It’s officially Summer and that means if you want to keep up with your training regimen, then you’ll need the proper gear to keep you going while staying comfortable and cool.  Under Armour has a whole line of Under Armour HeatGear apparel that we were given the opportunity to put through some intense heat and grueling workouts.  Recently, Under Armour’s HeatGear even got us through a 5 hour Adventure Race.

– Men’s HeatGear Apparel –

tested by: Geno Mallo

Key Features:

• Ultra-soft, lightweight Heathered fabric for unrivaled comfort
• ArmourVent mesh panels deliver true breathability in a light, stretchy, durable, fast-drying fabric
• Moisture Transport System wicks sweat & dries fast
• Anti-odor technology prevents the growth of odor causing microbes
• Reflective logos & piping for greater visibility on low-light runs
• Body: 4.6 oz. Polyester
• Mesh: 5.2 oz. Polyester

The Men’s UA HeatGear ArmourVent Run V-Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt is one of the most comfortable shirts I’ve worn.  The Ultra-soft, lightweight Heathered fabric really is “unrivaled comfort”.  This shirt is among many in Under Armour’s line that has the Moisture Transport System that wicks sweat and dries fast, as well as the Anti-odor technology which helps prevent strong odors from growing.  The shoulders are equipped with the ArmourVent mesh panels that help for added breathability.  Overall, this is my favorite shirt for it’s level of comfort and breathability. So if you’re looking for a shirt to wear in high heat temperatures that’ll allow for excellent comfort and breathability, the UA HeatGear Amrour Vent is one of my top recommendations.

Buy Now: $49.99 or for more info: UnderArmour.com

Key Features:

• Engineered mesh fabric is ultra-soft & total ventilation
• Stretch-mesh back for added mobility
• 4-way stretch fabrication allows greater mobility in any direction
• Moisture Transport System wicks sweat & dries fast
• Anti-odor technology prevents the growth of odor causing microbes
• Body: 5.3 oz. Polyester
• Mesh: 3.5 oz. Polyester/Elastane

The Men’s UA Raid Exo T-Shirt has a nice level of comfort with some great features and a bold look.  The fabric is the same as the ArmourVent Run V-Neck (Polyester and Elastane) but it does not feel as soft.  However, it does have the 4-way stretch fabrication that helps for greater mobility which is great for lifting weights or other exercise that requires dynamic movements.  The backside also has a stretch-mesh that adds another level of mobility.

Buy Now: $34.99 or for more info: UnderArmour.com

Key Features:

• UA Tech fabric is quick-drying, ultra-soft & has a more natural feel
• Moisture Transport System wicks sweat & dries fast
• Anti-odor technology prevents the growth of odor causing microbes
• 3.9 oz. Polyester

Although the UA Tech Tank is made of the same Polyester material as the other shirts, it feels as if it has a softer weight.  This tank is lighter than the other shirts (only 3.9 oz), but it still holds up great in the gym and the added room gives your muscles way more room to breath.  Similar to the Run V-Neck and Raid Exo shirts, The UA Tech Tank also has the Moisture Transport System and quick-drying fabric along with the Anti-odor technology.  This is one shirt that always makes its way to my gym bag.

Buy Now: $24.99 or for more info: UnderArmour.com

Key Features:

• Smooth HeatGear fabric with engineered mesh, body mapped to deliver strategic ventilation
• ArmourVent mesh panels deliver true breathability in a light, stretchy, durable, fast-drying fabric
• 4-way stretch fabrication allows greater mobility in any direction
• Moisture Transport System wicks sweat & dries fast
• Anti-odor technology prevents the growth of odor causing microbes
• Durable neck with ARMOUR wordmark
• Polyester/Elastane

Compression shirts are great for distraction-free workouts where you don’t have to worry about extra fabric getting in the way of your intense moves or weight bar.  If you’ve never worn a compression top, it does take some time to get use to as it is not your typical shirt. The “compression” is quite literal in that it compresses tightly against your skin so there is no loose fabric.  Don’t let the name fool you into thinking there is less range of motion.  In fact, the UA HeatGear ArmourVent™ Short Sleeve Compression Shirt has a 4-way stretch fabric just like the shirts above.  Because this type of shirt fits snug against your torso, the ventilation has to be well thought out.  Under Armour engineered a mesh fabric that is mapped to your body to help deliver maximum ventilation.  I recommend this type of shirt if you are doing high intensity – interval training or if you want less wind resistance during a race.

