Rated 5 out of
5
by
MGBBRUM from
Who doesn't want to stay warm
One of my first Rapha purchase’s and already it is a go to item especially when the weather conditions are sub zero or wind chill warrants some additional protection.
The thermal materials are spot on and that’s after several washes. If it helps I am over 60, 84kg, and 5’ 10’’ ie an average/regular rider with no particular aspirations other than to enjoy myself and stay warm … I selected a medium size where normally it might be a large and it fits perfectly. The additional chest insert works brilliantly as it helps to block out the wind chill and neck roll and extended sleeve quasi glove design works perfectly.
Date published: 2024-01-31
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Ricardo77 from
Brilliant Base
This is the perfect base layer for cold to freezing winter rides. I wear it above my sleeveless base and below a Pro Team winter long sleeve. Then add either a gilet, race cape or the new Gore Tex shake dry jacket, depending on the weather. It's warm and it wicks well.
Date published: 2019-11-08
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
A great winter base layer
This base layer is every bit as good as it sounds in the description. It's thick enough to be warm all over, but the Windstopper front panel is the key as it does a very good job, making the whole garment warmer than it might appear. I very much like the thumb loops on the sleeves (the sleeves are not over long; they're designed to partially cover the hand) as they both warm my hands a little and enable layering tight layers over this layer with minimal effort. Finally, the collar works really well as it has enough structure to stay in place over my mouth if required without being overly tight, as some such collars can be. Expensive, as base layers go, but great value nonetheless.
Date published: 2023-12-12
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Ive66 from
Comfortably snug
I'm 70Kgs, 175cm and overall very comfortable, felt great and a worthy addition to the wardrobe replacing numerous poorer substitutes. Its a little shorter than the regular roll neck Winter Base Layer, but that's no bad thing as its less bulk around the top of hips and any undershorts. Finger holed cuffs, wind blocking chest panel and reflective rear neck details all provide excellent new feature improvements. I've even ended up wearing it as casual wear.
Date published: 2019-01-28
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Wild River from
Must Have for Deep Winter Riding
This is one of the best cycling wears whcih I have bought. It is warm and wind block panel works effectively. I used to ride with 3 layers (base layer + long sleeve jersey + winter jacket), but now I enjoy deep winter ride with 2 layers (this base layer + winter jacket) even at 0-2 degree. Long neck are also useful. I do not use neck warmer and/or face mask anymore. As many users say, size is slightly strange. I am 170 cm/65kg, and bought S. Chest fits well, but dress length is too short and sleeves are too long. But it is OK as dress length is covered by bib tights and long sleeves are pulled up.
Date published: 2022-01-20
Rated 5 out of
5
by
jfriedl from
Ridiculously expensive, but worth it.
I used this this past winter season, and it's been amazing. With just this and a long-sleeve jersey, I was fine down to about freezing (0C/32F), though for a long descent I'd add a windbreaker. I handle the heat better than the cold, so I'll wear this even when it's 10C~15C and just open up the jersey zipper a bit if I warm up too much.
Date published: 2020-04-18
Rated 3 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
Great for cold days needs to be longer
I really like this base layer on really cold days. This and a jacket is all I need. My one wish is that it would be longer in the torso.
Date published: 2021-02-03
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Nimrod Ping from
Men's Deep Winter Windblock Base Layer 4* :)
Very good with some issues that could be improved - size XL.
PRO's
1. Really comfortable merino wool material and the windblock panel on the chest does keep you warmer in the cold. Also no smells even after 4 long days :)
2. The high collar is really good at keeping your neck area warm and the reflective area is good for alerting other road users in low light.
3. Thumb loops are a great way to warm the wrist area and boost the overall warmth of your gloves. (I use the same system winter climbing and its works V well )
CON's
1. The merino material 98% front & 95% rear, once damp and in a cold wind, doesn't keep you as warm as other merino which has a higher synthetic content as it seems to hold the cold once stopped (obviously not in a cafe), and takes a while to dry out. IMHO a mix of maybe 65%/70% merino 35%/40% synthetic may be a good compromise ?
2. It is mentioned elsewhere in other reviews - The front & rear are far too short and the front could maybe have an extra 2cm and maybe at least 5cm at the rear.
3. Sizing - I'm either medium or slim large in other brands tops - But needed an XL, the sizing is really on the small side as all my other RAPHA stuff is Large :(
SUMMARY
It is a brilliant winter top for use in really cold weather when worn with a synthetic mesh underlayer, but falls a bit short of maintaining warmth when it is cold and damp and worn next to the skin under a jacket or jersey.
