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I've been wearing UnderArmour HeatGear since at least 2009, and it's still the best option for most situations. I've run in HeatGear in a wide variety of conditions, from the intense dry heat of Death Valley during [[2014 Badwater 135]] to the oppressive heat and humidity of the [[2010 Keys 100]]. HeatGear has a number of benefits.
* It's extremely thin, so it offers very little insulation. I've not found any top that is as thin. This thinness also allows sweat to spread out very rapidly, maximizing the cooling effect.
* There are a range of colors including white. All too often, runners underestimate the impact of the heat from the sun on their running performance. While this is an obvious issue on a hot summers day, it's also a significant factor in much milder conditions. For more on how heat impacts runners, see [[Impact of Heat on Marathon Performance]]. It's worth noting that in mild conditions, the initial heat stress is perceived as tiredness or weakness rather than being too hot.
* The compression fit helps prevent chafing, something that can be an issue on marathons, and a major problem during longer runs. While the construction is not seamless, I've never had any issues, even with my skin condition, and after long ultras.
* The material offers good UV protection, and the compression tops are available in long sleeves. Protecting your skin from the sun not only has long-term health implications, but sunburn can cause problems during an ultramarathon, as sunburned skin cannot regulate your temperature effectively.