The Outdoor Adventure Giving you tips, tricks & recommendations to help make adventuring in the Outdoors fun, safe & exciting for you and your kids.
As a part of the Terramar Tribe I’ve had the opportunity to test out a lot of gear. Each piece has its role, and today I want to talk a bit about the Terramar Sports TXO 2.0 Men’s Crew.
Features:
- Layer type: 2.0 – Midweight Base Layer
- Synthetic fabric embedded with Activated carbon (will not wash out)
- Fast-drying, breathable and soft
- UPF Rating 50+
- All-flat seam construction
- TXO Brushed Inside
- 18% Spandex
- 82% Polyester
- Fabric weight: 175 grams
- MSRP: $55
Testing:
I’ve had this crew for about a year now. It is a warmer base layer, and I use it with a 1.0 layer in cold mountain evenings when I’m not moving, or by itself on cold days when I’m active. For example, I took it out canoeing with the kids the week before the lakes started freezing over and was very comfortable in it. (see the video below)
What are my thoughts?
What originally turned me away from synthetics years ago were memories of 1990s rayon and polyester that didn’t work with my body type. They literally stank… so they metaphorically stank as well. Then, newer generations of synthetics started to have odor blocking technologies like active carbon or similar treatments which allow them to be used longer outdoors without developing that all too familiar musk…of muskox. I’m happy to say that even on active days when I sweat, I don’t clear the room in this top, I’m still huggably fresh!
Despite being a heavier fabric, it does a great job of wicking. There’s no magic fabric, but synthetics don’t absorb moisture the same way some natural fibers do, meaning they can pull it away from your skin where it can evaporate.
What is extremely important for me about this top is how comfortable it is. The inside is brushed, meaning it’s very soft. The collar is extremely soft as well, which for a bearded guy is extremely important. On top of that Terramar uses flat stitched seams, which is hugely important for those of us that carry packs. You don’t get hot spots or sore spots from welts like you would with a lower end top.
The thumb holes in the sleeves are a great addition for keeping your wrists warm, and prevent cold spots when you’re wearing gloves.
The sizing feels a bit small for me, especially for a 2.0 layer.It is an athletic fix with its 18% spandex, but if you’re on the higher end of medium, I’d recommend going for a large. You’ll appreciate the additional length and space for putting a 1.0 base layer underneath.
Conclusion
Terramar Base Layers offer a number of options for your personal base layer preferences. Whether you’re a silk, wool or synthetic fan, you’ll find lots to choose from. All their layering items form a system (1.0 – 4.0) that works together to combat pretty much any weather you’re likely to face.
The TXO 2.0 is a cold weather technical piece suitable by itself when active in cold weather and layered in even colder weather. It wicks moisture, which makes it quicker to dry and its embedded active carbon means fresher smell and therefore longer, cleaner smelling use between washes. While it could benefit from being a bit longer, it’s a great choice for a midweight base layer.
