Mid-Weight Layering Apparel
By Rhett Olson

For this review, GearReview.com's Field Test crew wanted to test synthetic mid-layers for use in cold-weather sports. We chose to review Sportif's Tamarac Trail top and Mesa Peak pant, the Omni-therm stretch top and pant by Columbia, Lowe Alpine's Powerstretch, and the Techware Bouldering UltraWick sweatshirt and Cross-Training Pant by The North Face.

During the course of the review, we found the fleece mid-layer much more versatile than initially thought. For example, most of the articles tested also worked well as base-layers, where they added more warmth than the usual thermal base-layer. Our testers also found that each of the tops and pants reviewed worked well as stand alone pieces, when one is engaged in high aerobic activities (e.g. cross country skiing, jogging, inline skating, and mountain biking).

We reviewed the following apparel:
Sportif Tamarac Trail Top and Mesa Peak Pant
Columbia Omni-Therm Stretch Pullover & Pant
Lowe Alpine Powerstretch Pullover & Pant
North Face Techware Bouldering UltraWick Sweatshirt and Cross-Training Pant

Sportif Tamarac Trail Top and Mesa Peak Pant

The Sportif Tamarac Trail top and Mesa Peak pant consist of a Super Micro 100 Series Fleece fabric, which makes them a good insulating layer. Our reviewers felt they were a good combination of warmth and comfort but lacked an active fit.

When our testers took the pair out for a good run along one of our favorite trails or for a day of cross-country skiing, they found one problematic feature. This problem was the design and fit of the pant. Styled after a warm-up suit, the legs are very baggy and have zippers at the bottom. This extra fabric and bulk tended to get in the way, especially when on a bike.

In the end, we found this fleece set less suited for action and more suited for relaxation. One of our reviewers said he especially enjoyed wearing the Tamarack Trail and Mesa Peak around the house, or for after sport usage, such as at a ski lodge.

Contact Sportif at (775)359-6400 Or on the web at www.sportif.com

Columbia Omni-Therm Stretch Pullover & Pant

The Omni-Therm Stretch Pullover is a very solid piece. Made with Columbia's Omni-Therm stretch fleece, it is a blend of 90 percent microfiber polyester and 10 percent Lycra. The fleece-Lycra combination provides warmth and flexibility, making this a perfect base-layer or mid-layer for a very cold day.

One of our testers commented that the Stretch Pullover and pant was one of his favorites to wear when training in cold weather on in-line skates. Overall, he found the fabric to breath enough so that he wasn't completely wet after his workout and still keep him warm in the chilly morning air. Another of our testers said he loves wearing the set when running. He feels the fit promotes activity. The pant fits tightly, like a stretch pant, which also makes them good for biking. In addition, Columbia's radial sleeve construction provides maximum arm movement without pulling up the bottom of the shirt.

We found one aspect we disliked in the construction of the pant. The elastic in the waistband tends to twist inside the waist-tubing, because it is not sewn to the material. The twisting makes the waistband thin and uncomfortable. However, this can be remedied by taking a moment to untwist the elastic each time you use the pant.

Ultimately, we found the Omni-Therm Stretch Pullover and pant to make a great base-layer or mid-layer. They offer good warmth and a great range of motion.

Contact Columbia Sportswear Company at (503)286-3676 Or on the web at www.columbia.com

Lowe Alpine Powerstretch Pullover & Pant

Of the four layering pieces we reviewed for this article, the Lowe Alpine Powerstretch pullover and pant was the most technical set. It possesses some great characteristics.

First, the Powerstretch fabric is very thin and lightweight for a 200 series fleece, which amazed our reviewers. Second, the Powerstretch top is so comfortable and warm that I found myself wearing it in place of thermals and a mid-layer. Third, the top has a deep front zipper, one of my favorite features. It is a pullover, but the zipper extends from the top of the collar down to my sternum. This is great for two reasons: the big opening catches the breeze when things start to heat up, and makes the top easier to take off, especially when wearing glasses. Finally, the top has an extended collar, providing added warmth to the neck. It reminded me of wearing my old neck gaiter, but without the bulk. However, our reviewers found the high collar often forced the top of the zipper into the bottom of the chin causing discomfort. This presented a problem only when the zipper was all the way up.

Overall, the Powerstretch fleece is a great technical combination and provides plenty of warmth. In addition, the deep zipper and high neck are special bonuses.

Contact Lowe Alpine Systems at (303)465-3706 Or on the web at www.lowealpine.com

North Face Techware Bouldering UltraWick Sweatshirt and Cross-Training Pant

The Bouldering sweatshirt and cross-training pant come from The North Face's extensive Techware line. The fabric used for the sweatshirt and pant is called UltraWick. This special fabric is brushed on the inside making it comfortable against the skin. The outside of the fabric has a much tighter weave, which seems to add to its durability. This construction does an amazing job at wicking sweat away from the skin. To clearly see the wicking action, our testers put a droplet of water on the inside of the sweatshirt. The drop was almost instantly transferred to the outside of the fabric, where the wet spot ended up measuring about the size of a quarter. The increased surface area covered by the water allows for quick evaporation, making the sweatshirt and pant great for high aerobic activities.

Whether climbing, running or hiking, our reviewers found the cross-training pant to be one of their favorites. It has a tapered fit but still enough room in the crotch to keep you men from feeling exposed to the world. In addition, the pant has a back pocket with a zipper for storing keys or a wallet.

The Bouldering sweatshirt and cross-training pant make a great stand alone suit for high aerobic activities because of their fit, durability and superior sweat wicking capabilities. Our reviewers found them a little heavy for a base-layer, but are still a great fit into your arsenal of layering clothing.

Contact The North Face at (800)719-6678

Rhett Olson is a contributing editor for GearReview.com, an Internet-based source for technical reviews of outdoor gear. Visit the company's Web site at www.gearreview.com for reviews, trail reports and more.