Buy Now: $44.99 or for more info: UnderArmour.com

Key Features:

• HeatGear fabric, with all the benefits of UA Compression, comfortable enough to be worn all day
• ArmourVent mesh panels deliver true breathability in a light, stretchy, durable, fast-drying fabric
• 4-way stretch fabrication allows greater mobility in any direction
• Moisture Transport System wicks sweat & dries fast
• Anti-odor technology prevents the growth of odor causing microbes
• Engineered elastic waistband with ARMOUR wordmark
• Inseam: 26.5″
• Body: 7.0 oz. 84% Polyester / 16% Elastane
• Mesh: 5.2 oz. Polyester

These compression leggings are meant to be used as a base layer and are comfortable enough to wear for most the day.  Less constricting than most leggings I’ve tried, the ArmourVent mesh at the top along the waist and near the bottom from the calf to the ankle helps keep you cool and dries fast.  Like most of the HeatGear line, these leggings are also equipped with the Moisture Transport System, Anti-oder technology, and 4-way stretch fabrication.  I prefer wearing cold gear leggings during the winter to help keep me warm, but these UA HeatGear Leggings are great for the warmer days in the trails to help protect your legs against the elements.

Buy Now: $49.99 or for more info: UnderArmour.com

Key Features:

• HeatGear fabric is ultra-soft & smooth for extreme comfort with very little weight
• UPF 30+ protects your skin from the sun’s harmful rays
• 4-way stretch fabrication allows greater mobility in any direction
• Moisture Transport System wicks sweat & dries fast
• Anti-odor technology prevents the growth of odor causing microbes
• Covered elastic waistband with internal drawcord
• Mesh hand pockets
• Inseam: 10″
• 5.0 oz. Polyester/Elastane

The Men’s UA Raid Shorts are the most lightweight short’s I’ve tried.  The 4-way stretch fabric is definitely comfortable and breathable.  The UPF 30+ is a great bonus feature when wearing these shorts outdoors, especially for longer periods of time.  Plus the 4 way stretch fabrication and Moisture Transport System helped keep me moving freely and kept me dry even in the most intense workouts.  The covered elastic waistband is really comfortable and felt great even after wearing these shorts all day.  These shorts are great for just about any type of sport which make them my “go to” shorts.

Buy Now: $29.99 or for more info: UnderArmour.com

Key Features:

• Unstructured fit conforms to your head for lower profile
• Revolutionary coldblack technology reflects IR & heat rays, so even dark colors don’t get as hot
• Minimum UPF 30+ sun protection to block out UV-A & UV-B rays
• Graphics & logos are reflective for greater visibility on low-light runs
• Built-in HeatGear® sweatband wicks away sweat to keep you cool & dry
• Laser-perforated ventilation in the back
• Adjustable closure
• Polyester

Ever since fitted caps became available, that’s really all I’ve worn.  Although the Men’s UA Flash Cap is not fitted, it does have an adjustable velcro closure which still felt pretty comfortable.  I am a fan of the unstructured fit which helps conform to your head, giving it a lower profile.  This Cap is equipped with the coldblack technology which reflects IR & heat rays.  Plus it has another level of sun protection with the Minimum UPF 30+.  I’ve worn this hat mostly during the day but it is nice to wear at night if you are out for a run – as it has reflective graphics and logos for greater visibility.  The Built in HeatGear sweatband is great for helping keep the sweat away.

