Inov-8 Adds Apparel to Off-Road Running Lines

The Race Elite 150 Storm Shell, from inov-8's new line.

Performance, off-road running brand inov-8 is launching its first line of trail running apparel for fall-winter 2013.

The "stripped-back, highly functional" layers are designed to pair with inov-8's minimalist, lightweight running shoes and hydration race packs, creating an entire head-to-toe inov-8 system.

Like its footwear and packs, each garment is designed for runners who want to go out fast in difficult conditions.

Clothing

The inov-8 clothing line includes trail running base layers, shells, pants, and shorts for both men and women. "This is a complete layering system for mountain runners to not simply survive, but to thrive!" said Elizabeth Baker, inov-8 marketing coordinator.

No piece weighs more than 9.7 ounces, so the entire line stays extremely lightweight, true to inov-8's minimalistic ethos.

Base layers use Polygiene, an anti-bacterial agent, for active odor control to prevents the growth of odor-causing bacteria from sweaty runners. It lasts the lifetime of the garment, even after numerous washes.

Pieces feature no-ride-up hems and zipper and pocket placements for running efficiency. Many fit into a small stuff sack for packability.

Race Elite 200 Thermoshell

Inov-8 promises "performance without slowing you down, so you can go fast, run long, and stay warm (or cool)."

Race Elite ThermoShell

A key piece in the clothing line is the reversible Race Elite Thermoshell, a light insulating garment, stuffed with 25 and 40 gram Primaloft Sport synthetic fill.

Worn with its stitch-through construction facing out, the Thermoshell breathes and prevents you from overheating.

Flipped inside-out, a Pertex Quantum ultralight fabric with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish faces out. This offers higher wind resistance and up to 10 percent more warmth during rest stops or before and after runs.

Race Elite 200 Thermoshell (men's) and
Race Elite 180 Thermoshell (women's)

Weight: 7 oz / 200 g (men's);
6.5 oz / 180 g (women's)
Fill: Primaloft Sport 25g / 40g
Available: July 2013
Price: $150

Footwear

Inov-8's minimalist footwear features arrow symbols on the heel to indicate the amount of drop (or difference) between the heel and toe of the shoe. Shoes begin with three arrows at 9mm of drop, and progress down to 6mm, 3mm, and finally, 0mm drop. The arrow system is designed to permits runners to gradually reduce the degree of drop (and weight and cushioning) in their shoes, and "gain proprioception and speed."

Inov-8 Trailroc 150 shoe

Trailroc 150

Invo-8 calls its Trailroc 150 "one for the purists." It's a zero drop, ultralight shoe, tuned for minimum weight and maximum grip. This is the lightest shoe in inov-8's trail range, focusing purely on high performance and minimal weight.

It boasts no midsole for a "low profile authentic barefoot feel." Plus, three sticky rubber compounds vary in hardness to give optimal wear and maximum grip on dry and loose trails.

Weight: 5.5 oz
Drop: 0 mm
Available: Now
Price: $150

Inov-8's Lizzie Baker showed us the Trailroc 150 minimalist trail running shoe at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2013:

Inov-8's Race Pro Extreme 4 hydration pack

Packs

Inov-8's hydration and race packs are unapologetically minimal and functional, designed to increase off-road performance during punishing races and training. The Race Pro Extreme 4 is light, speedy, fascinating stuff best for your next mountain race, but probably not your mountain day hike.

Race Pro Extreme 4

The wispy Race Pro Extreme 4 hydration pack weighs an incredible 6.3 ounces and features a unique horizontal-oriented, non-removable bladder that rests over the hipbones for increased stability.

It's an extremely minimalist and lightweight, 4-litre pack that claims to be ideal for mountain races and "the lightest possible solution to effectively carry two litres of water when running."

Weight: 6.3 oz / 176 g
Storage Capacity: 4 liters
Water Capacity: 2 liters
Available: Now
Price: $150