Backside Line
For morning path runs and lengthy ski excursions, it’s good to have a single base layer that may take away the crisp morning chill however let in a cooling breeze because the day heats up – the Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew does exactly that. We put this layer to the check within the Rocky Mountains, bagging excessive peaks and path operating throughout windy ridge strains. We additionally scrutinized it towards comparable base layers in a managed testing setting.
The Lifa Stripe is extremely light-weight and breathable whereas nonetheless including a bit of bit of heat. The artificial materials effectively wicks moisture, always combating the great struggle of retaining you dry as you sweat by means of it on an extended path run. Though it’s not the warmest out of all of our favourite base layers, the HH Lifa Stripe stands out as probably the greatest for high-output exercise.
Fast Specs
Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew
Most Reasonably priced Base Layer
CleverHiker Score:
69.5/100
Value:
$45
Weight:
4.8 oz.(Males’s M)
Material/Weight:
Light-weight polyester + polypropylene
Execs
- Reasonably priced
- Fast-drying
- Athletic match
- Ultralight
- Very breathable
Cons
- Not odor-resistant
- Not as heat as others
- Runs small
- Not as versatile as others
Consolation
The Lifa Stripe is a slim-fitting prime constructed from comfortable, artificial materials that layers simply and strikes with you. The extremely slick artificial polyester and polypropylene mix permits different tops to simply slide over it, making it just about clear as a base layer. The elastic cuffs work nice with gloves. The cuffs are wider than most and keep in place with no downside.
We undoubtedly suggest sizing up not less than one measurement with the Lifa Stripe, because it runs fairly small. We tried it out in our typical measurement, and whereas it’s nonetheless a snug base layer, the extraordinarily tight match lent itself to a couple points. The underarms and shoulders match nicely, whereas the torso was fairly tight, and the seams had been fairly noticeable towards the pores and skin. This type of match made the bottom layer extra prone to bunch up and wedgie throughout numerous motion, particularly as a part of a layering system.
That being stated, these points will enhance with a bigger measurement, so simply remember that your regular measurement shall be further form-fitting.
Heat
The Lifa Stripe base layer is the least heat of the entire base layers we examined, however heat will not be its primary goal. This prime is supposed to maintain you from freezing throughout cardio actions, which it does remarkably nicely. The Lifa Stripe is our go-to when morning temperatures are within the 40s-50s, however the solar will quickly flip it right into a balmy summer season day.
The Lifa Stripe supplies extra heat through moisture administration than it does by means of insulation. The artificial fibers wick moisture rapidly and effectively to chop down on evaporative cooling.
The Lifa Stripe can maintain its personal as a standalone layer for endurance actions. Nonetheless, once we plan on constructing some downtime into our day, we will certainly convey an insulating layer to make up for the thinness of the Life Stripe.
Breathability
Breathability is one other sturdy level for the HH Lifa Stripe Crew. The breathability of the ultralight artificial material goes hand in hand with its wonderful moisture wicking properties to maintain you dry and comfy.
At simply 4.8 ounces, the Lifa Stripe is the lightest base layer we examined. Not solely did it dry remarkably quick throughout our managed drying check, nevertheless it felt noticeably extra breathable than different layers when worn in breezy climate. Whereas Helly Hansen’s LIFA know-how strikes moisture to the floor of the material, the place it might evaporate quicker, the mesh building permits air in to dry off any extra moisture remaining on the pores and skin.
Whereas we love the breathability for many circumstances that we use the Lifa Stripe in, it may be a bit of an excessive amount of at occasions. We love pairing this base layer with a light-weight shell or wind shirt for optimum trail-running versatility.
Versatility
Whereas the entire base layers we examined do supply a very good quantity of versatility, the Lifa Stripe, particularly, is extra focused in the direction of high-output exercise. The load and breathability of the material make it well-suited for operating or cross-country snowboarding throughout shoulder months however not a lot for staying heat within the coldest climate.
The Lifa Stripe additionally goals to maintain issues easy with the dearth of bonus options. It doesn’t have thumb loops, a hood, or a zipper. This lack of options helps hold the Lifa Stripe streamlined and light-weight, which can be one of many causes it’s in addition to essentially the most cheap layer on our listing.
Fashion
Whereas we perceive that type is usually subjective, we base type factors on how appropriate the layer is in business-casual conditions and what number of colorways are provided.
The Lifa Stripe is simply accessible in three totally different colours in comparison with different base layers with 20+ coloration choices. We’d like to see some extra selection from Helly Hansen.
The entire colours characteristic the signature racing stripes down every sleeve, which can be a deal breaker for folk preferring one thing much less flashy. The racing stripes give a decidedly athletic really feel. Extra so than different layers, the Lifa Stripe screams activewear.
We love the utility of the Lifa Stripe Crew, however for those who put on it out to dinner with buddies, they could suppose you simply completed operating a marathon. Perhaps that’s what you’re going for!
Ought to You Purchase the Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew?
The Lifa Stripe Crew is an extremely inexpensive base layer that’s excellent for all cardio actions when there’s a chill within the air. Whereas it’s finest as an lively layer, it actually packs a very good little bit of worth into its small price ticket, as its makes use of simply spill over into winter and summer season seasons. Except you reside in a very frigid setting, the Lifa Stripe may even be a stable possibility for a sole base layer all 12 months spherical.
The Lifa Stripe is right for individuals who prefer to get after it whatever the climate. From snowboarding to climbing to operating, it’s an optimum alternative. The artificial fibers excel at moisture-wicking and drying time so that you could keep heat, dry, and comfy.
If heat is what you’re after, there are higher choices. Whereas it does lure some warmth, insulation will not be the Lifa Stripe’s only operate.
What Different Base Layers Ought to You Contemplate?
If the Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew Base Layer isn’t best for you, take a look at all the opposite base layers we examined.
Outside Analysis Echo Hoodie Overview: The OR Echo Hoodie is one other breathable and light-weight lively layer that provides a couple of extra bonus options. It’s not as insulating because the Lifa Stripe, nevertheless it shines as a solar hoodie with thumb loops and a hood.
Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew Overview: The Capilene is an artificial base layer with a bit of extra insulation than the Lifa Stripe. The artificial materials has comparable advantages to the LIFA material however has a extra relaxed match and traps extra warmth. Should you plan on doing a bit of extra stopping and resting throughout your outing, the Capilene is an efficient various.
Smartwool Basic All-Season Overview: If wool is extra your factor, the Basic All-Season is among the lightest merino wool base layers on the market. It’s naturally moisture-wicking and breathable whereas additionally being odor-resistant. It’s not as stretchy or kind becoming because the Lifa Stripe, however is an efficient various lively layer.
