Reviews > Clothing > Underwear > Duofold Varitherm Midweight > Ryan Christensen > Initial Report

Ryan Christensen
January 28, 2006

Reviewer Information:

Backpacking Background: 

I began hiking, camping, backpacking at twelve, continuing until 25.  After a hiatus due in part to a bad back, I resumed hiking, camping, and biking three years ago.  Now, I have teen-age sons with whom I share my love for these sports.  The past three years, we have hiked, or camped, nearly every month, in desert, forest, meadow, and mountain; in spring, summer, fall, and winter; in sunshine, rain, wind, and snow.  We began backpacking together the summer of 2005.  I am not a lightweight backpacker but carry a full array of necessary gear.

Product Information:

Product Claims: 

Per the marketing information on the packaging, Varitherm^TM products are part of the Duofold^®  “Base Layer System.”  This “Base Layer System” includes four products: Insulayer^TM, which keeps one warm at lower activity levels; Varitherm^TM, which keeps one warm and dry at higher activity levels; VariTEC^TM, which keeps one cool and dry at high activity levels; and finally, HydRID^TM, which keeps one cool and dry at the highest activity levels. 

Duofold claims that the Varitherm^TM Midweight 360º Stretch High Performance Base Layer provides moderate warmth in cold weather.  In addition, Duofold claims the midweight fabric aggressively moves moisture away from the skin and dries quickly—keeping the body feeling warm, dry and comfortable.  Finally, Duofold claims the midweight fabric stretches in all directions and fits comfortably close to the body for maximum skin contact, and the perfect performance fit.

Initial Impression:

Upon opening the box, I was impressed with the packaging and presentation of the Duofold products.  The top and bottom came in separate orange plastic bags with black accents.  The packages have cutouts in them allowing one to see, and feel, the product inside.  Additionally, the packaging has ample marketing information to educate the would-be buyer about product inside. 

Personally, I received a men’s extra large long sleeve crew top in royal blue (my color description, as none was given on the packaging) and a men’s large ankle length bottom in burgundy.  Initially, I was a bit unhappy the colors were mismatched.  However, they are underwear, and as such, will not be on public display.  Therefore, I am fine with the colors provided.

The wrist cuffs on the top are 1 in. (2.54 cm). This is much smaller than on other long underwear (base layers) tops I own. Likewise, the ankle cuffs on the bottoms are .875 in. (2.22 cm) and are smaller than on other bottoms I own. To me, this is not a negative thing unless the cuffs are not sufficient to keep the arms and legs in place.

I was somewhat unhappy to learn the manufacturing dates--based on the packaging--were 2004 and 2002 respectively. I really expected products manufactured recently, as that is what Duofold currently markets to the public. Based on information on the Duofold website, it appears the bottoms, manufactured in 2002, are from an older material blend (88% Polyester-VarithermTM and 12% Lycra© Elastane). Per the Duofold website, the material currently used in both tops and bottoms is 96% Polyester, 4% Lycra© Elastane, the same material blend used in the top I received. It will be interesting to see whether there are any noticeable performance differences between the two materials.

Initial Testing:

I looked for faulty seams, loose threads, etc.  I found only one loose and somewhat frayed thread on the top left shoulder seam.

I believe these are high quality, well-manufactured garments and look forward to testing them.

Test Plan:

I intend to test the Varitherm^TM Midweight 360º Stretch High Performance Base Layer on outings near my home in Idaho Falls, Idaho, which is located at 43°29'30" North, 112°1'57" West (43.491775, -112.032509).  The elevation is 4,700 ft (1,433 m).

The average winter temperatures for southeastern Idaho are in the low teens to 0 F (-10 to -18 C).  However, the temperature can drop to 30 below 0 F (-34 C) or more, which we recently experienced in late 2005.   The average annual snowfall in the region is 150” – 200” (381 cm – 508 cm).

There will be winter camping with my teen-age sons’ scout troop, sledding with the kids, and shoveling snow.  In addition, I am currently considering a snowshoe/camping trip to either the Kelly Canyon Nordic Area, or Harriman State Park later this winter.

The Kelly Canyon Nordic Area is located 26 miles (42 km) northeast of Idaho Falls, in the Targhee National Forest, near the South Fork of the Snake River.  It starts at an elevation of approximately 5,900 ft (1,798 m) and reaches elevations as high as 6,700 ft (2,042 m).

Harriman State Park is located 77 miles (124 km) north of Idaho Falls at an elevation of 6,120 ft (1,865 m) above sea level.

I plan to test the following:

·        First is fit & comfort.

1.      Do the top and bottom fit true to size?

2.      Is the tail on the top long enough to remain tucked in?

3.      Do the sleeves stay in place at the wrists?

4.      Do the legs stay in place at the ankles?

5.      How comfortable is the material?

6.      How comfortable are the wrist and ankle cuffs?

7.      How comfortable is the waistband?

8.      How comfortable is the collar?

·        Second is function.

1.      How warm does the material keep me in cold weather?

2.      How well does the material wick moisture?

3.      How quickly does the material dry when dampened with moisture (sweat)?

·        Third is durability.

1.      Does the fabric retain its color after multiple uses and launderings?

2.      Do the tops and bottoms retain their shape after multiple uses and launderings?

3.      Does the fabric retain its 360º stretch after multiple uses and launderings?

4.      Do the seams hold up after multiple uses and launderings?

5.      Does the fabric resist abrasion?

6.      Does the fabric pill after multiple uses and launderings?

·        Fourth is overall impression.

In the future, based on fit, comfort, performance, and durability, would I be inclined to purchase Duofold^® Varitherm^TM, or other Duofold^® base layer products, over other brands—at the suggested retail price—for myself?

I will address the items listed above as well as any other pertinent issues, which may arise during the test period.  

Thanks to Duofold and BGT for the opportunity to test the Varitherm^TM Midweight 360º Stretch High Performance Base Layer.

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Reviews > Clothing > Underwear > Duofold Varitherm Midweight > Ryan Christensen > Initial Report