GoLite Manitou Women’s Sleeveless Top–Final Review

Finding a good looking, comfortable, and breathable top can be a challenge.  If you’re also looking for a lightweight top or a top that’s manufactured by an ecologically , you’re normally out of luck.

For the past few months, we’ve been testing and using the Manitou Sleeveless Top from GoLite.  In July, we brought you our initial impressions; please check out our initial review of the Manitou Top.

First, let’s take a look back at our previous observations:

About GoLite:

According to their website, GoLite was founded with the “simple idea…That experiencing nature would be better with less.  Less weight, less fuss, less waste…more fun”.  GoLite strives to not only provide products that are not just light in weight, but also light in their impact on the environment.  GoLite uses the GoLite Index to determine the impact of each product and calculates this index using three main measures: Environmentally Preferred Materials, Responsible Production, and Education+End-of-Life Programs.  GoLite has also adopted a Fair Labor audit process and follows The Timberland Company’s Code of Conduct.

About the Manitou Sleeveless Top:

The Manitou is a very light top, weighing in at a mere 3oz.  Since we began testing GoLite products, we’ve certainly been a bit spoiled by the light weight material they use in all their products.  The Manitou retails for $36 direct from GoLite, but the top is currently out of stock on their website.

Many GoLite products, the Manitou included, utilize a special polyester called Minerale.  Minerale was developed by Cocona, Inc. and uses material derived from volcanic minerals to provide increased moisture wicking, odor control and UV protection.

Just as the Wildwood Men’s Top that we reviewed earlier, the Manitou top provides a UPF, or Ultraviolet Protection Factor, of 50+.  This offers you protection against the damage of the sun’s rays while on the trail or the road.

One thing you might notice is the unique design of the shirt back.  As we mentioned, GoLite makes gear for hikers and campers and the Manitou is designed to be comfortable under a backpack.  You’ll notice the interesting cut outs on the back of the shirt.  If you’re wearing a sports bra under this shirt, you won’t have any exposure issues, but if you try the shirt with a regular bra, say to run a quick errand or the like, the cut outs display your straps.

Manitou Top Overall Results: