Backside Line
When you’re solely going to purchase one base layer, the REI Midweight Half Zip is a good choice. No base layer can do all of it, however this one comes shut. It might be slightly heat for an cardio exercise, nevertheless it’s pretty breathable and dries surprisingly quick. It additionally has a zippered neck for dumping extra warmth.
We examined this base layer in a managed setting in addition to mountain climbing and backpacking within the Rocky Mountains, and we discovered it to be one of the versatile choices on our record of the perfect base layers. On high of that, it packs an unbelievable quantity of worth into a really reasonably priced value level.
As a result of it’s on the hotter facet, there are higher choices we’d suggest when you’re searching for one thing to only take the nippiness away throughout a fall run within the mountains or a spring ski tour.
Fast Specs
REI Midweight Half Zip
Greatest Price range Base Layer
Worth:
$60
Weight:
9.8 oz.(Males’s M)
Cloth/Weight:
Midweight polyester
Execs
- Reasonably priced
- Sturdy
- Heat
- Snug
- Versatile
- Thumbholes
Cons
- Not odor resistant
- Heavier than most
Consolation
The REI Midweight Half Zip is an excellent snug base layer with its ultra-soft polyester and cushty but versatile match. The brushed inside feels cozy towards the pores and skin, and the neck zipper lets you dial in your most well-liked match all through the day, whether or not it’s essential dump extra warmth or wish to bundle up and maintain your neck heat.
The seams of this high are utterly unnoticeable towards the pores and skin, and the shoulder seams are rolled ahead to remain out of the best way of pack straps. We additionally love the added bonus of the thumb loops. They’re thick and sturdy and assist with layering.
One of many distinctive advantages of the REI Midweight Half Zip is its skill for use as a base layer or a mid-layer. It’s comfortable sufficient to slip simply beneath a fleece however unfastened sufficient to layer over a slim-fitting base layer. It stays in place and doesn’t bunch up beneath a number of layers.
Total, the REI Midweight Half Zip is supremely snug and features just a few further versatility factors in our e book.
Heat
The REI Midweight Half Zip has a material weight of 220g/ms, so it’s positively a bit on the heavy facet. Nevertheless, that is balanced by the choice to open up the neck zipper for slightly extra airflow. Alternatively, when the zipper is all the best way up, it supplies further heat by defending important arteries from wind chill.
This high has glorious moisture-wicking capabilities. The artificial fibers successfully wick moisture away out of your physique and in direction of the outside layers of the garment, dashing up drying time and preserving you heat and comfy within the course of.
Heat, nonetheless, could not at all times be what you’re going for. The REI Midweight Half Zip is a bit too burly for high-output actions. If worn as a operating base layer in late spring or early fall, you’ll possible be soaked in sweat and wishing for one thing a bit lighter.
Breathability
The REI Midweight Half Zip is surprisingly breathable for a base layer on the hotter facet of the spectrum. We sprayed the identical quantity of water on all of our base layers after which examined how shortly they dried, and this one carried out corresponding to lighter, extra energetic base layers. Nevertheless, a lot of that needed to do with its moisture-wicking capabilities, which go hand in hand with breathability.
So far as perceived breathability goes once we really wore the bottom layer and obtained outdoors for a hike, it has extra to do with the options than the material itself. With the neck zipped up, the REI layer can really feel slightly stuffy. We didn’t really feel a lot of a cooling breeze when the wind wasn’t blowing. Unzipping the neck makes a world of distinction, permitting numerous warmth and moisture to flee and making a wind tunnel by means of the layer. What the REI Half Zip lacks in cloth breathability, it makes up for with the zipper.
Versatility
We love a base layer that may develop into our go-to all yr spherical. The REI Midweight Half Zip is a good weight for many of the yr and supplies just a few further options that take it the additional mile.
When you’re mountain climbing by means of the Mojave desert or within the humid swamps of Florida, this REI base layer could wrestle to search out its means into your laying system through the hotter months. Nevertheless, in mountain climates like Colorado, we now have no downside stuffing it into our pack any time of the yr. In the course of the frigid months, it really works nice as a heavy base layer for hitting up the ski mountain. For spring and summer time backpacking journeys, we use it as a passive layer for sleeping and camp lounging.
Its versatility is because of added options just like the neck zipper and the thumbholes. The neck zipper extends its usability to hotter climates, permitting you to get extra airflow and shed some warmth buildup. We additionally love the thumbholes and think about them a degree in versatility. They make the highest extra snug, make it simpler to layer, and provides it extra protection.
Type
On high of its practicality, the REI Midweight Half Zip seems nice. REI provides this high in seven completely different colorways, which isn’t a ton, nevertheless it’s a lot for most individuals to search out one they like.
One thing a few neck zipper simply seems nice. It drastically adjustments the layer’s look from a turtleneck to a extra relaxed look. It additionally has a match that isn’t too unfastened or tight. It’s flattering but relaxed.
The REI Midweight Half Zip is considered one of our go-to’s once we know we’re headed out for drinks with associates or a enterprise dinner instantly after a hike.
Ought to You Purchase the REI Midweight Half Zip?
The REI Midweight Half Zip might be your “one layer does most” base layer. It retains you a lot heat sufficient within the winter months, and the half zipper is a lifesaver when issues heat up and also you want a cooling breeze. It’s additionally equally snug as a base layer as it’s as a mid-layer.
When you’re delicate to sure materials, this high is without doubt one of the most snug on our record. The brushed inside feels ultra-soft, and the flat seams are unnoticeable.
When you’ve already obtained a heat choice in your base layer quiver, and also you’re searching for one thing to maintain you heat and dry on runs, lengthy ski excursions, or summer time months, the REI Midweight Half Zip could be slightly too toasty.
What Different Base Layers Ought to You Contemplate?
Arc’teryx Rho Heavyweight Neck Zip Evaluate: The Arc’teryx takes numerous the professionals of the REI Midweight Half Zip to the following stage. It’s hotter, extra snug, and works as a real mid-layer. The draw back is it’s much less versatile and means too heat for summer time months.
Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew Evaluate: The Capilene is artificial just like the REI Midweight Half Zip, nevertheless it really works all yr spherical. It simply matches into any layering system at any time of yr, though it must be paired with a mid-layer within the winter.
Smartwool Traditional Thermal: When you’re searching for an identical base layer however want wool over synthetics, the Smartwool Traditional Thermal could be your greatest wager. Though it doesn’t have a zipper or thumbholes, it’s comparable in heat and breathability.
