NAME: Ari
AGE: 48
LOCATION: Calgary, Alberta
OCCUPATION: Lawyer, Endurance Athlete
INSTAGRAM: @arisarantis
WHAT GARMENT ARE YOU FIELD TESTING?
The Merino Toque.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION OF THE GARMENT?
The colour and feel were exquisite.
DESCRIBE A TIME WHEN YOU WORE THIS GARMENT OUTSIDE.
HOW DID IT PERFORM?
I wore this toque on one of my high-intensity runs by the reservoir in Calgary, when the temperature was about 3 degrees, and a brisk wind was kicking up off the partially frozen water. The toque performed perfectly, wicking away moisture and regulating my body temperature.
HOW DOES THIS PRODUCT MAKE YOU FEEL?
Well, I love the colour, the fit, and the feel, and given the fact that it works well when I'm training and the wool comes from non-mulesed sheep, I'd have to say the product makes me pretty happy.
HOW OFTEN HAVE YOU WORN IT?
Three or four times in late March, early April, when the weather was cooler.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE FABRIC?
The fabric is exceptional—soft, moisture wicking, comfortable.
DID YOU FOLLOW THE WASHING/DRYING INSTRUCTIONS WHEN CLEANING THE GARMENT? IF NOT, HOW DID YOU CLEAN IT?
Have not needed to clean it yet.
DID THE GARMENT CHANGE AFTER USE?
Nope.
DID THE GARMENT MEET YOUR NEEDS?
Yes.
HOW WOULD YOU IMPROVE THIS PRODUCT?
N/A.
TELL US A STORY ABOUT YOU IN THIS GARMENT.
I do NOT like being cold, and often it's the smaller garments (e.g., toques, mitts, buffs) that make the difference between an enjoyable and a miserable training session. This toque definitely got me off of the treadmill and onto the trails a couple of times this Spring.
HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR WEEKEND?
Ideally, by getting some quality outdoor training sessions in, and if they involve me getting out to the mountains (i.e., mountain biking or trail running), even better.
WHAT'S ONE WAY THAT YOU LEAVE THINGS BETTER?
I volunteer as a Board member for Run Calgary. Our organization hosts the Calgary Marathon as well as a number of other events throughout the year, encouraging healthy lifestyles and community and charity involvement.
