Solstice Athletics New Zealand: Trail Running Programme Comparison Test
Solstice Athletics is a New Zealand-based brand whose trail running programme is one of its most demanding programmes. We tested the new bonded softshell knit against the fabric Solstice Athletics used last season. Both were made into identical garments and evaluated side by side for trail running programme.
Solstice Athletics: Bonded Softshell Knit in use during long off-road efforts on mixed terrain
Evaluation background
The programme covers trail shorts, technical tees and light shells, used for long off-road efforts on mixed terrain. The environment is mud, grit, wind and rapid weather changes and the requirement written into the brief was abrasion resistance with fast drying after stream crossings. Fabric was selected on that basis rather than on price alone.
Fabric under evaluation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Bonded Softshell Knit |
| Composition | polyester face bonded to a TPU membrane |
| Weight | 300 GSM |
| Width | 160 cm |
| Primary function | blocks wind while still allowing vapour to escape |
| Target | water vapour resistance below 6 m2Pa/W |
| Test method | ISO 11092 |
| Additional note | bond strength above 15 N after washing |
| Certification | OEKO-TEX Standard 100 |
Bonded Softshell Knit close-up showing the fabric surface
What was compared
Construction, weight and colour were held constant. The only difference was the fabric, which is the only way a comparison tells you anything useful.
Laboratory comparison
The new fabric reached water vapour resistance below 6 m2Pa/W against ISO 11092, while the previous material missed the same target. Comfort measurements were closer, which is expected because hand had already been approved.
Evaluation session with the Solstice Athletics team
Wear comparison
Over four weeks the difference appeared during mud, grit, wind and rapid weather changes. Wearers described the new version as cleaner and lighter in use, even though the scales said the two garments weighed the same.
Cost comparison
The upgrade adds a modest amount per garment. Measured against the return rate of the previous season, the change pays for itself within a single drop.
Test records and inspection notes for the Trail Running Programme
Scorecard
| Criterion | Result |
|---|---|
| Function | 4.9 / 5 |
| Comfort | 4.5 / 5 |
| Durability | 4.6 / 5 |
| Appearance | 4.3 / 5 |
| Cost efficiency | 4.7 / 5 |
“This is the first season with no comfort complaints in this category.” — Solstice Athletics Technical Team
Packed bulk rolls before shipment to New Zealand
Verdict and recommendation
The new bonded softshell knit outperformed the previous fabric on every measured criterion and we recommend switching the whole programme over. For Solstice Athletics the practical next steps are to keep the current specification for the repeat, retain the shade standard, and issue ISO 11092 results with every lot so any claim can be supported with data.
