SmartWool NTS Lightweight Crew - Long-Sleeve - Men's - 2009 BCS

I look forward to winter because I get to wear these. Like other Smartwool shirts, it is an amazingly versatile and functional piece. Works great on its own when there is a slight chill in the air, or under a fleece and a softshell when it gets colder. This is an essential piece of my cold weather base layer. I own several of these and so should you.

I am all about efficiency with my backpacking gear, and these are part of that kit. These, coupled with the bottoms, are my must-have layer for over my compression shorts when needed, and under my hiking shorts. I rarely pack pants along, so these and the bottoms comprise my full-length warmth pieces, whether that means at camp at night or in the morning, asleep in my bivy, or on the move the next day. I love the warmth, the temperature regulation, and the insulative properties when damp or even wet. And it just doesn't get any softer than Smartwool, does it? ;-)

SmartWool quality, just what we've come to love. one minor nitpick, the shirt seems slightly more itchy than other SmartWool items in it's weight class, but still one of the best thermal shirts I own. I wear it as a mid layer skiing, and out hiking in spring and fall. Breathable and body funk doesn't cling to wool like synthetics.

Soft enough for first layer. I have other merino shirts from Icebreaker, Minus 33 and Stoic. This shirt is probably the softest. Sizing is True. I am 6'3" 205 lbs, 44" chest, 36" sleeve and 34" waist. I am on the top end of the Large on sizing chart. I went with the Large and it is perfect, form fitting, but not skin tight. I wear either a XL or XXL in Icebreaker, if that helps.
It smells like wet wool, if it get wet/sweaty, but when it dries, it doesn't smell at all.

If you are looking into getting your first merino baselayer, this is the one. Merino wool is the best baselayer fiber, and Smartwool has been the top brand in wool for quite a while now. This stuff gets even more comfortable through repeated washings, is super durable, and resists stench like a champ.

The Lightweight is awesome for its versatility, it insulates and wicks so well that you can hike in it comfortably from the 40º's to the 70º's. This stuff is also great for climbing in, as it is more snag and abrasion resistant than the Microweight. The Midweight is much more specialized for cold temperatures.

Overall, this piece is a model of versatility. Wear it with a windshirt to extend its range. Could it be better? Only with thumbholes.

-Simon

Fibromyalgia pain is eased with warmth. I wear the garment in bed and as a primary layer in dressing. The fit is not very generous. I am a female size 20 and the men's 2x fits me, but snugly.
I do wish they were made a bit more generous in size.
Warmth A+
A bit pricey
size runs smallish in my opinion.
A good quality garment, made very well.
Not too many color choices.

I have 3 of them, and I am really happy overall with my purchase.

This is a great base layer that wicks well and keeps from smelling bad on trips unlike synthetic. Smartwool makes very high quality gear and I have been very happy with everything I have bought from them.

no complaints. Love the shirt. True fit. Warm, breathable and itch free.

Insanely soft for wool, doesn't itch one bit. Keeps me warm down to below 32 with out much other clothing than a softshell. Basic but awesome style. If I could I would wear one everyday.

Soft, itch free wool. Beats out underarmour, capilene, or anything else as a baselayer/underwear.

Pros:
- Great fit: It's not too tight like the NTS Smartwools. I had the Midweight Smartwool in the same size and it was skin tight. This one was a slightly more roomy/relaxed so you can use it both on the mountain and around town.

-Merino wool, as is well-known now, breathes extremely well and regulates your core temperature (whether it's warm or cool outside)

Cons:
- I found that the wool starts to rise after a few uses due to rubbing against my backpack straps. This is just an aesthetic issue that I find happens to all merino wool tops.

- Contrary to what most reviewers say, i find that merino wool DOES smell when I sweat. I was skeptical at first so I tried the Sugoi merino wool and that smelled too after use! My girlfriend had the same problem with her merino top as well!!! My 100% poly tops don't smell at all after use!

In any case, I think these tops are great because the "weight to temperature regulation" is the best for what is out there.

Perfect shirt. Soft and comfortable. Keeps you warm when its cool and it stays warm when its cool. Fits like a dream. I wear mine about three days out of every week. I love it.

I always heard about Smartwool shirts and was apprehensive about paying 70 dollars for a t-shirt, but it has been a great companion on many Alaska hikes. Doesn't itch, keeps you warm, and wicks away sweat - what more could you ask for.