Stio’s Glide Power Stretch Half Zip Brings Comfort, Function, and Style to Winter Workouts

Who is This For

Skiers and snowshoers will enjoy the slight wind resistance, layering performance, and extra warmth provided by the Polartec Power Stretch material in sub-freezing temps. While I found the Stio Glide Power Stretch Half Zip top much too warm to wear under a shell in spring skiing conditions (+50 degrees and direct sun), I think for people who find a more loosely woven, thinner fleece lacking in warmth, the Stio Glide Power Stretch Half Zip top is a wonderful alternative.

Field Testing

Scenario 1

Skiing | 20°F, windy | Sierra Mountains (Nevada)

The first time I wore Stio’s Glide Power Stretch Half Zip top, I skied for six hours during a series of weather fronts that brought waves of snowfall, wind, and 20°F degree temperatures to the mountain. Lucky for me, the garments strengths worked in my favor that day. The top’s smooth outer surface paired well under my down vest and GORE-TEX shell. The Stio Glide Power Stretch Half Zip top’s fleecy inside adeptly managed moisture evaporation from my base layer without becoming soaked. The soft, brushed lining inside both the collar and the chin guard remained comfortable all day, and the zippered chest pocket was large enough to secure my cell phone. 

Scenario 2

Skiing | low-teens to mid-20s°F, overcast | Sierra Mountains (Nevada)

I think one of the most difficult test conditions for a mid-layer during winter is heading uphill on a skin track before the sun is fully out. How will the garment handle all the sweating from the effort?

In this scenario, during a series of early morning ski tours, I found that the Stio Glide Power Stretch Half Zip top’s smooth outer surface proved just tight enough to keep the wind off me. At the same time, the soft inner fleece kept me feeling warm without soaking up all the heat and sweat I was putting out. The low-teen to mid-20°F degree temperatures weren’t an issue as long as I kept moving. When I topped out and shucked climbing skins and layered up with a down hoody and GORE-TEX shell at higher altitudes, the top’s wicking performance kept me comfortable so I didn’t have to strip down and dig in my pack for dry layers.

Scenario 3

Ski coaching | 50°F, sunny | Sierra Mountains (Nevada)

In a complete contrast to normal mid-winter conditions, we’ve had two January weekends in a row that were extremely sunny and more than 50°F, with no wind. On days like this it’s temping to wear a cotton shirt during my coaching sessions, but cotton gets soaking wet from sweat and doesn’t provide any protection against the hard snow or from the gates and netting we need to carry around, set up, and take down for lessons.

On days like this when there’s no wind and the sun really cooks, Stio’s Glide Power Stretch Half Zip top was far too hot to wear under my coaching shell. Instead, I wore it over a base layer and got rid of the shell. I felt really comfortable wearing the Stio Glide Power Stretch Half Zip throughout the abnormally hot January afternoons. There were moments when the top felt really warm, but I stayed hydrated and didn’t ever feel like I was in danger of overheating. I was impressed that the Stio Glide Power Stretch Half Zip top remained unsoaked and kept me feeling dry all day.

Hot days like this can leave my gear pretty smelly. My base layers were cooked and had to be swapped out daily, however, the Glide Power Stretch Half Zip remained civilized enough to wear for two days in a row before I wanted to wash it.

Fit

I look for a mid layers that won’t bind around my shoulders and aren’t too loose towards the waist. Stio’s Glide Power Stretch Half Zip fit comfortably. The sleeve length was perfect for keeping my wrists warm.

Too small

Slightly small

Fits well

Slightly big

Too big

Materials & Construction

Material/Fabric: The Stio Glide Power Stretch Half Zip top is constructed from Polartec® Power Stretch™ fabric, which is designed to feel soft against the skin and to wick away moisture. The construction and finishing are first rate, and I expect to get multiple seasons worth of use. The top’s smooth, durable outer surface hasn’t pilled or shown any wear despite hard use. The soft, brushed interior fleece wicks moisture well.

Sustainability Creds: Contains recycled materials.

Bottom Line

Overall, I really liked the Glide Power Stretch Half Zip top’s versatility; it kept me comfortable in a wide range of winter temperatures from the low teens to low 50’s. Should a mid layer trend a little lighter and not quite as bulky? Maybe? However, for skiing in a wide range of temps and terrain, I found the Polar Tec Power Stretch material’s versatility to be worth a little extra bulk and weight.

Specifications

• Men’s Sizes: S-XXXL in Abyss Heather, Bonfire Heather, A;;oy Heather, Mountain Shadow Heather, Canyon Rock Heather 
• Women’s Sizes: XS-XXL in Lavender Haze Heather, Neon Bloom Heather, Mountain Shadow Heather, Alloy Heather, Abyss Heater 
• Weight: 9 ounces
• Price: $149

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Need mitts? Check out Matt’s review of The North Face Montana Ski Mitts.