RU OutsideNo, this isn't a large company like Klim, Coldwave or Reima, but it's impressive and working hard to improve its products. RU Outside owner, Rick LaBelle, wants to create clothing that's functional for all winter recreation. Rick is a Teton Valley dweller and lives to traverse the outdoors in all conditions - his clothing line represents his need.
RU Outside is a company driven to the multi-dimensional. Its cold weather wear is purpose-built for snowmobiling, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and lounging around the house when snowed in.
RU Outside gave us its Teton Glove ($39.95), which we wore out due to heavy use. Additionally, we capitalized on its Renegade-2 boot ($139.95), Chinook winter sock ($18.95), Polartec Powerstretch balaclava ($18.95), unisex fleece-zip T ($39.95), fleece pant ($39.95), EC-2 unisex T ($19.95) and long johns, Vortex 3-in-1-gloves ($59.95) and its Sonic jacket ($99.95). At the time of our evaluations, RU Outside had not developed its own pant/bibs for its Sonic jacket.
As we worked through the season, several pieces of clothing claimed top honors with us. One, as mentioned, was RU Outside's Teton Glove. This lightweight glove was extremely comfortable and allowed me, and others, to feel the handlebars. In frigid temps, this glove was a bit cold, however. But with handlebar heaters set on roast it was less of a problem. This was our glove of choice for boondocking and all-around work.
We wore and enjoyed the Vortex 3-in-1 glove when the afternoon and evening temperatures dipped. We also utilized this glove when our hands were cold from yanking on bumpers. We pulled the fleece liner from the glove for our use. We can't get used to bulky gloves with handlebar warmers. We simply prefer gloves with a lighter feel. But for those of you who like well-built fleece-lined gloves, these work. This glove, like the Teton, didn't fray from use or split between the fingers - and its water-proofing was sufficient.
The RU Outside Sonic jacket is a great springtime or 20- to 30-degree jacket. It's lack of inner snow skirt allows snow to accumulate on a rider's back. However, with proper layering, drivers can stay warm and dry, and this is where the RU outside inner wear EC2 long johns, Zip-T and fleece pant keep a body warm and comfortable. RU Outside backed up its claims with the Qwik-Dri EC2 material transporting moisture from the skin to the atmosphere in rapid fashion.
The coat's "Stretch Woven Soft Shell" is a breathable, wind- and water-proof laminate that is functional for most winter conditions. All seams are taped and welded to give the coat its needed durability. The coat's pit zips are large and spacious. Conversely, we encourage the coat's designers to place mesh-like material in the pit openings to prevent snow from working its way inside.
The Chinook sock proved itself in keeping our feet dry and warm. It didn't come apart and, for the most part, stayed up on the calf. However, we would like the sock to be taller, as it would tend to walk down when a rider worked his snowmobile's running boards a lot.
The Renegade-2 is a flexible boot. It's comfortable to wear and does an excellent job at keeping snow out. Its latching system is secure and foolproof. We feel this boot is durable for all types of riding, but we encourage RU Outside to develop a snowboarder-style boot, as solid, less-flexible boots are becoming the norm because they protect ankle roll.
But wearing this boot was a pleasure. After one ride, I thought my feet were wet - as they were slightly cold - but after pulling off my boots in a warm trailer and inspecting my Chinook socks, my feet were dry - and dry is what we need. The boots have experienced some trauma from aggressive use on today's serrated runningboard edges. Perhaps a more durable material for the outer sole would prevent this. But I give the boot a 10 out of 10 for comfort. Once on a foot, the boot almost becomes invisible as it bends and flexes with every move.
I recommend RU Outside for most types of riding. The jacket may lack a bit in deep-snow or frigid function, but its rubber Batman-suit like appearance has function and purpose when used in the right conditions.
Additionally, this is the jacket I wore as my casual jacket for all of my daily winter travel.
The boots are comfortable, while the fleece middle-layer inner wear and EC2 long johns also get our nod. The Teton gloves are durable, and are again highly recommended.
You don't have to be a mountain man to enjoy RU Outside clothing, it is clothing all can use for snowmobiling and other winter activities.
For more information, contact Rick LaBelle at RU Outside, or visit
www.ruoutside.com.