GO ASIA TRAIL 
In July, I ordered a unique running shirt from Taiwan Beast Runners in Taiwan.
They are known for their distinctive apparel inspired by Taiwan's indigenous culture and host the Formosa Trail held annually in November or December. Two months have passed since my purchase, and I'd like to review my experience with this Hawaiian-style running shirt. I'll share my thoughts on the design, comfort, performance, and areas for improvement, while also referencing information from the Beast Runners product page.
Design and Appearance
The Beast Runners Hawaiian shirt is available in two colors: beige and red. The design incorporates elements that reflect Taiwanese culture, with the following specific features:
- Beast Runners logo
- Formosa Trail logo
- Male and female trail runners with trekking poles
- Patterns inspired by Taiwan's indigenous tribes
- Designs featuring animals from Taiwan's islands and mountains
These elements combine to create an eye-catching, distinctive design that stands apart from typical running wear. While it's perfect for outdoor adventures and camping, it might be a bit bold for everyday situations like going to a convenience store... I think it's a perfect choice for those who want to stand out at vacations or events (haha).
Comfort and Fit
This shirt features a unisex relaxed fit that accommodates a wide range of body types. According to the product page, it uses 4-way stretch fabric, providing excellent elasticity and ease of movement. The fabric is lightweight with a smooth feel against the skin, similar to Uniqlo's AIRism, making it comfortable to wear directly without an undershirt. The size chart is as follows, with examples of actual users' fit experiences:
- Josias (height 183cm, weight 90kg): XL fits well, 2XL is slightly loose
- Liliya (height 160cm, weight 55kg): M is slightly loose
- Ray (height 172cm, weight 70kg): L is slightly loose, XL is loose
Thanks to this information, it was easy to choose the right size for myself. When I actually tried it on, the sizing was accurate, and it had a comfortable fit that didn't restrict movement. For reference, I'm 173cm/67kg and chose M, which fit just right.
Performance for Running and Outdoor Activities
Unlike typical running T-shirts, this Hawaiian shirt has an unusual design as a button-up running shirt. With this type of shirt, a common problem is that sweat causes the fabric to stick to your skin uncomfortably, but the Beast Runners shirt excels in this regard. Whether it's due to the fabric properties or not, the sticky feeling is significantly reduced, making it comfortable to use for both trail running and road running. The button-up design also helps with ventilation adjustment. When it's hot, you can unbutton the top button to improve airflow, or open more buttons to enhance ventilation further. This feature greatly improved comfort during running. As you'd expect from something designed and manufactured in tropical Taiwan, I think it takes sweat stickiness into consideration more than shirt-style running wear from other brands (like Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear, Nnormal, etc.).
Areas for Improvement
While this is a highly satisfying shirt, there are a few areas for improvement:
Button Type: The current shirt uses regular buttons (the type you thread through holes) like a dress shirt. However, for outdoor activities and running, snap buttons would be more convenient, as they can be easily removed with a pull, making ventilation adjustment smoother.
Color Options: While the beige and red are vibrant and attractive, they're a bit bold for everyday wear. If there were simpler color options like white or black, the shirt would be easier to use in daily life and more understated settings.
Pricing and Promotions
The shirt is priced at 980 TWD (approximately 5,000 yen, depending on exchange rates). Taiwan Beast Runners also offers the following attractive promotions:
- 20% off when purchasing 2 or more shirts
- 50% off the hat when purchased together with a Formosa Trail bucket hat
- Free shipping: For orders over 1,200 TWD within Taiwan, 2,500 TWD for East Asia, and 4,000 TWD for international delivery
By taking advantage of these offers, you can get an even better deal. The bucket hat set is especially perfect for completing your outfit. I've already purchased one as well. It's reversible and turns into a beige design when flipped inside out.
Summary
The Beast Runners Hawaiian Shirt is an excellent item that combines style and functionality.
Its unique design, reflecting Taiwan's culture and nature, is perfect for those who want to express their individuality. With 4-way stretch fabric and a relaxed fit, it handles everything from trail running to marathons, camping, and everyday wear, while its minimal stickiness and ventilation adjustment features enhance comfort.
Snap buttons or simpler color options would make it even more versatile. With this distinctive design, you'll definitely be a hero whether you're running trail races or road races (haha). Also, in recent years, Japan has experienced extended periods of extreme heat, with some days even hotter than tropical Taiwan.
On the hottest days, tank tops or sleeveless running shirts might be better, but I believe the shirt-style type introduced here is still comfortable enough for running. If you're interested, check out the Taiwan Beast Runners product page for details and take advantage of their promotions. Whether you're hitting the trails or want to stand out outdoors, this shirt will add color to your outdoor life.
