First impressions

The Duofold Varitherm Midweight Base Layer consists of a long sleeve crew top and an ankle length  bottom. Both are made of the same fabric (96% Polyester and 4% Lycra Elastane), about which the packaging says it  "keeps you warm and dry during high activity" and is "best for very cold weather". This fabric has a soft and dull, sort of cotton-like, look and feel. Top and bottom are tight-fitting, with flat seams in order to provide more comfort and avoid chaffing.  Sizes are just what I expected, with bottom legs about 3 inches (7.6 cm) too long for my stocky figure, but my hip girth still calls for a L size; it's a bit better on the top side, as the sleeves are only about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) longer than needed.

The set appears to be quite comfortable, however two details have already come to my attention:

• the top neckline appears to be quite low and a bit too far apart from my neck, so it might not bring enough protection against cold drafts,
  
• the elastic waist band of the bottom is both strong and narrow, and I am a bit afraid it'll sink too deep and hurt my waist.

Test strategy

Till the end of February, I'll still be living in Paris (France), where I usually go day-hiking about 3 or 4 times a month in Ile-de-France. I expect temperatures will mainly stay in the 23°F / 59°F range (–5°C / 15°C), with various conditions of wind and humidity (mist, showers, fog, dry weather, to name a few). Grounds here are gently hilly, definitely under the tree-line, and elevations should remain in the 165 ft / 1150 ft range (50 m / 350 m). As you mightn’t guess... “Ile de France” has nothing to do with an island of some kind, but is the name of the region that stretches for almost 3 million acres (1.2 million ha) around Paris. Though it is a relatively highly urbanized area, it none the less contains almost 690,000 acres (278,000 ha) of forests, which make up a great field for day hiking, especially as many places can be reached using public transportation during a less than one hour travel.

Test plan

When testing the Duofold Varitherm Midweight Base Layer, I will especially focus on the following issues:

1) Fit and comfort:

I'll see how the Duofold Varitherm Midweight will accommodate my figure, hopefully with no fabric stress, nor excessive slack. I especially expect that the top will be long enough so my midriff area stays well covered whatever I’m doing, that I won't suffer from cold drafts in the neck area and that the waistband won't be too tight. On the whole, I hope the whole set will be so comfortable I will even forget I’m wearing it.

2) Warmth:

Will the Varitherm Midweight set be warm enough to act as a base layer in the winter conditions I am expecting? On the other hand,  will it be too warm so I perspire excessively in moderate temperatures or when doing strenuous activities? (I tend to perspire easily, as soon as I walk at a somewhat steady pace).

3) Moisture wicking ability:

Will the Base Layer set provide enough moisture wicking so I always stay as dry as possible? When damp, will it dry quickly, even exposed to body-warmth only so I don’t feel cold? When washed at the end of a hiking-day, could I expect it to be dry enough on the following morning?
 

4) Maintenance and care:

I’ll be sure to apply the manufacturer recommendations regarding the maintenance and care of the Varitherm Midweight Base Layer, and I intend to wash it a number of times all along the testing period. A couple of things will be given special consideration. Will it keep its pristine look, its elasticity, without pilling? Will it tend to shrink after a few washings? Will it retain any odour?

5) Durability:

I expect the Varitherm Midweight Base Layer pullover to bear nicely with the whole four-month test period, but I’ll check any possible wearing signs: seam loosening, fabric ripping, cuffs / elbows / knees wearing thin, etc.

In addition, I will report on anything else I might observe that could be useful for a potential user / buyer of the Duofold Varitherm Midweight Base Layer.