Artilect Goldhill Merino Base layer
Price
£110
Gender
Mens/Womens
Brand // Manufacturers
Artilect
What we liked …
Thoughtful design and its stretchability.
What we didn’t …
Price is on the higher side, but this is a super high-quality item that will last.
The Verdict
the Short Read…
A base layer with bite, the Goldhill 125 Zoned 1/4 Zip Crew is an absolute bomber baselayer, that’ll keep you warm and stink free. Available in both Male and female versions/cuts.
The Long read …
Designed in Boulder, Colorado (though made in Vietnam) the designers at Artilect have had a field day with the Goldhill 125. The thing which stands out, straight from the box, is just how stretchy it is, apparently 35% more than regular merino.
This “Nuyarn” tech is apparently a “spinning” technology that here uses 85% merino and 15% nylon, allowing for an enhanced stretch a faster drying time and claims of more durability and less wind permeability.
I wore the Goldhill on Aonach Eagach in Scotland this summer, (the narrowest ridge on the British mainland, just outside Glencoe - a grade 2/3 scramble). It was a cold start, yet I was soon warm on the climb up – just like skinning uphill – while on the ridge itself I only had the Goldhill on and didn’t think about my temperature all day, which can only be a good thing, as not too hot or too cold, even though there was some light wind.
On the design front, this base layer ticks a lot of boxes -
The long front zip allows for more air flow, and it has a great top zip-cover to stop it catching on your chin, this only works successfully when the zips fully done up, as when slightly open it did catch on my unshaven face a few times.
There are large, perforated sections on the back and under the arms, which is great for airflow and drying, especially when wearing a backpack and getting the compulsory sweaty back. The sleeve bottoms are perforated all the way around and have large thumb loops. The main body has mid-weight to it - with the perforated areas feeling a little lighter.
The fit is perfect if you like it snug. I wore a medium. I don’t like these things pulling up and coming untucked at the rear while bending over to mess with my bindings and so I appreciate it’s long-ish body, and yet the fit was still good and snug on my body and arms.
The lower back section is showing slight signs of bobbling, where my back pack and climbing harness rubbed, but that’s wool for you.
One last thing to mention are the seams, which are well placed away from under your arm, and double stitched, so there’s no chaffing.
summary
The Goldhill 125 Zoned 1/4 Zip Crew is gonna be one of the first items in my bag this winter - I love the stretch, warmth, and the fact it’s only 172g on the kitchen scales.