Terramar Baselayer TXO Body Sensor Series & Merino Wool Beanie

The key to any successful cool-weather, outdoor adventure is to stay warm and dry, and Terramar’s TXO Body-Sensor series top and bottom-wear garments are a comfortable choice to this end. Soft, breathable, fast drying, they are made from carbon-based, anti-microbial yarn that retains and radiates body heat back to the skin.  The resulting moisture-wicking and long-lasting odour control features make them an ideal choice as your base layer solution. The individual TXO 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 garments are designed and constructed to work together based on proven principles of layered clothing  strategy for keeping the body warm and dry with good air circulation.

Why is layering important? Layering provides finer control for managing body temperature and comfort compared to limited “on/off” only control of non-layered approaches. Consider an extreme scenario hiking uphill through the snow in subzero temperatures with a thermal control strategy that consists of nothing more than a heavy winter parka over bare skin.  The hiker quickly becomes overheated with exertion, his only option for cooling being to remove the jacket, exposing damp, sweaty skin to the extreme elements.  While this may provide temporary relief, the body cools too quickly, starts to shiver, and the skin begins to burn from the biting chill.  The only option is to once again don the heavy parka and press on with only a matter of time before the body is again overheating.  This ineffective approach allows only “on” or “off” control with no comfort in between.

By contrast, the Terramar BASELAYER TXO Body-Sensor system works on the proven principles of multiple layers of clothing, allowing finer comfort control by simply adding or removing layers as exertion levels and environmental conditions change.

The base layer is undoubtedly the most important, designed to wick moisture away from the body as quickly as possible.  However, it is not sufficient to select a fabric simply for its absorbent properties; it must be able to quickly release that moisture to an outer layer allowing itself to dry, otherwise it will continue to zap the body’s heat.  This will be especially noticeable as exertion and climatic conditions decrease.Pro-mesh ZVP ventilation panels on the back side of the garment and under the arms and armpits facilitate good air circulation.

Terramar TXO 1.0 garment lies closest to the skin and is extremely light weight and comfortable at just 120 grams.   I felt it was perhaps a little too snug towards the back of the arm pit – that said, it could be more a matter of body maintenance (ie. lose some weight!) than garment design.  As with all TXO layers, it is constructed with all flat seam construction which means no uncomfortable chaffing.

The X-Odor technology on all TXO performance layers boasts moisture and odour control. While out snowshoeing, I was pleased to feel warm and dry instead of damp and clammy.  X-odor fabric technology did not eliminate odour, but it was noticeably less offensive at the end of the day than another garment under similar conditions.

The next outer layer(s) are designed with increased focus on insulating properties in addition to moisture wicking features to support the transport begun by the base layer.  As such, you should always wear a lower number garment under a higher number garment for optimal performance. I did not have a 2.0 garment to review, but I did have the outer 3.0 fleece. Extremely soft and comfortable with the same care to avoid chaff points such as seams and also behind the zipper.

Another product from Terramar is the merino wool Beanie.  I confess, when it first arrived, I thought it was little more than a shower cap – in fact, less than a shower cap, seeing as it isn’t even waterproof! However, merino wool has excellent insulation properties and a popular choice for active wear solutions.  Although not entirely flattering, it is very comfortable and provides good warmth. The thin weave design makes it suitable as part of a layered garment strategy for your head; you can wear it under a ski helmet or another hat or toque.

I have been satisfied to use the Terramar TXO Body Sensor 1.0 & 3.0 tops and bottoms on several early morning walks and mountain snowshoe outings. An additional layer was needed when biting winds sprang up and when standing around, but the Terramar TXO Body Sensor Series are effective as intended – as part of a sensible layered strategy for cool weather outdoor activities.  So, if you are still struggling to get finer control over managing your body temperature in the great outdoors, why not consider the quality, light weight comfort solution from Terramar this season?