When you’re off on a great outdoor adventure, nothing puts a [literal] damper on things more quickly than a case of the chills. Thankfully, with all the high-tech insulating fabrics and clothing styles these days, it’s easy to simply layer up and stay warm during even the coldest months. What’s not easy is deciding which base layers are right for you.
I had the good fortune of unwrapping Under Armour’s Women’s Base 4.0 crew shirt and leggings for Christmas (thanks, Husband!) and they have proven to be gifts that keep on giving—lots of warmth, that is. P.S. These come in men’s sizes, as well.
I’ve since had many opportunities to put my Base 4.0 set to the test and highly recommend it if you are someone who
- tends to lose body heat quickly;
- enjoys cold-weather activities such as skiing, hunting, or ice fishing; and
- likes sleek, no-fuss designs.
WHAT I LOVE
Full disclosure: I used to be pretty dumb about what I wore for my winter adventures. I’d use an old long-sleeved T-shirt and thin cotton leggings as my first layer, then don a mid-weight jacket and snow pants as my second. And I always ended up freezing. I’ve become a little wiser since then and am grateful for my Base 4.0 shirt and leggings, which make life soo much easier. This is what I love about them:
- They are super soft and comfortable.
Fabric “grid” - The thermal grid fabric design uses little pockets to trap in heat and is both anti-odor and moisture-wicking.
- The crew shirt has thumb holes to keep sleeves from moving around.
- I stay warm even in windy, frigid conditions.
- They are machine-washable.
WHAT I DON’T LOVE
I know, it was all sounding too perfect; but here’s what I’m not so crazy about:
- The shirt is just a tad too long for my taste. (Short torso notwithstanding, I really don’t need my shirts to double as a booty warmer.)
- The fabric tends to collect lint, even though I don’t put it in the dryer.
BOTTOM LINE
Overall, I have been extremely pleased with both the quality and performance of my Under Armour Base 4.0 set. A note on sizing: Broad-shouldered ladies should consider that the arm holes are spaced a bit narrowly in the shirt and may want to consider sizing up in order to avoid underarm chafing. As a very petite woman, I appreciate the fact that the crew shirt and leggings come in x-small (and fit well). I also like that there are two different color choices, because I may just need to buy myself another set . . .or put it on my Christmas list.
Feb. 2021 Disclaimer: It appears that Under Armour has modified these pieces (hopefully for the better!), but I have not tested the newer versions.
Related: Top 10 Gifts for Lady Hunters
