A Sidetracked Studios Production
Written by Daniel Neilson
Photography by Rachel Keenan
Design by John Summerton & Derek Stanley
© 2022 Sidetracked Ltd. All rights reserved.
A Sidetracked Studios Production
Written by Daniel Neilson
Photography by Rachel Keenan
Design by John Summerton & Derek Stanley
© 2022 Sidetracked Ltd. All rights reserved.
SIDETRACKED EQUIPPED // AUTUMN & WINTER 2023
LEKI’s Cross Trail FX Superlite walking poles are one of the company’s lightest and most packable sets. They’re part of LEKI’s versatile ‘cross trail’ range that falls somewhere between hiking and trail running. Let’s call it fast hiking! These poles are made from an exceptionally light carbon, and weigh just 203g each. They also fold up into three parts, measuring just 42cm, allowing them to be easily stowed.
Extending them couldn’t be easier. They practically pull themselves together. Just flip them out, pull the top and lock them in. The height is very easily adjusted, with clear markings up the pole. Those who have used LEKI poles before may be familiar with the Shark grip system. LEKI really focus on designing each grip for different purposes. The Cross Shark grip maintains the light weight of the trail running specific grips, but adds more support for the hand. We’ve found them comfortable to use all day long. There’s also a wide mesh strap, that fits securely and effectively takes some strain off the joints and muscles. The grip itself is foam, with open pores so it doesn’t become slippery.
LEKI has a long history of making exceptional unisex poles, and these are a welcome, versatile addition to the range.
PRICE: £215
WEBSITE: leki.co.uk
Take a look at what was on the feet of the top ten competitors at the Ultra Tour du Mont Blanc, and you’ll see adidas Terrex featured highly. Over the last few years, the brand has been, ahem, making huge strides into trail running. There’s a noticeable focus on every element of the shoe, ensuring that everything plays off each other in harmony. The exact level of the cuff, the materials used on the soles (Continental Rubber, if you were wondering), the lacing system, the shock absorption underfoot. The adidas Terrex Soulstride Flow GTX bring all these elements together and each iteration gets better and better.
On the trails in Scotland, they inspired the most important thing a trail shoe can: confidence. The snug fit, the stable heel, and the grippy soles all worked together with the athlete.
This is why they’ve become the choice on the long trails of the competitions and shorter training runs through the forest.
Their waterproofness is also among the best we’ve come across. The big flaw in waterproof shoes is that there’s a big hole in the top where your foot goes, and once water is in a waterproof shoe, it stays in. The designers at adidas have combined a great lacing system with a snug fitting cuff to minimise the chances the water ingress and to great effect. A fantastic pair of shoes that will keep your toes dry for long periods.
Take a look at what was on the feet of the top ten competitors at the Ultra Tour du Mont Blanc, and you’ll see adidas Terrex featured highly. Over the last few years, the brand has been, ahem, making huge strides into trail running. There’s a noticeable focus on every element of the shoe, ensuring that everything plays off each other in harmony. The exact level of the cuff, the materials used on the soles (Continental Rubber, if you were wondering), the lacing system, the shock absorption underfoot. The adidas Terrex Soulstride Flow GTX bring all these elements together and each iteration gets better and better.
On the trails in Scotland, they inspired the most important thing a trail shoe can: confidence. The snug fit, the stable heel, and the grippy soles all worked together with the athlete.This is why they’ve become the choice on the long trails of the competitions and shorter training runs through the forest.
Their waterproofness is also among the best we’ve come across. The big flaw in waterproof shoes is that there’s a big hole in the top where your foot goes, and once water is in a waterproof shoe, it stays in. The designers at adidas have combined a great lacing system with a snug fitting cuff to minimise the chances the water ingress and to great effect. A fantastic pair of shoes that will keep your toes dry for long periods.
PRICE: £140
WEBSITE: adidas.co.uk
Finding a good bag to run with can be a frustrating task. By its nature, it has to work harder than a walking rucksack. The bounce needs to be as minimised as possible, the pockets need to be easily accessible and easy to open. They tend to be used in wilder situations, for longer, and undergo more wear. In recent years, the vest has become common: a bag that fits like an item of clothing. Sometimes they work, often times they just are a bit frustrating. No such frustrations with the Arc’teryx Norvan 14 Vest. This 14-litre version of the vest is designed for longer runs and fast hikes where you need to carry a reasonable amount of clothing, hydration and food (there’s also a seven-litre pack).
And, quite simply, it’s one of the best-fitting running vests we’ve ever worn. There’s almost no bounce at all. There was a slight frustration attaching the front fastening, but once it’s in, it’s incredibly easy to adjust. There are two large stretch pockets at the front for super-simple access to a phone and two more pockets with a drawcord for 500ml soft water bottles (included). The main compartment is closed with a tug of a draw cord and then fastened again with a loop and clip. Note that the packs come in several different size options, as well as different fits for men and women.
