What a pity Patagonia has pulled out of Australia (probably due to the US/ "Pacific Peso" (Aussie Dollar) exchange rate!). I only managed to get one of these they left (at about $70 Aust). Last year I worked on the Overland Track here in Tasmania for our Parks & Wildlife Service. I worked ten day shifts carrying all my gear and food and walking an average of 14-16km per day. I ended up only carrying one thermal top, my Capilene. It was bloody great, after ten days I didn't need to transport it home in a plastic bag, like I did with polypropylene thermals, and after a couple of years of heavy usage it still looks pretty good. Pros: Doesn't get stinky like most other thermals, holds it's shape well after washing, feels nice on the skin and is very warm for the weight. Cons: I'd have to mortgage the cat to be able to afford to get some more from the US. (unless some nice person emails me with details of where I can get some cheap!)

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Polypropylene

Very good at wicking and dries fast. Capilene is pretty much the standard as far as base layers go. The lightweight capilene fabric is kinda "meshy" and has gotten a few snags over the years. It also retains odor pretty bad. Patagonia really needs to address this issue, since everyone complains about it and they charge a premium price. Otherwise a solid product for any type of outdoor activity. THe sizing on the t-shirt fits great, however i find the arms on the longsleeve versions to be a little short. I think i may try the silkweight next.

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Terramar EC-2 QwikDri (also very good but a tad heavier fabric, but less odor retention)

This is my absolute favorite piece of climbing clothing!

I had a pair of REI MTS lightweight bottoms and wasn't particularly pleased with them. The seams have come unraveled around the ankles, there are a few holes in it and it pills...not bad, but the capilene hasn't pilled nearly at all.

This shirt has gotten probably 3-4 times as much use as my MTS bottoms, and it looks, feels and works almost like new. Unless it is hot in the summertime, I always wear this shirt on trips.

My favorite part is how comfortable it is. It feels like a cross between silk and cotton. I love having this fabric next to my skin.

I think I paid $30 for it, which compared to the $15-$18 for comparable shirts, was a lot. It is worth every penny.

I don't know if it's a fashion thing or what, but I haven't seem them lately in the gray heather color. This is perfect color. It doesn't soak up the sun's heat in spring/early summer/fall to roast ya. Then when you go to eat some real food at a restaurant on the way home, it is usually presentable enough to wear alone.

Customer Service

none yet

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Capilene midweight bottoms (like just as well, spendy item though)

THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS IN THE WORLD DRYS QUICK, KEEPS YOU WARM, AND CAN EVEN KEEPS YOU COOL IT'S LIKE A CLIMATE CONTROL IN THE MOUNTAIND OR ON THE ROCK IT'S WORTH THE MONEY

Damn fine product, but whew it's pricey.
I bought it and liked it.

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many

I love this crew shirt! As someone who's out in the woods quite a bit but can not stand feeling weighed down but in search of warmth and comfort, Patagonia has always been my choice for thermals and this product is exceptional.

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Duofold

This stuff is great. I have not had any problems with odor. It dries very qucikly, wicks wonderfully and provides just the right amount of warmth for a wide range of active pursuits. I feel it is definitely worth the $$ for one layer.

Capilene probably deserves its reputation as the best of its class. I've got some REI polypro that does the job, but I had to buy some capilene on a trip when there was nothing cheaper and it is more comfortable, dries a little quicker, and resists pilling longer. Next time I buy a base layer, I'll probably spring for it.

Customer Service

None.

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REI house brand polypro.

The lightweight long sleeve crew is a good layering item. I often use it under t-shirts, or sweatshirts on cool days, or layer it beneath my expedition weight zip-t and a jacket for the cold. The shirt feels good, doesnt shrink, and looks nice enough to wear it by itself. I dont like the fact that it holds water tho. In that aspect, it is just like cotton.

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Patagonia expedition weight