Extreme Essentials Mens Long Sleeve, Close Fit Merino Base Layer/Baselayer, Lightweight top, Antibacterial, Quick Drying, Flat Seams, Hard Wearing | Ideal for Skiing, Hiking, Trekking, Cycling

I find the 'close fit' more comfortable than their 'relaxed' fit, the warmth is the same - It's just a shame close fit is slightly more expensive!

First things first, I'm the type who buys little, but when I do, I tend to purchase from manufacturers that are recognised leaders in their field. So, Gore running wear, Assos cycling wear and hiking wear from a Canadian company who's name begins with A. On a recent hiking trip to Scotland, a friend of mine questioned (actually he ridiculed) my 'cost directly equates to quality' philosophy. He challenged me to try his base layer which he had purchased for a fraction of the cost I pay for a base layer. Being utterly convinced with my principles, I declined :-). Well actually I declined to try the top he had worn for the past three days, but I did agree to purchase the product myself and report back on it. So, here we go.1. Packaging: Uh, is this really what I ordered? The top comes packaged in a very eco-friendly looking brown envelope/sleeve bound with cotton stitching. The packaging is not novel (Hiut Denim use similar packaging for their extremely expensive jeans) but I certainly was not expecting it at this price. I still remained skeptical though. Surely the packaging costs have been absorbed by lower production costs!?2. Materials: Top unpacked, the first thing to catch my eye was the double stitch used throughout the garment. I have other garments with similar stiching but perhaps because this top is light grey, it really stands out. Anyway, the quality of stitching is very good.3. Feel: The top feels more natural to the touch than my other base layers which typically have a higher content of man-made fibres.4. Fit: This top initially appears too long in the body but I actually found it to be bit of a godsend. Why do most manufacturers produce such short garments!? I am constantly tucking in my other tops- not easy in cold conditions with thick gloves on. The garment also felt looser around the armpits than my other base layers (perhaps required to facilitate movement given material contains more natural fibres. Anyway, this proved to be nothing more than an aesthetic issue and certainly caused no detriment to performance.I've now hiked in this top for apporx 50K. It wicks just as well as my top from company who's name begins with A. It does smell after a few days but I don't think it features the fad 'anti-odour' materials developed by the big players in this market. In my opinion, that's not a negative. To date, every 'anti-odour' product I have bought have been odour free initially, but odour full and exhibiting noticeably accelerated signs of wear after just a few washes. In summary, I lost the argument and will have to eat humble pie. This garment provides top level performance, a fit which despite initial concerns, works extremely well ...and all at a cost that does not make one think twice when hovering over the 'Buy' button! Will definitely be purchasing a few more.

Not a long term review but I have used this on a walk in the Lake District Fells in December weather that went from below freezing mist in the valley to pretty warm in the sunshine on the tops.I like the merino/synthetic mix. Best of both, warmth and odor resistance of merino, quick drying and (hopefully) strength of synthetic.I'm 5'8", 40" chest, 34" waist. Med fits well. Snug but not tight. Nice long back. Arms are long but are handy for grabbing when putting on a fleece or jacket or keeping wrist warm. Maybe only negative is that they're a bit too tight for pulling up the forearm.Nice shade of green.For the price there's nothing to not like other than a loose fit t-shirt in green and some mid length stretch boxers are needed in the range (please).

As mentioned, this is lighter than one may think but it’s such high quality, it more than compensates. It’s still thick enough to be warmer than most base layers and the comfort level is above and beyond, as is the fit:I’m 6 feet, 1 inch, 42-44 chest, 30-32 waist. This fits PERFECTLY; close fitting and practical without chafing ones nipples. It’s loose enough to wear in a pub without looking like a superhero film extra but close fitting enough to wear under close-fitting warmer garments such as outdoor mid-layers etc.I’ve given five stars in each area, including value for money; it’s a bit pricey but actually cheaper than many high-branded items and it’s worth every penny. I’m about to order another!

What a great merino baselayer at half the cost of my last one. even better is the longer length, no ride up leaving you with a draught up your back, which you dont want from a base layer so thankyou Extreme Essentials, thats one big tick from me against competitors. quality, fit and sizing all ok for me and warmth is just what to expect from a close fitting merino wool as part of your layering system, or if you just prefer a warmer baselayer for everyday. Highly recommended.

I do a lot of outside activities and training, usually buy from Arcteryx and Icebreaker but bought this one because it was cheap. In fact it's turned out to be better than the others at half the price. Would like to buy another one but they're constantly out of stock

excellent product fits really well

Absolutely love this item. For the money you really can't go wrong. The fit for me is perfect and I like the fact that the sleeves are just that little bit longer too as I have quite a long reach. The sizing overall is spot on. It's a lovely warm comfortable base layer that I would definitely recommend. I've had worse items that cost twice as much! Big thumbs up here.