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This article was taken from the January 2013 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by <span class="s1">subscribing online.
How we tested To assess heat retention, we hired a FLIR E40bx camera from thermal-camera.co.uk and went to London's ICEBAR. After ten minutes at -6C, we photographed the testers and compared results with images taken earlier at room temperature. Outdoor enthusiasts Adrian Justins and Susannah Parker also hiked in the gear to gauge comfort and style.
Berghaus women's active thermal zip-top Made chiefly from polyester, the channelled yarn isn't the softest on skin, but it wicks moisture, and a silver-ion coating curbs odour. The zip provides adjustable ventilation but it creates a poor fit across the neck and shoulders, and allows some heat loss.
A close body fit holds heat, and drying time is good for its 250g/m2 weight.
Wired: Stays warm; long sleeves; effective perspiration control
Tired: Zip flops down; not the softest feeling
Score: 6/10
Price: £50
Icebreaker men's bodyfit 200 Mondo Zip This 100 percent merino wool, body-hugging zip-neck from New Zealand is made from a mid-weight 200g/m2 yarn suited to alpine adventures. Fine-threaded merino has unparalleled thermal properties and controls moisture by absorbing it rather than wicking it away.
For some people, wool will always feel a little itchy, and its retention of moisture could make this top susceptible to mould or mildew if you forget to dry it out properly.
Wired: Superb warmth; eco-friendly
Tired: Possible itchiness; inferior durability
Score: 7/10
Price: £70
BAM men's leggings Moisture-wicking, antibacterial, anti-static and UV protective, bamboo makes an ideal fabric.
It has a smooth microstructure that lacks the itchiness of merino and offers good thermal properties.
Durability and stretch are enhanced with the addition of cotton and Lycra. Drying times are the slowest in the group.
Wired: Soft as silk; lightweight; affordable
Tired: Slow to dry; unexciting design
Score: 8/10
Price: £28
Haglöfs actives merino Q zip
The fine fibres of pure, mulesing-free Turkish merino wool create a thin fabric with a high warmth-to-weight ratio.
A natural fibre, its breathability prevents odour and overheating, and offset seams are less likely to chafe.
Although we didn't need to wash it, it is machine-safe.
Wired: Soft and stretchy for comfort; warm and breathable
Tired: Expensive; takes longer to dry
Score: 8/10
Price: £90
Helly Hansen dry revolution women's pants These are seamless, fast-drying, skintight, very comfortable, non-chafing leggings that weigh just 125g/m2.
Soft waist and ankle-bands hold heat in without pinching.
Taller women might find them a bit short, but they fit well and retained heat fairly effectively in ICEBAR.
Wired: Seamless; tight, soft openings; quick-drying
Tired: Not high enough for taller women; the pants may slide down
Score: 7/10
Price: £45
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
