Backcountry.com Prime Power Stretch Top - Long-Sleeve - Men's - 2008 BCS

Backcountry.Com does it again. I've had them all, The North Face, Patagonia, Marmot. This guy fits the best, wicks the best, simply cannot be compared to by the competition. Even the build quality stands out. All the others have begun to fade and pill, this one stills looks new after a year. However! be wary when washing this, a hot dryer may melt the fabric.

It is great layer to add to my closet. It works as a light jacket as well as just a top. I am 6'3" 195lbs and I went with a Large. I used it this past week in Ouray for a layering piece over my thermal shirt and then just my jacket over it. Kept me warm..

It's pretty easy: Soft, moves well, fits true to size, washes well and doesn't seem to retain a bit of stink when you've been in it a bit too long. I've worn mine probably 4 dozen times and been pretty rough with it and I haven't had a single problem with stitching or anything else for that matter. I love it!

This is a great midlayer and substiute for the Patagonia R1 Flash, and is far warmer and wind resistant. It's pajama comfy, seriously but is super warm. It's bulkier than the R1 but layers better. I have but a few gripes:
1. Chest pocket could be deeper. It stretches to fit my iPhone.
2. No thumbholes

Also maybe colors like Red and Green would enhance his product. Either way, if you are looking for a great midlayer but don't want to shell out as much as an R1, this is your ticket

I wear this under my shell when I snowboard, and for the weight, this thing is super warm. The fabric is super durable and has a tremendous stretch. I'm 5'11 about 175, and size large feels like it was made specifically for me. I love how the collar stays close to skin and sits low as not to chafe my chin. This is a very nice, basic top and worth every penny. I have 2 so far, hoping to get another for christmas.

Really like this thing... at 6' and 165lbs, large fits well length-wise with room for inevitable weight gain. The 4-way stretch and fleece-y inside make it pajama-grade comfortable with a great warmth-factor. Solid flat seam construction everywhere except the base of the collar isn't flat. Pocket is kinda small but just the right size for an ID, some cash and an iPod shuffle... and it's secured into the material so it won't flop around when you're moving. Gets good loft for the weight to keep heat in... 0% water resistant and ~50% wind resistant

Price is awesome for polartec gear, especially getting it from S&C ($35). Sharkskin color is a little paler than online, but still stylish.

Overall great design, 4.5 stars for some minor stuff - i'd like the cuff's a bit tighter and some sturdier zippers, etc. May update after I finish putting it through its paces.

This mid-layer is incredibly comfortable. It has a stretchy, soft fabric and has kept me warm with just a T underneith on a breezy day in the mid-upper 40's (F). I layer over this when it's wet or colder. Couple this with the BC.com Shift Welder and you're good for anything mother nature can throw at you. - Update: Still love this thing, but the logo's are coming off after about a 9 months of use. Not too bad considering the great price on SAC.

Im 6'2", 220lbs and the XL fits great if you want a trim fit. A thin t-shirt or lightweight merino could fit underneath and make this great into probably the mid 40 degree temps. Awesome for casual office days, chilling at home and of course being out on hikes or yard work. Great articulation in the arms. Chest pocket is great for keys or a cell phone. I would buy another if I could. Wish there was more BC.com stuff still coming out! Stoic is great, but not a big enough range yet!

LOVE IT! This shirt is the bomb for winter workouts. Wicks well and provides warmth while it breathes. Will definately buy more of these. The only problem I had was a little unraveling of the seams under the arm and at the cuff....but it easily fixed with a quick zip at the sewing machine. A small sacrifice for an awesome shirt.!

Power stretch is a phenomenal fabric, useful year-round for a base, mid or top layer, aerobic activities or just sitting in a tree stand. It's durable, resists wind and breathes exceptionally well. Whether it's TNF, Marmot or Backcountry, the fabric is essentially the same, so it pretty much comes down to look and fit. Okay, loved the cut, loved the shark skin color, loved the design, loved how it looked. At 5'10" 205 lbs. the large was snug but nicely so. I actually liked the shorter length -- frequently power stretch tops are extra long for tucking and i didn't want that. The neck offers good coverage and isn't too loose. That's the good. Now the bad. The pocket is tiny though my Moto Razr will squeeze in. The sleeves are shorter than any power stretch top i've ever tried and rode up on me whenever i did anything. Also rather than being tapered at the cuff -- pretty much standard with tops like these -- they flare out, letting drafts in. It looks cooler, but defeats the very insulating purpose of the top. I also noticed numerous places where loose threads were sticking out, giving the impression that it was hastily made. Haven't even washed it yet. The MHW zip T i have is several years old, and has been used for everything and has nary a stitch loose. I like this top, but sadly feel i have to return it. If a tall size were offered it'd address most of my issues, or if it ever comes up on S&C i'd consider getting it cheaper and have the sleeves tailored and/or lengthened. I found Cloudveil's overpriced version on clearance and have been very pleased with that one, and my MHW as well. Bottom line, try it to see if it fits you. It has the potential, tho whether it won't unravel on you remains to be seen.

