Reviews > Clothing > Underwear > Hot Chillys GeoThermal Tops and Bottoms > Laurie Corbin > Long Term Report

Long Term Report–Hot Chillys Geo-Thermal Bio-Silver Base Layers

Personal Information:

Name: Laurie Corbin
Age: 40
Gender: Female
Height: 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
Weight: 135 lbs (61 kg)
Email: mslimpsalot@yahoo.com
City, State:  Cumming, GA
Date: April 12, 2005

Backpacking Background:

I began backpacking and hiking in college and, after a hiatus, returned when I could no longer ignore the call of the outdoors.  I am a four season backpacker and avid dayhiker who tries to get out three to four times a month.  Because of an old ankle injury, I have been forced to adopt the lightweight approach to backpacking.  I hike mostly in the Southeast U.S.

Product Information:

Manufacturer: Hot Chillys    
Manufacturer’s Website: http://www.hotchillys.com
Listed Weight: None for tops or bottoms
Actual Weight–Zip T (Womens M): 5.9 oz (167 g)
Actual Weight–Bottoms (Womens M): 5.7 oz (162 g)
Color: Charcoal    
MSRP: Not Listed
                

Long Term Testing:

I've worn these garments on long walks 3-4 times a week for the entire winter. I've worn the top as the only layer when temperatures were above 45 F (7 C) and as a base layer when it was colder. The bottoms were worn under shorts in temperatures below 40 F (4 C). During hikes, the garments alternated between being sleeping clothes and base/outer layers in milder weather. They have suffered no serious wear and still look good and function well. There is slight fraying on the cuffs and the hot chili pepper pull on the top has gone missing somewhere. There was some slight pilling over the shoulders and on the back where the pack rubs but it does not appear to affect performance. Since I used the bottoms as an outer layer under shorts, they have suffered some pulling from brush. This fabric does seems to pull more easily than other garments I have worn. The most remarkable thing about these garments is the lack of stink. I've worn the top for several days and still no hiker funk.

I am comfortable in these garments down to 45 F (7 C) when moving and to 55 F (13 C) when just sitting around. This meant that as winter set in, I had to find another use for the garments. In fact, they proved to be wonderful sleeping clothes for winter trips. The material is silky and soft and feel like silk pajamas after a long day.

Durablilty:

The Hot Chillys are less durable than I expected. Their tendency to pill and pull easily makes it hard to use these as outerwear. I know they are technically underwear but I usually require most of my clothing to serve as base layers or outer wear as conditions dictate. As sleeping clothes, they are wonderful.

Temperature Control:

These function well at mild temperatures (40-60 F, 4-15 C) but must make way for heavier duty clothing below that temperature range. The looser fit is very comfortable but, for me, it keeps these base layers from being as warm as they could be.  On the manufacturer’s website, these base layers are rated a 7 out of 10 for warmth.  I find them to be about a 5 out of 10 for me.  For the winter months, these will probably become my day wear on mild days and sleepwear on cold nights.

Ease of Cleaning:

These launder well and do not retain the hiker smell at all. The fabric dries quickly but the waistband can take a little longer. I've washed and dried them well over 30 times and they have not shrunk or stretched.

Fit:

These garments fit much more loosely than the long underwear I usually wear. The fit is comfortable but can be a problem when I am using them as a base layer. I find that I get extra bunching behind the knees and at the arms when worn under another shirt or pair of pants.

I will continue to use these garments as sleeping clothes in the cooler months. I will also use the top during milder fall/spring outings.

I want to thank the moderators and the manufacturer for allowing me to test these garments.

Reviews > Clothing > Underwear > Hot Chillys GeoThermal Tops and Bottoms > Laurie Corbin > Long Term Report