After getting the women’s Flume base layer several months ago, I wanted to put it to a true sweat test before forming an opinion on it. However, I knew right from the start that it was going to be super comfortable just by how soft the fabric was. Over the next several weeks, I started testing the layer in different ways. Keeping me feeling dry while on training runs. Check. Keeping me warm and wicking sweat away from my body on cold winter hikes. Check. The layer is so soft underneath all of those bulky, scratchy winter layers too, so that is a great added bonus!
Another thing I wanted to thoroughly test was durability. Hiking in the White Mountains, everyone knows those super strong, pesky branches on the brush above tree line. They have to be strong to hold up to that wind, and they let you know it when they grab on to your pack or shirt. I tested this out on a Southern Winter Presidential Traverse, and this layer did not disappoint. Throughout the late morning to early afternoon, it was warm enough to sport just a base layer throughout some of this hike. Several little branches reached out and grabbed my shirt in the cols between Eisenhower and Pierce, and then again between Pierce and Jackson. The Flume never tore or even stretched out! I was amazed considering these branches have torn holes in jackets of mine before, and this beastly little base layer was holding strong and keeping me warm and dry the entire time! This statement held true on several other hikes after that as well!
Most of my other base layers bunch up under my pack in all the wrong places. It seems like whatever I am wearing as a base – if it is supposed to go down, it goes up, and vice versa. The Flume stays put the whole time and doesn’t ride up my back. Usually, I get thick, bunched up layers on my lower back that get saturated in sweat and make me cold on the summits. Wearing this layer allows me to actually enjoy time on the summits and avoiding stopping to pull at all of my layers throughout the hike.
The other interesting (and awesome) thing that I noticed wearing this layer is that I didn’t smell as much as I normally do after a long all-day hike. Usually, I start to feel and smell gross at noon or before. I was so excited to get down the mountains and grab a burger after the hike without feeling self-conscious about stinking up the place.
Overall, this base layer has truly surprised me with its durability and quality. Plus, they are made right in the heart of the White Mountains. Through stinky sweat, tugging branches, and rough patches of ice, this base layer did not budge. I am so excited to sport this layer on my upcoming summit of Mount Rainier and several other hikes throughout the Whites over years to come!
