Rab MeCo base layer
To start this new blog off I have gone for one of the most expensive base layers in the market, certainly one that has taken the base layer world by surprise. I have have included pictures of both the short and long sleeve for Men and Women (I have used a female for help in the specifics of the female garments).
Rab MeCo have done something quite unique, they have managed to find a way of providing us with a decent base layer that wicks the moisture away effectively, dry quicker than any of it's competitors that I have tested, prevents heavy sweating, especially on your back and just as crucially have found a special ingredient to stop you smelling as bad- even after day 3. How have they done this? The have put in to the mixing bowl, 65% Australian Merino Wool with recycled polyester and the special ingredient is Cocona (Coconut husk). A deeper description of this technology can be found here. I would advise learning about Cocona as I have no doubt this company will be playing a key part in the future of outdoor clothing development.
The base layer allows you to work harder in hotter conditions than a lot of it's rivals but there is a high price, and I'm not just talking cost.
The base layer fits beautifully and I'm told it does for women also, my female tester was impressed with how it didn't ride up as she reached up or climbed, she also wore the long sleeve kayaking and even after an accidental swim, she was dryer that her fellow kayakers in minutes. I would advise going for tight as I believe that is how it has been designed by the genius base layer gurus at Rab.
However, and there is a 'but' here. These base layers are not going to last you for years like your trusty old HH. over the last 6 months mine have gone through a couple of transitions. Number One: the second time I washed it, I noticed a significant difference in it's feel, not the end of the world and still effective. Number two: Within around 5 months, it has started to bobble slightly and lost a little bit of it's shape. perhaps not enough to be apparent to a new wearer, but enough to notice if you have been used to it's wonderful initial benefits. This would of course depend on not only how much you use it but more importantly how often you wash it.
That said, Rab have set the benchmark here for the base layers of the future and although it's expensive, if you are working in the profession or if money is not an issue then you will not be let down by what this Base layer can do for you. lightweight with the long sleeve at 160g and the short sleeve at 120g
I have added the Recommended retail prices below although these pictures came courtesy of Go Outdoors who actually sell these at a good price.
Mens Short Sleeve: £45
Mens Long Sleeve: £50
Women's Short Sleeve: £45
Women's Long Sleeve: £50.00
