Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew Overview

Backside Line

For morning path runs and lengthy ski excursions,  it’s good to have a single base layer that may take away the crisp morning chill however let in a cooling breeze because the day heats up – the Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew does exactly that. We put this layer to the check within the Rocky Mountains, bagging excessive peaks and path operating throughout windy ridge traces. We additionally scrutinized it in opposition to related base layers in a managed testing atmosphere.

The Lifa Stripe is extremely light-weight and breathable whereas nonetheless including slightly bit of heat. The artificial materials effectively wicks moisture, always combating the great combat of retaining you dry as you sweat by it on a protracted path run. Though it’s not the warmest out of all of our favourite base layers, the HH Lifa Stripe stands out as among the finest for high-output exercise.

Consolation

The Lifa Stripe is a slim-fitting prime created from tender, artificial materials that layers simply and strikes with you. The extremely slick artificial polyester and polypropylene mix permits different tops to simply slide over it, making it just about clear as a base layer. The elastic cuffs work nice with gloves. The cuffs are wider than most and keep in place with no downside.

We positively advocate sizing up no less than one dimension with the Lifa Stripe, because it runs fairly small. We tried it out in our typical dimension, and whereas it’s nonetheless a cushty base layer, the extraordinarily tight match lent itself to a couple points. The underarms and shoulders match properly, whereas the torso was fairly tight, and the seams have been fairly noticeable in opposition to the pores and skin. This model of match made the bottom layer extra more likely to bunch up and wedgie throughout a number of motion, particularly as a part of a layering system.

That being mentioned, these points will enhance with a bigger dimension, so simply bear in mind that your regular dimension will likely be further form-fitting. 

Heat

The Lifa Stripe base layer is the least heat of all the base layers we examined, however heat is just not its important function. This prime is supposed to maintain you from freezing throughout cardio actions, which it does remarkably properly. The Lifa Stripe is our go-to when morning temperatures are within the 40s-50s, however the solar will quickly flip it right into a balmy summer time day.

The Lifa Stripe offers extra heat by way of moisture administration than it does by insulation. The artificial fibers wick moisture shortly and effectively to chop down on evaporative cooling. 

The Lifa Stripe can maintain its personal as a standalone layer for endurance actions. Nevertheless, once we plan on constructing some downtime into our day, we will certainly deliver an insulating layer to make up for the thinness of the Life Stripe.

Breathability

Breathability is one other robust level for the HH Lifa Stripe Crew. The breathability of the ultralight artificial cloth goes hand in hand with its wonderful moisture wicking properties to maintain you dry and comfy.

At simply 4.8 ounces, the Lifa Stripe is the lightest base layer we examined. Not solely did it dry remarkably quick throughout our managed drying check, nevertheless it felt noticeably extra breathable than different layers when worn in breezy climate. Whereas Helly Hansen’s LIFA expertise strikes moisture to the floor of the material, the place it may evaporate sooner, the mesh development permits air in to dry off any extra moisture remaining on the pores and skin.

Whereas we love the breathability for many circumstances that we use the Lifa Stripe in, it may be slightly an excessive amount of at occasions. We love pairing this base layer with a light-weight shell or wind shirt for optimum trail-running versatility.

Versatility

Whereas all the base layers we examined do supply an excellent quantity of versatility, the Lifa Stripe, particularly, is extra focused in the direction of high-output exercise. The load and breathability of the material make it well-suited for operating or cross-country snowboarding throughout shoulder months however not a lot for staying heat within the coldest climate.

The Lifa Stripe additionally goals to maintain issues easy with the shortage of bonus options. It doesn’t have thumb loops, a hood, or a zipper. This lack of options helps maintain the Lifa Stripe streamlined and light-weight, which can be one of many causes it’s  in addition to probably the most cheap layer on our listing.

Model

Whereas we perceive that model is usually subjective, we base model factors on how appropriate the layer is in business-casual conditions and what number of colorways are provided.

The Lifa Stripe is simply accessible in three completely different colours in comparison with different base layers with 20+ shade choices. We might like to see some extra selection from Helly Hansen.

All the colours function the signature racing stripes down every sleeve, which can be a deal breaker for people preferring one thing much less flashy. The racing stripes give a decidedly athletic really feel. Extra so than different layers, the Lifa Stripe screams activewear.

We love the utility of the Lifa Stripe Crew, however if you happen to put on it out to dinner with pals, they may assume you simply completed operating a marathon. Possibly that’s what you’re going for! 

Ought to You Purchase the Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew?

The Lifa Stripe Crew is an extremely reasonably priced base layer that’s good for all cardio actions when there’s a chill within the air. Whereas it’s greatest as an energetic layer, it actually packs an excellent little bit of worth into its small price ticket, as its makes use of simply spill over into winter and summer time seasons. Except you reside in a very frigid atmosphere, the Lifa Stripe might even be a strong choice for a sole base layer all yr spherical. 

The Lifa Stripe is right for individuals who wish to get after it whatever the climate. From snowboarding to climbing to operating, it’s an optimum alternative. The artificial fibers excel at moisture-wicking and drying time in an effort to keep heat, dry, and comfy.

If heat is what you’re after, there are higher choices. Whereas it does lure some warmth, insulation is just not the Lifa Stripe’s simplest perform.

What Different Base Layers Ought to You Think about?

If the Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew Base Layer isn’t best for you, try all the opposite base layers we examined.

Outside Analysis Echo Hoodie Overview: The OR Echo Hoodie is one other breathable and light-weight energetic layer that provides just a few extra bonus options. It’s not as insulating because the Lifa Stripe, nevertheless it shines as a solar hoodie with thumb loops and a hood.

Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew Overview: The Capilene is an artificial base layer with slightly extra insulation than the Lifa Stripe. The artificial materials has related advantages to the LIFA cloth however has a extra relaxed match and traps extra warmth. For those who plan on doing slightly extra stopping and resting throughout your outing, the Capilene is an efficient various.

Smartwool Basic All-Season Overview: If wool is extra your factor, the Basic All-Season is among the lightest merino wool base layers on the market. It’s naturally moisture-wicking and breathable whereas additionally being odor-resistant. It’s not as stretchy or kind becoming because the Lifa Stripe, however is an efficient various energetic layer.