Arc'teryx Rho LT Zip Top - Long-Sleeve - Men's

Picked this up on SAC a while ago.

I like the Powerflex Fabric. It stretches well and has good warmth for the weight in dry conditions (see below).

I have two quibbles with the Rho LT, however. First, the shirt is short. While it has the no-lift gusset design, the hem of the shirt is already above my belt-line, so unless I'm wearing bibs (and I am, usually), my waist gets exposed. It fits well in other dimensions - sleeve length, chest size - but the torse is just too short for me. Second, the fabric is slow to wick. On a skin track, I sweat. The Rho soaks through quickly, rather than transporting moisture for evaporation. That makes for a cold panda when skinning gives way to making turns.

I've never given an Arcteryx item three stars before, but it seems the Rho LT top was just not made for me. I've started switching to merino and I've found that I'm comfortable in a wider range of temperatures and moisture levels in wool than in the Rho LT. Perhaps the Rho LTW would be a worthy upgrade.

So0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o GOOD!! fits great in all the dimensions. fit to normal street shirt size. super high quality.

i wear this thing alot and everyone compliments me on it. fits great and soft

I like this heavier base layer for the colder days, or when I'm not going to be working up too much of a sweat.

........but doesnt fit like a blanket; standard fit. like most Arc products this a high quality piece of gear. Super warm, super soft next to skin. I would not recommend this for use over 32dF, high aerobic activity, its just too warm. my primary uses are back country winter hiking in WVA and long cold days on the lifts as a baselayer. with the discontinued colors on sale, I will be purchasing another.

One of the best Arc'teryx items I own. Great stretch and give in movement. Im 6'1 165lbs, 33 inch sleeve and I went with a large. Went up to an XL and was alittle loose in the chest and mid back

I love this top layer from Arcteryx. It is super comfortable, warm and light and has the great Arcteryx quality. I use it as a base layer or as a mid layer depending on the activity planned and the weather and temperature. Great service as always.

Nice tight fit, love the fabric. Use it for hicking and when i go telemarkskiing =)
165lbs 6.1 f medium, tight and nice fit

I have used the Rho alpine and xc skiing as well as on many hiking trips with temps ranging from around 50 degrees (F) down to 0 degrees (at the base of the mountain). This layer is amazing in the range of temperatures that it covers, I rarely overheat and yet it seems to keep me warm when the temperature drops. It is very comfortable and dries quickly, I have an average build (5'11" around 175 lbs) and it is snug on me, but very comfortable (the way a base layer should be). I am planning on getting a couple more of these and making this my standard base, it is a little pricey, but well worth it.

and have been thrilled with the tops...in my review of the bottoms I say how I prefer the powerstretch but I really like these on top as a first layer. Combined with a thicker wool sweater these are a part of a super versatile layering system that adjusts to different temperatures well

If color is imperative then this will work fine. Just o.k. in the warmth and wicking department. The Arcteryx LTW with real merino wool smokes this and fits a ton better too. Have owned several LT and LTW tops. If you work hard as a skier on back country hikes to get to your stash or skinning the LTW will dry way quicker and is warmer in a good way. Seems to regulate your body heat better. I'm 5'11 162-165 with long arms and broader shoulders. I order large in base layers and medium in outer. The LTW stretches and hugs your body better. The neck on the LTW isn't sloppy like the current LT. Had LT's before and the cut seemed to be better than the current issue.

I have this top in Black. It is a great piece. I generally use it as a layering piece for skiing. The fabric feels great against the skin, soft and comfortable. It also looks great on its own. I have received several compliments on it when wearing it after skiing or hiking.
The single pocket is great it is a great size and doesn't sag. I often carry my cell phone in the chest pocket.

I agree with the other reviews regarding the uber softness of the piece. Unfortunately, i also find it VERY short. I have an XL and am 6'2" and 210lbs with an athletic build. Yes, it is tight, but prior to wearing it i have to stretch the length out. The stretching usually doesnt last and ends up exposing my back after a couple of hours. Disappointed in the end.

