TESTER INFORMATION
| NAME: |
Brett Haydin |
| EMAIL: |
bhaydin
AT hotmail DOT com |
| AGE: |
39 |
| LOCATION: |
Denver, Colorado, USA |
| GENDER: |
M |
| HEIGHT: |
5' 11" (1.80 m) |
| WEIGHT: |
200 lb (90.70 kg) |
| CHEST: |
42 in (107 cm) |
| WAIST: |
36 in (91 cm) |
| SLEEVE: |
33 in (84 cm) |
I
started backpacking in Wisconsin as a youth, being involved in the Boy
Scouts programs. As a young adult, I worked at a summer camp leading
backpacking, canoeing and mountain biking trips. I now generally take
short weekend or day trips in rough, mountainous terrain, although I
have extensive experience in the upper Midwest as well. I take one or
two longer trips each year, where I typically carry about 40 lb (18
kg). I prefer to be prepared and comfortable, but I have taken
lightweight trips as well.
Initial
Report
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| Images provided by manufacturer |
Product
Information & Specifications
Manufacturer:
Indera
Mills Co.
Year
of
Manufacture: 2012
Manufacturer's
Website: www.coldpruf.com
MSRP: N/A
Listed
Weight:
N/A
Measured
Weight:
Crew
Shirt: 7.8 oz (221 g)
Pants:
7.2 oz (204 g)
Size Tested: Large ( available in
S/M/L/XL/2XL/3XL)
Color: Loden (green)
Fabric: 30%
merino wool; 70% recycled polyester
Product Description
The ColdPruf Eco-Terra base layer
is a 30% merino wool & 70% recycled polyester blend base layer
suitable for
very cold and high aerobic activity, according to the manufacturer. The
base
layers come in tops and bottoms and can be purchased separately. They
come in a
plastic bag (pictured below) with various information printed on the
bag.
The Eco-Terra uses a raschel
knit, which look like wavy lines when I look really close. This knit
creates
air pockets to help trap in warm air as part of a layering system. For
the crew
(top), the collar has a 0.5 in (1.25 cm) ribbed hem that has attractive
beige
stitching that complements the color of the fabric. The seams are all
flat,
which I likely will find helps with chafing while wearing a pack. The seams do lay
right on
top of the shoulder. The cuffs are approximately 2.5 in (6.4 cm) and
are made
of the same material. They are not especially elastic. One nice touch
is that
the back of the crew is cut lower than the front; the manufacturer
calls this
an extended tail! I like this because it will tuck nicely into my pants
and
likely keep the snow out when I fall snowboarding!
 |
| The packaging is neat and functional |
The crew also has an imprinted
label on the inside, near the nape of my neck. It states that the
product is
assembled in Mexico, while the manufacturer's website explains that the
materials
are all made in the USA. There are instructions on care; most notably
that
fabric softeners should not be used. Fabric softeners can “impede
antimicrobial
properties.” The Eco-Terra uses Microban, but I was never aware of
this, so it
is great to know!
 |
| The loose thread |
The pants are similarly
constructed using the same materials. There is a gusseted crotch and
flat seams
for comfort. The waistband is elastic and has the ColdPruf name and
logo woven
into the band. The cuffs are ribbed and are approximately 3 in (7.6 cm)
long.
Like the crew, there are care instructions imprinted into the interior
of the
pant. I did find a random, loose thread (pictured at right) next to the
imprint.
The fabric is billed as a
sustainable one, using recycled PET bottles to make the polyester
fiber. The
manufacturer also uses a nifty ThermaChoice System to assist consumers
in
selecting the right product. Each product is labeled according to the
warmth
and activity level appropriate for its use. In the case on the
Eco-Terra it is
suitable for very cold and extreme cold while also good for medium and
high
activity.
Initial Impressions
It has been a slow start to the
winter in Colorado. While it is cold up in the mountains, we have had
relatively little snow to kick off the winter season. Still, I was
excited to
get the layers when I did. I ordered the large sizes based on the
sizing chart
and they fit perfectly. They are snug, but not restricting.
The pants have a slightly odd fit
at first for me. The crotch seems to ride low, but over time it becomes
less
noticeable. I think that this may be because I have really large calf
muscles
that make it difficult to pull the legs up all the way. The shirt fits
perfectly! The manufacturer labels the sizing as a “True Fit” and I
would
agree.
