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Mountain Hardwear Pacer Advance : Smarter Running Shorts
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I've been in shorts-nirvana since I started testing Mountain Hardwear's Pacer Advance short. Now all my other gear seems substandard. Every time I go for a run, I reach for these ultra lightweight shorts.
Every element of the construction is smartly engineered for runners (Mountain Hardwear obviously received good input on their design; the Pacer Advance short was made for the Montrail Ultra running team). The wide, silky, knit waistband sits smooth on my skin, so there's no irritating gathered fabric over an elastic band. It also rests on my hips, rather than my waist, which makes for unconstrained breathing (which I appreciated during up-tempo runs).
I also liked the integrated brief. It's treated with anti microbial Chitosan (derived from shrimp shells!) that keeps them from smelly funky after long, sweaty workouts. The outer short is an incredibly light and wispy synthetic blend (83% nylon, 9% elastane, 8% polyester) that didn't weigh me down and felt great in hot weather. In fact, all the fabrics used in the Pacer Advance are top notch and result in an extremely light garment: These shorts weigh just 4 ounces (less than the gels I stash in them).
Which brings me to another one of their attributes: The pockets on the back, beneath the waistband, aren't zippered--so it's easy to grab fuel on the go. The tailoring still holds stuff secure; I never had energy chews bouncing out on the road while I ran. That's just brilliant.
There's another zippered pocket on the upper thigh that's so streamlined I didn't know it was there at first. It's perfect for my house key. So, that's the sum of the Pacer Advance's features.
They're simple, streamlined shorts--as great running shorts should be--and when I say there's not a lot to them, that includes coverage. The three-inch inseam is long enough for function, but that's it. The Pacer Advance has a trim, athletic cut--just enough fabric ease for freedom of movement, and no more. As a result, you don't feel like you're running in a sack. If you like baggies, I'd suggest ordering a size up,
Available in women's XS-XL and in a variety of colors.
Bottom Line: Lightweight running shorts designed with everything you want, nothing you don't. -K.B. (June '10)
BUY ONLINE : $55,
on sale at Rockcreek.com
, click to shop at Amazon.
Manufacturer's Site: www.mountainhardwear.com
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When lifting weights, always remember to protect your back by activating your abdominal muscles before performing each exercise. |
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