Gear Review: Terramar Body-Sensor Helix Shirts

Some of you may know that I am a proud member of the Terramar Tribe. For those of you who don't, well now you do. What's the Terramar Tribe you ask? That's the brand ambassador program for Terramar Sports. Terramar Sports is the maker of wonderful base-layers that help to fuel our adventures by keeping us warm in the winter and cool in the hot summer. Regardless of the fact that I'm a member of the Tribe, I have to say that I'm in total love with all of my Terramar gear. It's yet to have let me down.

Anyway, so shortly after becoming a member of the "Tribe", I was sent two of the Men's Helix Mountain Tee Body-Sensors t-shirt, a long sleeve and a short sleeve. Having recently converted to being a trail runner, as opposed to a road runner (insert looney tune pic here), I can honestly say that both of these shirts have become my go-to shirts for training and racing alike. Not only are they functional, they are also rather stylish as I've had absolutely no problem wearing them out to town. They also serve their original function of being a base layer quite well.

If I've had any complaints about the Helix Mountain Body Sensor shirts, it be only one and it is this, both of them are black in color and being such, on a warm day's run with the sun beating down upon you, black is not the best color to be running in nor hiking in or much of anything else for that matter. Other than that, the shirts perform great at wicking away moisture and keeping you warm. Although I do have to say, when it's lower than say 70 degrees, especially if there is a breeze, the shirts by themselves are a bit too breathable, but that does come in handy when you're core temp is up from being so active.

I've worn both shirts on many a run now and have been very impressed with their performance in keeping me warm/cool/dry etc. My biggest amazement so far was on my long run this past weekend. I did over 10 miles in the rain and was literally soaked from head to toe. I was wearing my long sleeve Helix Body-Sensor as well as my running vest and rain jacket and the rest of my running gear. When I was finished with my run, I could feel the cool and soaking wetness of the Body-Sensor jersey against my skin here and there. Once I had the soaking wet garment off though, I then realized how mostly dry my upper body was. I found it amazing that while the shirt was soaked due to the vapor barrier created by my rain jacket and body heat, the rest of my body was barely wet at all and most of that was due to sweat.

So if you need a lightweight base layer that performs in any given range of climates ranging from 30's to 80's and higher, I would highly suggest the Helix Mountain Tee Body-Sensor line from Terramar Sports. They have not failed, or let me down yet, and I've had them on many a trail run and a couple of hikes too. For the gearheads out there, here's some of the technical specs on the jerseys:

Specs:
Terramar Helix Mountain Tee Body-Sensors long and short sleeve t-shirts

• ec2® Qwik-Dri ™ Thermoregulation Comfort Technology*
  
• Anti-Microbial for freshness
• Designed to create air pockets for improved insulation and moisture transport
• Lightweight temperature control layer prevents moisture build-up during intense workouts
• Soft, breathable and fast drying
• UPF Rating 25+
• 2 Sided Knit All flat seam construction
• 100% Micro Polyester
• 130 grams

*A note on the ec2® Qwik-Dri ™ technology, direct from Terramar's website: "Body-Sensors ec2® Qwik-Dri™ fabrics work with your body’s natural heating and cooling system to promote rapid evaporation while providing effective insulation. Create a comfortable microclimate around your body regardless of your level of exertion or temperature."

So there ya have it folks, if you're into running, hiking, or just traveling about, the Terramar Helix Mountain Tee Body-Sensors t-shirts are great for all those adventures on their own, or even as a base-layer on thos colder adventures.

Happy Trails,
Tim and Robin

P.S. Be sure to like Terramar Sports on Facebook and follow them on Twitter for all their latest news and info.

Disclaimer: Tim received the Terramar Helix Mountain Tee Body-Sensor tshirts for review purposes only. Tim of Appalachia & Beyond is a member of the Terramar Tribe (brand ambassador program for Terramar Sports) but is not being compensated by Terramar for this review. The opinions expressed above are Tim's independent thoughts and experiences.