Get Moving with RYU High Performance Apparel

Hailing from Vancouver, RYU Apparel know a thing or two about movement. Nestled away in one of the most ecologically diverse corners of the North American continent (if not the world), Vancouver natives love to explore, either in the urban city center or nature’s playground in the surrounding areas. To quote RYU “we believe movement can set us free. It helps us grow. Movement lifts all of us up. Movement matters.”  This is clear in all of the products, and below we’re looking at the perfect selection of RYU products to get you moving and shaking, wherever you may be.

Let’s dive in to some of the best RYU has to offer.

Windshell Jacket

You can’t exercise in Vancouver (or anywhere else for that matter) year round without some level of protection. Whether it be wind or rain, or just a morning chill, this windshell jacket has you covered. Lightweight, packable, and stylish, this jacket exemplifies RYU’s well balanced form and function ideology. With OEKO TEX® Certified (Chemical free fabric), you can feel good about wearing it and its DWR and PU coating make this a pretty weather resistant jacket. I’ve found it to handle sporadic rain well, and while I wouldn’t wear in a consistent four hour downpour, it handles precipitation admirably and is certainly enough to finish your workout drier.

The hood has a visor for a little extra protection, and the chin guard keeps you comfortable as you battle the elements while you train. Elasticated cuffs and hems make this comfortable as you bound through the streets, and the two way zipper (essential in my view) allow for good temperature control while maintaining protection. There’s even two subtle zipper pockets on the front of the jacket, which are great for hands or small EDC essentials. Internally you’ll find a zipper pocket, which is the packing spot for your jacket when it’s not needed.

This jacket is not only a great addition to your workout gear, but also one of those products I’d keep in my bag on the move!

Vector Shorts 

The Vector Shorts are an attractive option for anyone who is looking for a pair of “do-it-all” shorts. With a 5” outer, and 6” liner, these shorts will keep you moving whatever your task. Sleek design paired with innovative fabrics make these an easy choice to train in or pack for travel. Lightweight and eco conscious, these are OEKO TEX® certified and use Bluesign® recycled polyester, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better pair of shorts for under $70.

With bonded hems (no scratchy scratchy), and internal drawcord (adjustable fit), and a zippered pocket (keys and gels), you can tackle any challenge in the Vector shorts. With four-way stretch, a brushed waistband, and an antimicrobial liner, comfort is key so that you can focus on crushing. There is no doubt that these will perform well wherever you take them, but they look great too!

Vapor Long Sleeve

I have a bit of a passion for work out shirts, I spend a lot of time in them between coaching and playing rugby, hiking, and running. Over the years I have worn many, I have also given away many. I’m not sure there is a perfect workout shirt that exists, but there are a few that come very close to that elusive moniker. They all share the same characteristics: minimal seams, stretch, and anti-stink! The Vapor sleeve displays all of these qualities and more.

What I like about the Vapor is that it is a workout shirt that you could comfortably wear about town post adventure – without looking out of place. Mesh zones on your back and sides keep you cool as you raise your heart rate, while the circular knit construction not only reduces waste but adds some robustness to the shirt, which isn’t surprising given RYU’s MMA roots. The polygiene® treatment means that you don’t have to wash this every time that you workout, and the seams are barely there thanks to their flat construction.

This is a fitted shirt, so if you’re between sizes I would recommend going up one. This is one of those shirts that you can’t wait to put on, which is always a win when it comes to working out!

Perforated Performance Cap

With all this movement, a little extra protection from the weather (sun or rain!) is never a bad thing. The perforated performance cap is the ideal item to have in your pack for reinforcements when you need some extra help! WIth a wicking interior sweatband, laser perforated for sweat management, and taped interior seams, this is a lightweight hat that you can wear mile after mile.

Competition Duffel 

Airline approved, the competition duffel is ready to hit the road with you on your adventures. Three way carry (hand, shoulder, backpack) makes navigating the airport a breeze, and EVA foam protects both the bottom and the sides regardless of where you set this tank down. The nylon fabric is silicone and PU coated for extreme weatherproofing, and a water resistant zipper helps keep any extra moisture out. There are reinforced grab handles at either end, which are some of the sturdiest I’ve come across, you don’t need to be too gentle with this duffel! My favourite feature is undoubtedly the opening which thanks to the fabric is reminiscent of a doctor’s bag, staying open and allowing you to load or unload with ease. The internal pocketing is just right, with a healthy amount of organization.

This duffel hasFour open stretch mesh pockets with for loose items, a drawstring closure pocket (great for shoes), and the base of the bag even has a zippered compartment so that you can separate your dirty and clean clothes, active and casual clothes, or even storage for a backpack on the road perhaps? This is topped by two cinch straps to make sure you’re maximizing your packing space. There is a zippered sleeve that runs the whole length of the interior, the perfect spot for your laptop or tablet. Two hidden air vents keep it fresh, and an exterior zipper pocket is good for housing your EDC.

A reminder to “respect your universe” is printed on the bottom of this excellent duffel. I’m truly impressed with this and it has features that top bags two or three times its price. It’s comfortable to carry, innovative in its design, and excellent value for money.

Locker Pack 24

We were really impressed with the RYU Quik Pack, and it’s bigger sibling is just as impressive with a few more refinements to make this your go to pack for sessions at the gym, days at the office, and weekends on the road. The 24L locker pack is a Bluesign® certified 65/35 split between polyester and cotton, finished with a silicone and PU coating. This pack is tough, and handsome in equal measure–there’s no reason not to bring it. It even has a Polygiene® finish to keep you odor free while on the move.

It carries many of the same features that make the Quik Pack excellent, such as the two zipper opening, the internal foam shell, internal mesh pockets, and a removable chest strap. However, the EDC additions of an exterior pocket on the lid, larger volume and different material are what make this a versatile pack. It is just as comfortable, even under a heavier load, and the external access laptop sleeve makes your work life just as efficient as your exercise. This is a charming pack that is a joy to use. Understated performance that you can rely on.

Express Pack 15L

If you want a lightweight pack that is simple yet stylish, look no further than the express pack. Coming in under $80, this pack has a lot of features that make it a useful day pack or gym buddy. It has a padded internal laptop sleeve (up to 15”), water resistant zippers, a large exterior stretch water bottle pocket, and a nice wide opening. The exterior has a nice streamlined aesthetic, and includes a useful quick access pocket for your must grab items. On the front wall of the pack there are mesh organizer pockets that you can use for tech or EDC organisation, and there are two internal mesh pockets as well for gear org or dirty gym gear.

This pack is lightweight enough and compressible to lay flat on the bottom of your duffel if traveling, and is feature rich! It doesn’t have the structure of the Locker Pack or Quik Pack, so bear that in mind when packing! The Bluesign® nylon outer is partnered with silicon and a Polygiene® finish, making it tough against the elements and germs! This is a great smaller pack for those who don’t carry much.

RYU are continuing to build on their already impressive catalog with products that are effective in their execution, innovative in their design, and thoughtful in their manufacture. That’s a brand we can get behind! If you’re looking for excellent crossover products, at a fair price, with sleek styling: look no further than RYU.