Contributions by Michael B. (6)

I got this for my gear-head girlfriend (who already has a few merino pieces). Her reactions have ranged from "best shirt ever" to "I don't want to wash it because it means I can't wear it for a few hours." Yeah, it's that comfy. For outdoor use, the hood and thumbloops are key.

This shirt comes very close to being the ideal base layer. As with all merino pieces (Icebreaker, Ibex, Smartwool) it breathes well, doesn't itch and doesn't stink. As for the specific design: Pros: -Long cut stays in pants well -Thumb loop seam is on the outside of the hand, meaning it isn't uncomfortable to wear gloves or bike (ahem, Icebreaker) -Zipper is extra-long for venting -Chest pocket Cons: -Base layer seams really should be flat-locked. This could chafe after a long day. -The pocket goes a bit too far left, snacks occasionally migrate to the underarms. If this place fixes those two things for the next version and leaves the rest the same, this shirt will be perfect.

I admit I bought this thinking it was just a fall/spring running layer. It is so much more than that. It's now the cornerstone of my upper-body layering in all winter sports. Skiing, climbing, hiking and ice biking. It takes a bit of getting used to to realize how many layers you can leave at home with this on, but once you do, winter (even in the northeast) becomes a lot lighter and more comfortable. The seams could be a bit smoother, and it feels plasticky the first dozen or so times you wear it, but it's such a good piece otherwise that despite these downsides it still gets a 5.

My girlfriend and I bought this because we thought it was a joke. But hey, we're going for a week in Glacier NP, so why not give it a try, right? It worked! We now have two and they're staples on every backpacking trip or climb, even up Mt. Baker. A word of advice, though: If you're taking this to a campsite where there will be other people smelling your breakfast, bring extra eggs. It's amazing what goodies a free-market economy will get you in the morning.