New for this autumn is a short-sleeved, zip-neck version of Berghaus's classic, non-pong, silver impregnated base-layer. How did we get on with it?
Berghaus X-Static S/S Zip-Neck Tested
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Price:
£35
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Weight: 132 grammes (men's
medium)
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Features Short-sleeved
baselayer top using lightweight X-Static polyester fabric,
half-length zip, flat seams, half-collar, available in men's
and women's versions.
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What's It For? Berghaus's X-Static tops aren't new, but this
particular design, a short-sleeved zip-neck is. Whereas previously
you could have a zip and long sleeves or short sleeves but no zip,
now you can have both a zip for added venting and short sleeves, plus
a small collar for a bit of added comfort and sun protection.
Like all baselayers, its main function is to transport moisture
away from your skin and outwards, keeping you dry and comfortable. On
top of that, the fabric is claimed to prevent odours developing.
The Techy Bits What makes the X-Static kit different from
other baselayer fabrics is that it contains silver fibres which have
an anti-microbial effect. The idea is that the silver prevents
smell-generating bacteria from growing and ponging. As a secondary
benefit, it's also claimed to transmit heat better than normal
polyester making it cooler.
The actual wicking performance is down to the structure of the
material which is designed to move the moisture first outwards and
then sideways to aid evaporaton. That's pretty much standard issue in
today's baselayer market, but the fabric moved here is quite thin,
which seems to equate to faster wicking.
How It Performs Berghaus's long-sleeved X-Static top is one of
our favourite baselayers. We've been using a couple since they first
launched and while the fabric feels slightly thinner after hundreds
of wears and washes, it's still comfortable, still fast wicking and
still retains its anti-pong properties.
The good news is that the short-sleeved version is every bit as
good. The fabric, when new, is soft and comfortable against the skin
helped by heat transfer labels and flat seams that minimise scuffing
and friction when used with a pack.
On top of that, wicking performance is still excellent. The
relatively thin fabric seems to encourage faster moisture movement,
as you'd expect and along with the cooling effects of the short
sleeves and venting zip makes the top ideal for heat-generating,
fast-moving stuff like running and biking.
The highish price is down to the X-Static and in our experience it
works well with multi-day use possible if necessary without hideous
odours clearing the bunkhouse... Your other option in the anti-pong
stakes is merino wool, which is also expensive.
An old favourite revisited but with shorter sleeves. These
along with the half-length zip make the SS X-Static ideal for
fast-moving, sweaty outings when the high-wicking fabric also works
well.
Merino wool is the current flavour of the month, but works
slightly differently in that it absorbs moisture and remains
comfortable rather than wicking. If you're a sweaty bod, we still
reckon that high-wicking synthetics can be a better option and this
is one of the best. The anti-pong is the icing on the cake.
If we have one quibble, it's that the collar is quite minimal,
which means less sun protection for the back of the neck though added
comfort when layered under a shell.
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High wicking, light, comfortable with good anti-pong
properties.
Short collar offers minimal sun protection.
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Performance
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Value
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