Polarmax Acclimate Wool - A Skiing Base Layer That's Not Uptight

During the recent cold snap I had the opportunity to get out and do some uphill skiing. Although the snow cover wasn't more than 6 inches in spots, it was good enough to have some fun with my mid-fat no-wax touring skis. These have a kick pattern built in to the base and are great for a long gradual uphill approaches and can provide for a really good workout.

As cold as it was, I also wanted to try the new Polarmax Acclimate Wool top and bottom base layer. It's also available for women. I was a little apprehensive because this base layer combination was not at all like what I usually wear. Both the Acclimate Wool top and bottom were a very relaxed fit, not the tight fit that I am used to and associate with good wicking material. Well, put your mind and your muscles at ease because, you don't have to be bound up to be dry.

This Acclimate Wool is a combination of New Zealand Merino wool and Acclimate Dry and recycled Polyester fibers (actually made from used plastic bottles). The way this combination works is the Wool moves moisture from the skin while still in vapor form, but is much less efficient once the moisture turns to liquid. However the Acclimate Dry quickly moves the moisture once it is in liquid form - that's the secret.

Bottom line is the Acclimate Wool works - if you stay dry close to the skin you can stay warm and not have to get weighed down in heavy clothes, or bound in a tight compression layer. It is part wool, and I know some people that still have a problem thinking wool and automatically thinking itch, but this is Merino wool, so forget any itching. This is such a very relaxed, comfortable fit that even my wool wary skier friends are missing out if you don't give it a try.

_{Image of Acclimate Wool top Courtesy of Polarmax}