Another excellent item from Arcteryx , quality of workmanship and fabric is 5*. I am always in between sizes with their products, "L" tops are always slightly too big. However LT Zip is almost too tight! I am 5.10 and ~ 185 and this top is like second skin. I don't understand Arcteryx's sizing, total lack of consistency.

I have had this for about a year. I am 6' 205#s and the xl is pretty snug. As a baselayer it does it's job. I would call this medium weight. That being said, I just got the Stoic merino wool zip neck and I like it better and it's cheaper. Also, I don't know how to explain this, but the material of the Rho snags on dry skin, no big deal, but unpleasant.

Just got one of these, and the fit and quality are typical of arcteryx (better than pretty much anyone else). The material is quite light, but provides a fair bit of warmth. Likely to be a bit too hot if you are really working. Does not bind under other jackets. beware, the size chart is a bit misleading, as I would personally go for the next larger size than what is recommended, especially if you are tall. I have a 38 chest, so I ordered the small, which felt like it was painted on and did not even cover my belly button.

Bought two now. One for husband, one for Dad. Soft, VERY warm, stylish, and light/compact. Does well in washer/dryer. Have been happy with all Arcteryx gear. Although expensive... worth every penny. Especially when living in cold northern climates

Top-notch quality, and perfect sizing for this product. I haven't tested this with layering as of yet, but it does feel good on it's own. I wouldn't wear this on it's own casually, as it does fit tight, and looks rather strange. The sleeves are a bit long, and I'm not a fan of the zip-neck (too tight for people with thicker necks). Overall, this is of better quality than a similarly advertised underarmor product. I'll be using this in the winter.

I have two Rho LTs and Those always give me a lot of
softness and warmth.
In many cases I wear size M, but I should buy size L, so I hope that backcountry.com gives a more precise sizing chart for this cloth. And color in picture of website is much more brighter than that of real thing.
Except these, this is one of the best layering wear.

I just used my Rho LT for for the first time on the Fort Bliss 10k run in 40 degree weather. It did a great job keeping me warm while wicking sweat extremely well. However, you might need a jacket if it is much colder or windy. As for the sizing, I'm 6'1" and 210 lbs, and the large I ordered fits perfectly. For me, it's a perfect athletic baselayer...plus, the pocket is extremely useful for carrying a key and/or ID.

Awesome! Feels very soft next to my skin, sleeve length is perfect for a guy who is 5"8 and ordered large size Rho. Attention! You might want to size up with this item. Medium sized Rho was a bit too tight for me in shoulders so I had to exchange for a large one. I also think that an extra large would fit me almost fine although it probably would not have snug fit.

This has got to be the softest base layer I've owned for skiing. It's so comfortable I don't even want to take it off after skiing. I love the chest zip pocket, don't think I've ever used it, but I love how it looks.

Arc'teryx is great. Men's small size is a perfect fit for me (female small-medium). It was a great baselayer for a week in backcountry snow, where sweating profusely was not an issue, so I don't know how this shirt wicks moisture, but I stayed dry and warm.

The size runs a bit small for me, I ordered a second shirt xxl, I like lose fitting shirts, other than that a bit pricey but like it.

Great for layering. Have yet to use it as a single layer. Generally will add an Icebreaker piece underneath the hardshell on colder days when skiing the backcountry.

I returned the product. It is a very tight fit. It wasn't something that I could wear in a casual setting. I do wear tighter clothing that most North Americans, and I still thought it was too uncomfortable for social situations. The material quality was disappointing. I am sure that it will be okay if you are just looking for a skiing base layer, but I don't consider it a multipurpose product.

Nice. Very very nice. Good quality.

This shirt was clearly designed to be a base layer as it fits skin tight (I'm a 5'6 @ 120 lbs and bought size small). I ended up returning it, because I was expecting to be able to wear it as a normal shirt around town, which clearly I could not.

It would be nice to see some reviews on the size and fit you purchased. What is your height/ weight and what size do you wear in other brands? ie MH, TNF? Thanks.