I know I know I keep saying that I want to get these out more regularly.. but summer is such a busy time. I’m not complaining though as the last three weeks have been awesome, including trips to Alaska, the Sawtooths, and most recently over to Ketchum to volunteer at the Standhope Ultra Challenge.
norda 055
Let’s wind it back to Alaska - I had some amazing adventure runs, taking advantage of the long summer evenings to hit some steep climbs, even after 10pm!
norda 055 was the focus initially, as I wanted to get some serious miles in these. I had a slow couple weeks after pulling my hamstring in the ill-fated Precision Fuel & Hydration 100m dash on the last day of TrailCon. But luckily after a gradual 2 week recovery, I was back in the groove for this trip!
It wouldn’t be an Alaska adventure without some wildlife - I ran in to a moose and calf on my very first Alaska run. I kept my distance for a while, and actually turned around and took another route down.
I also teamed up with Brett over at Conversational Pace for a review on CP - check that one out too!
The North Face Offtrail Ultra
Another shoe, perhaps tailor-made for Alaskan running (and more!) is The North Face Offtrail Ultra. I did similar steep routes, a run/hike up the Harding Glacier, and the classic Lost Lake route.
There was nothing that could stop the Offtrail Ultra - I’m very high on this shoe right now, probably going to end up as one of my top shoes of 2026.
It has an agile feel to it, but a surprisingly wide and stable base. Combined with the new Dreambound midsole and a solid upper (including gaiter), and you’re all set for pretty much any trail adventure.
Rossignol Vercors
A quick stop back home to test out another alpine-oriented shoe, the Rossignol Vercors. I have to admit that I was initially put off by the snug fit up front, but luckily with correct sizing (full thumbs with up front) - it actually holds the foot really well and I don’t get overly squeezed.
Rossignol is completely new to me, and this shoe has a lot of good things going on. I can see them becoming a big player in those types of Euro-style trails as they dial in their trail designs.
Salomon Genesis 2
Our trip to the Sawtooths was interrupted by some flash flooding in the area - as the landscape has been greatly affected by the Wapiti Fire in 2024.
The road out from where we camped was actually blocked by a mud/rockslide for close to two days. I explored the area in the new Salomon Genesis 2, and was able to hit up one of the classic Grandjean routes - stay tuned for that review soon.
Luckily for us (but very unfortunately for others), we left before another round of storms came through and wiped out the Trailhead/campsite area that you’ve seen in these as well as my previous Sawtooth videos.
Stay tuned for the highly anticipated (and overdue) S/LAB Genesis 2 as well - from my testing of the “regular” Genesis 2, I can see how a tuned-up version could be pretty awesome. I do have an S/LAB test pair inbound!
Nike ACG Zegama Trail / Radical AirFlow
So much to talk about while I was testing the Nike ACG Zegama Trail as well as Radical Airflow - I had to split it into two parts. These are a mix of scenic and adventure runs with some shoe and gear reviewing along the way.
Don’t miss the full wet testing in Part 1, and some steep up/down testing in Part 2. Lots of other gear and fueling tidbits as well that you won’t want to miss.
Janji Ultrahauler Supertote
Speaking of which.. you need to haul.. er.. tote your gear. The Janji Ultrahauler Supertote (40L) has legit become part of my daily running gear. Any time I need to head out for a run and pack some stuff, it gobbles up everything. See what I’ve got in my bag in the video above.
And speaking of Janji.. man, this one has to be my favorite shirt? running shirt? casual shirt? what is it? of all time.. I’ve gotten complements out on the trail a few times already, it’s a keeper - Janji Trekker Snappy Shirt.
Standhope Volunteering
I said 3 jam packed weeks of adventure.. this past weekend I headed over to volunteer at the Standhope Ultras - I helped out at the 100M start and the 60K finish - races I’ve done in the past, so I figured it was time to give back.
I was able to squeeze in some runs before and in between my shifts. I didn’t make it up to Standhope Pass due to time constraints, but I got high enough.. with a great valley view!
It was perfect terrain to take out the new On Cloudultra Peak. My earlier demo run was on the smoother ski hill track at Olympic Vally. This route was decidedly - not smooth.
Speaking of steep, how about some off-trail Mount to Coast M1 testing? Perhaps not what the shoe is designed for, but why not?
The M1 will release on August 10. Stay tuned as I will have a link to purchase including 10% off using the code “HUMBLERUNNING”. As always, purchasing via my affiliate links helps support Humble Running and I do appreciate it!
And for good measure.. the third moose I’ve come across in 3 weeks - this time a bull. This was about 9:30pm and quite dark, I used night sight on my phone to brighten it up.
I had to wait this guy out for a good 15 minutes as that trail between us was my only route back.
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Anxiously awaiting the MtC M1! Between that and the North Face Offtrail, which one would be more suited for technical terrain?