Reviews by User: RunnerGirl (1)

I had a similar REI brand top many years ago. It's now threadbare from so much use, and REI no longer makes the same top. I looked long and hard for a replacement. This is the closest I could find. It's a worthy runner up, but still not as ideal as my old favorite. What I love - Simple top, no silly little zipper pockets here and there that one never uses. The high collar is great for colder days/mornings. The half zip is excellent for ventilation as the day warms up or activity level increases. It's warm, but lightweight and not bulky. It can be easily tied around waist or to your backpack if it gets really hot. Doesn’t take up half your suitcase or backpack when you pack it. Unlike so many tops which are cut tightly, the sleeves and torso are cut generously enough to allow easy and comfortable layering. However, it's not cut so generously that you can’t wear it alone as your base layer. It's nice looking, you can wear it in public without looking like a jerk. Still REI's old version was all these things and even better fitting. This top runs a little long, especially if you're only 5'2" like me. The sleeve length is okay. There's elastic in the cuffs which keep the sleeves at your wrist. However, the bottom of the shirt hangs a little too long compared to my old favorite. Unlike my old favorite, there's no elastic in the bottom hem so you can’t put the bottom higher on your hips and have it stay there. You either have to tuck the shirt into your pants or accept that the hem might hit you a little lower than you'd like. It doesn’t fall so low that it screws up your stride when running, but if you wear it for cycling, it's long enough to be a nuisance. If you get out of the saddle and then go to sit back down the horn of the saddle can catch the bottom of the shirt. They should either put a little elastic in the bottom so you can secure the shirt higher on your hips/waist, or make a petite size for women. It's not easy being short!