Open main menu

Running Tops

Types of Running Tops

photo of a short sleeve performance top

Short Sleeve Performance Tops

photo of a long sleeve performance top

Long Sleeve Performance Tops

Top Picks

How we choose: The best running tops highlighted here were selected based on 205 reviews of 173 products. Our top picks are those that are readily-available in the United States and have received the highest overall ratings from reviewers.

How we test: Trailspace is powered entirely by our community of readers. The reviews posted here reflect the real-world experiences of outdoor enthusiasts just like you.

If you've used a running top that you think should be listed here, please share your experience.

Disclosure: Trailspace never accepts payment for gear reviews, product placement, or editorial coverage. When you buy through affiliate links on our site, Trailspace may earn a small commission, which helps cover the costs of running the site.

Top Long Sleeve Performance Top

Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie

user rating: 5 of 5 (2 reviews)

Outdoor Research’s Echo Hoodie is an ideal alternative to the grease and chemicals of sunscreen. Weighing in at 4 ounces, the Echo Hoodie provides SPF15 sun protection, with material that wicks sweat and keeps you comfortable when the sun is beating down on you. This hoodie and a ball cap completely negated my need to carry sunscreen (and bug spray) over the summer.

Reasons to Buy

  • Sun protection
  • Wicks sweat
  • Limited odor control
  • Lightweight
  • Thin material
  • Packs small
  • Sufficient length in torso and sleeves
  • Flat stitching

Reasons to Avoid

  • Durability
  • Polyester
  • THIN material
  • Hot in the shade
  • Pocketless

The Echo Hoodie became my go-to shirt for all outdoor activities this summer. I hiked in it—a lot. I ran in it. I rappelled into a cave in it. I mowed my yard and took a follow up nap on my deck in it. I even wore it on a winery tour for style and sun protection.  Balk Knob, Shawnee National Forest Rock Island State Park, Tennessee Cumberland Mountains, eastern Tennessee Initial Impressions Right out of the package, I was surprised by how light and thin the hoodie was. The shirt packed down to the size of a softball in my hand and only weighed 4 ounces.  The fit was just right.

Read more: Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie reviews (2)

Top Hiking Skirt / Tank/Sleeveless

Purple Rain Adventure Dress

user rating: 5 of 5 (2 reviews)

A Purple Rain Adventure Dress is a nearly perfect hiking garment, especially for hot, muggy, and shaded conditions such as those found on the Appalachian Trail. I wore mine continuously for my AT thru-hike. I prized it for its supreme ventilation, simplicity, functionality, durability, comfort, and quick-drying materials. The side-pockets were perfect for carrying my phone, snacks, toiletries, and a myriad of other things. I never thought I'd find a more comfortable piece of clothing than a Purple Rain Adventure Skirt, but the dress design is my new favorite.

Reasons to Buy

  • Excellent ventilation and breathability
  • Made of functional, lightweight, quick drying, long-lasting materials
  • Facilitates full-range and easy movement
  • No buttons, waistbands, or zippers to get in the way
  • Designed/made in the USA by a fellow long-distance hiker
  • Multiple pockets for carrying cell phones, maps, snacks, etc.

Reasons to Avoid

  • Tank design allows sun-exposure on the arms and neck
  • Might allow chaffing for some body types
  • Length of bottom hem a little short for my body type
  • Limited production as of this publication, but new dresses of a variety of colors and sizes are in the works

  The most classic of AT scenes atop McAfee Knob The Purple Rain Adventure Dress in Shenandoah National Park My Background & Experience with hiking skirts and dresses: In 2017, I began a series of adventures that would eventually lead to a career, of sorts, in thru-hiking. I started with several section hikes of the Appalachian Trail, as well as a thru-hike of the Colorado Trail. These were my first trails wearing a Purple Rain Adventure Skirt, for which I published a review of my very positive experiences at the time.  Southern Terminus of the CDT, in my favorite Purple Rain Adventure Skirt (worn on the PCT, CDT, and AZT)  and a merino T-shirt.

