During the hottest summer on record we put dozens of pieces of workout clothes to the test to see if they could help keep us cool and motivated while doing everything from pickup soccer to a 23-mile hike. Some of what we tested was easy to forget, but the six pieces that emerged as the best made a significant difference in our comfort and performance.

　　At a Glance Buff 5 Panel Air Cap ($40) TNF Lightrange Summer Short-Sleeve ($65) Mountain Hardwear Trail Sender Shorts ($89) Le Bent Mickey Pro Model Sock ($26) Outdoor Research Shadow Wind Hoodie ($129) Mystery Ranch Gallagator 10 Pack ($89) How to Choose Workout Gear How We Test Meet Our Lead Testers All gear in this guide was tested by multiple reviewers. When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

　　Buff 5 Panel Air Cap —we suggest buying unlined workout shorts so you always know you’ll be fine, no matter how far you’re running or how many hours of frisbee you’re playing. If you prefer to go as close to commando as possible, find a pair with a comfortable mesh liner.

　　How We Test Number of testers: 9 Number of products tested: 59 Number of miles: 425 Hottest temp: 106 Highest elevation reached: 10,500 Favorite post-workout snack: Beer Most of the testing for this category took place in New Mexico. Fortunately/unfortunately New Mexico had a brutal summer, with several weeks of temps over 100 degrees. In weather that hot, high-quality and thoughtfully designed gear made a big difference.

　　This year’s tester group ran the gamut, with a couple weekend warriors testing gear alongside a former soccer star and a guy who trains incoming special forces troops. The age range was anywhere from mid thirties to mid sixties, and interests ranged from ball sports to rock climbing.

　　Because there’s so much workout gear on the market, anything that made our final list had to stand out in more than one way. Breathability, for example, wasn’t enough. A shirt had to be breathable and fit well, or offer some other unique characteristic that made our testers want to wear it every time they headed out the door.

　　Meet Our Lead Testers Lead tester Jakob Schiller was a gear editor at Outside and is now a columnist. One of his favorite memories from Outside was going down to the gear cage in the basement of the Santa Fe office and marveling at the mountains of outdoor gear that the staff tested for the twice-annual Buyer’s Guide. His personal garage is still packed with brand new stuff waiting to be tested, but it will never rival the infamous gear cage.

　　Other testers in this cohort include Zach Kline, who trains elite search and rescue troops for the Air Force, and Micah Newman, who played Division 1 soccer and is now one of New Mexico’s most accomplished soccer coaches.