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PEARL IZUMI-NEW Fall 2012 ULTRA RUNNING/Performance Wear+Shoes =

Outdoor Retailer/SLC

words/images Judith Ecochard

EVER Wonder how ultra-runners-the ones who go for there hour jaunts/5x a week (at least)-are able to keep going, beverage wise...putting one foot in front of each other with a hydration pack sloshing around...so annoying.

SMART- Women's Ultra Barrier WxB Jacket in orchid=waterproof-full taped internal seams, light & packable, breathable,  direct vent back and under arm laser cut holes =superior ventilation, lightweight hood with stretch and adjustable cord system.
Or driven around, strategically placing water bottles along the roads when the temps move up--- picked up later, or have gotten to know the neighbors (and their dogs) for quick hits with the garden hoses. On trails-scouting out the water sources...

At least in cities and some parks-there are water fountains.

Which is why we were very wowed by 60 years old brand Pearl Izumi and the label's ...

abrasion prints on shoulders-pack traction friendly




















grips hydration packs...

...performance apparel pieces for runners, bikers and triathletes...especially those new thoughtfully made - bike and running shoes with transitions in mind.

packable mesh bag-the jacket balls up and stuff sacks in 


THE PI ULTRA COLLECTION OF EXTENDED-DISTANCE GEAR (for men and women)...all day training, no worries.

New (to us, anyway)-the Barrier WxB with Minerale™ technology-a 2.5 layer body and 3.5 layer sleeves for optimal waterproof breathable protection, 4 way stretch, and moisture management system moving the sweat out...integrated back packet system on tights (pictured below)---with two strategically angled 3 ounce gel flask pockets that secures nutrition without shifting around...


Pearl Izumi's Fall 2012 intro's the new Softshell fabric-that's wind and water resistant by construction, without a laminate-so no clammy feeling at all...the ultimate in breathability...in several new jackets and mid level base pieces.

Women's Ultra Windblocking  Jacket-,breathable, wind/water repellant and stretchy, thermal fleece fabric back and under arm panels-superior moisture management and earth, full length internal draft flap with zipper garage-ultimate warmth that seals out the elements, internal fist mitt, abrasion print on shoulders for pack traction


fleece panels


There's a new series of Ultra Tights and even a Windblocking one piece suit...for endurance efforts-with the proprietary back pocket system for gel packs...made of Softshell Lite fabric for wind resistance without the laminate...and one made of the warm Thermal Lite fabric with Softshell light panels, with lower leg zips and zippered back pockets.


women's Streak II in cherry tomato-with reflectivity, recycled lace webbing and laces, Ortholite® sockliner for moisture management/odor control, 
Footwear wise-the Pearl Izumi running shoes (neutral and stability options) are designed with both narrow and regular widths in mind-including BRAVO- narrow heels-a reason we cannot wear so many sneakers ourselves.

PLUS: seamless interior uppers so no hot spots or good for tris when on the run part without socks, 360 degree lacing that anatomically conforms to the foot, and energy foam forefoot cushioning for energy return...
outsole grade EVA and blow rubber-cushioning that's lightweight (193 grams-w/215g-m)




Kissaki-for men and women-is a race/train neutral sneaker---with seam free upper,,,that's extremely breathable...


women's-with Energy foam forefoot and heel pad, Ortholite® sock liner

full blown rubber outsole with carbon rubber heel crash pad




memory foam on collar-custom fit








IsoTransition
This (plus the new Tri Fly Octane bike shoes)---really interested us... features like the seamless uppers , 360 degree lacing system, and a quick lacing system for easy energy/fast transitions (doubt have to replace -yippy), quick draining Ortholite® sock liner, racing last, blown rubber and high durability EVA outsole drainage holes and midsole allow water and sweat to escape...


INFO: http://www.pearlizumi.com/