Smartwool  Intraknit Thermal Max Merino Quarter-Zip Base Layer Top - Men's

I love the outdoors, particularly mountain biking and snow skiing, but I tend to get cold, especially skiing. So, I have a closet full of Smart Wool tops and bottoms, to create my layering system. Prior to getting the Thermal Max 1/4 zip, which I use as a mid-layer, I used other Smart Wool tops as both base and mid layers. The Thermal Max has allowed me to reduce my layers by 1-2, which adds to mobility, while still keeping me comfortably warm. I got this a size larger than my base layers, which has also aided mobility, and created another air layer of insulation. I really love both the look and performance of this piece, so much I bought a second one I have not worn yet. So, why did I only give it 3 stars out of 5; in one word, durability. As mentioned, I wear this as a mid layer, so it travels to the mountain and back in my bag. It has only been washed a couple of times (inside out, per Smart Wool instructions) on Delicate cycle, and has only ever been hung dry. So, it has been pampered. But, looking at it today, I already saw a couple of spots where the weave/knit is starting to pull up. I saw in another review where they developed a whole in a very short time, and am concerned mine is starting down this path, especially given I bought a second one. Given how gently it has been treated, and how little it has been worn, I was surprised to see the yarn pulling up already. I tried to capture one spot in a review photo, for reference. The top is very soft, and the weave is relatively loose, but that may be part of the durability issue, as I have not had this on any Smart Wool top or bottom I own, all of which have way more ski days than this Thermal Max.

Awesome piece of gear that is thin enough to fit under slim fitting outerwear (like the competition shooting jacket used for clay sports) and warm enough to keep me comfortable in 40 degree weather. If the wind blows a mesh under shirt and vest over the merino wool keeps me warm. The high knitted neck serves me as the old Norwegian saying goes, ""If you're cold, cover your neck"". After a good washing this top feels almost as good as a warm embrace from a lover…and lasts long into the day. The special elbow reinforcement gives this garment unprecedented durability, range of motion and durability.

Just received this so no real-world experience with it yet but I'm excited to test these fat-biking in the snow. My initial impressions are: 1) Nice and toasty! 2) as expected, it's not as soft as my merino 250 baselayer, so I'll probably relegate this to active outdoor use only (which is fine). 3) I can feel the thermal difference in the chest panel wearing it around the house - pretty neat. 4) The Military Olive color on this top is not exactly the same as the Military Olive Intraknit 250 bottoms. They are complimentary, but this top is much, much darker. If that's important to you it looks like the colorblock version is more of a match. I think the contrast actually works out great though. Now it just needs to snow!

This is my skiing base layer. Depending on the weather this is the only layer I need. I highly recommend.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I bought this thermal top for my brother who is an avid skiier. I always try to get him a special gift because of all the wonderful things he does for me. His eyes lit up when he saw the ""smartwool"" packaging. . . . . so I knew I was on the right track. He immediately donned the merino wool top and was rubbing the sleeves as he demonstrated how nice it felt. It would be great to win the sweepstakes, because as you know these products aren't cheap and a reward for the purchase would be amazing.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Doing this for #sweepstakes . That aside, this is super comfy and fits me perfectly. I ordered a M and am 6'2 180 lbs and it is very slim fitting due to the nature of wool. I wore it in the 30-40 ish degree weather we have in KY during November and it kept me warm in addition to my undershirt beneath it. The excellent quality is what I've come to expect from Smartwool and I hope it holds the test of time. Would recommend this to anyone who wants a cold weather, comfy, slim fitting 1/4 zip.

You know how there is always one person in a group that is always too cold? Well, that is my husband. He. is. always. COLD. That is, until now. Our son gifted him the Men's Intraknit Thermal Max Merino Base Layer 1/4' zip before our trip to Alaska and we fell in love with this product. He wears this product every day. I just bought him another one in a different color. I just wish this product would come in dark gray, light gray, midnight blue and medium brown solids, too.

This is comfortable, warm, and stylish! I love that it's 100% wool, and it looks good enough to wear as a business-casual pullover. Two drawbacks: 1. it's not durable at all -- I'm being extremely careful not to catch the fabric in zippers or snag it on anything because it will tear. 2. the collar doesn't like to stay down. This is fine, but I'd prefer to be able to fold the collar when the zip is undone.

At 59 years old, I've spent a lot of time outside, whether splitting wood, fly fishing in the cold, camping, or moving fast in my boat in cold weather. This is my go-to go warmth, especially as I get older. Just be smart it's a wool product. Wear something over it, hand wash with a gentle detergent, dry flat an it will last. Get rough an it will tear. This is part of the territory that comes with merino.

Best base layer for high-output cold days Comments: I'm really impressed with the Intraknit technology. It maps to the body perfectly—I didn't feel any bunching under my mid-layer, and it breathes much better than standard solid merino layers. It kept me warm during a long hike without that 'sweat-chill' when I stopped. Definitely feels like a premium piece of gear that justifies the price.