Lightweight gear for spring and summer running

Constructed with a highly breathable and fast-drying polyester fabric, the GOCap SC is ideal for running in warm, sunny conditions. The cap’s five-panel shape offers UPF 40 sun protection, while the SOFTcurve brim does an admirable job of keeping the sun out of your eyes and off your face. For runners who prefer low-light early-morning starts, Ciele has also added reflective detailing to ensure you’re visible to traffic.

Constructed with a combination of friction-free threads mixed with quick-drying Drynamix yarn, the Ultra Glide No Show Socks are perfect for runners seeking cushioning while minimizing the risk of blisters. At the forefoot and heel, Balega has added lightweight cushioning zones while a compressive arch band with vent panels ensures a secure and highly breathable fit. The socks’ no-show height makes them ideal for indoor training or running in warmer conditions.

You can never have too many socks, and the Aspire One is a great addition to every runner’s kit. With their sophisticated construction, these socks provide excellent breathability and moisture management for additional comfort when running in warm weather. The socks’ low bulk, midfoot arch band and y-heel construction ensure a secure and supportive fit during long runs. In the toe area, Swiftwick uses seamless construction, which minimizes chafing.

Runners seeking protection from wind and drizzle will appreciate the Houdini jacket. Built with an ultra-light recycled ripstop nylon fabric, the Houdini shrugs off wind, and, thanks to a DWR surface treatment, resists light rain and drizzle. Because the jacket lacks traditional waterproof/breathable membranes, it’s not only significantly more breathable, but also less bulky. In fact, the jacket can easily be stuffed into its own chest pocket, ready for deployment when the weather turns. The addition of a minimalist hood provides extra weather protection, while the half-elastic cuffs prevent unwanted drafts. This is an exceptional piece of running kit for changing spring conditions.

The Chaser shorts, with their 5” inseam and wide, low-profile waist, are ideal for warm-weather running. Brooks has spec’d a soft, lightweight 4-way stretch outer fabric for unrestricted movement during hard efforts. The liner is similarly well-conceived and features a soft, sweat-wicking jersey fabric that won’t bunch up. The flattering wide waistband has an infinity drawstring for a secure fit and features two pockets for phone storage and other essentials.

Constructed with a lightweight, fast-drying recycled polyester ripstop fabric, the Strider Pro 5″ Shorts won’t hold you back when you’re running in warm weather. Their 5” inseam does a great job of providing coverage without restricting movement, while the low-profile waist ensures comfort even during the longest trail runs. Patagonia employs a polyester crepe boxer-brief liner that provides exceptional wicking and, thanks to a Polygiene treatment, resists odours. Finally, the one zippered pocket and four drop-in hip pockets provide plenty of storage for energy gels and other small essentials.

Featuring an insulated 18-oz. flask, the Nathan Quick Squeeze Insulated Handheld Bottle allows you to carry and enjoy chilled water (or other hydration beverages) during your warm spring runs. The double-wall insulated flask is ergonomically shaped for easy carrying and allows for easy squeezing when you need a sip. The bottle securely sits in an adjustable and breathable harness that snugly fits the runner’s hand. As an added bonus, the harness also has a zippered pocket that can accommodate small running essentials such as energy gels or your phone.

Constructed with a super-soft, highly breathable, and quick-drying DriLayer fabric, the Dash Half-Zip 2.0 is ideal for cool early-morning spring runs. The fabric consists of recycled polyester with a healthy dose of spandex, ensuring a form-fitting yet unrestrictive fit. Brooks specs a half-zip closure that allows for easy venting during hard efforts, while the addition of thumbholes at the wrists prevents unwanted drafts and ensures the sleeves don’t shift.

While many companies claim they use soft materials for their clothing, few can match the almost sublime hand of the Vuori Strato Tech Tee fabric. The fabric consists of a polyester/elastane blend that feels amazing next to your skin, delivers excellent wicking, dries quickly, and, thanks to the elastane, offers enough stretch for unrestricted movement. This is a simple, no-nonsense running top that’s ideal for warm-weather running.

Runners wanting a roomy-fitting top with exceptional ventilation and wicking will appreciate the Active Mesh T-Shirt. On the front of the shirt, Smartwool employs a merino wool/TENCEL lyocell blend fabric that provides wicking and cooling. For the back, sleeves and shoulders, the fabric changes to a merino wool/TENCEL lyocell/polyester blend that offers wicking and cooling, as well as extra durability, thanks to the polyester. Finally, mesh ventilation on the sleeves and back ensures additional comfort when running in warm weather.

The Sprint Free Short Sleeve 2.0 top is the lightest running shirt offered by Brooks. Made of recycled polyester with 14 per cent spandex, this shirt delivers excellent breathability, wicking and ease of movement. Brooks also adds an antimicrobial fabric treatment that ensures the shirt resists odours, allowing runners to use it multiple times between washes. This is an excellent summer top for runners who want low weight without compromising skin coverage.

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