Mountain Hardwear Conditioning T-Shirt : Barely There Performance

When I run, I often feel heavy enough; I don't need weighty clothes to make me feel even more sluggish. That's why I love Mountain Hardwear's Conditioning Short Sleeve T. Just putting on this ultra-light top makes me feel sprightly and swift.

Weighing a mere three ounces, this shirt may be the lightest I own, but it doesn't sacrifice coverage. The relatively long torso length means that my top stays put and protects my lower back against sunburn. Although the sleeves are short (like a cap length), they still cover my shoulders. I especially appreciate that when I pair the shirt with a hydration pack since the fabric keeps the pack straps from uncomfortable chafing.

The feature that really sets this shirt apart from the pack is its ventilation zones. Most of the shirt is made of a solid 100 percent polyester fabric that's great at wicking away sweat. Mountain Hardwear did a nice job designing this top. They use an open mesh in the really wet zones--like under the arms and between the shoulder blades--that really helps moisture evaporate. The netting fabric in these zones is soft, however, and didn't scratch my skin. These fabric variations (which Mountain Hardwear calls "Micro Climate Zoning") has made this my go-to shirt for high-output, aerobic workouts--not just running, but indoor spin classes, too.

As an added bonus, the Conditioning T keeps me relatively stink-free, thanks to an anti microbial coating called Chitosan that's derived from shrimp shells. But you won't reek like shrimp--you'll smell fresh--after your run as well as before your next one.

Available in women's sizes XS-XL and in a variety of colors. Also available in a sleeveless, tank style.

Bottom Line: An ultra light tee that beats the heat with smart fabric technology. -K.B. (June '10)

BUY ONLINE : $55, on sale at Altrec , shop at Backcountry.com.

Manufacturer's Site: www.mountainhardwear.com

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