If you don't know the name Craft, learn it. Craft is a very well known Swedish company that has been making amazing gear for the last 33 years. One of their most recent offerings, the Zero Extreme Concept Piece, made it's way to Gearist and has become an instant favorite.
The Zero Extreme Concept Piece is a super thin and light base layer. Coming in at a minuscule 108 grams (3.8 ounces), one would think that this piece would do anything but keep you warm. The technology works like this:
A HEXA channeled fiber (six channels) against the skin enhances moisture transport and cools the body down, whereas a hollow fiber on the outside of the fabric offers insulation and transports moisture to the next layer.
So, that's the company line on it. I'm here to tell you that whatever fancy technology is behind it, it works. when this top came I thought the box was empty, seriously. The first thing you notice upon putting it on is how it disappears once on your body. This is of course partly due to it's extremely light weight but also because of it's "Moving Wing" technology. Moving Wing combines the light weight and elastic fabric with heavily researched body mapping to make the pieces move with you without any resistance. The end result is a piece that keeps you relaxed and comfortable and focusing on the task at hand.
As for warmth, the Zero Extreme Concept Piece lives up to its billing. While it is meant to be a base layer, I have worn it alone in cold temperatures. Thething about it is that you don't realize how well it's working until you look back after the fact and say, "wow, I wasn't cold at all and I should have been". On top of that, when I was wearing it by itself in a race situation (5K) I didn't once overheat. To be honest I felt right where I wanted to be the whole time. I have to think this is due to the fact that this piece is meant to become a part of you rather than just something you're wearing.
Winter has just begun and I truly look forward to having this top next to me a lot, no matter the situation.
My original review is on Gearist
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