Arc’Teryx Rho LT Crew Base Layer Evaluate

Backside Line

The Arc’Teryx Rho LT Crew is a high-quality base layer constructed for prime cold-weather efficiency and luxury. The trim, relaxed match enhances the brushed fleece inside, making for essentially the most comfy base layer on our listing.

After testing this layer by way of intensive lab and over 100 miles of subject testing within the Rocky Mountain wilderness, it’s shortly changing into one in all our most popular decisions for cold high-altitude backpacking. The material handles moisture exceptionally nicely, shortly wicking it away from the pores and skin for speedy evaporation to maintain you heat even when moist.

The Rho LT Crew achieves a formidable warmth-to-weight ratio, offering obligatory heat whereas protecting your pack mild. Though the value might sound excessive for a minimally featured base layer (apart from the breast pocket), the premium supplies and design ship efficiency that justifies the funding.

How We Examined

To guage measurable qualities like moisture-wicking and drying time, we carried out a sequence of lab assessments on every base layer. Our assessments are additionally supported by a whole lot of days spent snowboarding, climbing, and backpacking within the backcountry.

Consolation

The brushed polyester fleece of the Rho LT Crew feels exceptionally smooth towards the pores and skin, with no noticeable rubbing from the seams. Care was taken within the match design to make sure a balanced, relaxed match that’s comfortably comfortable.

For mobility, the fleece is smooth, stretchy, and designed with an articulated sample to stop material binding. The highest stays in place nicely for straightforward layering. Though the sleeves don’t have thumb holes, the elastic wrists and crew neck present simplicity and sturdiness.

Moisture Administration

The Rho LT Crew isn’t essentially the most breathable base layer, however it presents a strong mixture of moisture wicking and fast drying. The primary advantage of fleece is that it nonetheless retains most of its thermoregulating properties when moist, so you possibly can keep heat even for those who’re just a little soggy.

It ranked among the many prime 5 in our drying take a look at, shedding about 30% of its water weight in a single hour. The fibers wick moisture so shortly that you could truly see it occur in seconds. In our wicking take a look at, the moist spot expanded to over 190% of its authentic measurement in simply ten minutes.

The fibers successfully draw moisture away out of your pores and skin to the outer layer of the material in a skinny layer that may simply evaporate. Even after we dampened the layer from the within out, the within remained dry to the contact in just some minutes, whereas the surface regarded soaked.

Heat

The Rho LT Crew is constructed particularly for chilly climate actions. The polyester material is kind of heat, weighing 190 grams per sq. meter, and the match and luxury of the material make it really feel even hotter. The polyester does an ideal job at retaining physique warmth whether or not it’s dry or moist. 

The Rho LT Crew presents a superb warmth-to-weight ratio for a base layer. Weighing solely 7.6 ounces, it competes with the lightest base layers whereas delivering noticeably extra heat. As a result of its elevated heat, we wouldn’t advocate the Rho LT Crew for decent summer season months.

The Rho LT Crew is new to us this 12 months, however it’s going to undoubtedly grow to be a staple in our chilly climate layering system, particularly in moist environments.

Options & Versatility

Typically, the Arc’teryx retains it easy with the Rho LT Crew. The match options traditional designs like a crew neck and elastic wrist cuffs. It has no hood, neck zipper, or thumb holes. Nevertheless, it does embrace one zippered breast pocket. It’s not giant or overly helpful, however it’s helpful for flat objects like a ski cross or small map.

When it comes to versatility, this doubtless received’t be your solely base layer. You would use it year-round in case your summer season actions are restricted to chill, high-altitude areas, however it’s in all probability too heat for the desert and humid areas.

Ought to You Purchase the Arc’Teryx Rho LT Crew Base Layer?

For mountaineers conquering icy peaks and lengthy backcountry ski adventures, or the chilly three-season backpackers, nothing beats the Rho LT Crew. Ultralight backpackers who battle to remain heat at evening will particularly worth its spectacular warmth-to-weight ratio.

The consolation of the brushed fleece supplies that a lot wanted coziness on the finish of an extended day, and it’s certain to maintain you heat even when it’s just a little damp, due to its distinctive moisture-management traits.

Arc’teryx makes premium gear, so it’s no shock that this base layer is a bit pricier than different choices. Nevertheless, it’s nonetheless not the most costly layer on our listing, and for these severe about heat and luxury, it’s well worth the funding. 

What Different Base Layers Ought to You Contemplate?

For one thing with just a little extra 4-season versatility, take a look at our full information to base layers.

REI Midweight Half Zip Evaluate: The REI Half Zip can also be made with polyester, providing wonderful moisture-wicking properties and related heat. It’s a bit heavier in weight and prices nearly half as a lot.

Outside Analysis Alpine Onset Merino 150 Hoodie Evaluate: This versatile hoodie is crafted from a mix of polyester, merino wool, and elastane, permitting you to get pleasure from the very best qualities of every material. The hood and built-in balaclava are particularly spectacular options.

Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew Evaluate: If artificial materials are your factor however you need one thing extra breathable and appropriate for four-season use, take a look at the Capilene midweight. It’s lighter, higher for warm-weather cardio actions, and extra reasonably priced.