REI Midweight Half Zip Base Layer Evaluation

Backside Line

For those who’re solely going to purchase one base layer, the REI Midweight Half Zip is a superb possibility. No base layer can do all of it, however this one comes shut. It might be just a little heat for an cardio exercise, but it surely’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 listing of the perfect base layers. On prime of that, it packs an unbelievable quantity of worth into a really inexpensive value level.

As a result of it’s on the hotter aspect, there are higher choices we might advocate if you happen to’re on the lookout for one thing to simply take the chilliness away throughout a fall run within the mountains or a spring ski tour.

Consolation

The REI Midweight Half Zip is a brilliant comfy 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 lets you dial in your most well-liked match all through the day, whether or not you’ll want to dump extra warmth or need to bundle up and maintain your neck heat.

The seams of this prime 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 potential 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.

General, the REI Midweight Half Zip is supremely comfy and features just a few additional versatility factors in our ebook.

Heat

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

This prime has glorious moisture-wicking capabilities. The artificial fibers successfully wick moisture away out of your physique and in direction of the out of doors layers of the garment, dashing up drying time and preserving you heat and cozy within the course of.

Heat, nonetheless, 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 operating base layer in late spring or early fall, you’ll doubtless 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 aspect of the spectrum. We sprayed the identical quantity of water on all of our base layers after which examined how rapidly they dried, and this one carried out akin to lighter, extra lively base layers. Nonetheless, 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 acquired 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 just a little 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 quite a lot 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 turn out to be our go-to all 12 months spherical. The REI Midweight Half Zip is a superb weight for a lot of the 12 months and gives just a few additional options that take it the additional mile.

For those who’re mountaineering by the Mojave desert or within the humid swamps of Florida, this REI base layer could wrestle to search out its manner into your laying system in the course of the hotter months. Nonetheless, in mountain climates like Colorado, we now have no downside stuffing it into our pack any time of the 12 months. Throughout 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 take into account them some extent in versatility. They make the highest extra comfy, make it simpler to layer, and provides it extra protection.

Type

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

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

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

Ought to You Purchase the REI Midweight Half Zip?

The REI Midweight Half Zip may very well be your “one layer does most” base layer. It retains you lots 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 comfy as a base layer as it’s as a mid-layer.

For those who’re delicate to sure materials, this prime is among the most comfy on our listing. The brushed inside feels ultra-soft, and the flat seams are unnoticeable.

For those who’ve already acquired a heat possibility in your base layer quiver, and also you’re on the lookout for one thing to maintain you heat and dry on runs, lengthy ski excursions, or summer time months, the REI Midweight Half Zip could be just a little too toasty.

What Different Base Layers Ought to You Contemplate?

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

Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew Evaluation: The Capilene is artificial just like the REI Midweight Half Zip, but it surely actually works all 12 months spherical. It simply suits into any layering system at any time of 12 months, though it must be paired with a mid-layer within the winter. 

Smartwool Basic Thermal: For those who’re on the lookout for an analogous base layer however desire wool over synthetics, the Smartwool Basic Thermal could be your finest wager. Though it doesn’t have a zipper or thumbholes, it’s comparable in heat and breathability.