At a glance The finest Merino wool-polyester baselayer I have ever worn due to a perfect combination of stretchiness, warmth and anti-smelling properties
Tested by
Claire Maxted
Performance
It's a good job that Merino wool doesn't smell because I have been wearing this long sleeved baselayer on a near daily basis whenever I can. The naturally anti-bacterial properties in Craft's latest Merino wool baselayer (as of Winter09) means that unlike wholly synthetic baselayers, this one doesn't grab the unsweet smell of cycling and hang on to it for dear life after a heavy training session. This is particularly great if you're packing light for a multi-day tour, or a cycling nut too busy cramming in your daily mileage to faff around with washing clothes.
But it's not just the Merino that makes this light-feeling base layer so good. It is made of a mixture of polyester on the inside to wick sweat more quickly, which works well, and along with flatlocked seams, this makes for a very dry and comfy wear on cold, hard training rides - pure Merino wool tops can sometimes be a little itchy next to the skin. Safely away from the skin on the outside, the Merino wool makes this top extra warm for winter exertion, which is then enhanced by a knit pattern that creates heat-trapping air channels all over the garment.
This synthetic-Merino combination seems to be ideal in terms stretch too. Pure Merino wool garments are less stretchy and can go shapeless after a year or so of infrequent washing (honestly, they don't smell!). In contrast to this, Craft's Pro Warm Wool baselayer hugs your body, therefore keeping you warmer. If you're a girl, this top is better than most at hugging your curves. In fact there is only one downside, and this is minor. In the grey colour this baselayer can look slightly more like underwear than your average top, so I tend to over layer it with a T-shirt if I'm not wearing a jacket. Get the black one if you want to wear it on its own.
We'll see how this one goes washing-wise, but at the moment its stretchiness, warmth and anti-smelling properties makes it my first choice for cold winter cycling, running and snowboarding.
Buy ladies from www.wiggle.co.uk & buy men's from www.wiggle.co.uk
Craft says:
The best of two worlds by using our unique air channel knitting technique
- Polyester on the inside for perfect moisture transportation
- Merino super wash on the outside for excellent warming features
- Ergonomic shape and cut for total freedom of movement
- Natural quality of wool keeps your body fresh during exercising
- Polyester next to the skin avoid an itchy feeling
- Perfect for low sport activities in cold conditions
- Size: XS-XXL
Find out more www.craft.se
