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Review: Duofold Varitherm Base Layer

Duofold Varitherm Review

About.com Rating 4.5

By David Fiedler, About.com

Duofold Varitherm top

Duofold Varitherm top

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Duofold makes several varieties of base layer clothing that come in a broad array of weights and materials that are appropriate depending on your level of activity, i.e., sitting still ice fishing or watching a football game outdoors vs hiking, skiing or running. This review covers the Varitherm baselayer with Dri Release Wool, and while my less sophisticated self might call them "long johns," that will not do justice to what these high-performance wool tops and bottoms offer you, which is warmth and comfort all in a sleek, low-profile fit.

Terrific Feel and Performance

The Varitherm baselayer by Duofold is not a bulky piece of clothing. With Duofold's Dri Release Wool -- a blend of Merino wool, polyester and spandex -- its feel and fit is going to be more along the lines of an UnderArmor-type top or bottom. However, the unique blend makes it very comfortable and surprisingly warm given its relative thinness.

Another feature that this blend offers is an improvement over pure wool in terms of odor resistance and a drying time that is 4x quicker than a 100% wool garment.

Nice Low Profile Fit

Duofold_varitherm_thumb_cuff
Note the ingenious design allowing for a thumb hole in the cuff.
David Fiedler

I wore the Duofold Varitherm tops and bottoms several times while both running and biking and like them very much. With stretchy, fit to form feel, they are comfortable without being binding. Plus the designers understand the needs of active people in these area with a no-tag look and flat seams that aren't going to rub or chafe. Cuffs on both wrists and ankles are a snug but not tight fit that won't slide up.

Plus the Varitherm top features a unique small hole on the inside of the double-long cuff that allows your thumb to slide through. This does two things. First when you've already got that top on and are pulling on a sweatshirt or another layer, it allows you to keep the cuff in place and not have it go sliding up your arm. Second, if you are running or riding and find your hands getting cold, you can pull the extra-long cuff out and stick your thumb through the hole. This keeps the cuff and extra length of sleeve over your hands, while still allowing fingers to poke through, offering that extra bit of warmth.

Product Details

Note that as you're thinking about these types of base layers and how they are worn, they're not really going to be compatible with bike shorts or tights that have a chamois. This is a base layer that you'd use as a commuter or cooler weather cyclist who can be out for a fun ride and not have to dress like Lance every time you get on a bike. All in all, I think you'll find yourself very satisfied with the Duofold Veritherm baselayer. Though the pricing might be just a nick higher than your basic off-the-shelf long underwear, this is money very well spent when it comes to the garment's features and performance and your comfort.

Product Features - Dri Release Wool

  • Effective moisture management
  • Improved odor resistance
  • Natural insulation and thermal properties of Merino wool

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