Advnture Verdict

A high-performing and versatile running top, which supplies good levels of protection from the elements and aggressive trail growth

Pros

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Super lightweight
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Quick drying
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High sun protection
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Made with partially recycled material

Cons

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No reflective details
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No mesh (can run quite warm)
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Baggy fit won’t suit everyone

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Helly Hansen Lifa Active Solen T-shirt: first impressions

A nicely designed, highly practical top, the Helly Hansen Lifa Active Solen T-shirt has flat seams and is comfortable from the first wear, with no next-to-skin coarseness.

The Lifa Active poly material is 60% recycled, and despite its relatively baggy, relaxed-fit – and a complete lack of mesh – this T-shirt remains lightweight and quick drying. All the kinds of thing you want from the best running tops.

Specifications

• RRP: $55 (US) / £35 (UK)
• Style: T-shirt
• Weight: 150g / 5.3oz
• Sizes: S–XL
• Materials: 60% recycled polyester, infused with used coffee grounds
• Colors: Cloudberry / White / Ebony / Navy
• Compatibility: Trail and road running, racing, training, hiking, climbing

The fabric has been infused with used coffee beans using a low-temperature, high-pressure and energy saving process called S.Café, which heightens the garment’s ability to protect the wearer from the harmful effects of the sun, giving the T-shirt a UPF sun protection rating of 50+ (and here are some more tips for running in hot weather). The coffee – which the brand claim will not wash out – also helps prevent the buildup of bad odors caused by bacteria and allegedly also offers up to 200% faster drying time compared to cotton.

While good for a range of outdoor pursuits, the lack of any reflective detail on the T-shirt is a shame for road runners who want to run safely at night.

Helly Hansen Lifa Active Solen T-shirt: on the trail

I have been trail testing the Solen T in the relatively warm conditions of Southern England in late spring and early summer, and I’ve found it to be a pretty versatile top, providing some protection from early morning chill when required, but also breathing well (see what is a breathable fabric? for more on why they’re a good idea for outdoor pursuits). Lacking any mesh elements, it can run a little hot when the temperature really rises.

The Lifa Active poly material wicks sweat away beautifully, though, and the garment dries pretty quickly if it gets wet with sweat or rain. It’s comfortable and provides excellent protection from sunburn, and the fabric is thick enough to offer some protection against stinging nettles and brambles.

Thus far the coffee-infused material has honored its promise to prevent the buildup of stink, but we will keep monitoring that.

Best running tops: for trail training to road races and everything in between

Author of Caving, Canyoning, Coasteering…, a recently released book about all kinds of outdoor adventures around Britain, Pat has spent 20 years pursuing stories involving boots, bikes, boats, beers and bruises. En route he’s canoed Canada’s Yukon River, climbed Mont Blanc and Kilimanjaro, skied and mountain biked through the Norwegian Alps, run an ultra across the roof of Mauritius, and set short-lived records for trail-running Australia’s highest peaks and New Zealand’s Great Walks. He’s authored walking guides to Devon and Dorset, and once wrote a whole book about Toilets for Lonely Planet. Follow Pat’s escapades on Strava here and Instagram here.