Royal Robbins Spring ’16 Gear Review
We just got our hands on a few of the new pieces in the Royal Robbins line, and it’s safe to say that the quality has returned to the high standards set by Royal and Liz (the 1968 founders) so many years ago.
: Tom Frost –Robbins—along with legends Frost, Pratt and Chouinard—after successfully sending a first ascent on El Cap’s North America Wall.
If you’re looking to learn more about Royal and his storied climbing career, check out his books.
In the mean time, here are a few of the pieces we’ve been enjoying:
Royal Robbins Billy Goat Hiker:
Fans of Royal Robbins—rejoice! 2016 marks a change for the company, as the Billy Goat shorts are – after a stint with cheaper materials – once again being manufactured from the same durable cotton canvas as the originals.
The Hiker, while it doesn’t have the same stretchy waistband as the Classic Billy Goat, offers up the archetypal Royal Robbins combo of clean style and rugged utility. Hike, climb, chill—we bet these shorts are going to be a staple this summer, next and the ten after that. If you’re looking for a long pair of pants, check out the Billy Goat Stretch 6, which has a similar rugged feel, casual styling and ample stretch.
Tester Quote: “Super comfortable. I don’t know about going on really long hikes in this – I’m more of a synthetics guy on the trail – but it’s rugged enough for moderate activities and definitely stylish for casual wear.”
Best For: Casual use, road trips, mellow hikes
Go Everywhere Tee:
This t-shirt couldn’t have a better name. It really is as versatile as its moniker; the smart look, delightfully soft feel and wicking merino fibers allow it to transition between high-output activities (think: climbing) and more casual pursuits (think: drinking a beer in the shade of a big wall). While the price tag might put you off if you’re used to scouring thrift shops for a passable shirt, the Go Everywhere Tee is actually significantly less than many pure merino tees that can cost more than $80.
Tester Quote: “More comfortable than almost anything I’ve ever worn. If I were going to pull a Zuckerberg and wear the same shirt every day, I might pick this one.”
Best For: Everyday wear, sweaty adventures in moderate weather
Diablo SS Plaid:
Looking to go a tad fancier? The Diablo Plaid, Royal Robbins’ take on the short sleeve button down, is a smart addition to your traveling wardrobe. The wrinkle-free fabric is cut into a classic fit, but features like a zippered chest pocket and a sustainable polyester blend make the Diablo SS a worthy multi-sport shirt as well. From backpacking to mountain biking, this lightweight yet rugged short sleeve gets the job done.
Tester Quote: “I’ve worn it in the office and in the backcountry. It’s performs even better than it looks.”
Best For: Multi-sport adventure, travel, casual use
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