Helly Hansen LIFA Merino Midweight Half Zip Base Layer for Men
Product Review & Walking Gear Test

LIFA Merino Midweight Half Zip Base Layer for Men Vital Statistics: Colours: Lav Green, Electric Blue, Navy, Black Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL Weight: 290g (XL) SRP: £80.00

Helly Hansen says:"A unique 2-in-1 base layer with 100% merino wool exterior and 100% LIFA® Stay Warm Technology interior.

LIFA® Merino Midweight is perfect for any type of activity in cold weather. A unique 2-in-1 base layer with 100% merino wool combined with LIFA® Stay Warm Technology in a 2 layer construction. LIFA® Merino Midweight delivers all the great benefits of merino wool fibers plus the unique properties of technical LIFA® fibers."

Features to Note:

• 2-layer construction
• ½ zip construction
• 100% Merino Wool exterior
• 225g LIFA® Merino fabric
• Non-itch
• Flat lock seams
• Fiber Content: 57% Merino Wool, 43% Polypropylene

In-use Test:

Helly Hansen’s LIFA® fabric is based on a yarn technology that moves moisture away from the skin and transports it to the surface of the fabric, where it evaporates, leaving the wearer warm, dry and comfortable.

There are three iterations of fabric based on Helly Hansen’s LIFA® yarn technology. The basic HH LIFA® comprises a single layer of moisture wicking material. HH LIFA® Active comprises a double layer of moisture wicking material and the HH LIFA® Merino comprises a layer of moisture wicking material next to the skin and a 2nd layer of Merino wool for warmth.

The LIFA® Merino Midweight Half Zip is made from this 3rd iteration with a 100% LIFA® Stay Warm Technology interior layer and a 100% merino wool exterior.

Over the years I have tested a number of Merino wool base layers and have generally been unimpressed with their moisture management so approached the LIFA® Merino Midweight Half Zip with scepticism.

I wore it for a day around the (rather cool) office and found it to be lovely and warm. Then to give it a proper test I wore it next to my skin on a 70km bike ride in the Peak District and have to say that it works superbly well. All my misgivings proved to be unfounded.

I tend to run hot and sweat easily but this base layer coped easily with anything I could throw at it. It is really soft to the touch, warm and handles moisture with ease.

The fit is on the athletic side but it needs to be figure hugging otherwise it will not work effectively.

The label suggests washing by hand at 40°C but I put in the washing machine and it came out fine. I did air dry it (rather than using a tumble dryer) but this didn't take long.

The LIFA® Merino Midweight Half Zip has long sleeves and a crew neck with a 15cm (6") zip & a 6cm (2½") collar. The zip has a little flap of material over it at the top to stop the top of the zip from irritating my throat. I would have liked to see thumb-holes on the cuffs but the sleeves were tight enough to prevent any 'riding up' when I put my top layer on, so this wasn't a problem.

Buying Advice:

Soft to the touch, lovely and warm and with superb moisture management - the LIFA® Merino Midweight Half Zip from Helly Hansen does what it says it does - and does it really well. Recommended.

For more details see: https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_gb/lifa-merino-midweight-1-2-zip-49363

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