Product Information
Manufacturer: Hot Chillys
Manufacturer URL: http://www.hotchillys.com
Year of Manufacture: 2004
Country of Manufacture: USA
Style: Geo Thermal
Model: Mens Zip-T top HC4733
Size: Large Top, Large Bottoms
Material: 7 oz (198 g) flat back textured knit, 51% Bio-Silver nylon, 49% MTF polyester
Color: Charcoal
Listed weight: none listed
Actual weight: 7 oz (198 g) Top
Actual weight: 7 oz (198 g) bottoms
MSRP: Not listed
October 26, 2004

Product Overview

The Hot Chillys Geo Thermal Top and Bottoms are listed as a base layer that can be worn casually or as active wear.  It is made from a BioSilver nylon that is impregnated with silver, and Moisture Transfer Fiber (MTF) polyester.  The purpose of the BioSilver is to reduce bacteria that causes odor, while the MTF polyester is used to wick away moisture from the skin.  The Geo Thermal is listed as having a warmth factor of 7, out of a scale of 10, and that one can wear this all the time.  I personally don't see myself wearing this top in 90 F (32 C) heat, but who knows.  I might just test it that way to see how well it handles high exertion.  The fabric has a dobby pattern, which is to trap warm air when the garmemts are worn under another layer.  The waist of the pants, wrists and ankles on the garments have elastic to help seal out the cold.  The bottoms have an overlapping fly for bathroom breaks.

Initial Impressions

My Geo Thermal top, and later the bottoms, came inside a yellow, cylindrical net bag, that was placed inside a cardboard box for shipping.  There was nothing to secure the net bag from moving around inside the box, although I do not believe anything could happen to the garment inside.  The yellow bag  serves no purpose as far as I can tell.  It does have a hang tag to allow it to be hung on a peg display.

I unzipped the net bag and extracted a rather small package wrapped in plastic.  I slid the plastic off of the shirt.  Unrolling the shirt, I discovered a hang tag on the sleeve with information about the fabric and features.  The shirt felt nice and soft with what looks like dimples, which I assume is the "dobbed" pattern the website talks about.  This is designed to trap warm air when used with other layers on top of it.  On the zipper, there is a "Hot Chilly" pull tab.  This is a marketing tool that I will probably take off in the future.

The fit of the top is right on.  It is described as a "relaxed fit."  It has just enough room so as to not feel restrictive or binding.  The arm length is just right as well.  There is just enough "looseness" that I could easily use this top as a second layer over a snug fitting base layer, but not so loose that it does not serve its role as a base layer.

The fit of the bottoms is right on as well.  I have a 34 in (86 cm) inseam.  The pants go down to my ankles without riding up while climbing and walking.  The bottoms have the same "relaxed fit" as the top.  I have muscular thighs, which often cause normal thermals to be too tight around my thighs.  The "relaxed fit" allows the bottoms to fit over my thighs and calves without being restrictive.

Planned testing

The Geo Thermal top and bottoms will accompany me on day hikes into Mojave National Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park, and backpacking and fishing excursions in the Sierra.  I will also take them on offroading excursions for falling temperatures at night.

I will be looking at some of the following things:

• Warmth - Both as a base under other layers and a stand alone shirt
• Comfort - Does the material retain its soft and comfy feel even with extended wear?
• Fit - Will the top remain tucked  into my pants while moving quickly?  Will it stay in place as I twist and reach while rock scrambling?  Will the bottoms ride up on my calf or stay down?
  
• Odor control - How well does it handle multiple days of wear while backpacking?
• Washing - Is there any special care that must be taken when washing these on the trail or at home?
• Zipper - Does the zipper dig into my neck while fully zipped?  Does the zipper snag on the top's material?  How easy is it to operate with gloved hands on cold mornings?

Reviewer

Name: Scott Downard
Age: 30
Gender: Male
Height: 6 ft (1.83 m)
Weight: 205 lb (93 kg)
Email address: rookthepagan@verizon.net
City, State, Country: Apple Valley, California, U.S.
Date: September 25, 2004

Backpacking Background
    As a teenager, I did a lot of backpacking and hiking with the Boy Scouts.  After I turned 18 and I left the Scouts, I abandoned backpacking.  Ten years later, when I was 28, I started getting interested in backpacking again.  I started buying gear to replace the old stuff from my teenage years.  I hike in the local mountains and desert areas.  I hike mostly in the spring and fall in moderate weather.  Some rain is encountered.  I primarily do day hiking and short term (i.e. one to four nights) backpacking excursions with some five day trips.  I like to hike fast and light while backpacking.