2022-04-18. I wanted to get as much experience with this top from the past winter season, hence my late review. I've purchased this brand before, in the form of a bib pant for my kids to use. No complaints came from the pant, so I decided to try their tops. First impressions: Upon receiving the Arctix Base Layer, I must admit, I was a bit disappointed. The top was rather thick for a base layer. It's a kids shirt, so it obviously wasn't for me, but base layer are typically thin so that you can layer up for the weather. Fit: The top fits much like a base layer should, and is form fitting. Construction: A duo textured, one piece polyester construction, the inside is fleece while the outside is more of a smooth waffle texture. This explains the thickness of the top. Functionality: Being a much thicker shirt, the fleece texture on the inside is very soft and comfortable. And the properties of fleece does keep you warm. The tight knit of the waffle on the outer layer does prove to be quite windproof as advertised. With 5% spandex, the shirt is very stretchy which allows for better contouring to various body shapes, while maximizing comfort. There is also a kangaroo pocket to keep your hands away from exposure to the temperatures. Constructed primarily of polyester, the shirt is quick drying and resists shrinking when washed (do keep in mind that polyester does not bode well with the fabric softeners and your dryer - not only will it deteriorate more quickly, it will also build up static!) Overall, I'm a little torn on how to rate this. On the one hand, the top if very comfortable and functional. Yet on the other hand, weighing in at 1lb, I personally wouldn't classify it as a base layer. It advertises that it's good for skiing and snowboarding, but 1 lb is a lot of weight to carry. Yet despite this weight, it's very effective at retaining heat and keeping you warm. In seeking feedback from the kids, they absolutely love this top. It's been used several times for snowboarding, sledding, and just playing in the snow. With any of these activities, layering was NOT required. Luckily, these tops are stylish enough that they also don't look like a base layer and can be worn as a top. The only complaint was that the kangaroo pocket does not have zipper, so it is not a secure storage place for valuables. Cons summary: Heavy at 1 lb. No zipper on kangaroo pocket to secure items. Pricey for one season. Lastly, I'd like to mention that this top is a bit pricey at $26.25 I had picked up their bib pant for only $24.30! Considering it's a kids size and the chances are they'd outgrow it after one season, the bib pants were priced right, and I would have liked this top a lot more if it were priced about $8-$10 less. Still I can't deny it's performance, and I would recommend it purely on this. 4.5 stars rounded down to 4 for the cons noted earlier.
