Polarmax PMX Hoodie and Comp 4 Tech Tights

Earlier this year I was given a set of Polarmax.com‘s Warmest Baselayers (the Comp 4 Tech Fleece line). The sent me the PMX Hoodie and the Comp 4 Tech Tights. I’ve had several months to put them through their paces and I’m ready to give them a solid review on a solid product line.

Check out the long term review and accompanying video below:

A Quick Look at Polarmax

Polarmax is a US company that puts out 100% Made in the USA products that boasts a lower environmental impact by sourcing, producing and making their products within about a 10 mile radius.

Product Features

Polarmax products feature 2 main additions to the fabric: acclimate dry and scent prevent.

Acclimate dry is their wicking fabric that is a blend of polyester and spandex. It pulls moisture away from the skin and dries off very quickly.

The Scent Prevent technology is an anti-microbial anti-odor proprietary tech that keeps you smelling fresher for longer.

Does it work?

A resounding yes. No matter how hard I hike in this gear, you never get that uncomfortable, wet feel. There’s no peeling off soaking wet base layers. The moisture dissipates. The only negative experience was wearing an inferior base layer underneath which held the moisture. After taking that off I found the PMX hoodie comfortable to wear even though it had been next to a wet cotton shirt. The compression tights are the same. It is going to be damp, but 5 minutes in the wind is all I’ve ever needed to get rid of any remaining moisture.

The Scent prevents does work, about as well as you can get with synthetics. It’s not going to outperform merino wool, but it does a good job at fighting smell. After multi day trips I’ve walked away with minimal stink and smell, so it does do what it says it does. I’ve yet to find any product (merino wool included) that lets me walk away from a trip smelling as roses.

PMX Hoodie

It’s a solid hooded top that keeps your head and neck warm. It has become a go to item for every one of my cold weather hiking trips.

The only improvement would be to the PMX Hoodie. The thumb holes that keep your sleeves high and prevent cold wrists do their job, but they’re placed in a way that requires the sleeve to twist a bit to fit properly over the thumbs. They could be better placed, but they do a good job at what they are meant to do.

Facts:

Price: $70 online

Comp 4 Tech Tights

They looked too small when I opened up the package, but the stretch fabric has a great fit, keeping your muscles warm. I’ve used them from everything to summit attempts to downhill mountain biking to just keeping me warm in my sleeping bag at night. A really great product that is another go to item for backpacking and hiking.

Facts:

Price: $50 online