Great midlayer fleece 1/4 zip shirt. Warm, very comfortable and not too "athletic" of a fit. At 6' 230, I was concerned that the XXL would still be a little snug, but it fits perfect. My only gripe is the fact that the chest pocket will only accomodate a slim cell phone and a container of chapstick, but what more do you need? I bought two of these shirts on SAC and at $35, there isnt a better fleece shirt on the market (even at $70 its a good buy). I have previously worn the Marmot Power Stretch Half zip and this shirt is a very close match to that shirt. This one has a much better collar, the Marmot has a larger chest pocket. The Marmot's drawback is that it is very fitted. I like the cut of this shirt a lot better. I highly recommend it, in fact I'm wearing one as I type this review.

great fleece but when are they making it again...i have two and they tend to unravel after a year but nothing a seamstress cant take care of for a couple bucks...MAKE MORE

Overall a good all around top. A couple complaints similar to other ones below about the stitching coming out and the neck length being abnormally long. Not enough complaints to send it back though. I'm going to try and trash this shirt and see what it can take.

I feel as though I'm being a bit redundant, but the stitching on the sleeves is a little bit shabby. Mine has stayed in one piece unlike some of the others in the reviews, but there has been a little unraveling. Overall, this is basically my winter jacket down here in FL, and it has worked great for 'cold' weather running and some wear around town. Fit and cut are both great, and the price is certainly right.

Ok bought this as a mid layer to wear under my shell for snowboarding. I ordered a men's Large and it was a little snug and way to short. No way to ever tuck it in etc. The fabric was nice and it seemed warm just trying it on. I threw it in the wash on gentle cold and it fell apart after the first wash. The left sleeve cuff where the fabric is rolled over and sewn came completely apart. The threads and stitching in the left armpit came completely apart now. So I never got to wear it and it's going back. I would totally try another one if it was a little longer.

Real nice top. Warm, form fitting, and stylish. Works well over a base layer, as some of the seems tend to be itchy when worn against my skin. The only problem I've had with this is that the fabric is really delicate. A tiny twig can put a hole right through it - as I know from experience. I won't be wearing this anymore without another layer over it.

This is some soft stuff that keeps me plenty warm. It also breathes pretty well, too. I am 6'4" 250 lbs and the XXL fits great. There is only one issue which was actually mentioned in a previous review: the stitching. The stitching around where the wrist is has already come undone a little. I hope it doesn't get too much worse or become a problem but I just thought that was weird since I have not had this more than two weeks. I still highly recommend this for sure!

I spent 10 days wearing this top in Seattle. By the time I came home, the left cuff had come completely unstitched, most of the right cuff as well, and the hem was on the way.
Other then that, this is a great piece of fleece. Layered it under other fleece, gore-tex, or a soft shell. Great for casual wearing. Sucks about the stitching though.

very comfy, soft, and great athletic fit. Although I have long arms and usually have to go up a size. I usually wear a large in everything but these take a size bigger and the fit is great. easily becoming one of my favorite base layers! props to backcountry.com

I got to say this shirt is great! Cozy, stretchy, warm and cool looking. I wish it came in other colors and OTHER SIZES! Im 6'5", 187lbs and got a Large wich is great in the body, alittle short, and the sleeves are also a tad bit short. Thumb holes would be killer. If I go to an XL, the sleeves would be great Im sure but Id be swimming in the body. A LARGE TALL would be perfect, not just for me (6'5",185lbs), but LOTS of Backcountry.com fans. For my frustration in finding gear that fits my lanky as*, i must give it a 4.

Sizing is right and fleece is thick and comfy. Wore it for many days in a row on a recent ski trip and didn't get any funky smell. Thumbholes would be a nice addition but not a big deal to me. I will order more of these.

I bought this shirt after first ordering the Patagonia R1 Flash. I am 6' 200# athletic build. The R1 was WAY too long: I ordered both the M and L sizes and both were too long (below by butt). Although my primary purpose is for skiing, it'd be nice to be able to wear the shirt casually, and the R1 just plain looked dorky untucked, and too long to tuck into pants. I now have 8 days in the Prime and I love it. It wicks very well for such a warm shirt. I ski in the NW, and the Prime with a med wt underlayer is all the warmth I need 85% of the time. The fit and finish are excellent - better than the R1. My only complaint is that with it tucked into my ski pants, the backside of the pants zipper has abraded the fabric a bit, which did not happen to my prior med wt fleece shirt even after 8 yrs of use. The collar fit is good: snug but not constricting. The zippers are high-quality and easy to adjust with a gloved hand. This is the second Backcountry house brand garment I have bought, and I am pleased with both of them.

