Even though there's still snow on the ground, I've been thinking warm thoughts (11 days until spring, not that we're counting) and looking forward to dehydration, sunburns and all things hot.
Mountain Hardwear's Women's Conditioning S/S Zip top (or the orange-zippy shirt as I like to call it) is a hot weather keeper. more
For summer, I typically lean toward tanks and sleeveless shirts. But this top, with its short, capped sleeve is a nice middle ground between tanks and long-sleeved choices. It dries fast and feels extra light-weight even at the end of a summer sweatfest.
Mountain Hardwear made this top with "Micro Climate Zoning construction," meaning it's lighter where you're sweatiest, and regular wicking fabric where you're not. Why they didn't make the whole shirt out of the meshy, super-wicking wonder material is beyond me, but the shirt still kicks butt on a hot day.
The Conditioning top comes with the now-standard anti-microbial finish to help it stay stank free, although none of us will ever smell like roses after a mountain marathon. Mine, after many, many uses still smells, even when it's clean. But nice try anti-microbial finish, nice try.
It's a roomy fit if you buy based on the size guide, so if you like your tops to be more fitted consider ordering a size down. The top is a flattering length, hitting me right about my hip bones, though a little boxier than I'm used to. I do wish it had a half-zip instead of just the few inch quarter zip. When it's really hot I'd like to have the option to have more ventilation.
Overall it's been a great shirt to have in the summer long-run mix. I've also been wearing it this winter under a fleece or vest for chilly runs. It does get clammy, but I'm still working on the right combination of fibers and layers. Dressing in the winter requires lots of strategy.
Buy it now at most outdoor retailers for $55.
Sara Davidson is an ultramarathoner and our resident women's running gear destroyer.
