Not bad ...

By jsung Ranked #287 - Men's Lightweight Long Underwear - Tops December 1, 2009

I just received my Stoic merino crew yesterday and put it on as soon as it arrived. It's not bad, not great, but not too bad. It is soft, not plush like polartech next to skin but then again the fabric is much thinner. As advertised, does not itch at all. The color is misleading on the computer (as are most pictures). The pool/white is more aqua/creme. The white isn't a bright white but more of a dirty, creme color, which is okay, easier to keep clean. I'm not in love w/ the look, but it isn't bad. The sleeves are crazy long, okay if you plan on using them for running since the thumb holes will add some warmth for your hands but for casual use are a bit of an eye sore and a nusance (you'll have to roll them up). The fit okay. I'm 5'6 135lbs, 36 chest and the small fits snug, slightly tight but not restrictive or too tight around the chest as other reviewers have stated. You will have some nipplage (only looks good on girls) since the material is thin and if it's cold. It insulates fairly well as a baselayer but will not protect you from wind (wasn't designed for that). In 40 degrees w/ a wind breaker it was adequate (a bit cold but I was only standing). If used for aerobic activites it would do quite well. Wasn't able to use it for outside runs since I broke my toe but did take it to the gym for a 40 min cycle session. It wicks well, as well as my Capilene if not better and dries as good if not better than the synthetic polypro. It wicks moisture quite well, better than polypro when you first start to sweat, but when you've reached a full out sweat, it'll soak through just like polypro. It took about 10 - 15 mins to completely dry out. Although it didn't smell afterwards and is able to fight odors it did smell when I was sweating out. The best I can describe the smell is burnt wool. As I stated I wore it straight out of the bag and didn't wash it prior to using, so that may have been a factor. All in all, not a bad piece. Truth be told I expected a little more. Aside from the odor fighting abilities and the slight advantage it had over wicking moisture it's not much better than my synthetic Capiliene. I bought it on sale at SAC so I'm satisified w/ it but wouldn't have bought it for full price. I haven't taken it running yet so maybe my view will change. It is a good base layer, will keep you warm, wicks and dries well and doesn't smell. But it costs more than synthetics and probably won't last as long. To each his own ...

View Details: Stoic Merino 150 Crew - Long-Sleeve - Men's

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