WE DIG
WE DON’T
ABOUT THE STRAFE SKYLINE TECH SHIRT
Being a brand specializing in winter sports apparel, Strafe has applied its product knowledge to summer-focused gear for hotter times in the mountains. The Skyline Tech shirt features a material called brrr°. This material is a recycled polyester blend that has minerals embedded in the fibers that do not decay with repeated use and washing. This blend draws heat and moisture away from your skin creating a cooling effect. On top of that, the material also has a higher-than-average “cool to the touch” feel, further aiding in the cooler feeling. I could not find a mention of what minerals are used to achieve this cooling effect, but researching the brrrº brand, they are licensed out to many top brands, such as Adidas.
The Skyline Shirt is offered in both long sleeve and short sleeve options. Additionally, unique men’s and women’s cuts are available. This is something we love to see, with distinct tailoring for each making a notable improvement to the cut for many women. The short sleeve variant gets 4 color options, while the long sleeve receives just two. They retail for $79 and $89, respectively. Sizing ranges from S to XXL for the guys, and XS to XL for the ladies. The shirt offers a 50 UPF rating, helping to keep your skin looking young on those long alpine adventures. The long sleeve variant weighs in at 130g for a size medium.
The Skyline LS has some small details worthwhile mentioning. There is a small corded hanger loop that makes hanging up post-ride easy. This is something usually reserved for jackets, and added useful functionality. The flatlock seams sit flush against your skin and have a minimal feel. The branding is small and subdued, and the heat-transfer logos blended in nicely with the jersey’s colour scheme.
THE DIRT
The Skyline jersey had a very smooth and soft feeling that provided the high-end impression you would hope for at its price point. The biggest standout for me was how much stretch the material offered. This was something I was surprised not to see highlighted more on the product page, as it made a notable improvement to my comfort. At 6’1”, I opted for the size large as I normally do, which provided a nice, relaxed fit with plenty of room to move around on the bike. I would say if you were after a more “racey” fit, sizing down would not be an issue.
I got this mountain bike long sleeve shirt in mid-August, when it was in the high 90’s here in Spokane, WA. Dreading the full heat of the day, I headed out for some morning rides where the temperatures started around 60, and topped out in the high 70s by the time my slow pace got me home.
The Strafe Skyline Tech Shirt didn’t prove to be the most breathable, wind-flowing shirt ever created, but it did a fantastic job at keeping me cool. I noticed that the shirt managed moisture well when building up some heat combined with some sweat from my hydration pack. Stopping for a few minutes to get a snack allowed for the material to dry out, which felt surprisingly fast.
My only real complaint with this shirt was that the collar was on the more relaxed side of the spectrum. I generally prefer something that fits a bit snugger around the neck, so the Strafe Skyline jersey sat a little different to my preferences. I am a big fan of the materials color and pattern. Being someone that will pretty much always opt for the black option, this gives me that same comfort but also adds a splash of fun with the tie-dye look.
I was able to get a few rides in the Skyline jersey before needing to fully wash it. I spent a 3-day weekend in it as my only shirt, vowing to try and pack lighter every time we go out. With how fast it dried out, I did not hesitate to use a river wash on a bikepacking trip or a sink wash at the bike park mid-day.
HOW DOES IT COMPARE
The Strafe Skyline Shirt’s closest competition I’ve tried would be the Atlas Shirt from 7mesh. Both brands offer a high-end option for those serious riders and adventure enthusiasts, and both shirts come in a long sleeve and short sleeve option. The 7Mesh LS does come in slightly lighter than Strafe’s offering, which surprised me. Both shirts are very stretchy and wick moisture quite well, with the Skyline barely edging out the win over the Atlas. The Atlas does have a nicer on-skin feel, it is super soft and feels as good as every penny you must shell out for it. If you plan on wearing body armor the Atlas would be my suggestion with its more relaxed fit. Either way both shirts are very comfortable and made from quality PFAS-free materials. If you are looking for the one to keep your core temp the lowest possible in the heat, the winner here is the Skyline.
The Wolf’s Last Word
Strafe may come from the snow world, but the Strafe Skyline LS shows they understand the needs of summer adventures as well. Use it as your only layer on big alpine rides, hang it up to air out post-ride and go back the next day for more. Cooling fabric, big stretch and multi-day comfort is what the Strafe Skyline LS is all about. 
Price: $89.00
Website: Strafe.com
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ABOUT THE WOLF
Cole’s den is in Spokane WA, where he relocated a few years back. Growing up in the lush, loamy playgrounds of the PNW, his soul is forever tied to steep, rooty descents and that unmistakable squish of perfect dirt. After 19 years of shredding, Cole’s been on every kind of rig out there. Once a die-hard fan of big travel bikes, he’s now on a quest for the mythical short-travel do-it-all machine. And yes, skids may be for kids, but this middle-aged manchild is here to prove they’re also for anyone who loves having a damn good time.
Rank: Professional Amateur
Size: 6’1” / 185cm | 170lbs / 77kg
Social: @adventuresbycole
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