Read more: Purple Rain Adventure Dress reviews (2)

Top Short Sleeve Performance Top

Trew Lightweight Nuyarn Merino Pocket T

user rating: 5 of 5 (1 review)

The Trew Superlight NuYarn Wool Pocket T is an exemplary garment for layering or as a stand-alone summer T-shirt. It is one of the most comfortable and functional garments that I have ever worn. I am impressed by its continuous-wear abilities, which meet merino wool class performance, and may even exceed certain standards given the shirt’s lightweight and quick drying properties. The only problem it suffered from is some pilling in high-abrasion areas, which is common to merino wool fabrics. On my short-list of clothes that I would bring along for extended travel and/or a thru-hike, this shirt makes the trip, and that is the best endorsement I can give.

Reasons to Buy

  • Most comfortable next-to-skin feel
  • Multi-use, long-wearing, no-stink
  • Long hem length
  • Flat seams/stitching and no tags
  • Appealing and stylish colors, lines, and fit

Reasons to Avoid

  • Pilling of fabric (common to merino wool garments)

Product Description and Claims: The NuYarn Wool Pocket T is the layering equivalent of a smartphone—you didn’t know you needed one until you owned one, and now you can’t imagine the world without it. Our NuYarn Merino Wool has a smooth, silky surface, and is the quickest drying and toughest merino wool around.  38.9% LOFTIER, 25% WARMER, 35% STRETCHIER, 5x FASTER DRYING, 16% STRONGER FEATURES/SPECS 125 Superfine NuYarn Merino, 17.5 micron fine fibers 85% merino wool / 15% nylon Laminated stretch woven pocket Heat transfer interior labeling 4.9 oz.

Read more: Trew Lightweight Nuyarn Merino Pocket T review (1)

Long Sleeve Performance Top

Showers Pass Basecamp Merino Hoodie

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1 review)

The Showers Pass Basecamp Merino Hoodie is a terrific outdoor companion to anyone who values high-quality activewear made from natural fibers. The midweight, wool hoodie is great at moderating temperatures and resisting odors, while providing you with an eye-catching, cozy mid-layer. It's also a versatile piece for year-round performance—as a nighttime layer around a summer campfire, as a hiking layer in cool temps, or as part of a system of winter layers.

Reasons to Buy

  • Comfortable
  • Zippered kangaroo pocket
  • True to size
  • Fun color options
  • Shape and coverage
  • Cozy
  • UPF 40 sun protection
  • Resists odor
  • Thermoregulation
  • Hooded

Reasons to Avoid

  • Prone to snagging

Showers Pass Basecamp Merino Hoodie If I could make every garment I own out of wool, I probably would. I love the material for its sustainability, efficiency, and general comfort. And the Showers Pass Basecamp Merino Hoodie is perfectly demonstrative of these points. Available in men's and women's sizes, the hoodie is made from 230 gsm, midweight merino wool, which is an environmentally, biodegradable fiber (although some dyes prevent previously biodegradable fibers from degrading). Plus, it’s one of the coziest garments that I own.

Read more: Showers Pass Basecamp Merino Hoodie review (1)

Long Sleeve Performance Top

Wuru NuYarn Merino Lightweight Hoodie

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1 review)

Wuru's Lightweight Hoodie brings their Nuyarn performance wool, a merino nylon blend, into a hooded base layer. Worn alone it has a UPF rating of 40, but is super comfortable paired with other layers in the cold. The hood provides bonus protection from bugs or snow. True four-season gear.

Reasons to Buy

  • Comfortable
  • Durable
  • Just enough hood
  • Great moisture transfer
  • No smell
  • Thumb loops

Reasons to Avoid

  • Wrinkly when scrunched
  • Could be a little longer in torso

  . The Wuru Lightweight Hoodie is made with an eye for warmer weather use as a trail shirt, but when the chance came up to test it this winter I was eager to see how it did as a base layer. As you can see from the high rating and lack of Cons above, I think it did pretty darn well. Before we dig into the details on this shirt, let's take a little time to look into the company that makes it. The folks who founded the company are hikers and say it was on a trip to New Zealand that it all started.

