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Item Receipt:
Received both the Thermal Shirt and Pants in good
condition and as pretty much as expected given the website description and that
they are, after all a pair of thermals (tops and pants). What I was not expecting was the
feel of the material. In terms of sizing the pants size is perfect and was
as expected given the website details. The shirt is a bit smaller than
expected given the information on the website. Had Zyflex offered a larger
size, I would probably have taken it, even though XXL in thermals is
normally okay for me.
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First Impressions:
Interesting material, scary colour for the pants and
different to what I expected. On to the Thermal Shirt first.
 Thermal
Shirt
The material that the Thermal Shirt is made of is
described by Zyflex as "patented, breathable, [and] water-resistant." This
material is a mix of polyethylene (59%), nylon (35%) and Lycra (6%). The
shirt has more of what I would call a loose-fit hanging t-shirt cut rather
than the tight fit that I am used to with my thermals. The cut, means that
the shirt has an extended back, and what the Zyflex calls, "raglan" sleeves
which have interesting cuffs. The other interesting feature is that tags are
on the outside. One of the other testers has described the feel of the
material as being of light canvas. I would agree, it does have a canvas feel
to it without evidence of the scratchiness or roughness I would attribute to
canvas. Other than finding the size a touch smaller than I expected.
Had Zyflex offered a large size, now that I am in receipt of the Shirt I
would have taken a larger size, my first impressions are positive.
Thermal Pants
The pants are made of the same mix of material as the
shirt, namely polyethylene (59%), nylon (35%) and Lycra (6%). Interesting
they have a stretchy waist band and cuffs at the ankles. The other feature
of the Pants is that they have reinforcing at the crotch and a fly (no zip
or buttons). I suspect this would be nice addition. While I am still trying
to get my head around having white long-johns, I am comfortable with the fit
of the pants.
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Testing Strategy:
Testing of the Thermal Shirt and Pants will of course
focus on wearing them during the forthcoming winter months on bushwalks and
camping and also on how they handle regular washing. In
particular my testing will focus on:
- Degree of warmth provided by the Thermal Shirt and Pant
when used in combination with my
Sierra Deigns Osage sleeping bag and when worn as camp warm gear;
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Durability of the Thermal Shirt and Pants during normal
wear around camp (often wear my shorts over my thermal pants in the
morning for example before heading out of camp) and of course when
sleeping;
-
Impact of regular washing on the Thermal Pants and
Shirt. Does it cause the material to soften? Does washing accelerate the
wear of the pants and shirt?
-
Comfort of wearing the Thermal Pants around camp and
sleeping;
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Comfort of wearing the Thermal Shirt around camp and
sleeping;
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How does the colour (white) of the pants cope with camp
life? Will it quickly stain or dull?
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How well does the Thermal Shirt breath whilst worn
sleeping?
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