Updated October 15, 2026. Prices checked October 15, 2026.
These five cost between $79 and $145. Outside's January 2026 test of running mid layers is the best running source we found, and it covers Brooks and Tracksmith pieces that sit outside this range or are no longer sold. For the products below, the independent evidence comes mostly from hiking reviews, and the Brooks has owner reviews only. Read the scores as a guide for cool and cold runs in calm, dry weather.
How these scores are built. Mid layers are judged mainly on warmth, which counts for 45% of the score. Breathability counts 25%, and the other two criteria count 15% each. Based on: Manufacturer specifications, independent reviews and owner reviews on retailer pages. Most independent reviews cover hiking and general use, not running. We do not test products in person. 13 source pages are linked under the 5 products so you can check each finding. How we score.
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. It never changes our scores. Read the affiliate disclosure.
#
Product
Best for
Warmth
Score
1
Patagonia R1 Air Zip-Neck Pullover
Best for hard efforts in the cold
6
6.8
2
Janji Waffleloft Long-Sleeve Shirt
Best cozy running layer
6
6.5
3
The North Face Cedar Trail Grid Fleece Quarter-Zip
Warmest in this range
6.5
6.4
4
Brooks Dash Quarter-Zip 3.0
Best fit for running
5
6.3
5
Patagonia Micro D Fleece Pullover
Best value
5.5
6.2
01
Patagonia R1 Air Zip-Neck Pullover
Best for hard efforts in the cold, $145.00
6.8/10
Warmth 45%
6/10
Breathability 25%
9/10
Weight and packability 15%
6/10
Durability 15%
6/10
Pros
Reviewers rate it highly for breathability. CleverHiker calls the zigzag fabric soft and breathable, and a GearJunkie tester says it vents sweat while holding warmth.
One reviewer was comfortable in it at 18 to 20 F under a windshirt. 21 REI owners give the current version 4.8 out of 5.
Cons
It lets wind through, and the slim cut leads some owners to size up. Field Mag's tester found the crew version too heavy for running at 278 grams.
The reviews we found cover the earlier version of this top, which REI has replaced. The new version costs $145 and may differ.
Outside's long-sleeve running shirt test recommends it as an under-$100 pick. Its testers found the polyester blend breathed well at 35 to 50 F and handled freezing weather with extra layers.
A Run & Become reviewer found moisture management kept them dry as pace rose, and several owners like the thumbholes. 11 REI owners give it 5.0 out of 5.
Cons
It has no zip or vents. Outside's testers could only cool off by tying it around the waist, and Run & Become lists it as possibly too warm for hard efforts in milder weather.
Owners disagree on sizing, with some saying it runs large and others small. REI shows only 11 reviews.
The North Face Cedar Trail Grid Fleece Quarter-Zip
Warmest in this range, $80.00
6.4/10
Warmth 45%
6.5/10
Breathability 25%
6.5/10
Weight and packability 15%
6/10
Durability 15%
6.5/10
Pros
The grid fleece weighs 216 g/m2 and is 95% recycled polyester with 5% elastane. It has reinforced binding at the collar, cuffs and hem.
An REI owner calls it a mid layer that is not bulky and still keeps them warm under a coat on winter hikes. The Navy Exchange page shows 4.57 out of 5 from 54 reviews.
Cons
We found no expert review. REI shows 16 owner reviews at 4.4 out of 5 and says it fits slightly large.
It is a hiking fleece, so the cut is looser than a running top.
Readers in Germany, Canada, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, the United Kingdom and Sweden are sent to their own Amazon store, where prices show in local currency. The prices on this page are US prices.
04
Brooks Dash Quarter-Zip 3.0
Best fit for running, $80.00
6.3/10
Warmth 45%
5/10
Breathability 25%
8/10
Weight and packability 15%
8/10
Durability 15%
5.5/10
Pros
It is the only top here made for running. REI lists it with a watch window, thumbholes and UPF 50+ in 88% recycled polyester and 12% spandex.
REI owners describe the fabric as soft and breathable, and 23 of them give it 4.5 out of 5. It fits close, so it layers under a jacket.
Cons
It is a thin layer for cool days. We found no independent test of its warmth.
One owner warns that the arm seams may annoy distance runners, and REI sizes can run fitted.
Readers in Germany, Canada, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, the United Kingdom and Sweden are sent to their own Amazon store, where prices show in local currency. The prices on this page are US prices.
05
Patagonia Micro D Fleece Pullover
Best value, $79.00
6.2/10
Warmth 45%
5.5/10
Breathability 25%
7/10
Weight and packability 15%
7/10
Durability 15%
6/10
Pros
OutdoorGearLab scores it 7 out of 10 for breathability and gives it a Best Value award at $79, with an overall score of 73.
BetterTrail wore it over merino on 40 F hikes and found warmth and breathability balanced. 67 REI owners give it 4.5 out of 5.
Cons
OutdoorGearLab rates its warmth 6 out of 10 and calls it too thin to keep you warm as a stand-alone layer.
It has no pockets and no hood. These are hiking reviews, and fit reports disagree: REI says it runs slightly large.
Each score comes from manufacturer specifications, independent reviews and owner reviews. Outside’s running mid layer test is the only source written for runners, and it recommends wearing these tops as a second shirt in calm, dry weather, because worn under a jacket they run too warm except in extreme cold. The other findings come from hiking and general-use reviews. Warmth scores are our assessment from fabric weight and what reviewers report.
What we left out
Brooks Momentum Thermal Half-Zip ($110): a running line with 8 owner reviews and no independent review.
Salomon Essential Lightwarm Half-Zip ($70): one retailer review and no independent test.
Brooks Notch Thermal Long-Sleeve and Hoodie 3.0: not available at REI.
Nike Stride 1/2-Zip Mid Layer ($75): a lightweight Dri-FIT top whose review count on Nike’s page looked unreliable. We found no independent review.
ASICS Sport Winter 1/2 Zip ($65) and Icon 1/2 Zip ($60): 3 and 2 reviews on ASICS’ own site, so too little to score.
Patagonia Airshed Pro Pullover ($145) and Arc’teryx Delta Half-Zip ($180): we did not confirm the first as a mid layer, and the Arc’teryx belongs in the premium range.
What to look for
A fabric that breathes, since a mid layer that traps sweat gets cold when you stop
A cut that sits close enough to wear under a shell
A zip that opens enough to dump heat on climbs
Questions
Why is the Brooks Notch Thermal not ranked?
Outside's January 2026 test praised it, but REI lists the men's long-sleeve 3.0 as not available. We left it out until we can confirm it is still sold.
Are the R1 Air reviews for the current version?
No. The reviews we found cover the earlier R1 Air Zip-Neck. REI replaced it with a newer version at $145.
Where do the prices come from?
The regular price on REI on October 15, 2026. Sale and outlet prices are ignored.