Initial Report:
Duofold Varitherm Silkweight Base Layers

Product Information Manufacturer: Duofold Manufacturer Website: http://www.duofold.com/ Products Tested: Varitherm Silkweight Men’s Long Sleeve Crew, Varitherm Silkweight Men’s Ankle Length Bottom Year of Manufacture: 2005 Color: Black Sizes Available: S, M, L, XL, 2XL Size Tested: Top is Large, bottom is Medium Weight Listed: Not available Measured Weight: Top weighs 4.9 oz (139 g), bottom weighs 4.6 oz (130 g) MSRP: Top is $25 US, bottom is $25 US

Product Description
From product packaging: “Duofold Varitherm High Performance Base Layer defines the standard for high activity thermal protection and moisture management. Whether you ski, ride or ice climb, Varitherm base layer will keep you warm and dry. Offered in a variety of weights and fabrics, Varitherm’s performance features are permanent and will last the life of the garment.

Silk Weight garments provide lightweight protection, perfect for layering or by themselves in milder climates. Silver-based anti-microbial yarns help prevent odor by inhibiting the growth of bacteria on garments so they stay fresh.

Varitherm Fabrics wick moisture away from the skin for quick evaporation, keeping you warm, dry and comfortable.”

Initial Impressions
Packaging the garments in specialized zip-lock plastic bags with a built-in hanger is very clever, practical, and attractive. There is even a window so you can see and feel the fabric.

The silkweight base layers are indeed very lightweight, and resemble Patagonia’s Capeline. Construction and quality are excellent.  The fit on me is very trim. For me, the sizing runs a little small for both the top and bottom.

All of the labels are welded onto the fabric (adhesive plus heat), so there are no sewn-on labels that can be an annoyance, and abrade the skin.

The Duofold Varitherm Silkweight Base Layers are also an excellent value at $25 each.

Test Plan
Test Period—Mid-December 2005 to mid-April 2006.

Test Locations—Southwestern US (Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona).

Testing Conditions—The testing terrains will consist of: badlands desert, canyon country, forests, and high elevation alpine country. Expected extreme conditions include: snow storms, strong winds, dust/rain storms, heavy rain, intense sun, low temperatures, and high elevations with strong UV radiation. I expect temperatures both above and below freezing, wide temperature fluctuations, and both wet and dry conditions.

Activities— The Duofold Silkweight Base Layers will be my primary base layers used during the test period. I will use them up to several times a week in the following activities: backpacking, day hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, car camping, and ice fishing.

How the Base Layers Will Be Tested—I will test the base layers with different clothing systems, outdoor activities, and activity levels. I will wear them by themselves (in a sleeping system) or as a base layer with other clothing. I will wear the top by itself when the ambient temperature is warm enough. Because of the wintertime test period, I may need to wear other base layers over the silkweight base layers for extra warmth.  

Measurements and Data—After each trip I will record the following data in relation to my comfort in the Duofold Varitherm Silkweight Base Layers: 1) temperature, 2) estimated wind speed, 3) estimated humidity, 4) altitude, 5) precipitation (including what form), 6) clothing system, 7) clothing worn over the base layers, and 8) how well they performed in terms of warmth, utility, and comfort.

Factors Evaluated
Following are the specific factors on which I will be evaluating the Duofold Varitherm Silkweight Base Layers. In this Initial Report, I have supplied the information for some of the factors. I will complete the information on the other factors based on my field testing in the next four months.

Closeup of the Duofold Varitherm Silkweight Base Layers, showing the fabric texture and pattern, elastic waistband, and flat seams.

Fabric—100% polyester. The fabric has a lot of horizontal stretch and some vertical stretch. It is tightly woven with a fine vertical pattern (see photo).

Construction and Quality—Excellent. All seams are flat to minimize abrasion.

Sizing and Fit—For me, the sizing runs small and the fit is very trim. The bottom (size Medium) is skin tight around my calves and thighs, the length extends to my ankles, and the waist is snug but not tight. The top (size Large) is trim but not tight in the body, and the sleeves barely extend to my wrists. The tail is dropped about 2 in (5 cm) and extends below my waist about 6 in (15 cm) when tucked in.

Features—The top has a dropped tail; the bottom has an elastic waistband and a fly.

Measurements—Top (size Large): body length is 27 in (69 cm) in front and 29 in (74 cm) in back, chest is 42 in (107 cm), sleeve length is 32 in (81 cm). Bottom (size Medium): length is 41 in (104 cm), inseam is 31 in (79 cm), waist girth relaxed 28 in (71 cm), waist girth expanded 46 in (117 cm). All measurements are relaxed unless stated otherwise.

Articulation—Top: with my arms raised above my head, the sleeves pull back from my wrists about 1 in (2.5 cm); bending over with my arms crossed, the sleeves pull away from my wrists about 2 in (5 cm). Bottom: when I raise one leg, I feel some binding in the crotch area. Overall, the articulation is good but not excellent.

Usability—In my testing, I will determine how the Duofold Varitherm Silkweight Base Layers are best used, i.e., how they work with different outdoor activities and different clothing systems. Does other clothing slip over it easily?

Comfort—How does it feel against my skin? Does it hold body heat well? Does it have a broad comfort range, in terms of exertion level and ambient temperature?

Performance—Does it readily wick moisture away from my skin and dry quickly? How comfortable is it at different exertion levels? How well does it perform in snowy and rainy weather and moderate to high exertion? How comfortable is it to wear with various outside layers in cold weather activities—like hunting, snowshoeing, ice fishing, winter camping, and winter hiking?

Odor Management—How effectively does it resist odors? Does washing completely remove odors? How long does its anti-microbial feature last?

Weight—How light are the base layers in relation to their warmth, and how do they compare with other clothing alternatives, like microfleece?

Durability—How durable are the Duofold base layers? Does the material pill in wear zones? Does it snag easily? What is its life span likely to be under the conditions I am using it?

Versatility—What is its versatility for different outdoor activities and exertion levels?

Cleaning—“Machine wash cold with like colors, do not bleach, no fabric softener, tumble dry low, do not iron”. I will determine how well they launder and if laundering causes any shrinkage or affects performance.

Acknowledgement
I would like to thank Duofold and the BackpackGearTest Group for selecting me to participate in this test.

Will Rietveld