Sick of overheating mid-run? I tested a workout baselayer incorporating smart fiber, thermo-regulation technology originally developed for astronauts

Date:
Sun, 28 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Description:
The Walero range incorporates Outlast thermo-regulation tech, so I wanted to give it a go.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter We've tested a lot of crazy workout gear over the years, from Adidas' pressurized workout shoes to elaborate virtual coaching booths , but never anything from space.

Let me confirm that I haven't actually worn anything from outer space: this
is a workout layer from premium activewear company Walero , which also makes professional-grade motorsport gear. The Walero Active temperature-regulating baselayer incorporates Outlast technology, which is a fabric system
originally developed for NASA to clothe its astronauts. The Outlast website says "the most important part of fabrics and materials with this NASA technology is the microencapsulated wax, which is usually won from rapeseed oil. Latest Videos From Watch full video here:

"When the temperature rises, it causes the wax in the capsules to melt.
During this phase shift, the temperature cannot increase any further. Heat peaks are reduced or even prevented and as a result, sweat production decreases by up to 48%."

So the wax hardens and softens inside the fabric based on the wearer's temperature, capping it. Clever. You may like QLVR ENDVR review: A slip-on running shoe game changer for women I hiked the highest peaks in Britain with a robotic exoskeleton I've tried the new Google Fitbit Air and Whoop should be worried

While the Walero baselayers only consist of 20% Outlast technology, I was intrigued enough to try it when I was offered to test one. Given that I also test the best running shoes in addition to fitness gadgets, I'm always intrigued when I hear about performance-enhancing technical fabrics and materials in addition to smartwatches and other gadgets on my usual beat.

So, without further ado, I laced up my Saucony Ride 19s and hit the road, wearing it on as many runs as I could (in between washes) over a month. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. Beat the heat (Image credit: Future) I tested the Ben Nevis long sleeve half-zip Walero Active
top, but I found it difficult to judge its results in an objective, numerical fashion. Walero claims its kit is scientifically proven to lower heart rates by 8%, and sweat production by 30%.

However, one person's sweat production and heart rate can change dramatically for all sorts of reasons, ranging from what they've eaten that day, to the weather, to their previous night's sleep. I normally test the best smartwatches against a Polar H10 heart rate monitor to obtain numerical data, but I found it difficult to deliver any meaningful comparison data on a regular workout vs. one in the top. An 8% decrease in heart rate isn't a massive change for the average runner to measure, although it could mean everything for an elite athlete. How does a mediocre but enthusiastic runner quantify this sort of thing?

Nevertheless, after running 10 kilometers in a UK heatwave, during which I would have normally worn as little clothing as possible (and certainly not a long-sleeved top) I must admit I was partially convinced. I wore a sleeveless t-shirt underneath, and hadn't needed to remove the long-sleeved top at all during the run. What to read next I ran 10km wearing the Google Fitbit Air
and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 here are all the differences in heart rate, calories & more 3 discreet, screenless fitness trackers I've personally tested, and where to buy them on Prime Day The athletes who will thrive in a hotter world are already training differently

Other runs in the top, some shorter, some similar distance, were done in cooler conditions, including one in the rain. At all times, the layer stayed on, apart from one exceptionally hot day. I didn't see any historic achievements or plateau-breaking as a result of wearing it, but my runs felt strong and the top was comfortable. I didn't need to shed the layer in most hot conditions to avoid overheating, or feel like it was insufficient in
cold. Will it really increase performance? (Image credit: Future) At the end of the day, it's a very premium-priced (a hefty 195, around $250 / AU$370) baselayer with a nice feel. Will it increase performance? Perhaps. It's definitely going to be a go-to when exercising in the cold, as the 'layering problem' rears its ugly head most often in transitional seasons. You start
out cold, and end up baking due to over-layering. I see this piece as an answer to this issue.

One independent study testing the thermo-regulation property of Outlast
fiber by means of thermal analysis found that the 'smart fiber' as its
called, has "been certified [for] its obvious capability of temperature regulation". So the Walero top will reduce sweat and keep your body regulated with its 20% Outlast fibers woven into its construction, in theory.

In practice, for most of us, it's a fun novelty that seems ideal to wear in most conditions, and most suited to cooler changeable weather. You'll get a lot of wear out of it as it's very adaptable, but it's certainly more expensive than most baselayers. It's a cool gimmick to chat about as you
queue up at the startline of your local parkrun, but whether it represents good value will depend on your budget. An amateur athlete looking to save money (most of us) won't get enough mileage out of this top to justify the expense, while a high performer with deep pockets will likely live in it due to its thermo-regulating qualities. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add
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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/sick-of-overheating-mid-run-i-tested- a-workout-baselayer-incorporating-smart-fiber-thermo-regulation-technology-ori ginally-developed-for-astronauts


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