Arc’teryx Running Short and Shirt Review

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Arc’teryx has long been known for making high quality products for climbers, backcountry skiers, hikers, etc., and more recently they added trail running to the product mix. It is not too much of a shock to us that Arc’teryx is getting into the trail running business because there are a lot of outdoor brands that have added the category of trail running to their product mix. And while there are many outdoor brands getting into the outdoors, not all get it right the first time or two around. Arc’teryx on the other hand has done their research and the products show it. Thus far, I have tested Arc’teryx running shorts, shirts, and jackets and have been happy with the look, fit, and performance.

Arc’teryx Incendo Men’s Running Shorts

Standing out in the running short category is incredibly hard to do these days. There are dozens of companies vying for the real estate below your waist and there is only so much you can do with a running short.  And while I would love to say that Arc’teryx is changing the running shorts game, I have to be honest and let you know that the Incendo Running Shorts won’t be awarded for amazing innovations. However, I have to give it to Arc’teryx for making a quality running short fits well, looks great on, and performs nicely.

Incendo Short Fit

The fit of the Arc’teryx Incendo Short is great for the everyday trail running looking to log miles. The shorts come with a relaxed fit that’s easy to run in without restricting your stride. The fabric used in the shorts have a little bit of stretch to them and is super soft to the touch. On the sides of the Incendo shorts, there is a mesh panel that goes the length of the short and helps with allowing the shorts to breath which helps reduce moisture build up.

Features

One of the unique features in the Arc’teryx Incendo Shorts is the laminated hem at the bottom of the shorts. This area is typically stitched in most shorts and is a feature that you typically find in a higher end jacket or ski pants.  Another unique feature worth noting in these shorts in the waist draw cord. Instead of tying the draw cord at the front, Arc’teryx makes this string continuous meaning it won’t dig into your stomach.  Like I said, it’s really hard to come up with something new in a pair of running shorts and Arc’teryx has managed to do so, so kudos to the design team at Arc’teryx.

When trail running, I typically like to have a few pockets in my shorts to carry the bare minimum. This includes items like a car or house key and a gel or two. The Incendo Short has one pocket that is good for storing items less valuable like gels and a zippered pocket for items that you want to make sure they stay secured like keys. I tried to use my iPhone in the zippered pocket and while it was a super snug fit and stayed in my pocket most of the time, it did end up slipping out. That said, it’s not recommended using the pockets for an iPhone 5 or phones of similar size.  Smaller phones or iPods should work just fine.

Arc’teryx Actinium SS

For the runner that likes clothing that breathes, the Arc’teryx Actinium SS is an excellent choice. This shirt is comprised of a mesh material that breathes much better than the typical tech shirt. Think of old school mesh meets today’s typical tech shirt and then multiply it by 10 times of coolness and you get the Actinium SS. The shirt itself is very lightweight, and while it’s great for running, it can be used in almost any other activity where you want to stay dry.

The fit of the Arc’teryx Actinium SS is relaxed, meaning it’s not going to hug your body, but it’s not super gangster big. I tested out a size medium and it fit me great. I am 6’0 and 173lbs. After months of testing this shirt, I didn’t notice any stink to the shirt. Sometimes you’ll wear a tech shirt and it will stink for life, not this shirt.

The one downside to this shirt versus other Arc’teryx tech shirts is that it’s not all that soft against the skin. It’s not abrasive by any means, but it’s not silky smooth like some of the other Arc’teryx shirts we’ve worn in the past. It’s not a deal breaker, but worth noting. Having tested this shirt out on 90 F + degrees while running and hiking up to 16 miles, I can attest to this shirt breathing very well and when wet, it dries super fast! For more information on the Actinium SS and Incendo Short, please visit www.arcteryx.com or www.amazon.com/arcteryx.