KÜHL Dissipatr Air Short and Eclipser Hoody Reviews
KÜHL Dissipatr Air Short ($89) A Go-To Lightweight Summer Short
As the mercury rises and humidity sets in, finding a versatile short that stays comfortable during both active pursuits and casual downtime is essential. Enter the brand new KÜHL Dissipatr Air Short ($89). Fresh for Spring '25, these shorts promise lightweight performance with KÜHL's signature blend of durability and comfort.
First Impressions & Tech Specs
The Dissipatr Air lives up to its name the moment you pick it up – it's noticeably lightweight (150 GSM). The fabric, a blend of DISSIPATR™ Nylon and Elastane, feels soft and has an impressive amount of four-way stretch. KÜHL highlights its ruggedness, water-resistance, quick-dry, moisture-wicking properties, and UPF 50+ protection, all features that tick the right boxes for summer outdoor activities.
Pros:
Incredibly lightweight and breathable fabric ("Air" lives up to the name)
Excellent four-way stretch for unrestricted movement
Very comfortable elastic waistband with drawstring
Fantastic, secure drop-in cell phone pocket
Quick-drying, mesh hand pockets
Highly versatile for both technical and casual use
Cons:
No front zipper or button access
9-inch inseam may be longer than preferred for dedicated running
Sizing and Fit
For reference, I am 5'6". My usual concern is finding shorts that aren't too constricting, even if waist and leg measurements suggest a Small. Based on preference, I opted for a size Medium in the 9-inch inseam.
The fit on the Medium is exactly what I was hoping for. The elastic waistband with the external drawcord offers a comfortable and secure feel without any pinching or tightness. There's ample room through the seat and thighs, allowing for a full range of motion.
The 9-inch inseam hits just below my knee, which is on the longer side for me personally for actual running (I often prefer a 7-inch or shorter for minimal fabric flap), but for hiking, yardwork, or everyday casual wear, the length feels completely fine and provides great coverage. The stretch of the fabric prevents it from feeling cumbersome despite the length.
If you're someone who finds yourself between sizes in KÜHL or other brands, particularly if you prefer a bit more room or have a build that benefits from less waist constriction, sizing up might be a good move, relying on the drawcord for waist security.
Comfort and Performance
The comfort level is excellent. The fabric is smooth and soft, minimizing any potential for chafing during prolonged wear. The breathability, aided by the mesh pocketing, is very noticeable, which is crucial in hot and humid conditions. I've worn these for gym sessions, hikes, and just daily life, and they remained comfortable throughout the day. The quick-dry feature is effective, which is a big plus if you encounter sweat, rain, or decide to take an impromptu dip.
Pocket Functionality
The pocket layout is well-considered for practicality:
Hand Pockets: Two angled hand pockets are easy to access and feature that mesh lining for breathability and quick drying.
Cell Phone Pocket: There's a dedicated drop-in pocket on the side, designed specifically for a phone. This is my favorite feature. It easily accommodates even larger smartphones and, thanks to its placement and the fabric's stretch, keeps the phone secure and surprisingly bounce-free during dynamic movements like squats or lunges. It doesn't feel like it's going to fall out.
Rear Pocket: A single zippered rear pocket on the right side provides secure storage for a wallet, keys, or cards.
While there isn't a second rear pocket or a coin pocket, the combination of the hand pockets, secure phone pocket, and zippered rear pocket covers most daily and activity-based needs. On a related note, I was hoping for a front fly, either zippered or button.
Versatility: Technical and Casual
This is where the Dissipatr Air truly excels. Its clean look and comfortable fit make it perfect for casual wear – think weekend errands, travel, or just relaxing. Yet its technical features – the stretch, quick-dry, breathability, and secure phone pocket – make it a capable performer for hiking, gym workouts, and light trail duty.
While the 9-inch inseam might feel a bit long for serious distance running for some, it's perfectly suited for warm-weather training, hiking, or activities where you need a comfortable, breathable, and secure short. They even function reasonably well as impromptu swim/water shorts thanks to the quick-dry mesh pockets and fabric.
Conclusion
The KÜHL Dissipatr Air Short is a highly versatile, comfortable, and lightweight option that's perfect for navigating hot weather activities and casual life. The stretch, breathability, and the fantastic secure side phone pocket are major highlights. While sizing can be personal, the Medium fit for my 5'6" frame in the 9-inch inseam felt just right, offering freedom of movement without being baggy.
