I will readily admit
that I am of a generation that associates synthetic base layers with one thing –
stench!
I still own one of my
original base layers whose manufacturer had their name modified by owners to
start with the adjective “smelly”. The reason I still have one has less to do
with sentimental value and more to do with finding it in the freezer where it
had been hidden away for years, since prolonged cold was supposed to kill the
bacteria that caused the rancid pong. To date, the jury is still out on whether
or not this actually worked! When merino
wool came into fashion, like many, I was intrigued by the idea of using a more
natural material. Merino wool products have remained my base layer of choice
ever since. Traditionally, one downside I've found is that they can be a bit
slow to dry if it gets wet, which is not uncommon through either sweat or rain
here in Scotland.
I have recently been
trying a few of the Berghaus base layers and have been impressed for
a few reasons.
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| Clearly we never checked who was wearing what that morning - photo by Reuben |
Size & Style …
I consider myself to
be of average build (172cm tall and 68kg on a good day) and so my default
option tends to be medium. I've found the Berghaus sizing to be ideal; comfortable
without being too baggy. Combined with the styling and classic Berghaus
colours, it makes the shirts suitably appropriate for post adventure pub use as
well.
Feel …
The best way I can
describe them is feeling light. Very smooth against the skin and I haven’t
noticed any rubbing at the seams, which is sometimes the case. The trim at the
back of the neck is a nice touch as it seems to drink sweat!
Performance …
When we were out in
the Alps, a few of us from the Trail Team wore these base layers during a light
drizzle without a waterproof since the air temperature was not too cold.
Everyone agreed that they coped well and seemed to dry out quickly. During my
recent trip to Canada, I was on a two day canoe trip with heavy rain forecast
on the first day. I opted for a wet set / dry set approach with camp gear
safely tucked away in dry bags. The skies did indeed open up and I couldn't
have gotten wetter if I had jumped into Ragged Lake directly! Similar to the
Alps, the air temperature was fine but I was surprised how quickly the top
dried out again once the rain stopped. In fact, it was so quick as to seem unnatural
but very welcome indeed!
I've now used the
Berghaus base layers on a number of multi day trips and so far any smell has
come from me rather than the shirt itself. Given it dries so quickly, washing
one whilst wearing another wouldn't be an issue.
With winter approaching, I look forward to testing the performance in colder
conditions, but given my experience to date, I have high expectations!
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| Out in the Alps- photo by Reuben |
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