Last updated: 16-Aug-18
Whatever kit you choose to wear for training and racing needs to be both comfortable and practical. I have been testing inov-8’s women’s trail shorts and half-zip baselayer during warm weather training runs in Scotland.
inov-8 AT/C 6″ TRAIL SHORT (women’s)
The shorts comprise an attached inner liner short with a looser-fit outer short.
Features
- Gender specific inner shorts
- 6-inch length (also an 8in length for men)
- Four-way stretch fabric on outer short
- DWR coating for rain resistance
- Rear zip and mesh pockets for keys, gels
- Male and female designs
- Price: Men’s £45 and women’s £55
I am a UK10 and I ordered the size 10 but the shorts feel a bit loose fit. The outer shorts are meant to be loose and flowing and they look and feel great but it would be better, in my opinion, if the inner shorts were tighter and more supportive.
I ended up wearing pants under the shorts to offer a bit more support as I like to feel as though everything is held together when running to stop any bottom bounce, if you know what I mean?
The shorts are nice and stretchy and really easy to wear. The DWR coating works well although this is only really suitable for light rain. The outer fabric dries out very quickly after a short soaking.
Surprisingly, for a pair of shorts, they feel quite heavy! I think I am more used to wearing super light Lycra shorts and skorts so I would reserve these shorts for cooler summer days or warmer winter days.
They are great at hiding any physical lumps and bumps that you might not be so keen on. Many women like to have a bit of cover in the bum and hips area and these are brilliant for that purpose.
There is a small, zipped back pocket and an even smaller open-top stretch pocket on the rear of the waistband. I would prefer to see both of these replaced with a larger zipped waistband pocket that would suit a smartphone.
Conclusion
The shorts are comfortable, stretchy and flowing but the inners are a bit too loose to be usefully supportive. They feel very easy to wear and offer quick drying fabrics. If you prefer to have less flesh and body shape on show these are ideal shorts. They appear to be well made and durable.
| Score | |
| Design | 8/10 |
| Features | 8/10 |
| Performance | 8/10 |
| Value | 8/10 |
| Total | 8/10 |
inov-8 AT/C Short sleeve half-zipped base layer
The half-zip short-sleeve top is another product in the AT/C collection.
Photo credit: inov-8.com.
Features
- Moisture wicking and quick drying fabric
- Front half zip
- Polygiene anti-microbial treatment for permanent odour control
- Mesh style back and underarms
- Neck collar with inner rucksack band for greater comfort when carrying a pack
- Reflective details
- Male and female designs
- £42
The top feels comfortable on the skin and offers a flattering fit. The UK10 is a perfect 10 fit in my opinion.
The fabric is lightweight and dries quickly if you sweat or get wet. The slightly waffled fabric on the back and underarms allows sweat to evaporate more easily.
The half zip offers versatility because it allows you to unzip when you are hot or zip it right up when you feel a chill wind on your neck.
The neck collar band seems a bit pointless to me because I have never had a running rucksack that has rubbed the back of my neck but maybe other people do suffer with this problem. Put simply, this is an added thin strip of padded fabric at the back of the neck that may well help with rucksack comfort if this is something that bothers you.
The sleeves are quite neatly cut in the women’s top so they do not fall far down the arm. I like this style but if you prefer a longer sleeve you will need to look elsewhere. The men’s arms look a little longer and cover more skin.
The reflective detailing is a useful extra and well designed.
What is not so good about this top is the whiff of body odour after just one wear. Many people chose merino based products because they find they do not become so whiffy but if, like me, you have skin that is too sensitive for merino then you need to wear synthetic fabrics.
The problem with synthetics is they do become smelly if sweat dries into the fabric. inov-8 claim to have overcome this with polygiene anti-microbial treatment but I have to say it didn’t work for me.
The only way around this is to wash your top after each run or go out on your own with slightly smelly armpits!
Conclusion
This is a comfortable top that feels lovely on the skin and performs well to allow sweat to wick away. The half zip is a useful feature, as is the mesh style back and armpits. However, the polygiene anti-microbial treatment does not work and so you need to wash the top to prevent it smelling of stale body odour. This is not unusual because it’s a synthetic top but it is a bit frustrating.
| Score | |
| Design | 8/10 |
| Features | 8/10 |
| Performance | 6/10 |
| Value | 8/10 |
| Total | 7.5/10 |
About the writer: Fiona is a keen runner, preferring off-road and hilly to flat and road. She lives in Scotland where the weather is fickle so needs to be prepared for all conditions.
All images Fiona Outdoors except where stated.
Have you used the inov-8 AT/C shorts and short sleeved base layer? Don’t agree with this review? What’s your opinion? Add your own comment to this review and share your experience and passion for running with others.
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