REI Co-op  Midweight Base Layer Crew Top - Men's

I wear base layers all the time. Generally, long sleeve base layers are my go-to for climbing, hiking, biking, or just general outdoors wear. The attributes I generally look for are breathability, moisture-wicking, odor resistance, UV protection, and sometimes warmth. When I compare this base layer to my Patagonia Capilene mid-weight layer, I immediately could tell they cover different territories. The REI mid-weight layer is a little heavier and denser in contrast. This makes it a little less breathable. However, what it sacrifices in weight and breathability, it gains in durability and warmth. The fabric is soft on the skin and fits well for my average 6’0 175lb build. It is not as breathable as my Patagonia mid-weight layers. But, after taking a long bike ride and sweating in the layer, I took it off, flipped it inside out, and you could see small beads of moisture gathering rather than being absorbed. So, it’s moisture-wicking capabilities do live up to expectation. I also did a squirt bottle test and confirmed it’s absorption resistance is awesome. It also seems resistant to odor despite being 100% polyester. Another thing I generally evaluate when purchasing a base layer is seasonality. I may have a lightweight layer for the summer and a mid-weight for the cooler months. Also, I like to consider additional features such as a ¼ zip front, high neck, or hood. Because I always forget sunscreen, I prefer to have a high neck or hood. I generally do not prefer crew necks unless their only purpose is for layering. In a layer like this, it’s really handy to have a ¼ zip front in case you get too warm or want extra airflow. So, for me, it loses a star for versatility by not having a ¼ zip, high-neck, or hood. REI does sell the ¼ zip high neck version, so I would personally recommend that version for versatility’s sake. In conclusion, this base layer is comfortable, durable, and well-made. The stitching is superb. No stray threads and you cannot feel the seams on your skin. Which, I REALLY like. If you are looking for a warmer layer with good durability, this is not a bad choice for the price. However, consider the seasonality of use. This mid-layer is better in cooler temperatures. I prefer my Capilene Patagonia layers however, at the price point, REI Coop has my attention.

Bought this over the more expensive options as I've done very good so far putting together a lightweight extended trip gear list. This is the heaviest base layer I carry, along with two lightweight tops. I use this in the evening when we're hanging out by the fire, to sleep in, and to start hikes in the morning. I'm a very hot hiker and a warm sleeper, and this fits exactly the niche it was meant for. I have not hiked in it long enough to comment on its smell containing capabilities, but it does wick sweat well, and dries fast. Overall, for the price, its a great top

I work this base layer to work for a few nights while working at night on the freeway. I was performing video inspections for Caltrans, so it wasnt physical work, mostly staring at a computer. I wore it under a hoodie, so it was never in direct contact with anything rough, but the sleeves started pilling. It was worn off and on for about two weeks, so I think for 50 bucks or even if it were 20 bucks, it should last way longer. I have cheap Russell stuff from Big 5 that I have had for years now. will return as soon as I can make it to a store.

I'm in that size purgatory between small and medium that I call "smedium". I wear a small in button-downs like the REI Sahara, ExOfficio Air Strip or prAna Garvan, a small in all down jackets, but a medium in Smartwool and Patagonia base layers. I chose a small for this top based on the fit of my other REI tops. It was very warm and soft, but way too tight. While a base layer should fit close to your skin in order to trap heat, it should not make you look like a squeezed sausage. If you're around my size (5'10" and 150 lbs), I would definitely go with a medium.

This is a comfortable feel shirt and I've tried two of them. It has a soft interior that I like for day to day in the fall and winter. It doesn't breathe as well as a couple other brands when doing active winter workouts. Both got a bit stuffy during ski workouts. I find that the large size on one did shrink slightly when washed and this made the back tighten and shorten up and now rides up my back a little. I prefer a longer length baselayer for the back that keeps the lower back warm and stays down during any activity. Otherwise it is a really nice looking layer, was bought on sale and feels comfy. I'll give it 4, and maybe the one that shrank more a 3.

The soft fleece lining and waffle-type pattern have kept me very warm with just a light, non-insulated shell jacket while skiing in northern Michigan. I started with this base layer, a thin synthetic insulated mid layer and the shell, and had to remove the mid layer a few runs in. After a few runs and a sweaty shirt, I took off the mid layer and this base layer dried quickly without any chill or cold spots.

I bought this shirt a month ago to wear on a trip to the Phantom Ranch at the Grand Canyon. This shirt did a great job of keeping me warm in 18 degree weather, but the shirt is pilling in about a dozen different spots, which is really disappointing for what is supposed to be a quality shirt...

Excellent base layer. Wore a buff for the neck as this doesn’t cover. Wicks away sweat well at 30F

I wasnt too sure on size so i went in to a store and tried both M and L on. Im 5'-10", 175. The medium was a perfect snug fit, i wanted it to fit a bit tight so there was enough space for other layers. the material is very comfortable on the inside, kept me very warm on some freezing nights camping, also kept me dry during the day, didnt feel any sweat. I wore this for 4 days straight day and night and by the end of my trip it didnt smell at all, which is a very nice feature. the only down side i would say is i did have a few threads that snagged, i dont really care as this is always covered up and even if it wasnt im not too worried about fashion when out in nature but it should be said. overall an amazing base layer.

When I first unpacked the shirt, I thought "Wow! That is RED!" However the color grew on me and wasn't quite so noticeable after a couple of wearings. If you want to be discreet in your outdoor activities I might recommend this as a base layer only, and not as the only layer. I got an XL and the fit was great on me. The material is soft and of a high quality. There were no snags, rough seams, or loose threads that could irritate. That has been a problem in the past with competitor's base layers. This shirt is warm and feels somewhat like a thin sweatshirt. Not recommended for warm, humid weather. It does wick and is breathable, but still....The long sleeves are good sun protection and the construction allows for good body movement. I didn't feel that my movements were constricted whilst wearing it. Overall a good base layer, but again it was very red.......