Buy Now: $24.99 or for more info: UnderArmour.com

– Women’s HeatGear Apparel – 

tested by: Beth Mallo

Key Features:

• Soft, ultra-lightweight fabric delivers superior breathability and incredible comfort
• Large, open-hole performance mesh back and side panels for unrivaled breathability
• Signature Moisture Transport System wicks sweat to keep you dry and light
• Flatlock princess seams create a slim, chafe-free silhouette
• Feminine scoop neck and slight drop-tail for just the right amount of coverage
• Skinny racer back with keyhole detail
• 360° reflectivity offers extra safety during low-light runs

Summer running can get hot.  To help keep you cool, this UA Fly-By Stretch Mesh Tank is extremely lightweight and breathable.  It is the most comfortable running shirt I have worn.  It is a semi-fitted style so it’s not too tight or baggy.  The entire back and sides are made with an open-hole mesh that allows maximum air flow.  I would suggest to only use this top for basic running as it is a thin soft fabric.  It may not be durable enough to handle any extreme use.

Buy Now: $29.99 or for more info: UnderArmour.com

Key Features: 

• Lightweight, fully perforated woven fabric for superior ventilation and comfort
• Matching built-in anti-microbial brief offers extra coverage and chafe-free performance
• Signature Moisture Transport System wicks sweat to keep you dry and light
• Exposed elastic novelty waistband with a rise that sits just right on your hips
• Scalloped hem with pop color binding detail
• Interior key pocket at front right hip
• 360º reflectivity for low-light safety
• 3″ inseam

The UA Perfect Pace Short come in a variety of colors and slightly different styles.  These are my favorite for summer running.  They feature tiny little perforated holes that allow the greatest amount of airflow.  Not all of the Perfect Pace Short have the little holes, so double check the style you are getting.  The wide elastic waist band sits perfectly and does not dig into my skin.  Like all of their HeatGear, these shorts keep you cool and dry quickly.  Usually the built in brief causes irritation from the hem, but Under Armour did it right with these.  They basically sewed the hem inside out so the soft non-irritating side is against your skin and not the other way around.

Buy Now: $34.99 or for more info: UnderArmour.com

Key Features:

• Soft elastic headband with allover graphics
• Grippy silicone UA logos underneath for secure, stay-put performance
• Breathable moisture-wicking fabric stays dry and light for all-day comfort
• Sold in sets of 4 – (2) ½” bands and (2) 1” bands
• Women’s one size fits all
• Nylon/Polyester/Lycra

If you have fly-away hairs that always fall in your face (like me), or stick up in just the right way giving you the look of horns, then a headband is highly needed.  Under Armour sent me their Graphic Elastic Headbands 4 pack in a variety of colors and two different thicknesses.  The under part has a strip of grippy silicone that is supposed to help keep the headband in place.  While these headbands look cute, they never stayed on my head.  It may be because I have a smaller head but I just couldn’t get them to stay put.

Buy Now: $14.99 or for more info: UnderArmour.com

Key Features:

• Super-light HeatGear fabric delivers superior coverage without weighing you down
• Signature Moisture Transport System wicks sweat to keep you dry and light
• Lightweight, 4-way stretch construction improves mobility and maintains shape
• Anti-microbial technology keeps your gear fresher, longer
• Body:Polyester/Elastane
• Side Panels: Polyester

If you aren’t a headband type of person but still need to keep that crazy hair under control, then this UA Fly-Fast Cap might be the thing for you.  It not only covers your wild strays, but it’s also great for sun protection.  I love hats of all kinds, but as I mentioned before, my head is smaller that average.  This means that most hats, unfortunately, don’t fit me.  That was not the case with this hat.  It has an adjustable strap so I can tighten it down to fit properly.  The only thing I would have liked was a little loop of some sort to tuck the excess strap in so it doesn’t just stick out.  It is very lightweight and still allows airflow around your head.

Buy Now: $24.99 or for more info: UnderArmour.com

Overall, you really can’t go wrong with any of the UA HeatGear.  They have a variety of styles that will most definitely suit your needs for these summer months.