PRICE: £160
WEBSITE: arcteryx.com
It takes work to make a running vest. The constant bounce of running has to be mitigated. Everything you need on a long run needs to be at hand, easily accessible, without stopping your run. There's no time for struggling with zips and pockets, with taking it off, especially when reaching for water or fuel. The compression straps and fitting straps need to be adjusted too. It must also carry what you need for a long run: a waterproof jacket, running poles, keys, phone, and Jelly Babies.
With its Strive Light Black 10, Silva has seemingly designed a near-perfect running vest. There's also a smaller five-litre version, but this 10-litre version is designed for extended day runs in the mountains. There are two entrances to a lower back pocket, suitable for storing waterproofs, plus an elastic pocket that can be accessed on the move. Happily, there's not an abundance of compression straps; they're just all that's needed for a tight fit.
At the front are two pockets for soft flasks (two are included) and snacks, a weatherproof zipped pocket for phone and keys and more mesh pockets for gels and bars. It's also compatible with a hydration bladder.
Two straightforward chest straps (thank the heavens) allow it to fit perfectly. Poles, too, can be easily attached. You'll also find a whistle when things have really gone wrong or your dog is a little too interested in a lake.
All you need, and nothing you don't, with almost no bounce. And it's incredibly light, at just 306 grams for the L/XL version. This is a very, very good running vest.
PRICE: £100
WEBSITE: silvasweden.uk
Altra is a brand celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, but one that has been quietly garnering the attention of serious trail runners across the globe. Altra was started by Brian Beckstead and Golden Harper in Utah, after, the story says, Golden toasted a pair of shoes, heating them enough to remove the heel. ‘For the first time in my life, I’m wearing a normal-feeling running shoe,’ he said. ‘I don’t feel like the shoe is messing with the way I’m running.’ Another hack was to loosen the lacing at the front of the shoe. It was a search for balance.
Putting them on for the first time, the width of the toe box is immediately noticeable, making them comfortable on first wear, but also after a couple of hours of running. It allows the toes to swell, but also let them manage your balance on the rough trails. The other quality that Altra shoes display – and this is where the toaster came in – was to make sure the heel and the toe are an equal distance from the ground, a zero drop. Altra argues that it creates better alignment, form and lower impact. It can be initially disconcerting, but even after a couple of kilometres, the benefits became apparent. Nor is it a shoe that takes time to adjust to, the Olympus 5 especially has the most cushioning for long days on the trail.
Altra is a brand celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, but one that has been quietly garnering the attention of serious trail runners across the globe. Altra was started by Brian Beckstead and Golden Harper in Utah, after, the story says, Golden toasted a pair of shoes, heating them enough to remove the heel. ‘For the first time in my life, I’m wearing a normal-feeling running shoe,’ he said. ‘I don’t feel like the shoe is messing with the way I’m running.’ Another hack was to loosen the lacing at the front of the shoe. It was a search for balance.
Putting them on for the first time, the width of the toe box is immediately noticeable, making them comfortable on first wear, but also after a couple of hours of running. It allows the toes to swell, but also let them manage your balance on the rough trails. The other quality that Altra shoes display – and this is where the toaster came in – was to make sure the heel and the toe are an equal distance from the ground, a zero drop. Altra argues that it creates better alignment, form and lower impact. It can be initially disconcerting, but even after a couple of kilometres, the benefits became apparent. Nor is it a shoe that takes time to adjust to, the Olympus 5 especially has the most cushioning for long days on the trail.
PRICE: £155
WEBSITE: altrarunning.eu
Socks are at least as important as the fit of a shoe for avoiding blisters. Fortunately, with Darn Tough on your feet, you’re half way to blister-free bliss. The key to blister-free socks is in the construction. Socks can’t slip or bunch, they need to fit snugly and comfortably. They also need wicking qualities to draw moisture away. Also assisting in general foot happiness is what Darn Tough call ‘flex windows’. Put simply, these are zones of the sock where your foot moves so there is less material. They also add more where it’s needed, for example around the arches.
The material is 52 per cent nylon, 42 per cent merino wool, and 6 per cent lycra spandex. It’s a proven blend that takes the best of merino’s qualities – naturally odour-free, great wicking capabilities and durability – and blends it with the comfort of nylon. Underfoot on the runs it felt… well… we didn’t notice them, which is a clear sign of quality. Several of us at Sidetracked have actually been running consistently in Darn Tough socks for a good few years now, and each of us can vouch for the simple excellence of them. No problems at all, and even more remarkable, there are hundreds more miles left in them… thousands probably. We get excited about good socks.
PRICE: £21
WEBSITE: darntough.uk
It was a day with all seasons, like many late autumn days in the Highlands. We revelled in the drama of the day, the rain coming across the horizon, the glimpse of the vast mass of the mountain in front of us, the rock underfoot.
@sidetrackedmag // www.sidetracked.com