Gear Review: Wild Things Power Stretch 1/4-Zip Hoody Baselayer
If you like going up and down snowy mountains, you're going to like this simple baselayer.
[alpinist ’s choice]
“This hoody became my go-to base and second layer for lift skiing, ice climbing, even summer Fourteeners,” says a Colorado tester. The reason? Simplicity, versatility, and fit. The cut is roomy and the hem is long for reachy moves and good ski form. The scuba-style hood (it zips up over the chin to act as a neck gaiter) fits easily under helmets but doesn’t interfere with vision. The acid test for one tester was a July climb up Colorado’s 14,130-foot Capitol Peak. “It was cold, windy, and dark when we started, but sunny and hot on the descent,” he explains. “Despite changes in sun and wind, and temps from 28° to 60°F, I didn’t need any stops to fuss with layers.” Ding: With 10 percent spandex for stretch, it doesn’t dry as fast as layers with mechanical stretch, like the Arc’teryx Phase AR (also reviewed). $119; 14 oz.; m’s M-XXL, w’s XS-XL; wildthingsgear.com