Initial Report

Hot Chillys Bio-Silver Bi-Ply Top
Initial Report
10/20/03

Personal Information:
Leesa Joiner
ljoATmidmaine(dot)com
Southwestern Maine
41 years old
Female
5'7" (1.7 M)
150 lbs. (68 kg)

Background:

    My camping, hiking and backpacking experience has included trips varying in length from one day hikes, to 2-week trips. My experience hiking began with my father, when I was about 6 years old. We hiked along the river pathways in Northeastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. During cold weather, I backpack, hike, snow shoe, cross-country ski, go ice fishing and winter camp with friends and family. Although I am not a lightweight backpacker, I am trying to ‘lighten up’ and even have converted to using a hammock while camping.   I find that I spend almost as much time outside during the long Maine winters as I do during the summers.

Product Information:
I received a medium, white zip neck shirt. The zipper pull is decorated with a small, red chile pepper.
Year of Manufacture: 2003
Weight: 10 oz (289 g)

Hot Chillys, Inc.
4145 Santa Fe Rd
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
www.hotchillys.com

~FABRIC~
OUTER LAYER-100% MTF Microfiber Polyester
INNER LAYER-75% MTF Polyester with 25% Bio-Silver
Bi-ply knit places Bio-Silver combined with MTF
Polyester next to the skin to conduct heat and rapidly transport moisture
Inherent anti-microbial silver yarns fight bacteria and odor

~CONSTRUCTION~
Tri-component bi-ply knit for warmth and comfort
Soft feel knit with performance features
Anatomical cut for relaxed fit allowing freedom of movement without bagging
Flat seam construction for seam strength and to eliminate abrasion

First Impressions:
    The shirt was waiting on my front steps when I arrived home from work. I immediately tried it on. It fit well, and as advertised, is a form fitting base layer. At first I thought that it was too small, but decided that I wouldn't want it any roomier, because it wouldn't fit under other garments as well. The fabric is comfortable against my skin, with no areas of constriction. The fabric is sheer, but not see through. I wore the shirt all day Saturday and Sunday. Both days consisted of watching soccer games, a football game, yard work and two short hikes.   Because it was cool and breezy, I can't say I worked up a sweat, but I did remain comfortable both days. I can honestly say I did not notice any 'odors' on the shirt when it was removed.   All in all, the shirt is comfortable, and further wearing, under more 'strenuous' activities will demonstrate if the Bio-Silver fabric does as advertised.
    So far, the shirt has met my expectations and appears as advertised on the web site.

Test Plan:

         During the test period, I will be participating in numerous backpacking, hiking, snow shoeing and cross-country skiing trips. The trips will range from single day to four day trips. All will be in Western Maine, northern New Hampshire and Vermont. After the first of the year, ice fishing season begins, and I will spend many weekends walking on frozen lakes, checking fish traps with my children.
    Over the next 6 months our weather conditions will range from the current day temperatures of 60-70 F to -20 F (16-21 C to -29 C) with rain and snow. Most of my outings are done at elevations below 3000 ft. (914 M) on various types of terrain. Hikes in this part of Maine include some rocky climbing.
    I will be wearing the Hot Chillys Bio-Silver shirt as a base layer. My concerns include how well it helps keep me warm, how well it absorbs moisture and what happens when/if it does absorb moisture. I will be participating in three camping/hiking trips in the next two months and will be wearing the shirt on these occasions along with day outings.

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Reviews > Clothing > Shirts > Hot Chillys Bio-Silver Bi-Ply Shirt > Leesa Joiner > Initial Report

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