I still highly recommend this top but please bear in mind the aforementioned limitations - and it is subjective - i.e my opinion for what it's worth...
Date published: 2021-04-11
Rated 5 out of
5
by
stevecullen1 from
Versatile
Great base layer with top-drawer features. Merino is warm without making you overheat, windproof panel, thumb loops and high collar with reflective elements tops a great addition to cold weather Northern Scottish winters.
Date published: 2020-12-25
Rated 3 out of
5
by
Nick Meszaros from
Not as warm as expected
This base layer is nicely made, like all other Rapha products, but I'm left a little chilly. I fully understand the purpose of base layers, but I'm still disappointed that this is not a little heavier/thicker. Deep winter riding where I live can well below freezing and I'm looking to avoid so many layers that I can't move. I do like the snood, wish it were a cm taller. Also like all things Rapha this feels great on a body.
Date published: 2021-05-01
Rated 5 out of
5
by
DJH1 from
Great Base Layer
In a particularly cold New York City winter, I've been using this base layer as part of my layering for my morning and evening commutes. It's great. I especially like the collar that can be pulled underneath the back of my helmet and the front as a face mask. Because it's part of my commuting attire, I've actually put it on over my other layers like a sweater. It's a great addition to your winter cycling attire
Date published: 2022-02-09
Rated 5 out of
5
by
MartinBelcher from
Excellent cold weather base layer
Very pleased with this as a winter base layer, worn under a regular Rapha rain jacket and it works well down to near zero. The wind block panel does seem to make a difference. The only negative point is that it has incredibly long arms. They have thumb holes, so are designed to be long but even so, they are exceptionally long. The rest is as would be expected from a size large Rapha jersey or base layer.
Date published: 2020-01-22
Rated 5 out of
5
by
K516m from
Warm & blocks wind off chest.
My Rapha arrived the day the Festive 500 KM started on December 24th - and as the days went on, the temps dropped down to 30 degrees, 18 mph, sleet & rain.
My toes nearly fell off, but, my core stayed warm because of the Rapha base layer. I never had a merino wool base layer before so i was slightly worried - but it was everything the description said it would be.
I still think it should just a bit longer, its fine with bib tights but, its to short to stay aero and not have it creep up you back. But,for the warth it provides not a problem
Date published: 2024-01-14
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
Warm but a bit short
Ideal baselayer for central europe winter. Windblock part breaths very well, no additional sweating under this part. My only complain is about lenght. Would by far more cosy if baselayer was a bit longer. I also have an old one with the hoodie and that one have a perfect lenght. This shortness also means that is not that good for use in other sport than cycling (for cross country skiing for example).
Date published: 2020-12-04
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Ruston S from
Best base layer piece
This has become simply the best piece of base layer gear I own. Have ridden 8-10 times in temps ranging from very windy and low 20s to sunny and low 40s. Some rides as long as 3 hours and couldn't be happier. Three favorite details are the turtleneck which I pull over my balaclava, the wind proofing in the front, and the cuffs which keep everything from riding up under gloves. Highly recommend.
Date published: 2020-12-30
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Rodrigo Cid from
Fantastic piece of kit
This is simply an excellent piece of kit, indispensable for the coldest rides around and below freezing temperatures. The wind blocking material on the chest does its thing very well. Love the high collar feature, it's the only one that I can use to cover all the way up to my nose bridge, leaving just my eyes exposed and it won't fog up my glasses (use prescription ones); also really appreciate the thumb loops that really help eliminate any potential for lost of heat through the sleeves. It's a bit pricey but it's worth its weight in gold.
Date published: 2023-02-07
Rated 5 out of
5
by
DaKell from
Transformational
If anyone had been around as I unpacked this, they might well have wondered about my grip on reality as I inspected the details and made odd noises and comments, in awe. All my expectations
were exceeded on my first ride. This base layer has transformed my winter riding. "Too cold" is no longer an excuse, a rationale for yet another boring trainer session. The combination of merino and synthetics make a superb trade-off between comfort, wicking of sweat, feel, shape retention, wind blocking, warmth. Exceptionally well designed and made.
Date published: 2023-01-01
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Mike F from
Great product but...
I have the merino ss and ls, this purchase was to bridge the cold Melbourne weather. I would wear this under 8 deg. After that it can easily get toasty and you would unzip your jacket/jersey especially if doing tempo rides.
extended thumbhole loop was a nice rapha touch but i could not use it with the glove on as it makes that palm area thicker and uncomfortable.
