Arc'teryx  Rho Merino Wool Crew Neck Base Layer Top - Men's

The Rho Merino Wool Crew Neck M is an excellent base layer with a very comfortable, skin-friendly feel, which is essential for this type of garment. The merino wool fabric provides solid warmth, even to the point of being quite warm, so it is best suited specifically for winter use rather than high-output or milder conditions. The fit feels relatively loose for a base layer. Personally, I would prefer a more body-hugging cut for better layering efficiency. The sleeves are also quite long. While I like extended sleeves on jackets, on a base layer I would prefer a shorter, more traditional sleeve length. My top is in the Vitality color, which looks outstanding. It is very bright and highly visible in the forest and on snow, which is a big plus for me, especially in winter environments.

This is my favourite base layer! The merino wool is so comfy against the skin even as someone with eczema/sensitive skin and it temperature regulates super well for most cold weather activities minus super high output sports where I prefer a full synthetic and more breathable material. The merino also doesn't stink up as quickly which is always a plus. The fit feels TTS for a base layer, though a touch long in the sleeves and body if you're a shorter person. This gets a lot of use mainly snowboarding/splitboarding, but also for cold weather bouldering and hiking and it has been perfect for those use cases.

I was comparing this to a competitors 100% merino wool base layer and opted for the rho because the 5% spandex makes a huge difference where I don't feel the prickliness of the wool. It feels incredible on the skin and regulates temperature well. I will likely be living in this all winter. For sizing base layers can be tricky since they need to be tight on you and not loose. I'm normally a small in everything but this shirt has some space between my skin and the fabric which I don't mind. I may need to try XS but I like how it fits a little loose. Highly recommend this base layer.

I have mostly used the Rho baselayer (not the merino version) and wasn't sure about trying the merino version, but having received one as a gift I tried it over the first month of ski season both in resort and backcountry and have now purchased a second one. Thermal regulation works ! Its not too warm or too cool and can be used multiple days without smelling too bad as its merino wool. I use for uphill and downhill skiing and don't notice I'm wearing it since I don't feel too damp, cold or hot. I haven't used it extreme cold yet.

This layer is simple, durable, warm, and unpretentious. No tricks, just an all around great baselayer that has become my first choice for almost every winter activity whether it's +5C or -20C. I've been wearing it ~4 times a week for the past 3 months and have been impressed with the durability, even through nasty early season bushwhacks. It's warm enough that it is often the only layer that I wear for running, ski touring, (approaching) ice climbing or cross country skiing, while also being a true-to-size fit that complements other layering choices. Perhaps the most striking feature is it's odour resistance; I'll often wear this 5-6 activities before washing it yet it retains it's elasticity without having any odour (at least none that I perceive, my partners might say otherwise).

This is a high quality shirt there is no doubt. I was excited to add this as a new base layer. Been wearing the Ionia line and they fit perfectly in size large this shirt I could almost fit 2 of me in there it was crazy and disappointing. Seems to be the end of the road for my ordering online, it’s such a waste to be shipping items back and forth endlessly. I own a lot of Arc’teryx stuff and everything is size L but recently size L orders have been too big or too small. I am 6’4” 190lbs

i'm 6' and 185#'s and usually get XL's in arc'teryx crews. i took a chance on an L this time, since the size guide mentions that they've changed to slightly larger cuts. this feels and fits about right, but it's right on the line, if that's any help. this material is slightly thicker than i expected, a little more than the ionic hoodies i have. but, it seems fine now (late august near Seattle), so i'm thinking this will get a lot of year-round use. finally, like the ionic hoodie, this shirt was very slightly scratchy before i washed it (Euclan and cold water). after one washing, i can't tell any difference between this and any other soft merino wool shirt i own, including the ionics. let's face it, merino is the most comfortable fabric out there for t-shirts and this one is no exception.

This is an excellent base layer for aerobic exercise in cool weather. I find the fit excellent and the material very comfortable.

I have several base layers from SmartWool and Icebreaker but none of them fit like this ArcTeryx, which is much better tapered for an athletic build. Breathes exceptionally well, is just the right weight of merino for warmth and stretches on the move without resistance. Was a tad itchy when first worn but that was sorted after an initial washing. Was so impressed with the performance of this base layer that I went to buy another small and unfortunately they are now all sold out. This continues to be a problem with ArcTeryx, they seem not to be able to successfully gauge inventory levels to meet demand. As a business, they are leaving money on the table and frustrating clients. This is not the first time I have wanted to purchase multiples of an item after an initial purchase and testing period, only to find all was sold out.

This is an excellent base layer that will keep you warm in colder conditions. No matter the use, sport activities or general purpose around town, this crew neck will give you a comfortable sensation next to the skin, given the high merino content. It is thicker and warmer than the Ionia Merino Wool shirt LS, so make sure to wear it in colder conditions. The elastane gives you a sensation of support and mobility, even if the shirt fits tight.