#Brooks carbonite zip#

I ran with my key fob in the zipped pocket, and having the weight to one side did not affect performance or comfort.

The “hidden” zipper pocket on the left side can fit a gel or my Jeep fob (tight fit, but it works).

For performance, the 4” length and small slits on the outer legs prevent bunching, and although the material is flowing, the longer length prevents showing too much of the upper legs during fast paces or windy days (which I appreciate). As compared to other brands (size small in Tracksmith, for example), these shorts offer more volume. As compared to other brands, the size small has a generous volume, which works great for thicker thighs and back sides without having to size up. The Carbonite 4” shorts look short, but they are the perfect length for me: not too short/revealing and too long. Renee: I need more 4” inch shorts in my life. Not unexpected, and luckily I’ll mostly be wearing these in the dark anyway, so no one will know! One note: the Carbonite tights look super sleek, but the white on the calves does not stay white if you run on dirt or mud. But still, it’s a perfectly fine pocket for keys or a gel, or even both. I tried, and it does fit, but barely, and definitely not securely enough to go for a run. The tights have one envelope pocket in the back that Brooks claims can fit a phone. I suspect these tights will get me through most of the mid-Atlantic winter, though there might be a handful of days I opt for something a little bit warmer. But once I started moving and generating heat, the weight felt pretty perfect. Standing outside on a wet, 40-degree day waiting to start a run I was definitely cold. The medium in the Carbonite tight is perfect, and I find myself wearing these tights long after my run is done.īrooks describes the weight as “just right warmth” that insulates but won’t overheat. With tights I often get stuck between sizes, with a small feeling tight in the waist but a medium feeling saggy around my legs. The Carbonite tights are high-waisted but forgiving, with an internal drawstring for adjusting the fit. But at this point I don’t wear them because they’re reflective I wear them because they’re really comfy tights.

#Brooks carbonite zip#

Overall, if you’re a vest person (and I know plenty of people are not) the Carbonite vest is worth a look, just consider sizing up if you prefer a longer fit.Īlex: The Carbonite tights have 3M reflective strips around the ankles, calves, and thighs, guaranteeing you’ll be seen by cars as you zip across the road. Brooks has clearly thought about that issue and designed it so that even if the neck sits high, there’s nothing that could chafe. So many vests have necks so high that my face gets scratched by the zipper while I run. Brooks says the vest provides wind and water protection, and though I’d never choose a vest on a rainy day, it definitely seems to cut the wind a bit on those breezy late fall runs.Īnd since I quibbled, I do have to say that one thing I love about the fit is the neck. For the mid-Atlantic this is exactly what I need - it adds enough warmth to get me out the door but I’m not going to overheat once I get going. The material of the vest is relatively lightweight, while still providing a layer of warmth. Even with a black shirt underneath, I felt confident cars could see me. The reflective strips sit on the front and back of the shoulders and wrap around the hip, so you can be seen from the front, back, or side. And the Carbonite vest is great for being seen. Renee and Alex tested the Carbonite 4' shorts, short sleeve, vest, and tights. Read on to see what they thought.Īlex: Even in the darkest, coldest months here in DC, it’s rarely cold enough for a jacket, so I love the idea of a reflective vest for when I need to be seen but don’t need the warmth. The reflective elements in motion can be seen when lit by cars, and identified as a human form, at up to 600 feet at 35mph.įor more on the science behind Run Visible see the Brooks article here For several years Brooks has been perfecting its Run Visible collection of high day and night time visibility apparel and accessories in recent years in partnership with 3M which has done extensive research around how the human eye discerns people in low light and at night.ģM Carbon Black retro reflectivity in areas of motion that help identify you as a human and not a random sign.Įach piece in the Run Visible Collection returns at least as much light as 300 candles burning in the same location.Ĭarbonite apparel balances the use of fluorescence, contrast colors and patterns for daytime (and night time) visibility and to alert that you are a runner in motion.