I am generally pleased with the
craftsmanship. While I did find a loose thread, everything else seems
to be
good. The intersections of seams are pretty much lined up. The fabric
is nice,
even against my skin. I don’t like most wool against my skin and prefer
merino
wool or a blend as a base layer. That said, this is a great product for
me and
I like the way it feels. It isn’t silky smooth, but it’ll keep me warm,
I hope!
Field ReportField ConditionsSince
receiving the ColdPruf base layers, I have been on four backpacking
trips,
all of them in Colorado. I have also worn the base layers while
snowboarding on four different occasions; one of which involved
backcountry snowboarding. The layers have accompanied me on seven
day hikes and a number of runs in addition to three mountain bike
rides.
My first trip was an overnight hike to summit Shawnee Peak in the Lost
Creek Wilderness in Colorado. This 13 mi (21 km) hike, round
trip, took me to the top of the 11,917 ft (3,632 m) peak where I camped
at 10,660 ft (3,250 m). Elevation gain was a little over 3,000 ft
(900 m). I experienced strong winds, some good snowfall of 6 in
(15 cm) and temperatures between 10 and 40 F (-12 and 4 C). I
wore a jacket over the base layer top, another shirt and occasionally a
fleece jacket. I wore a pair of synthetic pants over the pants, with a shell at times because of the wind.
 | | Hidden under multiple layers, the Ecco-Terra shows it is "ColdPruf" |
My
next trip was a leisurely two-night trip along the first segment of the
Colorado Trail. This hike ended up being 13.3 mi (21.4 km) along
some easier terrain than the other trips, but still saw some elevation.
I camped at between 6,500 and 7,000 ft (1,980 and 2,130 m) along
the way. I had fantastic weather for January in the mountains; a
high of 55 F (13 C) and overnight lows near 30 F (-1 C). I saw
mostly sunshine with some clouds. Frankly, I used the crew
sparingly during this hike as my 40 lb (18 kg) pack contributed to me
sweating too much to wear the top along the hike. I wore the
bottoms, though because I was too lazy to take them off during the day.
I also went on a two-night hut trip near Leadville,
Colorado. We skinned/snowshoed 6 mi (10 km) to Uncle Bud’s Hut and
spent the second day backcountry snowboarding, leaving by the same
route. Temperatures were anywhere from 5 to 30 F (-15 to -1 C) and we had a mix of sunshine and snow with some moderate to heavy winds. While snowshoeing, I was able to enjoy wearing just the base layer at times.
My
final trip was a short overnight up towards Pikes Peak via the standard
Barr Trail. I enjoyed staying at the Barr Camp the last trip I
took, but this time I slept indoors rather than out. The weather
was snowy, and temperatures hovered around 20 F (-4 C). Barr
Camp is approximately 6.5 mi (10.5 km) from the trail head in Manitou
Springs. Elevation gain is 3,800 ft (1,160 m), and the camp elevation
is 10,200 feet (3,109 meters).
My
many other activities for the most part took place in the Front Range
of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. Temperatures and conditions mirrored the conditions I experienced throughout the test.
ObservationsOverall
I am pleased with the Eco-Terra base layers. They have done an
incredible job keeping me warm despite some frigid nights.
Surprisingly, I don't mind wearing them in moderate weather, and
was comfortable up to about 40 F (4 C), provided I was not engaged in
highly-aerobic activity. For example, on my trip up to Uncle
Bud's Hut, I was able to wear just the top without any insulation.
I had to take off my fleece vest, even! And when the
weather was foul, wearing the base layer underneath an insulated shell
(pictured above) was all I needed with windy, snowy and cold weather:
20 F (-4 C). However, along the Colorado Trail, with warmer
temperatures, there were times that I simply shed the Eco-Terra's and
went with a short sleeve synthetic top!
Generally speaking,
after getting to camp and getting the tent set up (when I slept in a
tent), I would take the base layers off to dry. I like to sleep
in my base layers, so it is important that they dry out. I was a
little concerned after my first trip, because they did not dry out all
the way before I put them back on. However, I was just fine after
crawling into my sleeping bag. The temperature dipped to 10 F
(-12 C) and I slept in a sleeping bag rated to 0 F (-18 C).
