That's Fit

Announcing That's Fit In The Field -- where gearheads will test health and fitness products under real conditions. We'll grub up the stuff, run the trails, jump on a rock wall, backpack, canoe and hit the gym -- putting gear to the F.I.T. Challenge to rate Fit, Innovation and Toughess.

Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS), a leader of outdoor gear, recently supplied a few of their Men's and Women's Techwick shirts and outdoor shorts for the F.I.T. Challenge. This past week my husband Syd and I slipped into the gear and hit the river for two hours of whitewater river paddling, a two-hour run/off-trail hike and a visit to the gym.

Here's Syd's feedback on the Men's Techwick shirts and Tracker Shorts. Ratings on EMS Women's gear will follow tomorrow.

• Techwick Axis 1/4 Zip Short Sleeve and Long Sleeve: Breathability, wicking and mobility were fantastic! Shirts never chafed, stayed nicely on the shoulders during canoeing and running, fabric dried ultra-fast, zips were smooth, and subtle EMS logos are reflective, a nice safety touch. Syd prefers this shirt for trail hiking, backpacking, climbing and biking. One drawback, Techwick does easily snag on sharper branches off-trail.
• Techwick Velocity Crew: Stylish and colorful, Syd prefers this Techwick model for canoeing, running and the gym. A nice, loose fit.
• Tracker Shorts: Comfortable, stylish, durable and breathable. Generous pockets hold essentials. Great shorts for outdoor endeavors or to simply wear around town. Dry fast.

The Tracker Shorts passed the F.I.T. Challenge with flying colors. Innovations of note -- the spring-loaded belt clip unlatches fast and extra zip stash keeps small valuables safe. The Techwick shirts were clear winners for Fit and Innovation, and Tough enough to handle just about any sweaty workout. But beware of snags on off-trail hikes.

Check out the gallery below for an up-close look at the handsome EMS Men's gear tested in our first ever That's Fit In The Field! Psst ... check in tomorrow for the F.I.T. Challenge scoop on EMS gear for Women, and keep an eye out for an upcoming chance to enter to win a Techwick shirt in the Eastern Mountain Sports Father's Day Gear Giveaway!

Gallery: Eastern Mountain Sports for Men