When you were a kid, did you ever open a gift on Christmas or your birthday that made you do a double take? Leaving you confused by what the item is, why you were gifted it, or what you’re supposed to do with it?
For some of us, this happens when we hit the age that our parents get us “functional” gifts. Things like socks, under shirts, or boxer briefs. It’s not that you were ungrateful, it’s outside of what you associated as a gift until that point.
Fast forward a few years, and those same items excite you because they’re actually useful. (And because you don’t have to spend your own money on them.)
This is how I felt when I opened up Craft’s Cool Mesh Superlight top. I’ve gone from “what the heck is this”, to “I want another one or two.”
The Mesh
Looking at the product images on Craft’s website, you can tell this shirt is crazy thin. Add in the mesh spots and it seems like the shirt might be a little see-through. In person though, the shirt is very much see-through.
Especially when light hits it just right.
This surprised me, and I still feel slightly self-conscience when I wear it. (It feels like you’re wearing one of those fishnet rave shirts.) However, the see-through mesh allows it to breath exceptionally well.
And because I got the black color, it’s perfect for runs on cooler days.
For example, if it’s overcast or really windy, then the base layer keeps me warm enough for the first couple miles. Eventually I warm up naturally and the shirt fades into the background. Keeping me at that “just right” temperature.
The only downside of the mesh is that when something inevitably snags on it, it doesn’t take much to pull a thread and potentially ruin it. Velcro, jagged fingernails, or splinters are the top’s worst enemies.
Superlight
It’s no secret that something as thin as this is going to be light. But the fact that I consistently forget that I’m wearing it is a testament to just how good it is. (It’s like the Nike Stride short equivalent for a shirt.)
I wear the Cool Mesh Superlight all over the place now. I could be hiking, running, working at home, mowing the yard, or climbing, and no matter the activity I forget that I have it on. The only times I remember are the self-conscience moments, or when the heat from the sun gets absorbed with the black material.
It’s easy to say I’ve done a complete mental 180 with this thing. Going from “what the heck is this”, to “I want another one or two.”
The Recap
Idaho springtime is a game of goldilocks. Too cold, too hot, or just right.
More often than not it’s above or below the “just right” weather conditions. And I’ve never had a shirt that’s ideal for both. (Honestly, I never thought there could be a shirt for both.)
The Craft Cool Mesh Superlight is perfect on these days though. With the crazy thin material, mesh design, and black color, it simultaneously keeps me from freezing and overheating.
I’m already planning to wear it boating on those particularly hot days this summer. Now I’m left wondering though, what’s their PRO Nano Dry Nanoweight top like?