At a glance Luxuriously soft and very comfortable base layer that's completely free of static. Made from a mix of bamboo charcoal fibres and polyester, it performs just as well as a fully synthetic top, but with no body-mapping or compression features in the construction, it's a bit pricey.
Tested by
Jon Adams, tester for The Bike List
Performance
Base layers, or thermal undies as they used to be called, come in a vast range of different materials and vary in complexity from the humble cotton string vest to the hi-tech, body-mapped, synthetic compression garment. Man-made fibres have pretty much ruled the roost since the mid-seventies, when the benefits of polypropylene and pile were adopted over the water-holding cotton and wool, but the resurgence of wool in the form of Merino blends has led to other natural fibres being explored. Bamboo is one of these, and the fabric made from bamboo charcoal fibres gives an incredibly soft, silky feel, making it perfect for next-to-the-skin uses.
The Bamboo Tec top from Polaris uses this wonderfully soft fabric in a 50/50 polyester mix and it is extremely comfortable. It works like any good base layer - it adds a little insulation by trapping some air, it soaks up moisture off your skin and passes it through to the next layer of clothing and it leaves you feeling dry and comfortable. So far, so good, but aside from behaving itself like any other decent thermal top, what's really noticeable is the absolute lack of static.
Take off your average synthetic top and you'll hear the crackles of static electricity earthing out as you pull it over your head. Do this in the pitch black and you'll see a mini firework display going on - especially if you've got a fleece over a base layer. The other side of this static is the 'cling' factor, as a lot of charged-up thin fabrics will stick to you like a balloon to hair at a kids' party!
Well this all disappears with the Bamboo Tec - the bamboo fibres are naturally anti-static, so it's utterly devoid of sparks, crackles and clings. This is slightly odd at first, as it looks like a synthetic layer - especially with the rather lurid Lime Green and Dazzling Blue colours on offer - but it's something you rapidly get used to, so much so that it's a little disappointing the next time you take off a man-made base layer and hear the crackle!
Drying time doesn't seem to take any longer than a regular synthetic, so you can almost put it on straight out of its 30-degree handwash cycle. The natural fibres are supposed to be better at dealing with odours than synthetic alternatives, though the Bamboo Tec didn't fare as well as merino garments in this respect and if it was any better than a man-made thermal, then the difference was pretty marginal to our eyes (or rather, our noses).
Overall performance wasn't really that different to a fully synthetic top, either. Drying time, warmth and wicking seemed to be about the same in general use, and only the soft drape and zero-static properties set the Bamboo Tec apart. Ultimately, these are 'comfort' measures, and this is really where your extra money goes.
If you're after a bit of luxury and are willing to spend £40 on a base layer that has neither body-mapping nor compression features, then you won't be disappointed in the Bamboo Tec. It's great to wear, does its job well and springs back like new after washing. It should be noted that it is a luxury choice though - you're paying extra for the silky qualities of the bamboo fabric - and aside from the soft drape and anti-static, a similar fit and technical performance can be found for a lot less. Do try it on if you're hunting for a new a base layer, though. If you do, chances are you'll leave the shop with it!
Buy from www.chainreactioncycles.com
Polaris says:
- A revolutionary new base layer from Polaris Apparel
- Natutec fabric - made from bamboo charcoal Fibres; keeps the body warm and maintains body temperature.
- The fabric releases infrared rays to improve blood circulation.
- Bamboo Charcoal fibres provide natural minerals that absorb moisture and prevent growth of bacteria - reducing the chance of body odour
- Unisex Fit
- Contrast tonal panelling to the body and sleeves
- Colours: Blue, Green
- Sizes: XS-XXL
Find out more: www.polaris-apparel.co.uk
