REVIEW: Summer Trail Running Apparel

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The paradox of summer trail running is that we like lighter and cooler fabrics, yet our performance demands increase. Ventilation, moisture transfer and long-duration comfort become paramount for long, hot outings. Here are several products that meet these dual purposes effectively and maintain comfort over extended time on the trails.

Janji

For a small, independent brand, Janji has hit impressive benchmarks in their mission to create responsibly made apparel that can be worn more often and replaced less than mass-produced fabrics. All of their primary materials are bluesign and OEKO-TEX-certified, utilizing 100% recycled polyester, and are PFC-free. The Run All Day Tee ($58) is designed for lightweight performance with outstanding comfort and breathability. It features a rapid-dry polyester that has a smooth feel, has HeiQ odor control and is cling-resistant so it doesn’t stick when saturated in sweat. Torso fit is generous but not roomy, with a similar sleeve profile, so this is a good option for muscular runners. The Run All Day collection comes in tees, tanks and graphic tees for men and women, with multiple solid or patterned color options. The Run All Day Tank ($54) styles for both men and women have higher front necklines and broader coverage across the back than most other running tanks we’ve tested, along with a longer fit on the torso.

A staple of Janji’s shorts lineup is the AFO collection, all of which utilize an utra-light, fast-drying, woven recycled polyester fabric. The AFO lineup is available in 5” and 7” inseam options for men, and 3” inseam for women. This season, we tested the AFO Middle Short Ultra ($84 for men, $80 for women), which builds off the previously established AFO Middle shorts and adds extensive cargo capacity for hauling multiple items on long runs. Both gender styles have a single zip pocket at the center back which can accommodate smaller smart phones, dual vertical zipper pockets on each side, drop-in stash pouches on each flank, and a micro-lock clip on the front interior lining to secure a key. The main panel fabric is extremely lightweight and airy, but has good abrasion resistance for durability, and stretch capacity for range of motion. Men’s and women’s versions both have a performance brief liner that wicks moisture very effectively and stays comfortably in place at faster speeds. Janji apparel is available at www.janji.com.

Patagonia

As the standard bearer for combining responsible production and high demand functionality, Patagonia made a couple of mild tweaks to its well-established warm weather performance apparel this year. Their men’s and women’s Capilene Cool Lightweight Shirts ($49) are the lightest products in our test group, and every colorway is now made with 100% recycled materials. Double knit filament yarn fabric has a very smooth exterior surface and a plant-based textile softener called miDori bioSoft on the interior surface. Plant-based HeiQ Mint provides permanent odor control that allows you to wear the shirt all day after running without worrying about the smell. These shirts have a slim fit through the torso, with a rear drop hem for easy tucking, and set-in sleeves for full range of motion even for muscular users. The women’s version has a scoop neck, scalloped sleeves, and a split side hem as a ventilation accent. Both of these tops (as well as the shorts below) are Fair Trade-certified, ensuring that the laborers who make them earn premium wages compared to industry norms.

When Patagonia’s Multi Trails Shorts ($79/men, $69/women) debuted a couple of years ago, they immediately became favorites thanks to their sleek profile and exceptional comfort with high durability. For men, this short now has a 6” inseam option in addition to the standard 8” version, while the women’s version is only available in a 5.5” inseam. These standard inseam lengths are nice for users who prefer a little longer coverage for modesty, as well as for environments with intense sun exposure, but they still breathe and thermoregulate well so you won’t feel overdressed. Main panel construction consists of four-way stretch fabric made from 90% recycled ocean plastic polyester with a PFC-free DWR finish for light rain resistance. The interior lining is a boxer brief for men, and a standard brief for women, and all are made from 100% recycled double-knit polyester with the same natural miDori bioSoft and HeiQ Mint additives for enhanced softness and odor control. A minimalist waistband with an external drawcord for comfort, and three secure pockets (two zippers, one snap) provide a number of storage options. We appreciate the large variety of summer-vibe colorways of these shorts offered for both men and women. All Patagonia items are available at www.patagonia.com.

rabbit women’s shirt and shorts

rabbit

Year after year, rabbit can be counted on to deliver soft and comfortable tops available for trail runners. This season’s EZ Tee Perf SS ($48) for both men and women live up to this legacy and are somehow lighter and more breathable than previous versions. They are made from quick n’ fit perf fabric blend of 94% polyester and 6% spandex for stretch capacity. It is exceptionally soft and perforated literally throughout the entire garment for optimal ventilation and drying. One aspect of these shirts that we love is the high stretch capacity of the sleeves makes them easy to pull toward your face when wiping sweat, and the overall durability and integrity of the fabric isn’t compromised by the extensive number of perforations. The torso fit is described as tailored, and we find this to be more noticeable for the women’s version than the men’s. Seasonal color options for these shirts come in subtle dual color shades and if you prefer bare shoulders, the exact same fabric is used for EZ Tank Perf models for both men and women.

rabbit men’s shirt and shorts

A longtime standard in rabbit’s shorts lineup gets significant updates this year, as the FKT Shorts ($75) have a new semi-relaxed fit and updated fabrics for both the main panels and liner. DuraWeave body fabric consists of 50% recycled polyester and 12% spandex, and these shorts are very similar to the shirts described above. They have impressive stretch capacity without compromising durability. A new FlexKnit waistband of 75% recycled content is softer than the previous version, and the new Polartec Fresh Face liner is another mint-based technology to prevent odor and stay cool. These shorts are also loaded with pockets, including one at center rear that holds most phones, four outer stash pockets that can fit small soft flasks, and four internal pockets for essentials. Men’s FKT shorts are available in three inseam options (3”, 5” or 7”) while women can choose from 2.5” or 4” inseams. Rabbit apparel is available at www.runinrabbit.com.