This is an excellent product and I found it to fit true to size. I'm 5'11", 185lbs. and the large fits great. It's versatile in that you can comfortably wear it alone or layer it b/c it is slightly form fitting. Would highly recommend it - will be a nice, versatile piece for spring, fall and winter.

Well, I love the feel and warmth it provides. I hate the fact that everytime I wear it, it unravels somewhere new. The first time I wore it, the entire back right hand seam came unraveled. The second time, the complete right arm cuff came unraveled. Luckily, I don't mind sewing it back up, if not I would have returned it in a heartbeat.

I think I wanted this in a small instead of medium, or maybe it's just the cut. I've been sleeping in this thing and today I took it out for a 1.5mi walk to the grocery store in 10 degree weather (low-wind) with a short-sleeved baselayer underneath and wearing backcountry's tights beneath a pair of jeans. Walking at fast-backpacking speed, I was very comfortable and only felt a bit chilly when waiting for the traffic light to change. At the cafe, it was quite warm, and I was wishing I hadn't worn the tech-tee underneath. But I was fine with keeping it on with sleeves rolled up and zip down.

Tonight I took it to my climbing gym and bouldered with it, again with the tech-tee underneath. It was okay for a few routes, but I had to take it off after multiple attempts.

Overall, I think it would make a great cool-weather bouldering or single-pitch pull-over by itself with no baselayer. That is, of course, if it's not raining or very windy, which would be problematic because layering anything on top of this and trying to climb will surely lead to massive overheating.

It's also very comfortable and great for lounging around in. Like I said, I've been using it as my pajamas the past few nights.

Last bit: wrist-length is great - nice and long. But geez, add thump-loops! I might get some tailored.

I have had this for a little over a month now and like stated before, it's really warm and I like to just wear it around as a light jacket at times. but it does have a problem with the seams coming undone..very bad at the cuffs of the sleeves..but it's a good light duty top nothing to great about it. I would have given more stars if the stiching was more secure.

I was looking to replace an EMS powerstretch that I basically never took off for 3 years until I lost it. The backcountry version was a little cheaper, so I thought I'd give it a go.

Bad call. Everything people have said about the stitching has been pretty understated so far, but it really is shit. The stitching looks real nice from the outside but all you have to do is turn the jacket inside out to see that it's cheaply done. The inside stitching around the chest pocket, zipper and collar are all unfinished. The collar seam sticks out into your neck rather than being sewn flat into the garment. The zippers have been cut too long and stick out and flap around on the inside. All of this means that it looks fine, but that the collar itches and the inside seams catch on other clothing and slowly pull off the garment.

The stitching on the bottom hem and the cuffs came out within two weeks of owning this jacket. The thread and stitches are extremely weak, and even raising your arm above you head is enough to break the stitches and start the unraveling process.

Spend extra bucks on a ems or marmot version. Fortunately backcountry has a great return policy.

only the lack of a large tall keps it from 5. 6'6" 220, xl fits well, could be a little snugger in the torso but otherwise a new fav of mine

This is a great piece esp if you are an athletic/triathlete build like me. I am 6 feet and 160 lbs with longer than average arms. A Medium was spot on with the arm length. Just right. The torso length and fit around the middle is also perfect. Not too long and not too loose.

Thumbs up for the backcountry prime power stretch. This is an excellent layering piece under a goretex or event shell. You'll also get the chicks apres ski when they see you've got it going on.

This Prime Power Stretch Top is perfect for a midlayer under my shell..Keeps me super warm but breathes extremely well. Its soft and not too thin. I'm 5'8 165lbs athletic build Medium fits great not too snug but doesn't get in the way when layering.

The Backcountry.com Prime Power Stretch Top is my favorite layer. Powerstretch has one of the best warmth to weight ratios out there. It wears like 100 weight fleece, but insulates similar to 200, and its slightly wind proof. I'm 5'11" 160 lbs and the MED fits well. I am also having problems with the stitching but I'm just going to deal with it and possibly put a couple of reinforcements in place. Great price!

This shirt is nice and soft and good for mid temps. I am 6'4" 200lbs and have an XL but should have gone with the large. Went with the XL for the longer sleeves which fit great but the rest is just a tad baggy. All in all I will be getting a lot of use out of it.

The Backcountry.com Prime Power Stretch Top is both comfortable and functional. It can be used for running in cooler temps to keep you warm without the need to peel off any layers as you get going. You could use it easily on a cooler summer evening or as a mid layer just before you head out into the dead of cold. It's totally versatile and fits very true to size.

Great Fabric, great design. My issue is that the stitching has come out nearly after just 2 wears. The wrists are my main area of failure. I also feel it runs larger than most "athletic fit" BC.com products. I'll be sending mine back.