KÜHL Eclipser Hoody ($89) Graphene-Infused Cooling for Hot Days
The Tech: Graphene and Lightweight Performance
KÜHL is pushing the boundaries with the Eclipser Hoody ($89) by incorporating graphene into its fabric blend (58% Nylon, 42% Polyester). Graphene is heralded as an incredible material for temperature regulation and is known for its heat dispersion capabilities. The promise is that this hoody will help expel body heat when it's warm and somehow preserve it if conditions cool slightly.
Right out of the box, the hoody feels incredibly light - matching the advertised 148 GSM. The fabric is super soft to the touch, almost silky, and has a nice amount of stretch, always a good sign for activewear.
Beyond the graphene, it boasts quick-drying, odor resistance, and UPF 50+ protection – all key features you want in a warm-weather, do-anything layer.
Pros:
Extremely lightweight and soft fabric
Excellent breathability and cool feel (graphene seems effective)
Seamless construction is very comfortable
Good stretch for freedom of movement, especially the hood
Functional hood, cuffs, and thumb loops
UPF 50+ sun protection
Cons:
Not yet sure about durability
Sizing and Fit
As I mentioned in the shorts review, at 5'6" I often find myself between sizes, especially since I tend to like a baggier fit. For the Eclipser Hoody, I opted for the size Small, and I'm pleased with the fit. KÜHL describes it as a "versatile, relaxed fit," and while on my frame it's certainly not baggy, it's comfortably spacious. There's enough room to move freely without feeling like I'm swimming in fabric.
The stretch in the fabric also contributes significantly to this comfort, allowing for a full range of motion in the arms and shoulders. It sits nicely, offering good coverage without being overly long in the torso for my height.
For someone on the upper end of the size chart for Small, it might feel more fitted, but for my build, "comfortably versatile" is a good description of the fit.
Features in Practice
The technical aspects of the Eclipser are subtle but effective.
Graphene Cooling: Does it feel dramatically cooler than other lightweight fabrics? It's hard to say definitively, but the fabric certainly feels cool and airy against the skin, even when the temperature rises. The breathability is excellent.
Seamless Construction & Body Mapping: The seamless construction is a fantastic feature. Eliminating side seams reduces bulk and potential friction points, making it incredibly comfortable, especially when wearing a pack or moving dynamically. The "engineered body mapping" with strategically placed mesh panels (primarily under the arms and along the sides) enhances ventilation exactly where you need it most for sweat evaporation.
Cuffs and Thumb Loops: The knitted-to-be-fitted cuffs are snug but not tight. The signature KÜHL thumb loops are a welcome addition for sun protection over the back of the hands or for keeping sleeves in place when layering or during activities like paddling.
Odor Resistance: KÜHL claims odor resistance thanks to the graphene. While my testing hasn't involved days on end without washing yet, this is a major benefit for travel or multi-day trips if it holds up over time. The idea of less washing is always appealing for outdoor gear longevity.
Versatility
Like the Dissipatr Air Shorts, the Eclipser Hoody's strength is its versatility. Its understated style (especially in the Lunar Gray color) looks perfectly appropriate for casual wear around town, travel days, or just lounging. Yet its technical attributes make it ideal for hiking, trail running (as a sun layer), gym sessions, and even watersports where you want sun protection and quick-drying capability. It layers well under a vest or jacket on cooler mornings but is breathable enough to wear on its own in warm sun.
The hood provides good sun protection for the neck and head without feeling bulky.
Conclusion
The KÜHL Eclipser Hoody delivers on its promise of a lightweight, comfortable, and versatile warm-weather layer. The graphene infusion seems to contribute to a noticeable airy and cool feel. The seamless design and mesh panels are smart features for enhanced comfort and breathability, especially during activity.
For my frame, the Small hoody feels comfortably right and the hoody's stretch accommodates well. If you're seeking a premium hooded layer that offers excellent breathability, sun protection, and a great feel against the skin for everything from casual wear to technical pursuits, the Eclipser Hoody is a great option.
John Tribbia (5' 6", 130lbs) is a former sponsored mountain/trail runner who has run with La Sportiva, Brooks/Fleet Feet, Pearl Izumi, and Salomon. Even though he competes less frequently these days, you can still find John enjoying the daily grind of running on any surface, though his favorite terrain is 30-40% grade climbs. He has won races such as America's Uphill, Imogene Pass Run, and the US Skyrunner Vertical Kilometer Series; and he's held several FKTs on several iconic mountains in Boulder, Colorado and Salt Lake City, Utah. If you follow him on Strava, you'll notice he runs at varying paces between 5 minutes/mile to 12 minutes/mile before the break of dawn almost every day.
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