Arc'teryx Sarix Running Shirts (Spring/Summer 2014)

Arc'teryx Sarix Sleeveless before my bike-commute

Introduction
Arc’teryx—a shortened version of Archaeopteryx, perhaps the earliest transitional species between dinosaurs and birds—is an outdoor equipment and clothing company based in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.  In other words, Arc’teryx is located in a region of the world in which they do not have to travel very far to test their amazing equipment and gear. They sponsor amazing ultrarunners ranging from Adam Campbell to Joe Grant.

Arc'teryx is definitely a brand favorite at Vagabond Running Blog, and we thoroughly enjoyed the versatility of the 2013 Arc'teryx Squamish Hoody for our numerous running adventures. So, we were pleased when, at the end of the Summer last year, Arc'teryx was kind enough to send two samples from their Spring/Summer 2014 line-up of running clothing: the Sarix short-sleeve and sleeveless techinical shirts.



Sarix Short-Sleeve and Sleeveless Technical Shirts

Arc'teryx Sarix Sleeveless (left) and Short Sleeve (right)

It makes sense to review both of these as if they are one item since the sleeveless shirt is very similar to the short-sleeve shirt. Here are some of the technical details on this gear:

• The Sarix shirts are part of the Spring/Summer 2014 Endorphin line 
• These shirts are specific for race day, but also great for training sessions, too.
• The fit is "trim fitting," so be prepared to show off what you've got in this shirt :-)
• Arc'teryx utilizes a very lightweight polyester mesh fabric, which is supposed to increase air flow during strenuous activity
• These shirts have a wicking finish, which means that the shirt will cling to the body in that next-to-skin feel, which allows the body to use its natural cooling mechanisms (evaporating the sweat from the skin)
• It supposedly sports a Flatlock construction, and this reduces chaffing that all too frequently occurs with most technical shirts
• The Arc'teryx logo, as well as other trims on the shirt, are highly reflective
• 100% polyester, ~ 2.3 oz.

Arc'teryx Sarix Short Sleeve

My Experience
As I mentioned above, I began wearing these two items in August and I have continued to wear them even during the cold Boston winter, as well as during my brief 12-day vacation in New Mexico.

The Sarix shirts really do cling to the skin, so if you are self-conscious about your appearance, that might be a problem as it leaves little room for imagination. With that being said, I think this is exactly the type of fit that you will want when either racing or training, especially in hot conditions.


Summer Time:
I wore these two shirts almost exclusively when bike-commuting and run-commuting to work during August and September when temperatures where reaching 100F + the humidity. Seriously, I did not even notice I was wearing a shirt despite the oppressively hot temperatures and my body literally pouring sweat. Oh, did I mention that I usually commute with a backpack on?

Taking a break during my bike-commute home from work

In really hot and humid conditions, the Sarix shirt would get pretty soaked, but I always felt rather cool temperature-wise (all things considered). When I would stop at light and when there was a breeze, the shirt became rather cool and the sensation felt rather pleasant. Despite the oppressive weather and crazy amount of sweating, neither my nipples nor my underarms experienced any chaffing whatsoever. I really like being able to put on a shirt and not have to worry about applying BodyGlide at 5am in the morning. I should also mention that these shirts dry fairly quickly, too, and I found that they were basically completely dry by the end of the workday for my run- or bike-commute home.

Winter Time:
These shirts are also great for winter wear, too. If the temperature is around 40-50 degrees, I will wear the Sarix under my Squamish Hoody or a long-sleeve shirt. In colder weather, the shirt wicks the sweat away onto the outer layer allowing my core to remain warm and dry.

Not winter, but a cooler day on the Boston Harbor Island. Arc'teryx Sarix under my Squamish Hoody

Incidentally, I have started wearing the Sarix as a base layer under my button-up dress shirts or wool sweaters during the cold winter months in Boston. Since I walk outside (commuting) on average 80 minutes 3-4 times per week, I find the Sarix adds additional warmth to my cold body without adding extra bulk. This is a truly versatile shirt!!!
 

Spectacle Island of the Boston Harbor Islands - where will Arc'teryx take you?

Conclusion
At Vagabond Running Blog, we really value gear that can be used for a wide-range of activities. To be completely honest, I have nothing negative to say about these shirts as they perform extremely well with no cons for the purpose they are designed for, and they are extremely versatile and useful for a wide-range of activities. As I mentioned in my post, they kept me cool, dried quickly, and resulted in zero chaffing (which is a problem for me) during the summer months, and they are a fantastic base layer for both training in colder conditions and as an undershirt for work when walk commuting during the winter.

The Sarix Short Sleeve shirt and Sleeveless Shirt will be available soon from Arc'teryx and are a great addition to their already fantastic Endorphin line-up.

Disclaimer: These shirts were given to me from Arc'teryx to review for my blog; however, the opinions expressed are my own and based on my experience.

EATURES of the Arcteryx Men's Sarix Sleeveless Tee

• Ultra lightweight polyester mesh fabric has excellent air flow
• Wicking finish improves moisture management and next-to-skin feel
• Trim fit reduces billowing and bulk
• Flatlock construction reduces chafing
• Reflective blades for low light visibility

SPECIFICATIONS of the Arcteryx Men's Sarix Sleeveless Tee

• Weight: 2.3 oz / 65 g
• Fit: Trim
• Polydel Mesh - 100% polyester

- See more at: http://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/shop/product_Arcteryx-Men-s-Sarix-Sleeveless-Tee_10235122_10208_10000001_-1_#sthash.OxXBorK3.dpuf

EATURES of the Arcteryx Men's Sarix Sleeveless Tee

• Ultra lightweight polyester mesh fabric has excellent air flow
• Wicking finish improves moisture management and next-to-skin feel
• Trim fit reduces billowing and bulk
• Flatlock construction reduces chafing
• Reflective blades for low light visibility

SPECIFICATIONS of the Arcteryx Men's Sarix Sleeveless Tee

• Weight: 2.3 oz / 65 g
• Fit: Trim
• Polydel Mesh - 100% polyester

- See more at: http://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/shop/product_Arcteryx-Men-s-Sarix-Sleeveless-Tee_10235122_10208_10000001_-1_#sthash.OxXBorK3.dpuf