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Reviews > Clothing > Shirts > tasc Performance V Long Sleeve Tee > Test Report by Kara Stanley
TASC LONG SLEEVE T-SHIRT
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TESTER INFORMATION
I backpacked for the first time in 2006 and am now hooked. I have hiked most of my life in the South on flat land or small hills. I have hiked mostly on the east coast, doing weekend trips in the Appalachian Mountains. Since moving to Arizona, my hikes have ranged from short desert hikes to overnight backpacking trips throughout the state. I am working towards lightening the load and currently use a solo non-free standing tent, canister stove, and purification tabs to cut down on weight. Most of my hikes are solo and range from an overnight trip to 4-5 nights on the trail.
INITIAL REPORT
PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS
Manufacturer: thriv NP, inc. Year of Manufacture: 2011 Manufacturer's Website: http://tascperformance.com MSRP: US$35.00 Listed Weight: not listed Measured Weight: 5.9 oz (167 g) Colors: Sunset Purple, Black, White, Wintermint
Materials: 55% Organic Cotton, 40% Viscose from Bamboo, 5% Elastane Measurements for a women's Large: Sleeve Inseam: 21" Chest: 40" Length - Shoulder Seam to Hem: 25.5" Details from the manufacture's website: This performance long sleeve features a versatile V-neck, for almost any wearing occasion in any season. It also features flat athletic seaming and a fit that is not too loose, not too tight. 160 GSM performance fabric flex-fiv performance fabric drapes like silk and feels like cashmere, making you feel as though you're wearing nothing at all. flex-fiv performance fabric knit structure allows maximum air-flow and temperature regulation with minimum weight. flex-fiv performance fabric naturally draws perspiration from the skin and wicks moisture to keep you dry. flex-fiv performance fabric naturally protects you from the sun's harmful rays and retains little heat. flex-fiv performance fabric naturally remains odor free. INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
I am testing this shirt in the Purple Sunset color. The shirt itself is more of a pinkish purple than the pictures show. The fabric feels very soft and silky. This top also has flat seams to prevent chafing. READING THE INSTRUCTIONS
From the Care Tag: TRYING IT OUT
I have worn this top on a desert 10.5 mile (16.9 km) hike. The temperatures ranged from about 55-65 F (12.7-18.3 C) and there was a wind of 5-10 mph (8-16 kmph) with mostly sunny skies. I wore a sleeveless sports top under this shirt and was warm enough as long as I was moving or in the sun out of the wind during breaks. My back did sweat from wearing a pack, but this shirt did a great job of wicking the moisture away and drying quickly when I took the pack off during breaks. I was hiking in desert country, so I was often brushing up against Cat-Claw (a thorny shrub) and other prickly bushes. At the end of the hike I inspected the top for snags and was happy that there were none even though I had a few in my pants. Even though the fabric is light and silky, it does seem to be durable. SUMMARY So far I really like this top and look forward to trying it out on may more hikes and backpacking trips over the next few months. FIELD LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS This top has been worn all over Arizona, from as far south as Tucson to as far north as Page. Conditions have ranged from sunny and warm in the mid 80s (~ 30 C) to windy and cool (40 F, 4 C). The trails have ranged from well established trails to bushwhacking up the side of a mountain with many thorny bushes and cacti to navigate through. The elevations have ranged from 1,100' to over 7,000' (335 m to over 2134 m). Conditions have always been dry as it does not rain often in Arizona. The top has been worn for a 2-day backpacking trip, 5 days of technical canyoneering, and 3 full day hikes. PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
In addition to a 2 day backpacking trip, I have worn the top day hiking, technical and non-technical canyoneering, and rock climbing. Since I have been doing as much off trail hiking as I have been doing on-trail hiking, this shirt has been in contact with the numerous types of thorny bushes and cacti Arizona has to offer on almost every trip. SUMMARY
This shirt has performed amazingly well to date. It is my go-to shirt for all outdoor actives. The top has retained its shape and fit and has not shrunk. I have been impressed with the top's ability to hold up to Arizona thorny bushes while hiking and trail blazing. I look forward to seeing how the top does over the next few months. LONG-TERM TEST LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS I just finished a three-day two-night backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon and used it morning and evening all three days. In addition to this backpacking trip, I have taken this top on three day-long hikes and two day long technical canyoneering trips since the field report in March.The elevation has ranged from about 1,100' (350 m) to over 7,000' (2134 m). Temperatures have ranged from about 40 F (4.4 C) to over 100 F (37.8 C). Most of the hiking was in desert climate with low humidity and it did not rain during any of my outdoor adventures. In total, I have used this top for at least 20 days during the test period. PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD Overall I am quite happy with the performance of this top. While it does have several small holes from encounters with all the thorny cacti and shrub brush in the area, the top has held up well. The seams are all still intact despite being stretched in every direction while climbing over boulders and doing technical rock climbing. I have washed this top at least 15 times during the test period and mostly allowed it to air dry or else used an electric dryer on a low heat setting. I have not noticed a change in the color, fit, or shape. The shirt is still as silky and soft as it was the first time I wore it. There is very minimal piling despite being worn with a backpack and/or climbing harnesses on all trips. This top does a pretty good job of breathing, but the back of the shirt still ended up soaked with sweat wherever my backpack touched my back. However, once my backpack was removed, it would dry quickly thanks in part to the desert climate. SUMMARY
I love this top and it will stay in my regular rotation of outdoor adventure clothes. Read more reviews of tasc gear Read more gear reviews by Kara Stanley Reviews > Clothing > Shirts > tasc Performance V Long Sleeve Tee > Test Report by Kara Stanley |