The Spring/Summer 2021 line is here, and after some weeks of weather and wear, we’re ready to put forth some top finds of the season. Though they’re subject to our personal preferences, we’d love to know your favorites and feedback in the comments at the bottom of the page. Let’s sort through the goods!
Technical Apparel
Camp Cargo Series
The Camp Cargo is back, and without much revision— Because why change a classic? As our best-selling short (along with the zip-off pant), these bottoms are all about practicality, durability, and DWR, so you can hike in comfort no matter what mother nature has in store. Speaking of storage, with 6 pockets (and in the women’s style, 7) you have plenty of it, with 3-4 natural colorways to choose from and as always, a built-in belt.
Compass 4-Points Series
A longtime staple that has overgone a few updates, the Compass 4-Points has returned to a 4-way stretch, making it a more lightweight hiking option while maintaining DWR and abrasion resistance. There are a myriad of style options, including Women’s Trek (roll-up bottoms), Slim (tailored fit), Capri (as name suggests), Trek Short, Envelope Skort (popular) and a personal favorite, the Hike Short (more casual/elastic waist; great for ‘throw on and go.’) For Men’s styles, there’s the classic Compass 4-Points Short and Pants as well as the Zip-Off Pant.
Women’s Explorer Soft Shell Capri
These get a category all their own as they’re a standout in the lineup in terms of tech and feel. Designed to be harness-friendly for climbing, the Explorer is made from a Polyester/Spandex blend with DWR finish and 4-way stretch. There are two invisible zippers on the legs and one on the back. Another personal favorite, as it’s hard to find a tech pant that doesn’t sacrifice freedom of movement— Enjoy total comfort when you move from crag to trail to town. This capri will likely extend to Men’s styles/sizing in the coming seasons.
Trailhead & Bonus Miles Shirts
Classic hike shirts, revamped. The Men’s Trailhead, available in short and long sleeve (with roll-up), features a mesh vent in the back for breathability and a wicking-finished fabric to keep you dry on the longest of hikes. The Women’s Bonus Miles, also available in short and long sleeve, is a new seersucker shirt that transitions well to hangouts off-trail (consider shopping a size up due to seersucker fabric effect).
Thunderhead Peak Rain Jacket
For tech outerwear, this is a top pick. The elevated name is for it’s upgrades, of which there are aplenty— The biggest being the updated material. Now with a matte rip stop fabric, there is noticeable noise reduction and ease of movement, also making it a great layering item for your pack that will keep you dry when flash storms arise. At 2.5L with DWR, a 10k/10k rating, and a packable pocket, there’s no reason not to throw it in.
Elemental Active+ Shorts
These are a favorite with EMS staff trail and road runners. Made from a polyester/spandex blend, the Men’s and Women’s Elemental Active+ Shorts are UPF 30+ and feature wicking with an anti-microbial finish. The built-in liners add to the comfort factor as well as the adjustable waistband and zipper hand pockets. These are the first running shorts we’ve had in a few years and we’re loving how they perform.
Sat Nam Collection
Another line that is new for us is the Sat Nam Collection. Though it was designed with yoga in mind, it features our most versatile fabric group to date, making it suitable for both gym and summit sessions. The revamped fabric is stretchy, soft, and non-see-through, transitioning well to the occasional errand run. Keep an eye out for the jacket coming soon.
Essence & Essential Peaks
The Essence and Essential Peaks are some of the most coveted activewear styles EMS has to offer. Cool against the body with permanent wicking, UPF 30+ and antimicrobial properties, it is a go-to top for high output pursuits and is available in sleeveless, short sleeve, long sleeve, quarter zip, and polo in an assortment of vibrant colors.
Men’s Epic Active Long Sleeve Shirt
Perfect for paddle days, the Epic Active features wicking and UPF 50+ protection. The long sleeve is our preferred option for ultimate sun protection while kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and paddle boarding, and with a semi-fitted crew neck styling, you’re cool and comfortable off the water as well.
Fin Water Shorts
Just because they’re fun. With a water-activated print, you can take the stoke up a notch once you get wet, revealing cool elemental designs that disappear again when dry. The nice thing about the Fin Shorts is that they’re equally as comfortable around town as a casual short.
Lifestyle Apparel
Men’s Dockworker Short
A return style from last season, the Dockworker Short is a classic cargo short with six pockets and zero frills, so you can focus on the task at hand. Note that this is a cotton bottom and therefore not recommended for heavy hiking, hence it’s lifestyle categorization. If you’re looking for your everyday cargo short this summer, this is it.
Women’s Highland Series
Though the Highland series is considered lifestyle, it is a great line for travel with it’s lightweight and all-around comfy feel— But that doesn’t mean it won’t hold up to some adventure. The Highland Tank is one of our best-selling lifestyle pieces for women, falling comfortably below the waist, and the Highland Short Sleeve is a new addition for those wanting more coverage. The Highland Dress and Skirt have seen no updates aside from color choices as they’re a customer favorite.
That concludes our EMS Spring/Summer ’21 Apparel dig— If you have any pieces you’d like to put forth, throw your review down below! (Any tech or fit questions? Let us know.) Also stay posted for some EMS gear later this summer!
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