Our reviews are 100% organic. We do not accept payment for reviews or bundle with advertising budgets. In most cases, the brand is providing the product to our reviewers free of charge. In summer months, the primary objective of trail running apparel is to provide adequate sun protection while keeping your body comfortable with effective ventilation and moisture-wicking capability. This is the season where innovative fabrics can have a significant impact on your success in covering long miles on the trail. We’ve tested a number of product options below to keep you cool and composed on long, hot days.
rabbit
rabbit’s men’s UPF Tee
Part of a full “Sun n’ Ice” collection built with UPF protection and cooling tech, men’s and women’s UPF Tees($60) are made from a super lightweight and breathable fabric constructed from 67% recycled polyester, 25% polyester and 8% spandex. Designed for sunny environments, the fabric has UPF 50 skin protection, with laser cut perforations under the arms for increased ventilation, with a slight droptail and V-notched hemline for extra backside coverage or easy tucking. The torso is made with a semi-relaxed fit to accommodate a variety of body sizes, with a relatively straight vertical line for both the men’s and women’s versions. Overall sizing is slightly small, so if you prefer a looser fit you should size up. Rabbit has significantly expanded their UPF lineup this year, as the original long-sleeve hooded version now comes in short sleeve and extended sleeve versions, as well as tees and tanks for both genders that can be combined with UPF arm sleeves and fingerless gloves to customize your coverage preferences.
rabbit’s women’s Surf’s Up Shorts
New entries to the rabbit shorts lineup are the Surf’s Up Shorts ($60) for men and women, available in a 6-inch inseam version for men, and either 4-inch or 2.5-inch inseam for women. They are inspired by board shorts and exude chill summer with surf print patterns or basic black. Like the UPF shirts, these shorts are made with a high degree of sun protection, as the breezy primary panels are made from 100% recycled polyester fabric with a rating of UPF 30+. Surf’s Up shorts have a semi-relaxed fit with a soft, flat waistband that includes an external drawstring to keep them secure. A thin rabbitKNIT brief liner is lightweight and moisture-wicking, with 13% spandex content for stretchiness and range of motion. Two zipper pockets provide enough storage for small phones; one is directly on the left hip, while the other is on the right rear with the surf shorts accent of dual drainage holes.
rabbit’s Hydration Trail Bra
Rabbit’s Hydration Trail Bra ($70) is a classic, racer-back-style compression bra featuring a built-in HydraPak pocket which holds a LX 250mL soft flask that comes with the bra, and can double as a pocket for carrying additional nutrition or other small items. With the Polartec FreshFace liner, the fit of the Trail Bra remains soft and moisture-wicking, even on hot summer days. The foam-padded straps keep tension off the shoulders, and there’s added breathability with a cutout in the back beneath the pocket. We’ve tested this bra for several trail miles and found it to provide maximum support without chafing for small to medium sizes. Rabbit apparel is available at www.runinrabbit.com.
Patagonia
Patagonia women’s Capilene Cool Ultra Shirt
Considering the outstanding lineage of its Capilene Cool apparel, when Patagonia says their men’s and women’s Capilene Cool Ultra Shirts ($59) are their lightest and fastest-drying tech tees, that’s a noteworthy statement. They are made from featherweight 100% recycled polyester with a subtle honeycomb texture-knit construction to keep the surface slightly off the skin, which promotes airflow and helps dissipate heat and moisture. In our testing, these tops have the fastest drying time after intense activity or water immersion. All seams are flat and low profile to prevent chafing, and the shirts have a regular cut fit through the torso for both men and women, which means they move easily and don’t cling to the body. Capilene Cool Ultra shirts are built with HeiQ Mint permanent odor control, and (along with the shorts below) are Fair Trade Certified. We tested the tees in this collection, but the same material construction is also offered in hoody and tank versions for both men and women.
