We’ve all been there. Flipping through our social feeds, giving “likes” to our friends most recent river descents, when that very specific and highly targeted ad pops up. In my case it was Kind Design (https://www.kinddesign.co/) and their river inspired clothing. Ok Facebook, you got me. Who thinks topo maps of the best rivers around printed on clothing specifically designed for river runners is cool? This guy.
Now I don’t go down this road lightly. I’ve been burned by you before Facebook. Like that time I ordered those kickass talking pumpkins for Halloween only to get dollar store plastic junk from China eight weeks later. But I digress and we’re a paddling news site so let’s find out more about Kind Design and their hoodie.
Kind Design is the brainchild of Damon Baz Redd of Boulder CO, who like many of us spent time as a professional river guide and has a lifelong love for outdoor adventures. Kind Design takes this to heart by ethically making it’s products here in Colorado with sustainable materials. They also give back by pledging $2 from every garment sold to Western Resource Advocates who’s goal it is to increase access to public lands for all.
OK, so Kind Design turns out to be a real company run by like minded river runners who also give back. Unlike my plastic pumpkin friends.
Now Let’s Checkout the River Topo Hoodie
Kind Design was nice enough to send us a hoodie to demo. First impression was that this was a quality product. The material feels good to the touch, stretches nicely, and has a good fit. It also has weight to it. It feels substantial.
Let’s Get on the River
Not content to just sit around the Paddling Life offices in comfy river gear I grabbed Honey Stinger Hive athlete Ricky Steamboat and headed to Moab UT for some SUPing and mountain biking.
“The hoodie quiver killer. Magical ability to keep you cool on the sun and warm in the shade. I felt like this hoodie could carry me on my adventures from sunup to sundown” – Ricky Steamboat
On the river I found the hoodie to be warm. Too warm to be in the hot desert Utah sun of Moab, even if it is the end of October. Coming back to the idea that this hoodie is substantial. It’s definitely not a paper thin thing you wear just to keep the sun off your neck in the summer heat. This is something you want to wear once the temps drop a bit. And as soon as we hit the long shadows of the canyons the hoodie came into its own, keeping us warm, dry, and looking good.
Full Moon Ride
Once the river time was over we tested out the Kind Design hoodie while doing a blue moon mountain bike ride at Slickrock on Halloween night.
The hoodie worked out great. Even with 1,355 ft of climbing over 9 miles I was never hot nor cold. It’s moisture wicking and quick dry fabric did it’s job and kept me dry. I can see wearing this hoodie quite a bit in the shoulder seasons for biking and river activities.
Now if only those talking pumpkins had shown up. Still waiting Facebook. They are coming, right?
So What Is Paddling Life’s Review of the Kind Design River Topo Hoodie?
- We definitely recommend.
- We found it to be a quality product that we were very impressed with.
- Perfect for early mornings on the river or wearing around camp once the temps start to drop.
- Doubles as a riding shell in the shoulder seasons.
- Can feel good about sustainable fabric made out of recycled bottles.
- With 150+ sections of U.S. rivers one of your favorites has to be available.
Now the hard part. Which river do you choose?
Available at Kind Design (https://www.kinddesign.co/)
Great review Miles, thank you!
Sweet!