For high-intensity adventures, you don't always want a synthetic top which will dry quickly but stink, and not everyone feels good about animal-based products like . This is built to offset some of those concerns. Made from plant-based fibers including and Naia Acetate (a cellulose-based fabric), the Novea Crew Neck Training Top is unbelievably soft against your skin.
With a snug, stretchy fit, it moves when you do and is easy to layer, while the high neck gives good sun protection during summer runs and hikes. Arguably its biggest selling point is its exceptional odor control. In our field tests, we couldn't believe how many hours we were able to sweat in this top without it needing to be washed.
There are, however, some downsides to using fabrics like bamboo and this top still falls victim to those shortcomings. Though it dries quicker than the we've previously tested, it still gets damper than wool or synthetic and holds moisture longer if you don't hang it out to dry. This means you can get chilly if you stop for a break.
It's also not the most durable fabric, and ours is already showing signs of wear and tear even though it's yet to be washed. It's not perfect, but it is extremely comfortable and has some benefits for multi-day adventures where you don't have laundry access and are expecting sunny weather, plus it comes in well under many other running and in terms of price. I just returned from a 40km trail running trip in the Swiss Alps.
I needed to carry everything th.