Shacketology: A Runner's Guide to Button Down Technical Shirts and Shackets
Plenty of brands have made trail shirts, and now we're seeing them even hit the more road-tuned challenger brands.
I’ve seen a number of new brands pop out running button downs, overshirts, or “shackets.” The shacket, is a staple in the Spring and Fall seasons, and year round for climates like SF and LA. They’ve been around forever with roots in French workwear and military, and I am not going to run back the origin story here for you.
Similarly the “trail shirt” has long been a staple in trail ultra running and hiking. Before there were technical button ups, runners wore 100% cotton western shirts that kept them shaded from the sun and cool when soaked in ice cold mountain creeks. The snap buttons pop off if the shirt gets snagged. Ultra running fit god Cliff Young consistently wore cotton button downs.
They’re a significantly cooler looking than the UPF sun hoodies you can get for fishing (sunlight reflects off the water and you’re fully exposed out on a boat). So not only are they useful, but you can also just wear them out and about. If I can get extra mileage out of my running stuff, I’ll always opt for that option these days. Rabbit sent me their High Country Shirt and I will gladly buy another in a different pattern because I took it with me on every trip this year. It’s comfy, cute, and indestructible. If you’re listening, please make it again in a faux denim or some muted plaid.
Key Features
Snap buttons: real buttons are annoying to work with
UPF rated 40+: otherwise, not actually useful
snap cuffs vs elastic: debate for yourself, snap looks cooler, elastic is probably more useful
Cropped length: shouldn’t go past your 2” split shorts
Long sleeves: if it’s hot and not so sunny I need long sleeves, why do I have a shirt on?
Materials
Polaymide: stretchier but breathes a bit
Cotton/ poly blend: more breathable, less UPF
Trail Shirt Lineup
From Running Brands…
The SATISFY PeaceShell River Shirt
Not the first, but one of the best designs out there. Light, stretchy fabric, UPF 50, and most importantly ice stash pockets on the upper back. Unparalleled because of it’s ice carrying capacity. Plastic snap buttons are a little less premium, but lighter weight. At $300 it’s nearly the most expensive thing SATISFY offers, but can play double duty in your wardrobe.
The Rabbit High Country Shirt
I prefer the long sleeve version of this one for sun cover, and I get way more wear out of it. Metal snap buttons and snap cuffs. Short, lay-flat collar. There’s a women’s version in a cropped popover as well in ripstop for $80. The LS isn’t listed online now but I think I wore it any time I traveled last summer and fall.
Bandit Terrastretch Director Jacket
Hidden placket, lay flat collar, snap button cuffs, nylon spandex blend for stretch, open venting. $188 for non-members, $169 for members. This is a bit of a thicker material so heartier for the wind, but the venting makes it so it isn’t stuffy. Soft to the touch with nice hand on the material. One of my favorites to travel with.
Unna Run Wild Shirt
This one is much lighter and more of a shell like material than either the Bandit or Rabbit shirts/jackets. It’s water resistant and not quite as breathable as the Rabbit shirt, but more packable. Two-way zipper, thumb holes, and a zip pocket for a wallet or phone.
Kaleg All Day Shirt Jacket
The Seoul-based running brand designs and produces most of their gear in South Korea. Hidden placket, mesh venting, watch window, pockets hidden behind seams. A lot of great detailing on it hidden behind seams. Washed look to it with textured seams for contrast. $200, and free shipping.
Janji Men’s Trekker
Similar vibe, bit more of an oversized fit compared to Rabbit. I’m a long sleeve guy and if they made one in LS, I’d try it out. I do like this gray-green color (am I colorblind?) and how plain it otherwise looks. This is practically a dress shirt. Currently on sale for $62 down from $82. Great value!
Tracksmith Long Sleeve UV Shirt
More of a preppy Nantucket look than trail shirt, which is perfect. I’d 100% wear a flowier, Oxford style button down though if it still offered sun protection. Tracksmith’s comes in a buttercream yellow which won’t work for everyone. I hope they bring this silhouette back or experiment with a button down.
Hermanos Koumori Camp Shirt and Light Over Shirt
Black is probably not the best color choice here for heat, but it looks the best. The zipper pull is distracting and I can imagine would bounce around at my peripheral on a run, so I’d probably remove that. Lay flat collar, hidden snap placket and snap cuffs. Will run you $226.
Lululemon Running Shirt
Decent cropped cut, perforated for breathability. Not in any wild patterns, just navy and burgundy. Could easily be worn with jeans or slacks too. At $148 a little easier to justify plus you can try it on in store. Elastic cuffs.