Patagonia women’s Cool Sun Hoody
Their latest Capilene Cool Sun Hoody ($89) is a must for summer, as the long-sleeve shirt includes all of the above features plus UPF 40+. The single-knit construction provides natural sun protection that won’t wash out and keeps the body’s temperature comfortable and cool during long, exposed days in the mountains or on the trail. The shirt includes a three-panel hood that’s roomy and can fit over a trucker hat, while a small button at the neckline helps tighten up the fit. A small, zippered pocket holds essentials like keys or credit card, and thumbholes on both sleeves allow for added coverage over the hands on scorching sunny days. The long-sleeve shirt comes with or without a hood in men’s and women’s sizes XS – 3XL.
Patagonia Men’s Multi Trails Shorts
Patagonia’s Multi Trails Shorts ($85 for men, $75 for women) have become a standard for summer running, thanks to their lightweight construction, sleek profile and exceptional comfort with high durability. They are offered in 8-inch or 6-inch inseam options for men, while the women’s version is only available in a 5.5-inch inseam. These are longer inseam lengths than are typically found with warm-weather apparel, but they breathe and thermoregulate very effectively, and the additional length gives extra sun coverage. Exterior panels are constructed from four-way stretch fabric made from 90% OceanCycle certified recycled plastic polyester, with 10% spandex for stretch capacity and a PFC-free DWR finish for light rain resistance. The interior lining is a boxer brief for men and a standard brief for women; all are made from 100% recycled double-knit polyester with mint additives for extended odor control as well as plant-based technology for softness and enhanced moisture-wicking. The minimalist waistband has an external drawcord, and the pocket configuration combines two zippered front pockets and one back pocket with a snap closure. All items are available at www.patagonia.com.
Janji
Janji men’s Pinnacle Gossamer RD Tee
Another almost impossibly lightweight fabric is the premier feature of Janji’s new Race Division lineup. We tested the men’s and women’s Pinnacle RD Gossamer Tees ($88), which also come in singlet versions for both genders. It utilizes a buttery soft and ultra-thin fabric of 100% recycled polyester, with an almost microscopic gauze-like knit for natural breathability and fast drying. The flat seams are hardly noticeable, either by themselves or under a pack, for a minimalist overall feel. Sizing and design are distinctive in this category, with intentionally oversized sleeves for sun coverage and a relaxed fit through the torso to provide full freedom of movement. The style also includes a short torso length that falls just above the waistline and is intended to be worn untucked for increased airflow. Overall sizing takes some getting used to for anyone accustomed to longer hemlines, but this shirt does enhance a breezy overall feeling and makes access to pockets in a waist belt, or those built into your shorts, such as the Janji shorts below, much easier to access.
Janji women’s 3-inch Pinnacle RD Shorts
The Pinnacle collection also includes two new shorts models, the Women’s 3-inch Pinnacle RD Shorts($110) and Men’s 4-inch Pinnacle RD Shorts 2-in-1 ($120). Both feature an integrated, pocketed waist belt system so there’s no need for additional storage to carry essentials. The spec cargo capacity for these storage areas is 2L and divided into four separate pockets around the perimeter of the waistband. The men’s version also includes two stash pockets on the extended liner. Both versions include front and back bungee loops to store larger items like poles or jackets. To accommodate cargo capacity and prevent sagging, the fit of the waistband is fairly snug, (Janji recommends sizing down if you are between sizes) and is a wide layer of nylon with high spandex content for elasticity. Exterior panels are a stretchy and highly ventilated shell fabric that allows airflow comparable to many lightweight shirts. Both models have a chafe-free brief liner, but the key difference is the extended interior light compression layer on the men’s version that extends to the mid-thigh area. Janji apparel is available at www.janji.com.
The North Face
The North Face men’s Summit Series High Trail Short-Sleeve Shirt
The Summit Series is an expansive collection within The North Face, featuring the company’s most technical apparel and gear designed specifically for trail running and mountain environments. Their men’s and women’s Summit Series High Trail Short-Sleeve Shirts ($85) are classified as slim fit garments, with a slightly contoured torso in the women’s version, but we found the sizing to be fairly generous. They maintain a wide range of motion even with a slimmer than average profile, thanks to an inherent stretch capacity as well as underarm gussets and split hems at the sides. Another helpful aspect for proper fit is that six size options are offered for both men and women, from XS to XXL. Fabric construction consists of 100% recycled polyester, with advanced moisture-wicking FlashDry Pro fabric on the back panels and underarms for enhanced moisture management and ventilation. FlashDry Pro is part of a body mapping system that also includes sturdy stitch-free low friction zones around the shoulders to prevent chafing under a hydration vest. High Trail tops also come in tank versions for both men and women, and each of these styles have a high neckline in front and coverage across the shoulder blades in back.
