Testing The New Rat Race Midlayers

Out on the trail, when the weather turns and the miles stack up, your kit either works with you or against you. That’s why before any of our kit goes into production, it earns its place the hard way: through real-world testing in the environments it’s built for.

Over the past few months, we’ve been putting our latest midlayer prototype through its paces across ultra marathon training, wind-bitten ridgelines and of course... our daily dog walks. What we’ve created is more than just another layer. It’s a robust, technical fleece designed for lightweight performance, adaptability, and comfort when it matters most.

What really is a Midlayer?

Let’s start with a common misconception. When people think about insulation, they often think about thickness or bulk. But a true midlayer isn’t about being “thick”, it’s about trapping a layer of air between your base-layer and outer-shell layer. Different materials will offer varying levels of warmth to weight ratio suitable for anything from pub trips to mountain expeditions.

Air is the real insulator. The more effectively a fabric can trap warm air close to your body while allowing moisture to escape, the better it performs. That’s the philosophy behind this piece. Rather than relying on heavy insulation we’ve used a technical waffle fleece, creating a structure that maximises air retention while staying breathable and lightweight.

The Power of Waffle Fleece

At the heart of this design is a polyspandex waffle fleece construction. The grid-like texture isn’t just for looks, although it does look impressive! It creates small pockets that keep warm air close to the body while allowing circulation. This helps moisture to move through the fabric and away from the body.

The result?

• Excellent wicking performance – Sweat is pulled away quickly, keeping you dry even during high-output climbs.
• Impressive warmth-to-weight ratio – You get the warmth you need without feeling weighed down.
• Breathability where it counts – No overheating when the effort ramps up.

Built to Move

Ultramarathon kit has one job: disappear while you move. That’s why stretch was non-negotiable. The polyspandex blend gives this layer a natural elasticity, allowing it to move seamlessly with your body. Whether you’re scrambling over technical terrain or settling into the long miles.

The fit is close but unrestrictive, designed to sit comfortably under other layers without bunching or riding up.

Thoughtful Features for Real Conditions

Every detail in this prototype has been shaped by time on the trail:

• Durable, high-quality SPF zips
  Built to last the lifetime of the product, these zips are designed to withstand repeated use in harsh conditions without failure.
• Close-fitting hood
  Designed to sit neatly under a waterproof shell, offering extra warmth without bulk. It moves with your head, not against it.
• Extended sleeves with thumb loops
  The sleeves are intentionally long, with integrated thumb loops that pull coverage over the back of your hands. Not a fan of thumb loops? No problem, they're sewn flat so they won't get in the way if you're not using them.
• Layer-friendly design
  The smooth outer face makes it easy to slip under a waterproof jacket without friction or bunching.
• Smart pocketing
  Hand pockets for warmth and storage, plus a secure chest pocket for essentials you need quick access to mid-run.

Tested Where It Matters

We haven’t just tested this layer, we’ve been living in it.

From long training runs to everyday wear, it’s been pulled on day after day. Thrown under loaded packs, scrunched into race vests and backpacks without a second thought. It’s been washed over and over again on a multitude of cycles, coming out ready to go each time with no loss of performance.

But testing doesn’t stop when the run ends.

These midlayers have seen everything from hard sessions on the trails to five-a-side football matches, and even a few well-earned trips to the pub. Because real performance kit shouldn’t live in a gear cupboard, it should slot seamlessly into your life. This is the layer we find ourselves reaching for, no matter the activity.

What’s become clear through all of this is its versatility. It regulates temperature when you’re working hard, keeps you comfortable when you’re static, and layers effortlessly when the weather turns.

It’s proving itself to be exactly what we set out to create: a true all-rounder.

What’s Next?

We’re still refining. We're developing final colours and changes now and the finished item should be landing on our website later this year. Testing never really stops. But what we have so far is a strong step toward a piece that embodies what we believe great ultrarunning gear should be: lightweight, adaptable, and built with purpose. 

Because when you’re deep into the miles, or just heading out the door... the best kit is the kind you never have to think about.