CLD
2009-07-24 16:25:01 UTC
HTML version: http://tinyurl.com/myzcxg
Thanks in advance for the edits!
LONG-TERM REPORT
LONG-TERM TEST LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS
I have continued to test the shirt in Central Florida, on various state and local trails, during at least 5 day hikes and 3 bicycle rides. Due to the heat we've experienced this summer, I have not worn it for any trail runs. I have worn it several times when doing yard work.
The weather has been sunny and hot with our typical afternoon/early evening thunderstorms. Temps during this period of testing have ranged from 85 F [29.4 C] to 94 F [34.4 C]. When factoring in the humidity however, temps at times have felt as high as 105 F [40.6 C].
PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
The shirt has consistently performed well and does not show any real signs of wear and tear. The collar has bunched up a bit and does not lay flat, but I'm sure that if I could get myself to iron it out, the collar would shape up nicely. Although I have not ever put it in the dryer after washing, the seams along the side panels have somehow twisted a bit so that the right side seam hangs closer to my stomach while the left side hangs closer to my backbone. This could be due to a defective thread type that was used in stitching the seams, as the material of the shirt itself has not changed shape at all.
When doing any highly physical activity, I still sweat through the shirt very easily. For that reason, I don't wear the shirt for casual occasions around town and reserve its use for outdoor activities. As a yard work shirt, the sleeves protect my chest, shoulders and arms from the sun. I still wear sunblock, but I get the additional coverage of the shirt as well. I've found that as long as I don't completely sweat through the shirt, it actually wicks moisture very well. If there is a slight breeze, I'll actually cool off a bit.
I love the softness of the shirt and although it fits more snug to my body than most shirts I own, I enjoy wearing it. The fact that it remains odor-free is another reason to love the shirt. It also cleans up nicely and as of now, I still don't have any stains on it [which is a miracle in itself].
SUMMARY
The Backcountry Prime Merino short sleeve shirt is soft, lightweight, durable and a pleasure to wear. The Merino wool content of the shirt keeps it odor-free, and the snug fit of the shirt makes it a great base layer piece during cooler weather and a great shirt for bicycling. The longer than usual sleeves helped to protect my arms from any irritation my backpacks could cause during hikes.
Likes:
Soft
Odor-free
Lightweight
Length of sleeves
Reflective logos
Snug fit
Dislikes:
Snug fit [can't/won't wear it to town]
Too warm for trail runs in the summer
CONTINUED USE
I am looking forward to winter, when I'll be taking this shirt with me to Colorado for the holidays. It will be my base layer under other clothing while I'm attempting to remember how to cross-country ski. I'll also continue to use it for yard work, day hikes and bicycle rides.
This concludes my Long Term Report on the Backcountry.com Prime Merino SS shirt. Many thanks to Backcountry.com and BackpackGearTesters.org for the opportunity to test this product!
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Thanks in advance for the edits!
LONG-TERM REPORT
LONG-TERM TEST LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS
I have continued to test the shirt in Central Florida, on various state and local trails, during at least 5 day hikes and 3 bicycle rides. Due to the heat we've experienced this summer, I have not worn it for any trail runs. I have worn it several times when doing yard work.
The weather has been sunny and hot with our typical afternoon/early evening thunderstorms. Temps during this period of testing have ranged from 85 F [29.4 C] to 94 F [34.4 C]. When factoring in the humidity however, temps at times have felt as high as 105 F [40.6 C].
PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
The shirt has consistently performed well and does not show any real signs of wear and tear. The collar has bunched up a bit and does not lay flat, but I'm sure that if I could get myself to iron it out, the collar would shape up nicely. Although I have not ever put it in the dryer after washing, the seams along the side panels have somehow twisted a bit so that the right side seam hangs closer to my stomach while the left side hangs closer to my backbone. This could be due to a defective thread type that was used in stitching the seams, as the material of the shirt itself has not changed shape at all.
When doing any highly physical activity, I still sweat through the shirt very easily. For that reason, I don't wear the shirt for casual occasions around town and reserve its use for outdoor activities. As a yard work shirt, the sleeves protect my chest, shoulders and arms from the sun. I still wear sunblock, but I get the additional coverage of the shirt as well. I've found that as long as I don't completely sweat through the shirt, it actually wicks moisture very well. If there is a slight breeze, I'll actually cool off a bit.
I love the softness of the shirt and although it fits more snug to my body than most shirts I own, I enjoy wearing it. The fact that it remains odor-free is another reason to love the shirt. It also cleans up nicely and as of now, I still don't have any stains on it [which is a miracle in itself].
SUMMARY
The Backcountry Prime Merino short sleeve shirt is soft, lightweight, durable and a pleasure to wear. The Merino wool content of the shirt keeps it odor-free, and the snug fit of the shirt makes it a great base layer piece during cooler weather and a great shirt for bicycling. The longer than usual sleeves helped to protect my arms from any irritation my backpacks could cause during hikes.
Likes:
Soft
Odor-free
Lightweight
Length of sleeves
Reflective logos
Snug fit
Dislikes:
Snug fit [can't/won't wear it to town]
Too warm for trail runs in the summer
CONTINUED USE
I am looking forward to winter, when I'll be taking this shirt with me to Colorado for the holidays. It will be my base layer under other clothing while I'm attempting to remember how to cross-country ski. I'll also continue to use it for yard work, day hikes and bicycle rides.
This concludes my Long Term Report on the Backcountry.com Prime Merino SS shirt. Many thanks to Backcountry.com and BackpackGearTesters.org for the opportunity to test this product!
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