Read more: Wuru NuYarn Merino Lightweight Hoodie review (1)

Short Sleeve Performance Top

Vargo Slag Short-Sleeve Shirt

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1 review)

The Vargo Slag is a lightweight, short-sleeve tee which works well as an all-purpose shirt, though it does have a trim fit design. The biggest claim for this shirt is its TiFusion (fabric infused with Titanium) technology which allows the fabric to dry quickly and reduce that classic “trail stench.” I’ve found that the Slag meets my expectations of being quick drying and also smelling fresher longer than my other (both similar and different fabric types) shirts. If you’re active and prefer slim fit shirts, it’s hard to go wrong with the Vargo Slag.

Reasons to Buy

  • Durable (trail runs, with a pack/hip belt, or at the gym)
  • Slim fit/active design, but does have longer hem (both a pro and a con)
  • Breathable and quick drying
  • Doesn’t get as stinky as quickly as other shirts

Reasons to Avoid

  • Price higher than other activewear ($50 at time of release)
  • Sizing (general – trim fit, may need to size up)
  • Sizing (specific – upper back tighter, may impede arm movement)
  • Mesh side vents no more breathable than remaining fabric

Vargo's Slag short-sleeve shirt has piqued my interest in Vargo. The Slag is a lightweight shirt (though Vargo describes it as midweight) which I have been able to use for numerous activities from disc golf to trail running. The slim fit design makes it best for any type of  physical activity with high mobility, though the tighter fit may not suit all body types. The quick dry time and odor fighting fabric also makes it easy to choose the Slag when you need only one shirt for multiple days while at the same time being very durable.

Read more: Vargo Slag Short-Sleeve Shirt review (1)

Long Sleeve Performance Top

Outdoor Research Astroman Sun Hoodie

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1 review)

The OR Astroman Sun Hoodie is an extremely lightweight, long sleeve, hooded shirt designed primarily as a sun layer for climbers. However, I believe this shirt has uses far beyond that—biking, exposed peaks, glacial travel, on the water/ paddling, travelling, and as a wind layer. The shirt boasts a UPF rating of 50+, full coverage hood, packs tiny, and weighs in at 6 ounces (no reason to leave it at home!). The thin fabric requires a little extra care around rough rocks, thorns, etc to ensure it lasts.

Reasons to Buy

  • High 50+ UPF rating
  • Fit—boxy enough to encourage air flow and not restrict movement, slim enough to tuck under a harness or blow around in the wind
  • Large, oversized hood
  • Tons of stretch
  • Reduces use of sticky sunscreens/stops to re-apply
  • Versatility
  • Weight—6 oz

Reasons to Avoid

  • Thumb loops poorly executed
  • Price might be too high for some (I personally believe it has enough value to justify it however)
  • Long-term durability may be questionable

 *This review is for the Astroman Sun Hoodie (available in men's and women's), however Outdoor Research also makes an Astroman S/S Sun Shirt and an Astroman L/S Sun Shirt, both in men's and women's.*   As you can see the fit is quite boxy, not much tailoring, great for airflow.  FIT/ COMFORT The fit of the Astroman Sun Hoodie definitely airs (pun intended) on the boxy side. There is plenty of room underneath for air movement to keep the user cool. I've worn the hoodie both directly against the skin (it's uber soft) and with a thin merino tee, with a high level of comfort in both.

Read more: Outdoor Research Astroman Sun Hoodie review (1)

Long Sleeve Performance Top

Montane Dart Zip-Neck

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1 review)

The Montane Dart Zip-Neck is a long-sleeved synthetic shirt that is an ideal year-round base layer (a short-sleeved tee is also available). It wicks moisture away from the body very quickly, is exceptionally tailored, and protects the skin with a high UPF factor. If you’re looking to start your cold weather kit from skin out, I’d highly recommend it.

Reasons to Buy

  • Slim fit
  • High UPF rating
  • Deep zip for venting
  • No sweat lines
  • Resists odours

Reasons to Avoid

  • Large label on hip

Long-sleeve Dart Zip Neck on the left, short-sleeve Dart T-Shirt, also reviewed, on the right FIT AND COMFORT The Dart fits exactly as I would design an active base layer to fit. Slim, without being restrictive, and with a little extra length in the hem. I am 6 foot, 170 lbs and the size large fits perfectly. This is one of the main selling points to me, compared to a cheaper competitor's synthetic shirt. There is no extra baggy fabric around the stomach/chest/arms to bunch up and the extra length keeps it tucked in under a waist belt or harness.

