Guest - Not logged in

Test Report by Brett Haydin

ColdPruf Eco-Terra Base Layers
Test Series by Brett Haydin
Initial Report - December 19, 2012
Field Report - March 19, 2013
Long Term Report - coming soon

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

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 Report

Field Conditions

Since 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.

Observations

Overall 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!

Summary

The ColdPruf Eco-Terra base layers have been incredible companions so far. With Colorado warming up, and some trips planned to Utah, I am a little concerned about using them in the daytime on future backpacking trips, but I will use them faithfully.

Pros: Snug, comfortable and odor resistant claims.

Cons: A little itchy at times, weird fit for my body

This concludes my Field Report. 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. Please check back in about two months to see how well the crew and pants perform out in the backcountry.

Read more reviews of Coldpruf gear
Read more gear reviews by Brett Haydin

Reviews > Clothing > Underwear > Coldpruf Eco Terra Base Layers > Test Report by Brett Haydin

Product tested and reviewed in each Formal Test Report has been provided free of charge by the manufacturer to BackpackGearTest.org. Upon completion of the Test Series the writer is permitted to keep the product. Owner Reviews are based on product owned by the reviewer personally unless otherwise noted.

If you are an avid backpacker, we are always looking for enthusiastic, quality reviewers. Apply here to be a gear tester.

All material on this site is the exclusive property of BackpackGearTest.org.
BackpackGearTest software copyright David Anderson