The following review was compiled by trail runner Sarah Barber and features Tracksmith Overland Collection – Long Sleeve shirt and Short Tights. Product was provided for the test and review at no charge.
No one can compete with the current popularity of pickleball, but trail running is also rumored to be one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S. Are you listening, roadies? If you thought you needed to be a mountain goat or a Marvel character to run trails, think again. It doesn’t have to be all dirt all the time (your laundry machine will thank you), but if your running foundation is built on road and track, branching out is like adding guac to your burrito—unexpected, but highly recommended.
Hop aboard the turf train
The time to get into singletrack is now, and any smart sports corporation would be wise to follow suit. Even boutique activewear company Tracksmith is hopping aboard the turf train, brand name be darned. Tracksmith is all about competition—if their website broadcasted intensity any more intensely, it might start shouting from your speakers. They make no secret of their commitment to training, racing, and the general pursuit of excellence. This messaging might sound as exclusive as a velvet-roped nightclub, but their foray into trail running is an opportunity to embrace what trail running embodies: its rising appeal proves that it is accessible for anyone and everyone—even the guy in the back wearing flip-flops.
To prove they’re serious (yet still stylish), Tracksmith whipped up the Overland Collection. It’s designed for off-roaders who know that snacks—and maybe a phone—must be carried at all times. Unlike the track environment where sustenance and valuables can sit on the bleachers within reach every quarter-mile lap, there are no aid stations or cheering crowds in the woods. The Overland Collection also prioritizes rugged durability without compromising the sleek allure of speed.
Overland Long Sleeve
The Overland Long Sleeve is a merino wool wonder-layer, built to battle the elements while keeping you cool, dry, and far more fashionable than a sheep. What’s good for sheep braving harsh climates is apparently also good for anyone braving their local trail on a Saturday morning. My personal style leans more athleisure than fashion week, so I took the Long Sleeve out for dinner the night before its maiden run. The top was so cozy I considered wearing it to bed—imagine waking up half-dressed and race-ready! Who needs an alarm clock when you can roll straight into a trail ultra with your pajamas still on?
Thanks to the magical odor-fighting powers of natural fibers, the Overland Long Sleeve can handle sweat like a champ. I probably could’ve worn it to bed after running and no one—except maybe my husband—would have noticed. One technical feature that deserves a slow golf clap: the reinforced shoulder overlays. These protect the shirt from hydration pack strap abrasion, so you don’t end up looking like you just lost a fight with a briar patch. The only other shirt I’ve seen with this feature was made by GORUCK, the military-inspired brand for those who like their workouts with a side of covert ops. Thankfully, Tracksmith’s take is subtle; I didn’t feel like I was prepping for a secret mission or auditioning for an elite armed forces team.
Overland Short Tights
When I paired the Long Sleeve with the matching Overland Short Tights, I felt ready to leap creeks and dodge low-hanging branches like a caffeinated gazelle. Forget blending in with the ultra-serious trail runners—the folks with more gadgets than a James Bond car. The Overland Short Tights are for stashing essentials (and maybe a sneaky snack or two) without looking like you’re about to rappel down a cliff just to finish a run. There are two deep pockets (one for each leg), smaller pockets on each hip, and a central back pocket with a zipper. A draw cord at the waist prevents downward droop, but the general compression of the shorts is more than adequate, making the draw cord nothing more than extra security.
Equipped for adventure
If you’re seeking trail running gear that delivers performance, practicality, and enough style for a hot date, Tracksmith’s Overland Collection is your ticket to off-road glory—and maybe even a few awkward compliments at the trailhead. Ready to step off the pavement? With Tracksmith, you’ll be equipped for adventure—and you might just convince your dog (or your skeptical running buddy) that you belong in the wild after all.
Editor’s Note: Read more articles and reviews penned by ATRA gear wrangler Sarah Barber, here.
