Base layers can be expensive (I'm looking at you, Patagucci) so we were really curious when we heard about ColdPruf's new ECO line of affordable -- and green -- options.
The price for each piece of the Pro-Tek line of base layer? $25. That's a fourth of the price of my favorite Patagonia tights.
The company has had to make some obvious sacrifices -- you won't get merino for such a low price -- but they've kept the cost down without cutting too many corners. What you will get are garments made from 6-oz. single-layer mini-waffle, 100 percent performance recycled polyester. (The mini-waffle material makes me nostalgic for the little footy pajamas I wore when I was six.) The material also has Microban antimicrobial protection to keep the stanky factor down.
(If you're dead set on merino, check out the line's bigger brother -- the ECO-Terra -- which is 70 percent recycled poly and 30 percent merino for $30)
So we were curious, how would they hold up against their far pricier competition?
Fellow ultrarunner and PT365 reviewer Rob Colenso and I put these to the test. Here's how the men's version fared for him:
While not items I'd use as an insulating layer for running, ColdPruf's Pro-Tek line of synthetic shirts and pants are a solid and inexpensive after-run option as layering pieces or stand-alone wear. In particular, the men's crew-neck shirt is a good second layer between a short-sleeve T-shirt and a midweight jacket for particularly chilly post-run hanging out in the parking lot. (What, you jump into your car and head home right after you finish a chilly winter run? Sissy.)
Two things worth noting about the shirt, though: The fit is very particular to people with the typical V-shaped athlete's upper body -- both the length of the shirttail and sleeves are shorter than you'd expect, and I noticed some sleeve shrinkage after only a couple of wash/dry cycles. What's more, I found the material weirdly itchy -- I had to double check that it was polyester instead of wool.
I've gotten less wear out of the pants during the mild mid-Atlantic weather this winter, but did get a chance to wear them as an under-layer beneath a pair of hiking pants while manning an aid station at a couple of fall races and found the extra layer did make a difference after the sun went down and the mercury started to drop. Again, there seemed to be some shrinkage in the leg length after a couple of wash/dry cycles that might be avoidable if they'd been washed in cold and allowed to hang dry.
I had similar experiences with the women's items.
While I also wouldn't wear these for running, I have worn them while working on a friend's horse farm -- which is not easy work. I stayed just as warm as in my more-expensive base layers, and equally comfortable once I broke a sweat.
The Pro-Tek line is incredibly versatile: I've worn these out in the snow, to bed and everything in between. Because the pants are dark and not at all sheer, you could probably get away with wearing them to a yoga class without causing a scene.
Fit: Rob and I are both solidly a size medium -- he's 5'10" and 168 pounds; I'm 5'6" and 135 pounds -- but reps sent us larges instead. We both shrugged and tried them anyway, and were surprised we weren't swimming in our clothes. The material is quite stretchy, so while the larges were just a tad baggy, it seems as if we'd have no problem wearing the smaller sizes. On the women's top the fit is quite boxy, so take note if you have a long upper body.
Quality: Rob and I have noticed that the arms and legs of each piece have noticeably shrunk. I don't mind that the pants are ankle length, but it is slightly annoying that the sleeves on the women's crew now only hit my wrists. Otherwise these have held up well. I'd worried that the quality would take a hit because of the low, low price, but the seems aren't coming undone and the garments don't seem to be wearing faster than expected.
Washing instructions: These can go in the washer and in the dryer on a low heat setting. Try skipping the dryer and these may not shrink as much.
Verdict: At first glance you'll notice the Pro-Tek line isn't as luxurious as brands such as MontBell, Ibex or Patagonia; the fit isn't quite as well-tailored and the material is polyester instead of merino. But when you factor in the you-get-what-you-pay-for aspect, then this affordable line gets the job done.
When faced with a blustery, all-day outdoor event, I've found myself just as likely to grab the ColdPruf base layers as I am to grab the MontBells.
Check out the ColdPruf site for more information and retailers; $25.
Sara Davidson and Rob Colenso are ultrarunners in the D.C. area.
