Gear Review: SportHill Pursuit II Top, Junior XC Pants, 3SP Gloves

I first tested my SportHill garb by going for a night’s run; it was about 20 degrees and I was working up a sweat. I donned a Pursuit II Top, Junior XC Pants, and a pair of 3SP Gloves. I couldn’t wait for the snow and my chance to use my SportHill outfit for some intense snowshoeing. A week later, I got my wish.

As if I was glutton for punishment (given on my own behalf), I wore no base layers. I was all SportHill for the day and the snowshoeing weather was sure to be brisk. For the moments it took me to get my gear ready and snowshoes strapped to my feet, I was second-guessing my decision to dress lightly. However, it was my intention to put SportHill’s products to the test.

When the snowshoeing ensued, it was nothing short of brilliance. I was sweating. I couldn’t believe it. I felt perfect and SportHill’s product pulled through. I was shoeing through drifts of snow, I fell occasionally throughout my descent on Mount Evans, and the temperature dropped as the afternoon rolled by. No problems.

The top and pants worked as advertised. Here are the features:

*Pursuit II Top – Men’s (3300)

High performance cycling/running/skiing hybrid style with 3SP front and sleeves to maximize windblock. Swift side and back panels for added ventilation.

*3SP (85% polypropylene, 15% Lycra)
*Swift (91% polyester, 9% Lycra)
*12-inch front auto-lock zipper features reflective piping
*Inner storm guard and zipper garage
*One invisible back zip pocket
*One invisible side pocket on right side
*Reflective piping down back seams
*Slight drop tail hem
*Extended sleeves with Lycra bound cuffs
*Flat seam construction

Junior XC Pants (2110)

XC Pant in junior sizing.

*3SP (85% polypropylene, 15% Lycra)
*Non-roll elastic waistband with drawcord
*Classic front crease stitch
*Two side seam zip pockets
*12-inch offset ankle zippers

For a man who has lost about 70 to 80 pounds over the past two years, I felt wonderful in SportHill’s clothing. It was form fitting…and seemed to provide that extra confidence I needed when snowshoeing (I was well-received on the trail). Either way, it’s nice to wear clothing that provides that extra added (and needed) performance for those looking to get fit – or are fit already.

The 3SP Gloves with Leather Palm stood-up wonderfully in the snowshoeing elements. In fact, I use them on cold mornings to scrape the ice off the car windshield. They’re all-purpose, and that works great for me.

The 3SP Gloves provide:

3SP Glove with Leather Palm (3460)

The wind resistance, softness and stretch of 3SP in two new gloves.

•3SP (85% polypropylene, 15% Lycra)
•Full 3SP glove with Pittard’s WR100X leather palm (3460 leather palm version)
•Elasticized wrist

My only complaint with the gloves was the leather stitching on the palms. My right hand glove became unstitched as I used them more. It wasn’t anything overwhelming, but the problem seemed to grow as I continued to wear them for more than just snowshoeing.

For more information on SportHill products, visit http://www.sporthill.com.