If you are looking for that added bit of insulation this POLARTEC Thermal Pro Top from Keela is a good choice, writes Mike Gormley.
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As the weather was turning into winter mode when I received this thermal top I was very happy to put it through its paces; initially around home, saving on the heating, but it works very well as a mid or base layer with a range of other garments according to the conditions.
I was spurred on to check this out by a pal of mine in the Royal Marines, who was looking to boost his base layer capability during the winter months. My son and some family received these in their Christmas stockings, so this will give you an idea of what we think of this new offering from Keela.
On the face of it this is a fairly basic looking fleecy top. This said, inside – next to skin – is a very soft cosy feel of the POLARTEC Thermal Pro material. The outer layer is smoother so works easy with other garments. The seams are Flatlock, so far less likely to cause any discomfort when weight carrying and the weight-bearing part of the shoulder is seam-free to help with this.
The general fit is what Keela term as ‘athletic’ so not tight nor loose, aiding general comfort. There is a slight scooped back, in my view it could be a bit more generous here for the likes of me with a long back when bending over, but generally speaking it is a good tuck-in fit. The collar is great ~ there is a half zip for ventilation when required and the zip is a purposeful one without being too chunky, so it feels it will last. This will close the collar right up snugly around the neck and for me not tight but a really good fit, so making the garment able to keep the cold out and warmth in without the need of an added neck baffle. There is a well sized zip baffle for added comfort; with the zip down a bit, this can be folded down for ventilation and the zip has a pull tag to assist with this when on the go and with gloved hands.
The cuffs are a good fit, can be folded back and, importantly, have neatly designed-in thumb loops that lay flat and unobtrusive if not in use. When used these hold the cuff in a good position around the wrists and help to keep warm the lower arm as well as an area of the hand. For me this is great as I am not a glove wearer from choice, so these help me to hang on a bit longer before I feel I need gloves.
This top is a light and easy to pack garment and its effectiveness to weight ratio is very good. I have found it a very easy-wearing base with excellent breathability so even if I get a sweat on going up a long hill I am not rushing to take it off knowing I will be glad of it at the top. Talking sweat, I have worn mine for a full week of varied use and it passed my ‘sniff test’ for the week; though I can’t vouch for those around me, but had no complaints.
When the time comes it washes easily and dries quite quickly. So far I have not had a chance to wear this one in real cold, though hope to do so in the coming month or two, but feel confident it will be a very good one of my layers when it gets colder. The Thermal Pro Top is available for the Ladies as well and is produced in Black or Ranger Green and in a good range of sizes.
[images © Jean or Mike Gormley]
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