Sometimes in weather like this I have to add a layer at night,
especially my legs, but I was actually quite cozy. I think that I
may have kept my shell on a bit too long which trapped in a little bit
more moisture. On subsequent trips, I allowed my body heat to let
the moisture evaporate before taking the top off. It is kind of
fun watching the steam, by the way!
| | Typically I wear just the base layer and a fleece vest, with a shell as needed. |
The
Eco-Terra is comfortable most
of the time. I find that if I am sitting around idle, the wool
feels
slightly itchy. I notice this more on the top than I do with the
bottoms. Admittedly, I can be rather fickle with texture and
clothing. Almost always, once I start moving around, I forget
about the fabric
and rejoice in the warmth. As I mentioned, the legs are less
problematic for me.
So
far the base layers are quite durable. I haven't seen any signs
of them wearing too quickly. The seams appear to be intact.
The Eco-Terra is living up to the odor resistant claims as well.
I've taken special notice when I get back from a trip and after I
clean myself up, I give the layers the "sniff-test," and they smell
just fine (to me). Once laundered, they are good as new.
I
mentioned that the pants fit funny from the crotch to the waist.
To some extent, this problem hasn't gone away. The fit is
fine once I get moving, but like the itchy-factor, I notice it just
about every time I put them on. Maybe I just like to pull them up
farther than the need to be!
Long Term ReportField ConditionsOver
the past two months, I have been on another three backpacking trips,
two of them overnights with a two night trip as well. This brings
my total use to ten nights in the backcountry, along with a dozen day
hikes. Nearly all of my trips were in Colorado in the Rocky
Mountains.
My first trip over the past two months was to
the Colorado Trail, section 3. I hiked in a short ways - just
over 1 mi (1.6 km) - and camped. From there, my hiking buddy and
I hiked about half the segment before hiking back out to our cars.
The conditions were altogether quite nice with sunshine, clear
skies and temperatures from about 40 to 65 F (22 to 36 C). Our
elevation was between 7,850 and 8,100 ft (2,390 and 2,470 m) along easy
subalpine terrain, which means rocky!
My
second trip was
near Green River, Utah hiking through some slot canyons. We hiked
about 17 mi (27 km) over two days through some rugged terrain at times.
The conditions were great with low temps only at 45 F (7 C).
The terrain here is rocky, sometimes sandy, and the
surroundings very peaceful!
My final trip was an overnight to Lake Como, Colorado to
hike Little Bear Peak. My friend and I hiked 3 mi (5 km) in to
the lake before settling in for the night near the lake at 11,750 ft
(3,580 m). Overnight temperatures dipped to about 25 F (-4 C),
but the day heated up nicely to about 55 F (13 C), especially by the
time we hiked back down to my car! Little Bear Peak tops out at
14,035 ft (4,278 m) and is one of the most challenging "fourteeners"
Colorado has. We traveled jeep roads, snow, rock and ice to get
to the top but most importantly we made it safe and sound!ObservationsThe
ColdPruf Eco-Terra base layers have proven their worth to me over the
past four months. I was a little concerned that the "itchiness"
factor would get to me, but it really hasn't bothered me as much.
Perhaps the fabric has softened up some after repeated use and
washing. There are still moments when I notice the fabric, but
most of the time I am quite comfortable.
 | | Celebrating on Little Bear Peak! That's pretty steep terrain! |
My
highest marks certainly go to the wide range of conditions I can use
these in. On my trip to Little Bear, for example, I was able to
sleep comfortably in them and my sleeping bag, but also as my only
layer climbing up the peak at high elevations. The image to the
right shows me on one of the steeper sections taking a moment to
celebrate the accomplishment. I was really comfortable with the
vigorous aerobic activity and rather cold temperatures.
Durability
has been excellent. The base layers are still in great shape with
no tears, thin spots or other defects. The seams look like they
have a number of hikes left in them as well. They also smell good
too! Seriously, there are no lingering odors after washing which
is a plus. I've laundered them after each trip, so they have seen
the inside of a washing machine enough. They haven't shrunk or
faded that I can tell. In fact, one of the only signs of wear is
that the labeling that is printed on the inside has started to peel
away. I generally expect that of these types of labels. Summary
The
ColdPruf Eco-Terra base
layers have been incredible companions. I think I will keep them for my
winter activities next season. While not the softest fabric I
have worn, I really like how they keep me warm compared to other base
layers I have used.
Pros: Snug, comfortable, odor resistant and durable.
Cons: A little itchy at times, bottoms fit a little funny.
This concludes my test series. I would like to thank Indera Mills Co for their
generosity as well as the folks at
BackpackGearTest.org
for allowing me to be a part of this test
series.
Read more gear reviews by Brett Haydin
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