REI Co-op  Merino 185 Half-Zip Base Layer Top - Women's

I've worn this base layer several times over the past week. It feels airy, comfortable with a nice stretch, and provides a light layer of warmth. I'm 5' and just over 100 lbs. I got a small because sometimes XS is a little too tight for my preference. That said, there is room for me to add another layer under this if I desired. These photos are after 1 wash.

I was really excited to review this new REI base layer top for women. As a hiker, biker, and skier, it will be useful as an under layering piece. The fabric is 100% merino wool, and I found it to be itching free. The fit was pretty good overall. Since I am short, the length is a bit too much. I plan on tucking this base layer top into my pants and will not wear it outside of my pants. I am showing a picture of the top worn over my pants to show the length on a short person. The sleeve length is fine. Would the sleeve length be an issue for a taller person? Probably. Since I am short and petite. The zip neck was not too tight. The feel of the fabric seems to be thin compared to national brands. I hope that this top does not end up with holes after a few washes and wears. The top washed well in cold water (gentle cycle) and air drying.

This merino pullover is very lightweight, as in it weights next to nothing, so I thought it might be a good fall travel layer. Unfortunately I don’t like the design much. The periwinkle color is lovely and the half zip is nice, but the piping gives it a strong technical gear look that’s totally unnecessary - if it were just solid colored it would be a normal looking shirt. That said, it also pulls in the chest (see the horizontal lines in the picture). I wore it on a mild evening (55 F) and was surprised it felt like nothing when sitting on my porch, or at any rate no warmer than the silk blouse I’d been wearing moments before. But when I hopped on my bike, it warmed up fast. So I guess this will be purely a cold weather technical layer for me and nothing more flexible.

I took this midlayer on a hiking trip to New Zealand. Our first day out was cold, drizzly, and with wind gusts strong enough to knock me backwards. I wore this midlayer with a base layer and a puffy jacket and it was warm enough to keep me totally comfy in tough conditions, without being bulky. Despite being in it all day, I will also be able to wear it for tomorrow’s hike without having to wash it yet, which is critical for a long trip. Love it, REI, thank you!

This is a perfect 3 season layering piece (or year round if you’re in the PNW like me). I was concerned that the wool would irritate my skin, as it is very sensitive, but I didn’t have any problem at all with the wool, in fact it was (as it is known for) great at regulating my temperature. I’ve been using this 1/4 zip on its own during the day and under a rain jacket or puffer coat as the weather is cooling off. It has kept me warm but not overheated me. It does a great job of not getting stinky after a hike also and I didn’t notice any odors upon receiving it which is great because sometimes wool has a funk. I love how light it is and, while I’m not usually a fan of purple, I love periwinkle and this shade is particularly flattering throughout the year whether I have a tan or not. It has washed up beautifully and didn’t shrink or get misshapen. I took my usual size medium (5’2”, 32dd) and I like the fit as it is the perfect light layer. It has a nice amount of stretch so that it moves with you. I’m excited to use regularly while hiking and biking and plan to take it on our upcoming Alaskan cruise!