The snood is nice but sometimes rolls downwards and bit annoying to pull up. I like to use the snood when doing descents to cover ears from the wind. I normally use a windstopper north face neck gaiter for ultimate wind block (they don't sell them anymore).
The front panel is a weird short cut, i am not used to it. The panel is reasonably wind blocking.
Great product but few short falls.
Date published: 2023-07-19
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Pete B from
Great !
Second best bit of kit I’ve ever had. (Don’t ask what the first was). Really comfortable and totally wind proof. Washes up well and should last for years if looked after properly. I use a dedicated merino wash liquid and hang up to dry naturally on a hanger. One of those bits of kit that you almost treat with reverence. Recommended, expensive (very) but worth it.
Date published: 2022-03-06
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Jimbo321 from
Great deep winter base layer
I love this base layer for very cold days below 30degrees Fahrenheit. I do wish it was slightly longer. It ends pretty far above my waist. That said it does tuck into the front of winter bibs so I’m sure this is how it’s designed. For me I just wish it were maybe an inch longer. It will not disappoint at doing its job and I would purchase this again!
Date published: 2020-12-30
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Odd Gunnar from
Essential during the winter months
My most used garment during winter, I appreciate the thoughts going into developing this product, from the thumb loops, reducing cold leak to zero, the wind blocking frontpanel works well, and the high collar is a good mix with a merino cap, keeps me warm and comfy during long cold rides below zero
Date published: 2022-03-07
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Silk from
Wool and Windblock Rocks!
This layer is perfect for deep winter, below freezing rides; tight wrists keep the cold out and the tall neck is versatile as a snood; the wind block front is a huge bonus; the base layer is breathable and wicking; wool base keep me warm even when damp during long rides and even afterward.
Date published: 2022-02-19
Rated 5 out of
5
by
mikeTVc from
The best just got better
Bought as a replacement for my old Rapha deep winter marino base layer and is much improved. Much improved warmth and wicking in temperatures around zero and below and the wind block panel works brilliantly in biting winds to help keep warm. My new go to in for very cold winter riding.
Date published: 2019-02-07
Rated 5 out of
5
by
carrie233 from
It fits
I purchased this Rapha clothing item in order to keep me warm and to reduce the number of layers I needed to wear. It fits. The fabrics are very comfortable. It is perfect under the Classic Winter Jacket and with a jersey when worn with my rain cape.
Date published: 2019-01-21
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Jörgen E from
Best base layer
So far my best base layer buy ever! Comfortable and warm. The collar is perfect in shape and the long sleeves which come down over the wrists are great. I have used it both on bike and when skiing. On the expensive side, but definitely worth the money.
Date published: 2021-04-18
Rated 5 out of
5
by
steve heinbockel from
Deep winter Windblock base layer
Finally someone made a base layer with a extended neck cover, plus the wind block front is terrific. Merino...natural fibers are the best base layers. 28 degrees this morning, with the light merino base layer and the Pro jacket...perfect!
Date published: 2020-12-11
Rated 5 out of
5
by
two wheeler from
Good design
I bought this as a base layer for nordic skiing. It was excellent in the 30 plus degree range but is a bit warm when temperature is near 40. Blocks the wind on the chest as advertised and is comfortable under breathable jacket.
Date published: 2019-01-27
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Rockus from
Full merino baselayer with added wind protection
Thought about this for a while. Finally pulled the trigger as it was clear that l needed the benefits of a full merino baselayer, with added wind protection on the chest.
I have worn this as a single baselayer at temps of about 8c. Nearer freezing, say 3c l put a merino vest underneath.
If l was too warm was able to vent by lowering the zip of whatever outer layer l had on. The cool air passed through the neck and eventually started conducting nicely through the wind panel. Never felt a chill and TBH, l never really had to do this more than once during a ride.
Being full merino was wicks well and feels lovely.
Overall benefit is it allows you to use more combinations of kit. Which is handy if you do a lot of riding.
Only time will tell how long before holes start to appear.
Date published: 2019-01-14
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Johan Henckel from
A must have for Swedish Winter
An excellent piece of equipment to use together with the Core Winter Jacket. It’s a perfect combination for Swedish late autumn and winter riding and it works well for both road and gravel riding!
Date published: 2020-03-03
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Jo4677 from
Quality Rapha product! High end!
Bought this for my partner for Christmas. Perfect fit. High end product. Looks incredible on even though an under garment. Super impressed with the cut, finish and attention to detail. The wind stopper chest segment looks on point. Not tested yet but I’m that impressed will be buying myself one too! Both commented could also wear for running, skiing/boarding too. It’s an awesome product.
Date published: 2018-12-21