Read more: Montane Dart Zip-Neck review (1)

Short Sleeve Performance Top

Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Shirt

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1 review)

Patagonia's Capilene Cool Trail Shirt is a great T-shirt for backpacking, hiking, and running in warmer seasons, and even in shoulder seasons for folks with a high metabolism. It is very comfortable, dries quickly, and doesn’t stink after a few days. In addition, this Patagonia Capilene fabric shirt is Fair Trade Certified and meets Bluesign sustainability criteria, and is now on the top of my T-shirt pile for hiking and other activities. The lightweight construction may wear faster than heavier t-shirts, and the trim fit means take care with the sizing.

Reasons to Buy

  • Comfortable—feels more like cotton
  • Dries quicker than my other T's
  • Feels dry even when damp
  • Seams are comfortable
  • No odor noticeable after “stink test”
  • Fair Trade certified
  • Bluesign criteria

Reasons to Avoid

  • Very lightweight—not for cool temps
  • Long-term wear questionable
  • No pocket (if you like that)
  • Size is just about right, but trim fit

I like to wear T-shirts most of the year until it really dips consistently below freezing. For me they are a good base layer top for everything but deep winter, as I generate heat really quickly and prefer only my torso to have full layers leaving the arms with less layers for additional venting. The Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Shirt is now one of my go-to's after several months of use. Fit: The Patagonia sizing chart was quite accurate. They call this a "Regular" fit. Their Large size fit me (6'0"/183 cm, 170 lbs/77 kg) perfectly.

Read more: Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Shirt review (1)

Long Sleeve Performance Top

Icebreaker Quantum Long Sleeve Zip Hood

user rating: 5 of 5 (1 review)

Smart design, adjusts to changing temps: Hood up for cold mornings, down as the sun rises and activity level increases. Breathable wool is naturally odor-resistant, can be used longer between washings if traveling . Durable, functional, stylish and well-made. Recommended for active/exercise wear, travel, and layering.

Reasons to Buy

  • Technical: lots of specialty features
  • Versatile: combines warmth with light weight
  • Secure pockets: zip closed to keep items safely inside
  • Thumb-slots to keep sleeves in place
  • Note: these features were on the original design: Media device pocket at chest w/opening for cord, Pockets/fabric at wrists can be converted into "mittens" to cover hands for added warmth.

Reasons to Avoid

  • Pricey—but you get what you pay for
  • Slim fit—runs a bit small for layering
  • New style ("Quantum II") has fewer tech features

Found the original design of this jacket at an excellent price several years ago, on sale at a local outdoor specialty retailer. I bought it primarily with travel in mind. I also liked the technical aspects of the jacket that make it functional over a range of conditions and activities. (FYI—the new design—the "Quantum II"—has changed a bit.) It's heavier than what I usually wear at home. IceBreaker considers it a medium weight (260) technical jacket, that can be used under a heavier outer layer for "alpine" activities in cold weather.

Read more: Icebreaker Quantum Long Sleeve Zip Hood review (1)

More Running Tops

Trailspace reviewers have shared 205 reviews of 173 different running tops. Narrow your search and view more specific running top recommendations in these categories:

Short Sleeve Performance Tops

Long Sleeve Performance Tops

All Running Clothing

Other Types of Running Clothing

Find more running clothing reviewed in these related categories:

Running Bottoms

Running Shells

Running Baselayers

+6 more types

Review Your Outdoor Gear

If you've found this site helpful — or if we've missed something important — please consider paying it forward by some of your favorite outdoor gear.

Why? From professional gearheads to outdoor novices, everyone has an important point of view to contribute. will support the outdoor community and help others find the best gear.

Trailspace reviewers are outdoor enthusiasts like you: hikers, climbers, paddlers, backcountry skiers, and trail runners who share our experiences with the gear and clothing we rely on to get outside. Learn more about Trailspace