Belong Designs

logoBelong Designs is a small Colorado-based company started in 2013 by Shamus McNutt, Mark Grubbs, and Ben Thomson. They created Belong as an opportunity to establish something that aligned with their passions in life, including an action sports affinity, a calling to inspire others to pursue what they love, and an opening to grow something with no ceiling in sight.  Belong designs was crafted around this simple, yet fundamental mission: “Follow your Passions. Do What You Love. Find where You Belong!”.

Colorado Jacket

Jacket Reviewed: Colorado Size XL
Screen Shot 2016-03-06 at 7.07.23 PMRider specs: 6’0″ chest 43″ (I like my jacket to fit loose)

  • Outer Material: Thermoplastic Polyurethane with coated seams for premium waterproofing
  • 100% cotton
  • 100% windproof rating
  • 100% waterproof rating
  • Waterproof zippers
  • Snow skirt
  • Thumb hole inner lining sleeves
  • Internal passholder/”Follow your Passion” pocket
  • Button powder skirt
  • Adjustable waist and hood bands
  • Belong Designs

Intended Use:
Snowboarding, snow sports

Recommended for:
A heavy-weight jacket for keeping warm on cold days when you need it.

Review Date: February – March 2016

Review:

IMG_2090The Colorado jacket was a perfect fit on cold and stormy days in February.  The jacket held the wind and moisture out extremely well; the top of Grand Targhee most days is below zero and windy, and I was never cold. The outer material is thermoplastic polyurethane, with coated seams for premium waterproofing; I was really impressed with what this jacket was able to withstand. It does have underarm vent zippers for days when it warms up.  The powder skirt and the wrist gaiters are a perfect length that allow you to function while keeping the snow out.  There is plenty of storage space throughout the jacket for whatever you might need: phone, snacks, etc.  The comfort level on this jacket is amazing, as it really conforms to your body as you bend and move.  The adjustable waist and hood bands allow you to completely cinch things down on those extra frigid days. Belong Designs added a ton of details to this jacket, too, like logos on the buttons, slogans imprinted through the jacket, and a large Colorado flag/Belong logo design.  I received a ton of compliments on this jacket, people really liked it.

In summary, this jacket is warm! On most days, I just wore the jacket and layered a light hoodie over my base layer.  There was one day it was closer to 30 degrees, and I was good with just the jacket and my base layer.  Overall, this jacket is pretty amazing for those cold days.  The construction of the jacket is sturdy, and it will definitely be able to take plenty of abuse. Belong has numerous improvements in the works for next season, so be sure to keep your eye out!

IMG_2085

Pros

  • Very comfortable
  • Longer length
  • Provides excellent warmth in cold conditions
  • Cleans easily
  • Ample pockets
  • Powder skirt and wrist gaiters

Cons

  • Not a warm-weather jacket
Price:4 out of 5 stars (4.0 / 5)
Performance:4.8 out of 5 stars (4.8 / 5)
Design:5 out of 5 stars (5.0 / 5)
Overall:4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)

Colorado Gloves

Gloves Reviewed: Colorado Edition size Large
IMG_2081

  • 100% leather exterior
  • Water proofing
  • Soft interior
  • Touch screen compatible
  • Specialized grip on palm
  • Moisture wicking microfleece inner lining
  • Custom dyed leather colors
  • Fits true to size
  • Velcro wrist closures

Intended Use:
Snowboarding, snow sports

Recommended for:
Keeping your hands warm and dry on 30+ degree days

Review Date: February – March 2016

Review:

IMG_2082If you’re looking for a warm-weather/spring riding glove, these would make a great addition.  The moisture-wicking microfleece inner lining is very comfortable on your hands. They are touch-screen compatible, which is a great added benefit. These are more of a pipe glove, so they are not totally waterproof, but I found they do stay dry for the most part.  They fit true-to-size, and are not too bulky, which I found handy as far as dexterity is concerned.  Belong also added a bunch of style to these, and I got a lot of compliments on them.  The leather is dyed with Colorado’s flag colors and Belongs logos/ slogans.  The wrist closure could stand to be a bit longer; I found it a little tough to stretch it enough to close it snugly.

Pros

  • Very comfortable
  • Good dexterity
  • Touch-screen compatible

Cons

  • Not totally waterproof
  • Wrist closure
Price:4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)
Performance:4 out of 5 stars (4.0 / 5)
Design:5 out of 5 stars (5.0 / 5)
Overall:4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)