Path Projects top

Path Projects

Last year Path Projects debuted the Wadi fabric, their most advanced performance layer made specifically for hard efforts on hot days. This year, the product line expands beyond tees and tanks to include the Wadi LS Hooded Tee ($98), which is a perfect layer for prolonged intense exposure in conditions like Cocodona or Badwater. The fabric is constructed with a multi-level, multi-density knit structure called Fiedsensor Byokan that alternates tight and loose sections. This technology moves perspiration from your skin to the outer layer of the fabric, minimizing the surface area contact against your body and keeping the interior surface relatively dry. The UPF 30+ protection is built into the fabric rather than using a topical finish, so it doesn’t wash out over time, and has antimicrobial protection to reduce odor. One distinction from other hooded shirts we have tested is the single snap closure at the hood, which allows you to wear it loosely for more air flow, or keep it more secured in stronger winds. Most Path Projects tops have a slim torso (the narrowest of any in this test group by comparison) so if you like a roomier fit, consider sizing up.

Path Projects shorts

Without question, the most durable men’s shorts in our testing are the Graves PX ($68), crafted with a corn-based Toray PrimeFlex spiral yarn that allows the fabric to stretch and recover easily, with strong abrasion and puncture resistance. The fabric has very low water absorption compared to elastic yarns, and has excellent moisture-wicking in conjunction with an internal base layer. Multiple storage options include three zippered pockets across the back, with the center one large enough for most phones, plus two drop-in front pockets and an internal front right key pocket. Path shorts are unlined, with liners purchased separately for customization of inseam lengths. This is also a highly effective method of minimizing chafing and allowing air flow between layers for ventilation. In summer, we like the Lynx PD liner, which has light compression to stay in place, and is made from a soft PolarTec Power Dry fabric that manages moisture efficiently. As with Path’s top garments, the Graves PX shorts have a relatively slim fit, but they are available in a relaxed fit version that is roomier through the backside and thigh openings. Both cuts come in 5” and 7” inseam options. Path Projects top and bottom garments are only available in men’s/unisex sizes, available at www.pathprojects.com.

Salomon

Salomon positions its Sense Aero series as a hybrid of high-end technology and design from its elite-level S/Lab products, with affordability that makes them more easily accessible to the rest of us. This season’s Sense Aero Graphic Tee ($70) is an offshoot of regular Sense Aero Tees, offering a wide color palette: eight colors for men, and seven for women. Each style includes solid colors with subtle design accents. They are made from a very thin and soft lightweight Knit Flow polyester fabric with strong breathability and ventilation which has a very smooth feel. The fabric also utilizes natural mineral based technology called 37.5 (the body’s ideal exercise temp, in Celsius) that manages humidity and regulates body temperature. The 37.5 incorporates ultra-porous volcanic minerals and coconut-derived activated carbon into fabrics, effectively removing moisture vapor before it turns into liquid sweat, helping you stay in a comfortable temperature zone for longer. We love the minimalist neckline that prevents chafing even when wet. The torso fit is described as slim, but they are definitely not restrictive. Sense Aero Graphic tops are also available in tank options for men and women, but with fewer color options than the tees.

In the same product family, Sense Aero Shorts ($75 for men, $70 for women) are offered in multiple colors and inseam lengths. Men’s styles come in 3”, 5” or 7” inseams plus a half-tight option, while women have 3”, 5” or short tight options. Material construction is similar for all the shorts, with exterior panels composed of a super thin and highly perforated Aerotech fabric that is made with 27% elastane for excellent four-way stretch capacity. The same 37.5 technology used on Sense Aero tops is incorporated into the shorts for cooling and moisture management. A flat waistband stays secure even without the use of a drawstring, and the fabric moves easily to provide full range of motion, but the slim fit will feel a little constricting to larger runners. Dual stash pockets on the front of the waistband are contiguous to allow phone storage if needed, but rear storage differs by gender: the men’s version has a separate stash pocket available on the back side while the women’s does not. These are the lightest weight shorts in our test group, and ideal for high intensity workouts in hot conditions. Salomon’s Sense Aero collection is available at www.salomon.com

Salomon Shortney Collection

When Salomon created this limited-edition collection a few years ago, we were excited about the style and lightweight fabric being so relaxed and breathable. In this latest rendition, they’ve added a flair of color to both the top and shorts so not only will you feel like elite ultrarunner superstar Courtney Dauwalter, you’ll stand out in a crowd like her, too. The Shortney 10” shorts ($150) are made with a four-way stretch Knit Flow fabric that includes an elastic waistband on the sides with a drawstring for a customized fit. However, we found these to be some of the most comfortable shorts in our lineup due to the relaxed feel. The AdvancedSkin technology and 37.5 fabric offer quick-drying performance over longer mileage, and the minimal seams keep the fabric light and loose over the legs.

The Sense Aero Courtney Tee ($90) was created in a bright, bold orange colorway with a relaxed fit. The front of the neckline is soft with a light hem that offers more coverage on the sides and in the back. The seams are minimal but provide a slim yet relaxed fit under the arms and along the sides. Like other Salomon pieces, the shirt includes 37.5 technology and is quick-drying with breathable, lightweight fabric. For those who appreciate a longer, more relaxed fitting top, this is an ideal piece and matches particularly well with the Shortney shorts.

A peace sign on both pieces symbolizes a coin that Dauwalter’s mom gave her before her first 100-miler that included the message: “You’re stronger than you think,” which is also included as a motivational quote hidden on both the shirt and shorts. The Shortney Collection can be found at Salomon.com.