GoLite Wildwood Shortsleeve Top ($45) and the Mesa 5″ Trail Shorts ($45) may be a great addition to your running apparel. Let’s review the top and shorts from GoLite.
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
Wildwood Shortsleeve Top
Wow! One of the lightest shirts I have worn. It weighs only 2.5 oz. Superlight and very breathable. It feels like another layer of skin.
Mesa 5″ Trail Shorts
It is just the right length (5 inches). They fit well in the briefs and are comfortable.
TRAIL TESTING
Wildwood Shortsleeve Top
The shirt feels very light on the body. I hardly noticed I was wearing a shirt. It is extremely breathable. I carried a GU packet in the back inside pocket. I was surprised that it did not bounce around. Because the shirt is fitted, it minimizes any bounce. However, I would not recommend carrying anything beyond the weight of a GU packet.
Mesa 5″ Trail Shorts
The shorts fit well. It does come with a draw cord, but the waistband is snug enough that a draw cord is not necessary. No chafing was experienced on long runs. The shorts repel light moisture. There is no issue with breathability. A lighter meshing material connecting the sections of the shorts adds to the breathability. See picture below.
When switching to a waistbelt hydration system, I felt the back zipper from the pocket. It was not uncomfortable, but was noticeable. I would recommend a flap closure versus a zipper closure. I did crave an extra pocket or two to carry additional essentials.
TECH SPECS
Wildwood Shortsleeve Top
- Material – Polyester
- Fit – Fitted
- Number of Pockets – 1
- Made In – Taiwan
Mesa 5″ Trail Shorts
- Outer Material – Polyester
- Lining Material – Polyester
- Fit – Regular
- Liner – Briefs
- Number of Pockets – 1
- Inseam Length – 5 inches
- Made In – China
Weight Breakdown
CONCLUSION
Wildwood Shortsleeve Top
Superlight and very breathable tech wear. This is one of my favorite running shirts.
Mesa 5″ Trail Shorts
Perfect length and great fit. They repel light moisture while not sacrificing breathability. A larger back pocket and/or additional pockets would be nice to carry essentials. I would also recommend a flap closure versus a zipper closure for the back pocket.
[NOTE: Currently, GoLite is having a sale – 50% off. Happy shopping!]
Based on your review James, ordered the shirt (got the half off). I ordered a size up because I did not want a tight fitting shirt. My new favorite shirt and going to order another one. Thanks again for sharing.
John
Just a follow up to my May post. I have run many times with this shirst and find it is always my forst choice reaching into the closet for a running shirt. I find it does not nipple chaff as bad as oher shirts either on long runs.