Long Term Report

Long Term Report: Duofold Varitherm Silkweight Base Layers

Date of review: April 2006

Backpacker Bio:

Name: Marcy Beard
Age: 37
Gender: Female
Height: 5 ft 3 in (160 cm)
Weight: 135 lb (61 kg)
Chest: 35 in (89 cm)
Waist: 31 in (79 cm)
Hips: 39 in (99 cm)
Email address: marcy dot beard at gmail dot com
City, State, Country: Austin, Texas, USA

Backpacking Background: I have hiked in Vermont, Central Texas,
Arizona, and the French Alps. Most of my hikes have been day trips,
with the longest camping trip to date lasting 6 days. Typically I
trek on trails ranging from easy to rocky and steep, occasionally
venturing off trail on moderate terrain. In the past two winters my
husband John and I have experimented with snowshoeing and hiking on
snow. Our gear focus is usually on lightweight items that are quick
and easy to use and ideally have multiple purposes.

Product information from the Duofold web site:

"Lightweight insulation for a high moisture vapor transport rate.
Mechanical stretch for freedom of movement and silver based yarns for
odor inhibiting capabilities"
Manufacturer's website: http://www.duofold.com
Year purchased: 2005
Item #: 461D (Women's Tank) and 461B (Cross-over Waistband Tight)
Size: Large tank top and XL tights (available in S to XL)
Color: Grape (available in Black and Grape)
Stated Weight: None listed
Actual Weight: Tank = 2.5 oz (70 g), tights = 5 oz (140 g)
Fabric: 100% polyester
Features: Exceptional moisture management - quick drying, mechanical
stretch for freedom of movement, wicking waistband for total moisture
control
MSRP: $23 US (tank), $25 US (tights)

Description:

These base layers are made of light "silkweight" material that has a
tight weave and is not see-through. They are stretchy, including at
the seams, and close-fitting. My other base layers tend to hang
rather loosely on my body, while the Duofold top and bottom are
similar to my running-specific clothes.

The entire tank top is constructed of the same material. There is a
front and back panel and two small side panels. The neck opening is
7.25 in (18 cm) across when the shirt is laid flat.

The tights are also completely polyester except for the elastic
waistband. The waistband is 1.25 in (3 cm) wide and forms an
attractive "V" shape at the naval. Each leg is one piece of material
from the waist to the ankle, with an additional small panel in the
crotch. There is no elastic at the ankles.

Both items have small iron-on patches inside them instead of tags,
with a description of the size, material composition, and washing
instructions. I'm an aggressive tag remover because bits of material
rubbing on my skin make me crazy, so these patches are a wonderful
solution to my usual laundry day quandaries.

Test Conditions:

In March, I wore the tank top while hiking in Cinque Terre, Italy.
Typical temperatures were 50 to 70 F (10 to 21 C) with sun, wind, and
light rain. In March and April my husband and I have been backpacking
around France and Italy, and I have slept in the top and bottoms
almost every night. Conditions have ranged from tent camping at
temperatures down to 40 F (4 C) to sleeping in a room that is up to 75
F (24 C). Some nights were humid, others were very dry, and a couple
times it has rained.

Test Results:

The clothes continue to maintain their comfort and softness, and I
have not noticed anything that detracts from their wearability. They
continue to wick away moisture and I always feel dry while wearing
them, regardless of the humidity in the air.

When I wear the tank top while walking, I wear a light shirt over it.
I found no problems wearing these two layers together, either with a
pack on my back or simply while hiking. The weather has been too warm
to further test the bottoms during the day.

I have enjoyed wearing the tank top and bottoms while sleeping, and
will continue to wear them for this purpose as we travel around other
parts of Europe. These clothes keep me warm and comfortable at night.
Even with fairly infrequent washing, I have detected no problems with
odor, and my husband has not complained either.

Neither item shows any sign of wear. The elastic band at the waist
has not stretched out, and both pieces feel as though they are the
same size as when I started wearing them. They have been washed in
sinks and in various washing machines across Italy. There is no
fraying or pilling anywhere on them. They also dry very quickly on a
clothesline.

Summary:

The Duofold Varitherm Silkweight Base Layers have proven to be
comfortable, durable, and warm. I have been happy with them in the
testing and I will continue to wear them in my camping and travels.

Likes:

The thickness and softness of the material
No floppy tags to irritate my skin
Responsiveness of customer service

Possible improvements:

None I can think of

Thank you Duofold and BackpackGearTest for giving me the opportunity
to participate in this test.

Read more reviews of Duofold gear
Read more gear reviews by Marcy Beard

Reviews > Clothing > Underwear > Duofold Varitherm Silkweight > Marcy Beard > Long Term Report

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