CHOCORUA MEN'S MIDWEIGHT WOOL CREW

The Minus 33 mid-weight, medium sized, long sleeve crew shirt is a wonderful layering piece.I like the fit for my medium size torso. I am 5’ 10” tall, 145 pounds and wear consistently, medium shirts.I have been using this this top layer over a Minus 33 Micro 1/4 zip T, which has been very functional while out snowshoeing in 24-40* temperatures. Yes, I have added a soft shell vest as needed along with my Minus 33 Ridge cuff beanie, Neck Gator, and fingerless gloves.What I like about the fabric of these shirts is, they have a smooth surface which tends to help them layer well. The arm lengths and body were comfortable. The pieces kept me warm and dry and for me, controlled Oder well.It’s worth noting that, I had also just bought a new Minus 33 micro 1/4 zip T to replace the one I had tested for Minus 33 well over a decade and a half ago and was still happily using. The new 1/4 zip T is functionally better especially with how well it layers-as is the medium weight mid-layer this review is about.

***This is my initial review after receiving the package and wearing the product. I bought this for hunting season in PA as well as skiing season here in NJ, and will be able to test it further and update this review by the end of the year.I bought this product because I am tired of looking and feeling like the Michelin Man during hunting season with my puffy down clothes and multiple layers. (Bought together with Katmai Men's Expedition Bottom). I want this to be my base layer, and then simply wear my hunting jacket over it. Skiing I've never had a problem wearing just a t-shirt and a jacket and actually wind up sweating because of the movement and I am always warm in general. But something about sitting in one spot while hunting really lets the cold seep in. I won't be able to update this review with how well it performs until the end of 2015, but here are my initial thoughts:Packaging: The packaging is simple, compact, and came with no issues.Fit: I'm 5'5, 140 pounds and have a waist size of about 29/30 inches. I bought a small, and both this top as well as the small Katmai bottoms fit perfectly. Tight fitting (how I usually like my clothing, especially base layers), but extremely comfortable and hugs the body well. The only thing you may have a problem with is that the sleeves (as other reviews have mentioned) run a tad short. If you stretch your arms out for example, your wrists may become exposed a bit. I love the fit, and this isn't an issue for me. Just throwing it out there for someone who may not feel the same.Warmth: I noticed as soon as I put these on, my entire body felt cooled down. This to me is a good thing, as it means instead of just trapping heat and moisture, the wool is allowing my body to breath while still retaining heat. To confirm this, I took everything off and felt the inside and they were very warm to the touch.Quality: The quality of the product is very good. The material feels good, looks good (good enough that you could actually wear this top in public with a nice pair of jeans and not feel strange about it) and even the tag is printed onto the shirt so there is nothing scratching at your neck.So far, I am very satisfied with this product. I will update when I can, and if it performs well I will be ordering more of different weights for the different seasons (even summer) because I really like the quality, fit, comfort, and breathability.

I've been researching and experimenting while trying to find the best base layer combo to keep me warm in 0-10 degrees weather without feeling like I'm wearing a knights' armor. I'm happy to say that I have finally found it...1. Under Armour HeatGear Sleeveless Compression Shirt2. Minus 33 Merino Wool Expedition Crew NeckIt was important to me that: 1.) the fabric didn't weigh me down, 2.) it did not restrict range of motion to my arms and trunk, 3.) it did a great job wicking sweat and had good anti-odor properties, 4.) it had the right fit (I bought XL, I'm 215 lbs 5'11" tall, Waist Size 36"-38"), 5.) it was compact and light and didn't occupy too much space in my travel bag, 6.) and most importantly, it kept me warm in 0-10 degrees weather and not too hot on a 40 degree day.An added bonus is that they both dry quickly after washing. Which makes them IDEAL for ski/snowboard trips. You can throw them in the washing machine or hand wash them as soon as you get back from the slopes, say around 4 pm and hang dry them over night. And they will be more than ready to go the following day. Just make sure that you wash the merino wool inside out if you do throw it in the washing machine.I wear an Obermeyer Telluride Jacket (Cheap & Warm, But Look and Feels Very Expensive), Helly Hansen Warm Pant (Nice and Toasty), Salomon Bib Pants (Prevents snow from getting into your bum-bum) and Fox River VVS LV Socks (Thin, Warm, Great for the price). Overall, I'm very happy with my current configuration. I've spent less than $500 to keep myself dry, comfortable and mobile while snowboarding for over 7 hours at a time.