Reviews > Clothing > Underwear > DeFeet UndShurt > Test Report by Will Dalen Rice

DEFEET UNDSHURT
TEST SERIES BY WILLIAM RICE
INITIAL REPORT
February 25, 2008

TESTER INFORMATION

I began backpacking at the age of 13 when I first went to summer camp (1993). In 1999, I started working with a college tripping organization in outdoor trip logistics (in gear preparation), and then as a leader. My most frequented hiking locations are in the Carolina Appalachians and the Smoky Mountains during the cold early spring and the summer. I stopped being a trip leader in 2004, and now I average about 4 backpacking trips and 4 day hikes per year. I carry between 25 and 35 lbs (11.3-15.8 kg) on multi-day trips.

INITIAL REPORT

PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS

Manufacturer: DeFeet
Year of Manufacture: 2008
Manufacturer's Website: http://www.defeet.com/
MSRP: US$ 30.00
Listed Weight: None
Measured Weight: 0.15 lbs (100 g)
Size: Medium
Other details: Sleeveless Model, white

Just out of the package

INITIAL IMPRESSIONS

The shirt came in what appeared to be a Ziploc type bag. I was unable to figure out how to get it open though, so I cut the top. Then, the next day I figured out how to reseal it, after having "broken" it. The bag is fully recyclable, but a note suggests reusing the bag to pack gear with. Interestingly enough, the english note says to use it in innovative ways, such as to "pac" your gear for cycling and running events. The french note says "DONT THROW AWAY!" and then goes on to say you can use it to keep your telephone safe while you run or bike.

There are no directions with it. I had no trouble figuring out how to use the shirt. It does have wash instructions, a size chart, and a synopsis of how it works and its features. These are all included in English and French.

When I first put it on, I couldn't help but smile. The shirt is incredibly soft and smooth feeling. It is also so light it barely feels like I am wearing anything. It is like wearing soft air.

The shirt is made of 64% Polyester, 19% Hydrofil Nylon, and 17% Spandex.

Initial Concerns:
The shirt is white. I own plenty of clothes that started out white, but none that are currently still white. How well will it wash?

TRYING IT OUT

Initial experiences with the product.

The day after I got it we went orienteering. We spent about 4 hours hiking around in the woods on easy terrain. There was occasional running, but it was mostly brisk walking and most of it was off-trail. I wore a polyester, long-sleeve shirt as my outer layer. It was very thin and tight fitting. I was surprised that I stayed warm the entire time, despite having only two layers, both of which were thin and neither of which are windproof.
Conditions: Cloudy w/ traces of Rain, Avg. Temp.- 46 F (7 C), Humidity- 70%, Wind- Calm

The second day, I took the shirt running with me. It was much warmer, but I wore a mostly cotton t-shirt as a 2nd layer anyway. I was comfortable with the short sleeve shirts on standing in the sun, so was interested in how I would do with heat while running. I ran 1.5 miles. The last half mile I was beginning to sweat around my hairline. I could feel the undershirt was damp. I took my outer shirt off and it was showing a little perspiration around the collar and the armpits. Within 10 minutes (while walking to cool down), my undershirt was back to dry again.
Conditions: Sunny, Avg. Temp.- 64 F (18 C)

TESTING STRATEGY

This shirt will become standard wear for running (trail and greenway), Orienteering, Bouldering/ Climbing, and any other hiking I end up doing.

Planned Events:
Hiking in Mexico- early March
Orienteering in Chatahoochee Recreation Area, GA- mid March
Hiking at Stone Mountain, GA- late March
Hiking at Mt. Mitchell, NC- early to mid April
Climbing somewhere in NC- April

SUMMARY

The feel of the shirt was above my expectations. The shirt has performed up to my expectations, and is working well as it was intended.

Reviews > Clothing > Underwear > DeFeet UndShurt > Test Report by Will Dalen Rice