well, and the price is amazing.  You can get yours on the Goodr website or at a local running store near you (click here for locations).   I liked the two they send me so much, I actually bought another pair at the Fleet Feet in Roseville, CA and I didn’t need another pair, but the colors were sick!  The days of having to throw down some serious money for good running shades is over.  Now you can get quality and value in a single package with Goodr.

Note:  I received this product in exchange for a review.  The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it.  I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.