T8 — Typhoons, trails, and sweat, oh my!
Being a bit of a self-proclaimed gear nerd, I’ve had the good fortune to try and test some of the best running gear on the market. Some things catch my eye through sheer ostentation, while others by their apparent quality.
A short story…
I was working a weekend shift at San Francisco Running Company on a hot day once when I noticed the shorts on a runner who had just returned from a run. They clearly were soaked in his sweat but not in a way that would obstruct movement. I thought they were too substantial to be a Salomon short but cut too well to be one of the other recognizable brands that are on the market…
Naturally, I asked him what kind of shorts they were.
He told me they were from a Hong Kong-based company called T8. I was curious by their origin stories because I knew firsthand about living and running in tropical humidity that is prevalent in multiple parts of Asia. In many ways, if running gear could survive in Hong Kong, I imagine they could survive anywhere.
This runner put me in touch with the T8 guys but my forgetful mind forgot to follow up with them and the contact chain went silent (sorry).
Fast forward to not-too-long ago, I get a message in my inbox from @t8.run asking if I could give feedback to their Sherpa shorts and Commando Running Underwear combo. I already knew I liked the way the shorts looked — even under duress from running — so I was thrilled to test them.
After a few different runs, here’s my review of the Sherpa and Commando:
Design
Major points for the design aspect on both the Sherpa and Commando. The designs let the quality do the talking, with the functionality aspect nailed on the head as well.
The real allure of the Sherpa short is the built-in storage system around the waist of the short. For perspective, think about Salomon and Naked Running Band having a baby…that baby would be the T8 Sherpa shorts.
The storage band is partitioned into 2 longer pockets on the pelvis and lower back area (presumably for larger items such as flasks, phones, a stuffsacked rain jacket, and nutrition products) and 2 smaller hip pockets (for gels, lights, or other small items).
I was very impressed by how much I was able to fit in the storage band without any bounce. Everything felt secure and easily accessible.
As a Naked Running Band devotee (and ambassador), having one built into the shorts earns a lot of points for me. Although similar, I think having both the Sherpa and NRB in your quiver will serve a variety of purposes for any races or adventure runs you may do.
Another cool feature of the shorts is that each season, T8 celebrates something inspiring. The pink band-aid you see on the bottom left leg is the Sherpa Boleh band-aid, inspired by special T8 Typhoon Ambassador, Alessandro Sherpa. You can read about the story here.
Functionality
The Commando “running underwear” is something I’m still getting used to. All of my running shorts have a lining inside that does the trick but having something like the Commando to prevent chaffing in delicate parts is pleasantly welcomed. Also, I have sensitive skin so if a certain short or product is at all abrasive or not optimal, my skin irritation and flare-ups will magnify those shortcomings real quick.
I really, really like the Sherpa short. It’s been the perfect companion for a wide range of weather conditions and terrain, but able to keep performing even for a person who sweats heavily like me. This is true even down to the drawstring that’s inside the shorts, which I love because it stays locked-in and fastened.
I see this short performing well in any distance as it was founded and created by two guys who have tested it at races such as UTMB, UTMF, and the 298-km Hong Kong 4 Trails Ultra Challenge.
One nitpick is that the Sherpa and Commando “system” makes it hard to pull over on the trail and answer nature’s calls. Let’s just say it’s a bit of a process…
Price
At $62 USD for the Sherpa and $19 USD for the Commando, these respective prices are right on par for the running gear market. Actually, I think they might be the best for that category. However, they work better as a system which means it’s hard to get one without the other. This brings the total price to $81 USD, which is a pretty penny for running shorts. On a good note, shipping is FREE and I was super surprised by how fast they came in the mail from Hong Kong.
Questions
Why aren’t the Sherpa and Commando sold as a single unit? Similar to the Salomon S/Lab Modular Short System, selling multiple items that could easily (or not easily because what do I know about manufacturing) be one complete product seems a little excessive and a bit of a cash grab.
Company response (paraphrase): T8 wanted to give people options and also, it’s a function of practicality. Having the shorts and underwear liner separately means they can be mismatched with the different products in their line, as well as with newer products that are coming out.
Also, if either the short or underwear wear out, the other part can still be used.
Could the Sherpa be available in inseams shorter than 6"? I know…trail running shorts tend to err on the side of being longer than shorter (shout out to the GOAT, Courtney Dauwalter) but having an option for a 3–5" inseam range will open up a HUGE fanbase.
Company response: I’m happy to learn that they do have some shorter race-ready shorts in the pipeline.
For more information on the company or to purchase these shorts for yourself, visit their site at https://t8.run or on Instagram at @T8.run.
UPDATE: The team over at T8 were gracious enough to offer my network of friends a discount on their site. Use the code 50-DAVIDLAM2019 at checkout to receive HKD $50 (USD $6) off your purchase. No minimum to spend and shipping is FREE.
