Review: Burton [ak] Baker Power Wool™ Base Layer Crewneck
What we liked
Soft and cuddly fabric
Design features
What we didn’t
Arm pocket
Price
The Verdict
THE SHORT READ…
Stink-resistant warmth, in an almost mid-layer base-layer, with a great balance of wool-polyester keeping you sung and warm, yet all that cuddly tech warmth comes at a high price point.
THE LONG READ …
I have to admit it, I’m coming over to the whole synthetic wool combo thing, and the Baker Power Wool™ Base Layer Crewneck is helping the old swingometer along, mainly it’s the quick drying and silky feel on my skin.
I’ve always worn 100% merino as a base-layer, mainly due to the fact that I was on a trip to Norway and went into the Davold factory, and spent a near fortune on kit that has lasted me for years, but all good things come to an end and it was time to refresh my base layers.
One thing I love about this top is that it’s simple, yet packed with smart little features that make it stand out. I really dig the crew neck, I’m not a fan of zips in the neck area, especially when I’ve not shaved for a few days. The clean, well stretchy, and chafe-free seam make it a joy to pop over your head.
The internal feel is smooth, with a very, very, slight fluff, which is constructed in a tiny pattern of squares - which seem to really aid the fabrics ability to stretch, and presumably help catch the air in the minute recess between the squares.
I always wondered about mixed fabric, which in this case with a heavy polyester percentage 69% Polyester, 31% Wool, claims of being stink free - but I wore this bad boy for four days straight and I still didn’t kick up a stench.
There’s some snug little hidden thumbhole in the cuff seam, which work well and are small enough not to be annoying if you don’t want to use them. The very small loop of cloth for hanging it up from (aka a “Locker Loop” apparently), is a nice touch too.
There’s also a small zipped pocket on the right sleeve, which you’ll not notice and possibly never use either. I’ve never thought “Oh, I wish I had a pocket on my base layer sleeve.” but may be that’s just me and possibly you’ve been crying out for one.
On the Burton site its described as ‘slim-fit’ which I’m not sure I agree with. I’m no beanpole (5’6”), and sport a little beer/cheese belly, yet the small while not a relaxed fit, is certainly large enough to feel loose and not tight to my body at all.
I’m a massive fan of its body length, which is easily long enough to tuck firmly into your base layer leggings, BTW Burton make Baker Power Wool leggings too (also £155).
SUMMARY…
An absolute gem of a top, which could easily sit over a tight fitting base layer, or be the perfect next to skin layer too.
To be honest the only thing that would put me off is the price, but it comes with a Lifetime Warranty, and Burton’s aftersales has always been very good, so I guess I won’t be needing a ticket to Norway quite yet!