Whether It’s Hot or Cold Out: The Coolest Base Layer, Ever

The words “base layer” don’t normally get us excited. I mean, it’s a base layer. How rad could it be?

Apparently pretty darn rad. Because just look at this new Brooks’ Equilibrium Base. It’s like something out of a Prince or Paula Abdul video — which, coming from us, is, like, a huge compliment. (And, remember, although we’re a blog ambassador for Brooks Running and receive gear monthly to review, all of our reviews are totally objective!)

It’s hard to tell in the above photo, but this base layer is actually made of a kind of fitted fishnet material (very holey!), with the words “Run Happy” all over it. Acting as a “second, smarter skin,” it helps you stay cool in hot weather (wear it with a sports bra and it’ll draw moisture away from the skin) and warm in cold weather (wear it with a top layer and it’ll act as insulation).

Here’s a bit more to explain the science of it. Everyone loves squiggles and arrows!

See? Pretty darn cool. And although it’s a little challenging to get on (so many holes!), it’s comfy to wear and does its job just as it promises. I’ve worn this on a few cold fall runs, and it’s definitely helped me to stay warm. I haven’t been brave enough to wear it with just a sports bra outside of the house (when we said it was fitted and holey, we meant it!), but inside when doing a workout DVD it does up the airflow (and gives your sweat somewhere to go other than your workout mat). For $75, the Brooks’ Equilibrium Base is not cheap. But for the regular runner who likes to run year-round in all conditions, it’s more than worth it. And it comes in blue and pink! Obviously color helps you to run happy.

Do you run with a base layer? Like the idea of one that works in both cool and hot conditions? —Jenn