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.

Source