- 5 / 5 Bee's Knees -
Although most of my attention was drawn to the exceptional Rapha Hardshell Jacket during my rigorous winter testing, a significant portion of this jackets success depended on the performance of a less conspicuous insulating base layer. This garment is none other than Raphas Winter Base Layer. As with jackets from any manufacture, pairing the Hardshell with a proper insulating layer was essential to achieve adequate warmth and a dry core. Singling out the Winter Base Layer, a mix of climates and conditions were present to test this pullover as a companion to the hardshell jacket while also judging it for its independent value.
Starting with the use of premium 100% merino wool, the Winter Base Layer offers impeccable comfort in a cut that adapts to each rider for a custom-like fit. The material has all the comfort of your favorite cotton tee with the added benefit of serious moisture wicking for excellent climate control. Flatlock seams and raglan sleeves add to the concept of a pullover that is designed to go tactilely unnoticed. For testing and the photoshoot, a size medium was used for my body type (6’1”, 30 waist). Sizing is rather forgiving due to the natural stretch of the materials used.
In terms of performance, the simple and clean design truly understates this shirts value. An interesting sensation of breathability along with reflective heat is best described as a satisfying marbling of temperatures. This design effectively wicks moisture, reduces odor and retains a sensible amount of warmth. Where some garments have a narrow operating range of comfort, this base layer offered comfort throughout a wide range of temperatures and conditions. Below 40º, the base layer was right at home in a fully sealed jacket. In temperatures exceeding 40º, a slight zip-down of the hardshell jacket provided excellent comfort. Above 50º, wearing only the merino layer and a thin under layer yielded perfect results without any need for an outer shell.
Additional design features that reward winter cyclists include a versatile roll neck and a generous tail (rear hem). The roll neck provided balaclava-like protection around the neck which could even be drawn above the chin. Stretching the collar above the nose was mostly unsuccessful as it would quickly recede with even minimal neck movement. For the bitterest of rides, a more substantial mask may be in order, but for cool rides the roll neck is an elegant alternative to using a balaclava. On the reverse end, the rear hem offers ample lower back coverage that easily extended beyond the length of an outer shell.
Deserving a full review of its own, Raphas Winter Base Layer is a must-have companion to pair with your Rapha jacket. By sealing in warmth, rapidly wicking moisture and fostering exceptional comfort without donning the look of nerdy cycling apparel, Raphas Winter Base Layer is without a doubt a flawless garment to add to your cycling wardrobe.
Deserving a full review of its own, Raphas Winter Base Layer is a must-have companion to pair with your Rapha jacket. By sealing in warmth, rapidly wicking moisture and fostering exceptional comfort without donning the look of nerdy cycling apparel, Raphas Winter Base Layer is without a doubt a flawless garment to add to your cycling wardrobe.
On a side note, I’d love to post a full review of Raphas Winter Socks as they are entirely worthy of it. Ultimately however, I’m not sure I can write more than a sentence or two about socks. Instead, let me just summarize by saying these guys offer some serious warmth and sport a noticeably cushy/padded footbed which exceeds the comfort of even the uber-popular “intellectual” wool socks…if you catch my drift. As if I wasn’t fortunate enough to review all of these items, Kringle delivered a couple stocking stuffers in the way of shaving cream and post shave lotion. As mentioned in the Hardshell Jacket review, Raphas range of products comes full circle to complete the cyclist lifestyle. Even their skincare products show a level of perfection that is quintessential Rapha. What a pleasure.