REI Midweight Half Zip Base Layer Evaluate

Backside Line

If you happen to’re solely going to purchase one base layer, the REI Midweight Half Zip is a good choice. No base layer can do all of it, however this one comes shut. It might be a little bit heat for an cardio exercise, however it’s pretty breathable and dries surprisingly quick. It additionally has a zippered neck for dumping extra warmth.

We examined this base layer in a managed setting in addition to mountaineering and backpacking within the Rocky Mountains, and we discovered it to be some of the versatile choices on our record of the most effective base layers. On high of that, it packs an unbelievable quantity of worth into a really inexpensive value level.

As a result of it’s on the hotter facet, there are higher choices we’d suggest should you’re in search of one thing to simply take the nippiness away throughout a fall run within the mountains or a spring ski tour.

Consolation

The REI Midweight Half Zip is an excellent snug base layer with its ultra-soft polyester and cushty but versatile match. The brushed inside feels cozy towards the pores and skin, and the neck zipper permits you to dial in your most popular match all through the day, whether or not it’s good to dump extra warmth or need to bundle up and preserve your neck heat.

The seams of this high are utterly unnoticeable towards the pores and skin, and the shoulder seams are rolled ahead to remain out of the way in which of pack straps. We additionally love the added bonus of the thumb loops. They’re thick and sturdy and assist with layering.

One of many distinctive advantages of the REI Midweight Half Zip is its capacity for use as a base layer or a mid-layer. It’s comfortable sufficient to slip simply beneath a fleece however unfastened sufficient to layer over a slim-fitting base layer. It stays in place and doesn’t bunch up beneath a number of layers.

Total, the REI Midweight Half Zip is supremely snug and positive aspects a couple of further versatility factors in our e-book.

Heat

The REI Midweight Half Zip has a cloth weight of 220g/ms, so it’s undoubtedly a bit on the heavy facet. Nevertheless, that is balanced by the choice to open up the neck zipper for a little bit extra airflow. Then again, when the zipper is all the way in which up, it gives further heat by defending important arteries from wind chill.

This high has wonderful moisture-wicking capabilities. The artificial fibers successfully wick moisture away out of your physique and in direction of the outside layers of the garment, rushing up drying time and conserving you heat and comfy within the course of.

Heat, nevertheless, could not at all times be what you’re going for. The REI Midweight Half Zip is a bit too burly for high-output actions. If worn as a working base layer in late spring or early fall, you’ll seemingly be soaked in sweat and wishing for one thing a bit lighter.

Breathability

The REI Midweight Half Zip is surprisingly breathable for a base layer on the hotter facet of the spectrum. We sprayed the identical quantity of water on all of our base layers after which examined how shortly they dried, and this one carried out corresponding to lighter, extra lively base layers. Nevertheless, a lot of that needed to do with its moisture-wicking capabilities, which go hand in hand with breathability.

So far as perceived breathability goes once we really wore the bottom layer and bought outdoors for a hike, it has extra to do with the options than the material itself. With the neck zipped up, the REI layer can really feel a little bit stuffy. We didn’t really feel a lot of a cooling breeze when the wind wasn’t blowing. Unzipping the neck makes a world of distinction, permitting loads of warmth and moisture to flee and making a wind tunnel by the layer. What the REI Half Zip lacks in material breathability, it makes up for with the zipper.

Versatility

We love a base layer that may change into our go-to all yr spherical. The REI Midweight Half Zip is a good weight for a lot of the yr and gives a couple of further options that take it the additional mile.

If you happen to’re mountaineering by the Mojave desert or within the humid swamps of Florida, this REI base layer could battle to search out its means into your laying system in the course of the hotter months. Nevertheless, in mountain climates like Colorado, we now have no downside stuffing it into our pack any time of the yr. Through the frigid months, it really works nice as a heavy base layer for hitting up the ski mountain. For spring and summer time backpacking journeys, we use it as a passive layer for sleeping and camp lounging.

Its versatility is because of added options just like the neck zipper and the thumbholes. The neck zipper extends its usability to hotter climates, permitting you to get extra airflow and shed some warmth buildup. We additionally love the thumbholes and contemplate them a degree in versatility. They make the highest extra snug, make it simpler to layer, and provides it extra protection.

Model

On high of its practicality, the REI Midweight Half Zip appears to be like nice. REI provides this high in seven totally different colorways, which isn’t a ton, however it’s a lot for most individuals to search out one they like.

One thing a couple of neck zipper simply appears to be like nice. It drastically modifications the layer’s look from a turtleneck to a extra relaxed look. It additionally has a match that isn’t too unfastened or tight. It’s flattering but relaxed.

The REI Midweight Half Zip is one among our go-to’s once we know we’re headed out for drinks with buddies or a enterprise dinner instantly after a hike.

Ought to You Purchase the REI Midweight Half Zip?

The REI Midweight Half Zip could possibly be your “one layer does most” base layer. It retains you a lot heat sufficient within the winter months, and the half zipper is a lifesaver when issues heat up and also you want a cooling breeze. It’s additionally equally snug as a base layer as it’s as a mid-layer.

If you happen to’re delicate to sure materials, this high is likely one of the most snug on our record. The brushed inside feels ultra-soft, and the flat seams are unnoticeable.

If you happen to’ve already bought a heat choice in your base layer quiver, and also you’re in search of one thing to maintain you heat and dry on runs, lengthy ski excursions, or summer time months, the REI Midweight Half Zip is likely to be a little bit too toasty.

What Different Base Layers Ought to You Take into account?

Arc’teryx Rho Heavyweight Neck Zip Evaluate: The Arc’teryx takes loads of the professionals of the REI Midweight Half Zip to the subsequent stage. It’s hotter, extra snug, and works as a real mid-layer. The draw back is it’s much less versatile and means too heat for summer time months.

Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew Evaluate: The Capilene is artificial just like the REI Midweight Half Zip, however it actually works all yr spherical. It simply suits into any layering system at any time of yr, though it must be paired with a mid-layer within the winter. 

Smartwool Basic Thermal: If you happen to’re in search of an analogous base layer however choose wool over synthetics, the Smartwool Basic Thermal is likely to be your greatest guess. Though it doesn’t have a zipper or thumbholes, it’s comparable in heat and breathability.