The North Face women’s Pacesetter Trail Shorts
Another aspect of the Summit Series is the use of durable and abrasion-resistant fabrics, and this is evident on the Pacesetter Trail Shorts ($80), which are offered only in a 5-inch inseam version for men and a 3-inch version for women. They are made with FlashDry fabrics with high percentages of recycled content – 82% in the front fabric, 76% in the back – and a non-PFC DWR finish for repelling moisture. Another key technology is Lightrange, which combines a highly breathable micro-grid weave with UPF 40+ sun protection, and anti-odor properties. Exterior panels are extensively perforated across the entire backside as well as the lower front to further promote airflow. Three pockets across the back provide storage options; a large central pocket has a zipper closure and can hold a smartphone, and dual flank stretch pouches are ideal for holding nutrition. The women’s shorts also have a front stretch pouch providing additional space for small items. Both men’s and women’s models have a soft brief liner and wide elastic waistband with Flashdry fabric. As with the Summit Series shirts, Pacesetter shorts are available in six size options for both men and women. All are available at www.thenorthface.com.
Tracksmith
Tracksmith women’s Twilight Tee
One of Tracksmith’s “evergreen” models in the apparel lineup, the men’s and women’s Twilight Tees ($70) are dependable staples for intense warm weather efforts, crafted with summer track meets in mind. They are constructed from a silky-smooth, lightweight Italian high-gauge knit fabric called Bravio, which has the most comfortable skin feel of any shirts in our test group. Bravio is made from 85% polyester and 15% elastane, with micro mesh construction for ventilation and good stretch capacity for freedom of movement and sweat absorption capacity. It also has UPF 30+ protection as well as anti-microbial technology. The torso profile is slightly contoured for both men and women, with what Tracksmith describes as an athletic fit. Reinforced double stitches give extra durability with low profile seams. Twilight tees come in six size options for men, and five for women. The Twilight also comes in tank versions for men and women, plus a crop tank for women. Both gender tanks have a narrow racerback rear design, and with a regular front neckline for men and a scooped neck for women.
Tracksmith’s Allston Bra
Tracksmith’s Allston Bra ($80) is a sleek, supportive fit with an internal drop-in front pocket that allows for both storage of a phone, along with providing maximum breathability with its 80% nylon and 20% elastane compressive fabric. The front is constructed with a single panel, eliminating seams and enhancing the compression fit. The Allston’s racer-back style includes a small pocket in the upper back and is deep enough for a gel packet. Our testers appreciated the smooth compression of this bra, as it provides impressive support and temperature regulation during longer runs.
Tracksmith women’s Twilight Shorts
Updated additions to the Tracksmith summer collection are men’s and women’s Twilight Shorts ($75) with a 5-inch inseam for men and 3-inch for women. Both the body fabric and interior lining fabric consist of 89% polyester and 11% spandex that are exceptionally soft and stretchy. Men’s and women’s versions have similar interior brief linings, which wick moisture quickly and have plant-based Polygiene antimicrobial treatment to prevent odor. Exterior panels have a stretch-woven fabric that ventilates very effectively, with a small split seam on the men’s version, and a much larger split on the women’s version for enhanced airflow. An exposed elastic waistband has an internal drawcord and three internal rear pouches for cargo storage with the center being large enough to accommodate a small phone. Interior storage areas are great for security, especially in the absence of zippers, but the downside is everything is in closer proximity to body moisture. There is one zippered exterior pocket in the rear center to store small items securely. Tracksmith items are available at www.tracksmith.com.
