THE GEAR:
The Wildwood Trail shortsleeve is a new wicking top from GoLite. The base layer shirt is designed to dry quickly and provide a UPF level of 50+, while being extremely light and comfortable. The fabric certainly feels remarkably comfortable to the touch, and at a scant 3 oz the top could hardly be any lighter.
The company's latest fabric utilizes Cocona Minerale to achieve its goals. The natural technology uses microporous particles derived from minerals that are supposed to improve fabric comfort and performance. It is permanently embedded in the fibers so as not to wash off or wear out. The DriMove Lite polyester based fabric is strong, featherweight and assists with moisture management.
THE TEST:
The Wildwood Trail top exceeded weight and comfort expectations when I put it on the first time. This left only wicking and drying ability to test. I wore the shirt on a number of hikes as well as several trips to the gym. Wicking well on a breezy mountain ridge is one thing, performing the same task in a poorly ventilated gym is quite another. In both cases the Wildwood did very well. The top also dries rapidly, which comes in handy during hiking breaks when you remove your pack. Even in the midst of a heavy sweat, I was rarely aware that I was even wearing a shirt. It never became clingy or heavy.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
GoLite is a company that has become as well known for its community involvement and sustainability, as it has for high performance products. The Wildwood Trail shortsleeve top is a great example of what can happen when responsible business practice meets quality product design and production. The shirt is extremely lightweight and comfortable. It wicks and dries well under various conditions and a number of different summer activities.
PRODUCT FEATURES:
Materials:
80 g/m² 100% polyester body fabric; 86 g/m² 58% Minerale™ polyester, 42% polyester panels; UPF: 50+ (main body fabric)
Fast-wicking Minerale™ panels
Secure pocket
Reflective logos
3 oz. | 80 g
Fit: Fitted
available sizes: S-XXL
MSRP: $45
For more of Adam's writing, reviews, and photography, visit AdamSawyer.com
Comments
This sounds like a winner!
I love go lite's products - I would totally go for this one.
Great review. I love wicking material when I run, but I have a hard time finding ones that fit well and look good (more of an issue with women's cut shirts).
Great review. I still don't understand why these companies continue to promote the darker colors as it seems counter productive.
3 ounces! Dang. Nearly $50. Ounce-for-ounce it needs to be good to command that price. I wonder how it does after laundering a bunch. Adam, I enjoyed the review. Available retail?
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