Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew Overview

Backside Line

For morning path runs and lengthy ski excursions,  it’s good to have a single base layer that can 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 working throughout windy ridge strains. We additionally scrutinized it towards comparable base layers in a managed testing atmosphere.

The Lifa Stripe is extremely light-weight and breathable whereas nonetheless including a bit bit of heat. The artificial materials effectively wicks moisture, always preventing the nice struggle of protecting 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.

Consolation

The Lifa Stripe is a slim-fitting prime constructed from mushy, 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 nearly clear as a base layer. The elastic cuffs work nice with gloves. The cuffs are wider than most and keep in place with no drawback.

We positively suggest sizing up a minimum of one dimension with the Lifa Stripe, because it runs fairly small. We tried it out in our typical dimension, and whereas it’s nonetheless a cushty base layer, the extraordinarily tight match lent itself to some points. The underarms and shoulders match properly, whereas the torso was fairly tight, and the seams have been fairly noticeable towards the pores and skin. This type of match made the bottom layer extra more likely to bunch up and wedgie throughout a number of motion, particularly as a part of a layering system.

That being mentioned, these points will enhance with a bigger dimension, so simply bear in mind that your regular dimension will likely be additional form-fitting. 

Heat

The Lifa Stripe base layer is the least heat of the entire base layers we examined, however heat is just not its foremost function. This prime is supposed to maintain you from freezing throughout cardio actions, which it does remarkably properly. 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 by way of moisture administration than it does by means of insulation. The artificial fibers wick moisture shortly 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 carry an insulating layer to make up for the thinness of the Life Stripe.

Breathability

Breathability is one other robust 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, however 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 probably evaporate quicker, the mesh development permits air in to dry off any extra moisture remaining on the pores and skin.

Whereas we love the breathability for many situations that we use the Lifa Stripe in, it may be a bit 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 provide a great quantity of versatility, the Lifa Stripe, particularly, is extra focused in direction of high-output exercise. The burden and breathability of the material make it well-suited for working 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 checklist.

Model

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 supplied.

The Lifa Stripe is just accessible in three totally different colours in comparison with different base layers with 20+ shade 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 in the event you put on it out to dinner with buddies, they could suppose you simply completed working a marathon. Possibly 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 good for all cardio actions when there’s a chill within the air. Whereas it’s greatest as an energetic layer, it actually packs a great 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 atmosphere, the Lifa Stripe might even be a strong choice for a sole base layer all yr spherical. 

The Lifa Stripe is right for individuals who wish to get after it whatever the climate. From snowboarding to climbing to working, it’s an optimum alternative. The artificial fibers excel at moisture-wicking and drying time so as to keep heat, dry, and comfy.

If heat is what you’re after, there are higher choices. Whereas it does lure some warmth, insulation is just not the Lifa Stripe’s only operate.

What Different Base Layers Ought to You Take into account?

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 energetic layer that provides a couple of extra bonus options. It’s not as insulating because the Lifa Stripe, however 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 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. If you happen to plan on doing a bit extra stopping and resting throughout your outing, the Capilene is an effective 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 effective various energetic layer.