REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Breathable
Comfortable stitching
REASONS TO AVOID
Not very durable
Restrictive fit
Slow to dry
Salomon XA Trail Review
For a performance running shirt, we expect some compromise in durability for weight, but we were disappointed with how quickly this shirt broke down
Credit: Salomon
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Our Verdict
Salomon is the leader in trail running apparel and footwear, so much so that we haven't been able to get our hands on a shirt to review, as they sell out so quickly. And, no surprise, the XA Trail has some amazing characteristics: it's lightweight, has well-designed merrow stitched seams, and is highly breathable. However, we weren't as impressed with the drying speed or the durability of the shirt. We may be harder critics because of our expectations, but on the durability front, the shirt showed pilling and wear after only two runs. Still, all things considered, this is a great option for slender runners, as the fit is a little tight through the shoulders.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Salomon has decades of experience making excellent running apparel if at times critiqued as “Euro” or “techy.” The XA Trail has a performance fit but a more casual appearance. We search for the feeling of nothingness from a running shirt that proves there are no points of discomfort and the XA Trail delivers, as it is among the lightest shirts we reviewed. What it lacks in drying speed it makes up for in breathability.
Performance Comparison
Lightweight and airy, the Salomon XA Trail is at home on high output runs and workouts.
Credit: Jeff Colt
Comfort
A gridded polyester weave makes for a soft, though slippery, hand feel. Once we pulled on the XA Trail, the fabric felt nice against the skin, and the fit was comfortable if on the slender side.
Some of the magic of this shirt comes from the featherweight construction. When we run, we don't want to feel much from the shirt we are wearing. If we don't notice it, that likely means that the shirt is great, and we can trust that by wearing it, we are both decent in public and receiving some protection from the sun and the elements. At 3.2 ounces, the XA Trail is the second lightest shirt we tested. Despite being so light, we didn't experience the shirt bouncing or riding up at all. The length and design are excellent.
Merrow stitching is our favorite stitch in a running shirt because it has a minimal feel against the skin and places some of the thread and overlap of the fabric on the outside of the shirt. It is also quite durable. However, despite an effective seam design across the shoulder and back, we still found the sleeves of the XA Trail to be tight, putting some pressure on the back of the armpits.
Merrow stitching is a sign of quality construction. This pattern across the back moved seams away from the shoulders which is great for hydration pack compatibility.
Credit: Jeff Colt
Breathability
We have only great things to say about the breathability of the XA Trail. The gridded polyester weave is loose enough to promote airflow through both the shirt's front and vent excess heat out the back. Salomon decided to use a uniform stitch and fabric throughout the shirt, and if the fabric breathes well, why switch it up? Based on how breathable this shirt is, we confidently recommend it for high output activities, from races to gym workouts.
From easy runs to hard effort trail workouts, the gridded mesh polyester efficiently promoted airflow. During 60 minutes of high output tempo, the XA Trail kept us sweat free, a great indicator of breathability.
Credit: Jeff Colt
Drying Speed
The lightweight shirts in our testing field were among the quickest to fully dry, so we were a little perplexed when the XA Trail was still damp 20 minutes into testing. In our laundry experiment, it didn't fully return to its dry weight until 30 minutes in the dryer, landing squarely in the center of the pack. The upside is that we rarely found ourselves sweating in this shirt while running, thanks to the excellent breathability.
Salomon shares the above information on their site, calling out that the XA Trail has “normal” drying time compared to “fast” or “very fast” which is in line with our observations.
Credit: Jeff Colt
Features & Versatility
With integrated odor control and two reflective logos for increased visibility, the XA Trail strikes a nice balance of performance features for a casual workout shirt. While we look for 360 degrees of reflective accents, many shirts opt for simple, more minimal reflectivity and there is an argument that this design adds to the “socially acceptable” versatility of the shirt.
A large Salomon logo on the left sleeve provides ample reflectivity for passing cars as does a smaller reflective insignia on the chest.
Credit: Jeff Colt
There is no added UPF treatment to the XA Trail, which we would like to see as it makes a big difference in sun protection and thermoregulation on long days of exposure. The other miss for this shirt is the durability. Durability is a big part of versatility, as a shirt needs to hold up to use with a hydration pack or backpack. After just one wear with a conventional hydration vest, the shirt pilled and contorted where the sternum straps connected to the pack.
Lightweight is nice, but if the material compromises weight for durability, the shirt will not last long. This pilling appeared after a single use with a hydration pack.
Credit: Jeff Colt
Value
The durability issue is a big one for us, as the versatility of a shirt means it spends less time in our shirt drawer and more time on adventures. For runners looking for a shirt just for running, the XA Trail is a great option. For athletes who want a good shirt to run in, workout in, backpack in, and take on longer adventures, this shirt will likely wear down faster than others making that higher price a little harder to swallow.
Conclusion
The Salomon XA Trail performed on the trail and in the gym. We held this shirt in high regard, but when we took it out while wearing a hydration pack, we were disappointed to see that the shirt showed notable wear and pilling after just one 6 mile run with a vest. This is our one major reservation with the XA Trail. In most categories, it performed quite well, justifying a high total score. But those good marks in comfort and breathability come with a grain of salt, as durability is an important consideration.
With a perfect length and fit that drafts lightly on the torso, the XA Trail is a great option for runners seeking a performance tee.
Credit: Jeff Colt
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Jeff Colt
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