Alright, trail runners, lace up your shoes and slap on your GPS watch because we’re about to dive into Rabbit’s latest trail running line. In today’s review, we’re diving into the most recent trail drop from Rabbit: the Shredsters, the High Country Shirt, and the UPF Deflector 2.0 Hoodie. Yes, Rabbit has turned up the style dial to 11 while delivering that trail-ready performance we all crave.
Shredsters
The Pro:
Let’s talk about the Shredsters. If Rabbit’s Shredders and Speedsters had a baby, the Shredsters would be their proud offspring. These trail half tights are designed to provide a lot of storage for the run, and I’m happy to report that Rabbit nailed it. The biggest highlight for me must be the pockets; I can carry a water bottle, GoPro, iPhone, gels, salt tabs, and my keys all in one pair of shorts without them jiggling around like they’re at a dance party.
The Con:
While the Shredsters check off many boxes for what I look for in half tights, there is one area I wish rabbit would address: the inclusion of a liner. The longer the distances I climb in the Shredsters, the more I find myself wishing for that added support.
The Buy:
The Shredsters not only hold a ton of gear, but they also feel fantastic. The fit is spot on, true to size for me, and they really hit the mark on comfort. These are a pair of half tights that both trail runners and road marathoners should have on their radar.
High Country
The Pro:
Now, one thing I did not have on my bingo card was dress shirts for the trail and how much I would enjoy them. Enter the High Country Shirt: a button-up dress shirt that looks just as great on the trails as it does at a BBQ. I find myself enjoying the High Country when the temps are a little lower and I want some extra coverage from the sun. The fit works extremely well for my body—not too slim-fitting and not so baggy that I feel like I’m wearing my father’s dress clothes as a kid.
The Con:
However, the High Country does fall a little short on those scorchers of a run. On very hot days, it soaks up sweat and can feel a bit heavy at times. But thankfully this did not lead to chaffing. I also think this shirt leans more into its fashion side than function – which isn’t always a bad thing…
The Buy:
If you’re looking to invest in a running shirt that looks just as good on the trails as it does at the post-run coffee stop or the family BBQ, the High Country shirt is the way to go. Sure, a button-up might be my style, but hey, I get it – not everyone dreams of running in office attire!
UPF Deflector 2.0 Hoodie
The Pro:
Now, the older I get, the more cautious I have become about getting sunburned and damaging my skin. It’s nice when brands such as Rabbit develop products that help ease some of my concerns. The UPF Deflector 2.0 Hoodie is a piece most runners concerned about the sun should have in their collection. This hoodie has a UPF of 50, which means it has a similar effect to sunscreen for protecting from sunburn. The fit is on the baggier side, which can be a negative or positive depending on how you prefer your hoodie. The UPF Deflector not only delivers on protecting my skin but also does a fantastic job with my sweat. As a heavy sweater, it’s important to have a piece that can manage it.
The Con:
While the Deflector offers UPF 50 to keep your skin safe on those long trail runs, wearing a hoodie in the summer can get pretty toasty – especially during a heatwave. Seriously jealous of you “What is humidity folks” when it comes to this, a land where sunshirts reign supreme. Be prepared for some double-takes from fellow trail-goers; the whole ‘hoodie-for-sun-protection’ trend hasn’t quite caught on here on the East Coast!
The Buy:
If skin protection is a top priority when you’re out on the trails, the Deflector is a piece to consider. With its UPF 50 rating, it offers excellent coverage against harmful sun rays, letting you focus on your run without worrying about getting burnt. It’s perfect for long days outside, providing that extra layer of defense, even if the idea of a hoodie in the summer takes a bit of getting used to!
Whether you’re hitting the trails, roads, or even the family BBQ, Rabbit has you covered! From the versatile storage of the Shredsters, the trail-chic style of the High Country Shirt, to the sun-protective prowess of the UPF Deflector 2.0 Hoodie, Rabbit’s latest trail running line blends functionality with flair.