As a designer, there is nothing better than diving deep into the product solves/needs from the athletes point of view. Luke and Clare’s insights were truly game changing as we fine-tuned and dialed the High Endurance Kit into the product you see today.

• What was the most rewarding, challenging or interesting part of the HEK kit?

For me, the most challenging part of the HEK kit was definitely the men’s running shorts. I’ve always been a huge fan of tights, I’m not sure if it was just from living up in cold, rainy BC when I discovered trail running, or the pure simplicity of tights as a second skin. As I migrated south to CA, I found myself wishing I had the utilitarian aspect of tights, (no bounce pockets and added muscle support) but with the ease of a woven short. Hybridizing the two concepts was definitely a pattern making challenge, but the end results made it hard for me to run in anything else.

• Philosophy behind the kit– what was it designed for and why?

The high endurance kit really when it comes down to it is human built product designed from the athletes point of view. There is nothing overtly technical about the kit, except for how it performs. That’s the beauty of the kit! Everything in it is stripped down to the essentials, lines are there to shape the body not just the eye - form truly follows function. We created new hybrids layers so you can do more with less. The simple knit bottom sleeve of the airshed pro allows the user to push up the sleeves when on the edge of too hot and then pull down over the hands when too cold. The sleeves in theory are the extension of the knit layer below, but with the added wind protection of a wind shell. No more need to carry a wind shell and a long sleeve shirt. We scrutinized every aspect of what you would need during a long day out in the high mountains running - now all that’s left is to get out and keep using it!

The most interesting part of the HEK kit was definitely the dual zip jacket. It’s such a simple concept that just came from years of running in the rain. After moving to Portland, OR and continuing to trail run, I always found myself hunch over, running in forest park wishing I could get more air into the jacket. By Aligning the zips with the pack front pockets made for easy pack access as a bonus.  I didn’t know what this meant until Clare put the jacket on during our first concept review and looked at me, kind of shell shocked and said “this is a game changer.”  She was referring to staying hydrating while, cold, wet and tired.  She goes on to explain that during the long hauls, when you stop to put a shell jacket it, the conditions are simply miserable. Think rainy, snowy, windy, cold, you are exhausted, tired and now having push into the dark night.  Many of times you put the jacket on over your pack out of pure exhaustion, zip it up and forget about everything, most importably you forget to stay hydrate and eat. Hearing Clare mention how this jacket will impact the runners not only physical (keep them dry), but mentally (remind them to eat/drink) -  really was one of the most rewarding parts of the project.  Anytime you can build something that supports the user beyond just the physical space is truly rewarding.