I am a firm believer that weather shouldn’t stop me from going outside to do what I love. To that end, I’m also a firm believer that having a base layer that’s warm and wicky is essential. I received a Women’s Alpine Onset Merino Crew from Outdoor Research about a week ago, and I have rarely taken it off.
Warm In the Cold
Made out of a merino wool and recycled polyester blend, with a touch of spandex, the Women’s Alpine Onset Merino Crew gives me the perfect combination of warmth in the cold and breathability when I’m active. I first wore it on a chilly pier in Puget Sound, fishing for squid. The Northwest has a temperate climate, but it’s true what the say about the wind off the water—it’s flipping cold. Bone-chilling, actually. (OR makes a men’s version of this top, too.)
While my buddies hopped around and complained about the cold, I was literally toasty warm. The Alpine Onset Merino Crew was my base layer under a merino hoody. Then I wore an insulation vest, and on top of that, and ancient Helly Hansen ski jacket. The layers worked perfectly to provide warm and block the wind.
Dry In the Cold
The next evening I went for swim in the 48 degree F lake by my house. Again with the cold wet wind. Getting in the water is no problem thanks to neoprene gloves, hood, booties, and a warm wetsuit. Getting the gear off after the swim is brutal. It’s a frenzy of pulling and grabbing. It’s actually quite challenging to get some of the neoprene gear off because it’s so tight. My system is: 1. pull off headgear, quick rub with towel, then put on warmest hat I own. 2. remove top half of wetsuit and swimsuit, quick dab with towel, then put on a warm layer – this time, the Alpine Onset Merino Crew. 3. Add insulation layers. 4. start on lower body.
Long story short, after the hat, the most important layer for me is the top I put on. It’s impossible to get 100% dry so I need a top that will not get soggy (like cotton). I know I’ve mastered the right layering items when I am warm and comfortable on the car ride home. Casually sipping my water, not feeling at all anxious about my temperature. That’s what happened when I swapped out my cotton tunic top for the OR merino/poly top. It kept me warm and dry so that all of my layers worked together. I can’t stress how important this is. Getting chilled after a swim and not being able to warm up quickly can leave me sick for days. (I learned the hard way about paying attention to my post-swim routine.)
I also took a long night walk/hike in the Alpine Onset Merino Crew, and it helped regulate my temperature as I pushed too hard and had to rest. By the time I got home I was so tired I went to bed in the top. I just couldn’t part with it. So cozy. I did need to take it off in the middle of the night because I get crazy night sweats, but when I woke up a few hours later, freezing, I put it back on.
Fantastic Fit
Almost more important than its performance, the Alpine Onset Merino Crew fit me perfectly, which feels like a miracle. Here’s why the fit is so fantastic: raglan sleeves, princess seams, long length. Raglan sleeves should be used for all tops. It allows for a custom fit in the shoulders. No seams to bunch up when layering (or when carrying a pack), and it’s forgiving on fit since there are no shoulders to fit into. Princess seams give me space for my chest, a slightly loose fit, and a more body-conscious look. The top is slightly baggy on me, which I like. “Next-to-skin” shouldn’t leave me feeling constricted. Finally, the top seems to be a bit longer than I usually find in women’s tops, so thank you, OR. I almost always have to wear men’s tops to get the length I need (I’m 6′ tall and have an abnormally long torso) in sleeves and toros, but I’m sick of the boxy, frumpy look. I actually love how I look in the Alpine Onset Merino Crew. And the sleeves are a bit long, which is what I want!
The top has flat seams throughout, so I did not experience any chafing. OR describes the shirt as “soft,” but it doesn’t start out that way. Some might find it “scratchy.” I wasn’t bothered at all by the less-than-soft initial feel. Washing changed that, and the material softens.
Available in four colors: Black, Charcoal Heather, Naval Blue Camo, Snow Camo. Women’s sizes: XS-XL. I tested a size XL, which is my new size, and found a great fit that is slightly loose. (See review of Alpine Onset Merino Bottoms.)
Bottom Line
A well-designed base layer that performs well in cold weather and even has sleeves long enough for us tall women. I love this top so much. I want one in every color!
Manufacturer’s Site: https://www.outdoorresearch.com
$79.95 on sale for less at Moosejaw
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