10 Warm-Weather Gear Essentials Every OCR Athlete Needs to Train Smart
Sponsored by CRAFT Sportswear
It’s hot. And no matter how much you dig the heat, training in blistering temps just sucks. Not only are you dealing with hydration challenges, but also searing humidity indexes, relentless sunshine, and unpredictable weather (think: p.m. thunderstorms). Not to mention, the pain—but necessity—of running in a mask if you live in a concrete jungle. Perhaps more so than any other summer, working out in 2020’s scorching temps and pandemic conditions can be a trick.
The good news? We’ve got you covered with our favorite (men’s and women’s) sweat-wicking, breathable apparel for warm-weather workouts, by CRAFT Sportswear. CRAFT puts its designs through rigorous testing to ensure top quality for max performance. It’s made by athletes like you, for athletes like you. The same athletes who are running, climbing, jumping, hanging, cycling and crawling through their workouts in the same hot weather. Because you shouldn’t have to worry if your gear can keep up with you—especially when you’re already sweating your ass off. Period. So stock up on the right essentials and take the suck out of your summer workout.
2020’s Top Warm-Weather Training Gear for OCR
Guys, These Are For You
Vent 2 in 1 Racing Shorts
These lightweight running shorts are ideal for much more than just racing (though they can hang on the OCR, too!). A recycled, superlight stretch polyester liner keeps everything snug while you’re pounding pavement, and an elastic rib waistband to the mesh jersey outer gives you a next-to-skin feel without being overly bulky. Plus, you’ve got side pockets to stash car keys or your phone when you’re heading for that après-workout smoothie.
Vent Mesh SS Tee
We’re picky when it comes to running tees. You want something that’s both moisture wicking and lightweight, so you don’t feel bogged down by a sweat soak. The Vent Mesh SS Tee hits it all. A superlight mesh back panel gives you superior moisture transport, which moves wetness away from your skin, and a tapered side seam avoids unwanted underarm chafing. Plus, wearing a hydration pack with this bad boy is a piece of cake. Enough said.
Pro Dry Nanoweight Baselayer
Don’t cringe when you hear the word baselayer. We’re not talking warmth here, we’re talking serious temperature management during the most intense summer workouts. This light, breathable mesh top weighs less than a piece of paper (no joke!), and it fits like a second skin so you can set it and forget it. Not to mention, it’s made from recycled polyester so you can feel good about taking your carbon footprint down a notch.
Pro Dry Nanoweight 6-Inch Boxer
Every guy knows that when you’re not locked in place, erm, downstairs, well… things get rough. Enter the Pro Dry Nanoweight Boxer. While it’s not a compression short per se, it gets the job done without cutting off circulation to your thighs and hammies. Its cooling mesh design moves moisture fast, and it fits skin tight, so you can rock them under any short and go hard, worry free.
Ladies, These Are For You
Adv Essence Hot Pants
When it comes to running shorts, you want breathable material and an anti-chafe design so you can keep hacking it, mile after mile. The Adv Essence Hot Pants are our favorite running short for women—elastane jersey fabric creates a snug, comfortable fit without any inner-thigh irritation. And a V-shaped waistband follows the contours of your lower back like a second skin. Plus, reflective print makes night running safe and doable, when temps are just too godawful.
UNTMD Cropped X Training Singlet
Real talk: you’ve gotta keep the girls in place when you’re working out, otherwise you’re in for a sore surprise. Enter, the UNTMD Cropped X Training Singlet. It’s snug enough to crush a run, comfy enough for yoga, and comes in a retro, shiny elastic print that’s cute enough to stand alone as everyday wear. Crossed straps at the back provide extra support, and a lined front prevents any see-through slip ups. Consider it the ultimate sports-bra-meets-training-tee, all in one.
Pro Dry Nanoweight Baselayer
We’re a huge fan of CRAFT’S moisture-wicking baselayer technology. It goes above and beyond to transport sweat away from your skin while you workout, no matter how hot it is outside. And somehow the design is so lightweight and tight fitting that you barely notice it’s there. This Pro Dry Nanoweight Baselayer is perfect for any summer workout, from hiking up mountain sides to bagging singletrack miles to pressing through rounds of planks and burpees. The goal is to forget about your gear so you can max your workout and maintain focus. This gets ‘er done.
Vent Mesh Singlet
This racer back Vent Mesh Singlet fits comfortably under any hydration pack for a long-distance run. Superior mesh technology in not one, but TWO panels (top and back) provide ultimate breathability when you work hard and sweat a lot. Plus, bonded hems ensure there’s no underarm chafing when you’re shooting for high-milage days. If you want a piece that’s durable for the long haul, this is it.
Bonus Must-Have Hot-Weather Essentials for Men and Women
Vent Mesh Cap
Sick of sunglass slippage? Shade your face from the sun with this running cap made from recycled polyester and designed to form fit any noggin. Two covered seams prevent rubbing on your temples, it’s adjustable, and the velcro strap at the back provides a nice resting point for a ponytail (or man bun).
Vent Mesh Arm Cover
When you’re doing bodyweight work, there’s nothing more annoying than sweaty arms. Why? They lead to wet palms, a foggy watch face, and a distracting drip that takes your focus away from your workout… and creates grip slippage. You get the picture. These Vent Mesh Arm Covers solve that problem. A lightweight polyester mesh wrap prevents moisture moving down your arms and cramping your style. Because push ups are no fun when you fall flat on your face.
Editor’s Note: CRAFT is a Swedish company, and its gear tends to fit long and lean. (Some say that’s what makes them fast!) If you’re between sizes, we recommend sizing up to ensure the proper fit.
