REASONS TO BUY
High comfort
Balances softness and durability
DAO odor finish
Versatile
REASONS TO AVOID
Premium price
No reflective elements
Not UPF rated
Arc'teryx Cormac Crew Neck Shirt Review
The most comfortable shirt we tested with durable construction and odor control built for big days in the mountains
Credit: Matthew Richardson
By Matthew Richardson ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ July 2, 2026
RELATED: The Best Running Shirts for Men
Our Verdict
The Arc'teryx Cormac Crew Neck Shirt is one of the most comfortable running shirts in our running shirts review, and the Phasic LT fabric is the reason. The recycled polyester has a soft hand feel with four-way stretch, and the low-profile collar sits flat under packs without bunching. The thoughtfully designed overlock seams minimize friction while running, and we experienced no chaffing or hot spots. The addition of the DAO anti-odor finish adds range for runners who travel or do laundry less often. The premium price puts it above other impressive competitors for a similar feature set, but runners who want the best-feeling shirt they can buy will find it here.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Arc'teryx Cormac Crew Neck Shirt | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best for Sweaty Runs | Best For Sun Protection Seekers |  Best Overall Running Shirt |  Best Budget Running Shirt | |
| Price | $70 List Check REI (on sale!) | $80 List Check Price at REI | $50 List Check Price at REI | $49 List Check Price at REI | $35 List Check Price at REI |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | Premium Phasic LT fabric delivers the best fit and comfort in the lineup for runners who demand top-tier materials | A race-ready technical shirt that almost disappears on the body with laser-cut ventilation and bonded seam construction | Remarkably soft fabric with UPF 50 protection for runners who want comfort on easy runs and casual wear | The shirt that works for every activity and every setting, with odor control that keeps it fresh between washes | UPF 50+ protection at the second-lowest price in the lineup for runners and hikers who want coverage on a budget |
| Rating Categories | Arc'teryx Cormac Cre... | On Performance-T | Rabbit EZ Tee | Patagonia Capilene C... | REI Co-op Active Pur... |
| Comfort (30%) | |||||
| Breathability (30%) | |||||
| Moisture Control (20%) | |||||
| Sun Protection (20%) | |||||
| Specifications | Arc'teryx Cormac Cre... | On Performance-T | Rabbit EZ Tee | Patagonia Capilene C... | REI Co-op Active Pur... |
| Best For | Versatile activities | Performance running; race day | Easy runs; long distance; casual wear | Versatile activities; beginners; long distance | Beginners; hiking; casual wear |
| Material | 100% recycled polyester (Phasic LT) | Front: 90% recycled polyester / 10% elastane; Back: 80% recycled polyester / 20% elastane | 94% recycled polyester / 6% spandex (Quick n Fit) | 100% recycled polyester jersey (heathers: 50% recycled) | 92% polyester / 8% spandex |
| UPF | Not rated | Not rated | UPF 50+ | Not rated | UPF 50+ |
| Odor Control | Yes (DAO anti-odor finish) | Yes (anti-odor treatment) | No dedicated treatment | Yes (HeiQ Mint odor control) | No dedicated treatment |
| Chafe Risk | Low (overlock seams; friction-minimizing design) | Very low (bonded hems; taped seams) | Low (flatlock seams; raglan sleeves) | Low (minimal seam construction) | Low (flat seams) |
| Reflective Areas | None | Logo details | Logo only | None | None |
| Weight (Size Large) | 4.00 oz | 3.60 oz | 4.60 oz | 4.40 oz | 5.10 oz |
| Fit Type | Regular | Close | Semi-relaxed | Regular | Regular |
| Care Instructions | Machine wash cold; tumble dry low | Machine wash max 30C; tumble dry low | Machine wash cold; tumble dry low | Machine wash cold; tumble dry low | Machine wash cold; tumble dry low |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Arc'teryx Cormac on a forest trail. Credit: Matthew Richardson
Likes
Across hundreds of miles of testing, we never experienced a hot spot with the Arc'teryx Cormac Crew Neck Shirt. The Phasic LT fabric is soft with four-way stretch, the regular fit runs true to size, and the low-profile collar sits flat under a running vest or pack without bunching, which matters on big mountain days. The overlock seams are designed to minimize friction. The DAO anti-odor finish kept the shirt fresh over multiple wears. The Cormac performed equally well running, hiking, and scrambling, which is the hallmark of a well-designed mountain shirt.
The breathability surprised us as well. The gridded polyester construction moves air effectively during high-output efforts, and the Cormac stayed noticeably cooler than heavier shirts on warm trail runs. Wicking is efficient, with moisture quickly pulling to the surface. It dried in 20 minutes during our dryer testing, matching the drying time of much lighter shirts.
The Phasic LT fabric of the Arc'teryx Cormac up close. Credit: Matthew Richardson
Dislikes
The Cormac carries the highest price in the lineup, a meaningful step up from top competitors with a similar feature set. Runners who do not need the Arc'teryx build quality and durability may find better value elsewhere. It is disappointing that this expensive shirt lacks reflective elements for low-light visibility. The overlock seam construction is refined and friction-minimizing but not bonded or taped, so it falls just short of the absolute best in chafe prevention for the most sensitive runners.
The back fit of the Arc'teryx Cormac on the body. Credit: Matthew Richardson
Should You Buy the Arc'teryx Cormac Crew Neck Shirt?
If you want the best-feeling shirt in the lineup and are willing to pay a premium for Arc'teryx materials and construction, the Cormac delivers. It is especially strong for runners who also hike, climb, and spend big days in the mountains, where the shirt needs to perform under a pack as comfortably as it does on a morning run. But if you seek sun protection, it isn't the best bet with no UPF rating.
What Other Running Shirts Should You Consider?
The Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt offers similar versatility, with HeiQ Mint odor control, at a lower price. The Vuori Strato Tech Tee has significantly softer fabric and makes a more versatile casual crossover, but it isn't the best for high performance. For runners who prioritize breathability over comfort, the On Performance-T Shirt is the technical leader and offers UPF 50+.
—Matthew Richardson
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