2XU x District Vision Desert Collection
Compression apparel specialist 2XU joined cutting edge sunglasses/apparel brand District Vision to create a collection of apparel focus on running in the heat, big time heat as the collection launched and was worn by Harvey Lewis at the 2025 Badwater 135, likely the hottest course on the planet starting in the hottest place on the planet, Death Valley.
Using cutting edge ultra light breathable fabrics and 2XU’s compression technologies this kit is all about comfort and performance in extreme conditions.
I tested the Lightweight Desert Compression Shorts and Ultralight Desert Singlet on multiple runs in this summer’s New England high heat and high humidity for the review
Lightweight Desert Compression Shorts ($150)
Upfront, I was surprised that the Desert Compression Shorts are intended for high heat but then I thought about it for a minute. Long distances, lots of sun, tired quads, it started to make sense. Then I examined the construction and it made yet more sense.
The Shorts base PWX fabric is a very thin, airy and stretchy compression fabric. It is not the usual dense, highly compressive material found in most compression shorts but nonetheless compression is for sure in the mix.
The fabric is treated with Swiss HeiQ Temp Tech treatment: “ Cooling is activated by rising body temperature and deactivated once your cooling is complete with up to 2.5°C/4.5°F cooler fabric temperature”. There is no question it was effective as I never sensed any over heating or discomfort during my high temperature high humidity test runs. They did become totally soaked with sweat every run and as of yet I have not run in “dry” heat and will update when I do so.
The secret compression sauce are internal rubbery green MCS strips to support the inner quad and knee. Unlike many other such shorts I have no sense my admittedly weak knee lift is impeded yet I felt solid support.
The fit is correct at my usual medium and 32” (81 cm) waist with a solid waist hold. I slid my iPhone 15 Pro in the rear center pocket from either side and had zero bounce ever yet the phone was easy to retrieve and return.
Two small gel size drop in pockets are at the hips with one having a small (credit card and car key) zip pocket, They do not have a brief but I find them perfectly comfortable and sufficiently modest to be worn as is.
Not as “stylish” as the heavier Tracksmith Reggie Short Tights ($85) or as light and less compressive as Adizero Control Short Tights ($100) with their Rheon more reactive compression strips, the 2XU x District Vision has the added benefit of pockets and more targeted compression.
While I most often wear compression tight shorts for fall and winter training and racing, I would not hesitate to wear these for any summer run or race for the comfort and additional benefit of the support.
Ultralight Desert Singlet ($130)
The singlet is made of a very fine French milled stretch woven fabric which weighs 74g per square meter.
The feel is very smooth on the skin even when soaked with sweat.
All the seams are bonded. It dries fast and remains very decently odor free.
The fit in my usual medium is generous. I am 5’9” (176cm) and weigh 160 lbs (72kg).I like a looser fit in a singlet but not so loose that it is sloppy and here for me the fit is ideal
I have worn it for multiple runs in heat and high humidity, never felt overheated or that the singlet in any way was “clingy” when wet.
It always had an airy loose feel on the skin and any breeze produced a distinct cooling effect I did experience some nipple chafing on a particularly humid day which surprised me given the relaxed fit. Regardless, the Desert Singlet will be my racing singlet (with some vaseline). The only drawback is its high pricing at $130.
Sam is the Editor and Founder of Road Trail Run. He is in his 60’s with 2024 Sam’s 52th year of running roads and trails. He has a decades old 2:28 marathon PR. These days he runs halves in the just sub 1:40 range if he gets very, very lucky. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week mostly at moderate paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah be it on the run, hiking or on nordic skis. He is 5’9” tall and weighs about 164 lbs, if he is not enjoying too many fine New England IPA’s.
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