Path Projects (men’s specific apparel)
Path Projects’ Wadi LS Hooded Tee
This season, Path Projects updates its Wadi fabric, giving it further distinction as a highly advanced performance layer for hard efforts on long, hot days. We tested the Wadi LS Hooded Tee 2.0 ($98), designed for the intense prolonged exposure of environments like Cocodona or Badwater. Wadi fabric is constructed from a soft Japanese Toray fabric, built with a layered, multi-density knit structure called Fiedsensor Byokan that alternates tight and loose sections. This technology minimizes the surface area against your body, while moving perspiration from your skin to the outer layer of the fabric and keeping the interior surface dry. The UPF 30+ protection is built into the fabric rather than using a topical finish so it won’t wash out over time, and has antimicrobial protection to reduce odor. Acrofuse-bonded seams use a stitch-free process of micro-dotted specialized adhesive along the fabric edges, which eliminates thread ridges and creates a smooth interior surface. A snap closure at the hood allows you to wear it loosely for more air flow, or more securely in strong winds. Wadi shirts are built with a Path Projects classic fit, which our testers found to be on the slimmer side.
Path Projects’ Century Shorts
Brand new to the summer lineup are the Century Shorts ($98), which spent a year and half in development prior to a soft launch this spring, with elite athletes testing them at the Cocodona 250 and Gorge Waterfalls 50k. They aim to allow runners to complete 100 miles without needing a vest. The solution is to integrate a 360-degree running belt into the shorts themselves, providing enough space for all necessary fluids and gear between aid stations. The entire waistband provides storage options, including the ability to carry up to 1000ml of fluids. The fit of the waistband is intended to be snug, and we didn’t experience any shifting of gear or sagging when fully loaded. Below the waistband, ultralight Toray fabric panels have microgrid construction and a 28% spandex content for extensive stretch, with a split 5-inch inseam. The same Acrofuse stitchless technology found on the Wadi 2.0 shirt is utilized on the shorts as well. As with all Path Projects models, Century shorts are unlined and intended for use with a variety of base layers which are sold separately. Running 100 miles in these shorts without a vest is a more realistic prospect for speedier runners, but they have a ton of innovation and comfort that midpackers will appreciate. Available at www.pathprojects.com.
Oiselle (women’s specific apparel)
Oiselle’s Flyout Chill Racerback Tank
Oiselle’s Flyout Chill Racerback Tank ($62) is a new summer-specific top with a UPF 50+ sun protection, along with Brrr Triple Chill Effect fabric (89% recycled polyester, 11% polyester) that includes cooling minerals. The tank also offers a moisture-wicking capacity to provide relief during the heat of the day. Our testers appreciated the light, supple fabric of the semi-fitted style which includes a small envelope pocket for an extra gel or card. The hem falls just below the waist with a slight drop in the back, and reinforced seams provide extra coverage and comfort during long runs. Available in three colors, the tank comes in sizes XXS – 3XL.
Oiselle’s High Rise Roga Shorts
The High Rise Roga Shorts ($79) were designed with a high-rise yoga-fit waistband that allows full coverage without a cinched feel. The waistband itself is stretchy and wide, with a drop-in pocket in the back that includes a zipped pocket large enough for a phone. The 4-inch loose leg shorts are made from Roga Stretch Woven fabric (86% polyester, 14% Spandex) and include a soft liner. Our testers wore these shorts on longer trail runs and appreciated their loose fit which allowed for increased cooling. The fabric was quick-drying and reinforced seams kept chafing at bay, while the overall construction and design offered superior support for our testers, with a flowy feel.
Oiselle’s Classic Sports Bra
The Classic Sports Bra ($64) includes two layers of plush eyelet mesh lining in the front panel which provides moisture-wicking support and additional coverage. Our testers found that this soft lining also meant enhanced comfort when wearing a hydration pack on longer trail runs. The exterior Plya (76% polyester, 24% Spandex) fabric includes extra stretch capacity, allowing an easier removal after a sweaty run, yet still providing optimal support. Removeable cups are also included to customize your coverage level. Available at Oiselle.com.