Your most important consideration for the choice of a Tough Mudder shirt is going to be the temperature. In normal circumstances layering for cold weather is the way to go.

But in a Tough Mudder it’s not only pointless it’s really the last thing you want because you are going to get wet and the multiple layers are not going to dry out.

Here is a feature overview of shirts with more details below:

Best Shirts For Tough Mudder

You want to wear only ONE layer so the shirt can dry as fast as possible. Having multiple layers will make it difficult for your shirt to dry and if it’s cold you DON’T want to be wet.

You want materials that wick. You are going to be running after each water obstacle and if it is a cold day you may not dry off with lots of clothes on. The less you can get away with the better.

You also want materials that hug the body somewhat closely. No lose clothing that might get caught on something.

Remember the LAST thing you want to be wearing regardless of the weather is a cotton shirt. Unless of course you want to be wet and miserable for the entire race. Cotton will absorb the moisture and hold it.

A lot of teams like wearing matching t-shirts to be able to find each other and show team spirit. That’s great, just try to get thin, tight fitting shirts so they can dry out. If your looking for some Tough Mudder Team Names, I compiled a list of over 100 of them.

Find out what the average temperature for time of year of the race and get the proper shirt. If you want to wait till just a week before the event to get a shirt that’s a good idea however I would recommend running a few miles in it before to make sure it’s going to be warm enough.

Wearing the proper cold weather shirt really does make a difference.

Best Cold Weather Tough Mudder Shirt

#1 Under Armour Mens Base 3.0 Crew

The Base 3.0 is a great mid range shirt for most cold weather conditions.

Under Armor makes some great cold weather shirts. They come in different levels or bases depending on the thickness. Four being for the most extreme cold weather. The one you choose should be based on your comfort levels with cold temperatures and what the weather will be like the day of the event.

You don’t want to get a base level 4 and overheat on a warm sunny day or do the opposite and go with base level 1 and be freezing cold for the entire race.

Don’t just buy a random Under Armour shirt from Dick’s Sporting Goods and expect it to work for cold weather.

Most of them are designed for runners who are sweating in warmer conditions, and probably won’t help you with extreme colds any more than a t-shirt will.

Here are links for the other Under Armour base layers: Base 1.0, Base 2.0 and Base 4.0.

Best Warm Weather Tough Mudder Shirt

On a hot day your choice is not as important. Just so long as it’s a moisture wicking shirt. The only choice you will need to make is between short sleeve/sleeveless and long sleeve shirt.

Some people like the extra protection from scrapes that the long sleeve shirt will give you. And if you buy the right one, even on a hot day you won’t overheat.

#2 Under Armour Men’s HeatGear Compression Sleeveless

If it’s really hot, I prefer a sleeveless shirt. The Under Armour HeatGear provides excellent moisture wicking properties.

Best Long Sleeve Tough Mudder Shirt

#3 ASICS Men’s Running Compression Long Sleeve

If you want the protection from scrapes then you will want a long sleeve shirt. The compression of the Asics long sleeve compression shirt will also provide some muscle support and enhancement of blood flow. This shirt is thin enough to wear on even hot days.

Wearing the proper shirt will make your experience on race day that much better.

So there you have it – The Best Shirts for Tough Mudder now you just need to make sure you have the gloves, socks and Shoes to compete.

Remember while you need to be in cardio shape, Tough Mudder is not just about running, you will need upper body strength to complete most of the obstacles. Here is some recommended equipment to help you train.

If you are really serious about doing a Tough Mudder, or any other type of “Mud Run” the training program I recommend is the TACFIT Commando Program. It is based upon actual programs Scott Sonnon is using to train Israeli counter-terrorism, SEALs and secret service.

The entire TACFIT Commando program is bodyweight-only and requires the same amount of space you’d need to lie down in. It only takes 20 minutes, but it includes an intensity and fat melting power most athletes don’t even tap in a full hour of training.

It is designed to get you into peak fitness in a short period of time using “Interval Workouts”, which have been proven the most effective way to lose weight and get into phenomenal shape. Its a complete program of workouts and how to eat for the most effective results and have you scaling the “Berlin Wall“, running the “Mud Mile” and crossing the “Funky Money“.

If you follow this training plan you should be ready for the Tough Mudder, Spartan Race or Warrior Dash or any mud run or Obstacle Course Race.

-Robert Walsh