Become a Member

Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.

Already have an account? Sign In

Become a Member

Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.

Already have an account? Sign In

Brands

Apparel

Gear Review: Patagonia L/S Polarized Tee Baselayer

A 100% polyester t-shirt that feels just like cotton.

Lightweight

It looks and feels like standard-issue cotton, but the Patagonia L/S Polarized Tee is 100-percent polyester. The secret is a process called “air jet spinning,” which texturizes the yarn, resulting in the softness. The long sleeves and UPF 25 sun protection make it versatile, too: Our Colorado tester wore it on spring ski-tours and desert hikes, when the rays called for full coverage. Like all synthetics, it builds up odor after a few days, but it dries fast and testers liked the roomy, casual fit. $39; 7 oz. (m’s M); patagonia.com

See all “essential” reviews from the 2011 Gear

Guide

When you buy something using the retail links in our stories, we may earn a small commission. We do not accept money for editorial gear reviews. Read more about our policy.