REI Midweight Half Zip Base Layer Overview

Backside Line

When you’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 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 mountain climbing and backpacking within the Rocky Mountains, and we discovered it to be some of the versatile choices on our record of the very best base layers. On prime of that, it packs an unimaginable 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 advocate in the event you’re on the lookout for one thing to only take the coolness 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 comfortable 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 want to dump extra warmth or need to bundle up and preserve 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 best way 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 cosy sufficient to slip simply beneath a fleece however free 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 snug and features a number of additional 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. Nonetheless, that is balanced by the choice to open up the neck zipper for a little bit extra airflow. Alternatively, when the zipper is all the best way up, it offers additional heat by defending important arteries from wind chill.

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

Heat, nonetheless, might 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 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 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 akin to lighter, extra energetic 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 after we truly 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 a whole 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 into our go-to all yr spherical. The REI Midweight Half Zip is a superb weight for a lot of the yr and offers a number of additional options that take it the additional mile.

When you’re mountain climbing by the Mojave desert or within the humid swamps of Florida, this REI base layer might wrestle to search out its method into your laying system throughout the hotter months. Nonetheless, in mountain climates like Colorado, now we 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 season 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 think about them some extent in versatility. They make the highest extra snug, make it simpler to layer, and provides it extra protection.

Type

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

One thing a few neck zipper simply seems nice. It drastically modifications the layer’s look from a turtleneck to a extra relaxed look. It additionally has a match that’s not too free or tight. It’s flattering but relaxed.

The REI Midweight Half Zip is one in every of our go-to’s after 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 may very well 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.

When you’re delicate to sure materials, this prime is among the most snug on our record. The brushed inside feels ultra-soft, and the flat seams are unnoticeable.

When you’ve already bought 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 season months, the REI Midweight Half Zip could be a little bit too toasty.

What Different Base Layers Ought to You Think about?

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

Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew Overview: 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: When you’re on the lookout for an identical base layer however favor wool over synthetics, the Smartwool Basic Thermal could be your greatest wager. Though it doesn’t have a zipper or thumbholes, it’s comparable in heat and breathability.