At A Glance
‘Shiney’ springs to mind when you first cast your eyes over the Xtract. The top is also quite heavy in its fabric; thicker than a base layer this will definitely add an extra layer of warmth on those extremely cold days. Flat-locked stitching is reflective which is a nice touch and the zip runs all the way down to your midriff so if you do start to roast you can get rid of the heat quickly. There are also under arm vents and the man made fibres are designed to rapidly move sweat away from your skin, hence the name Xtract…
Buy Base Layers onOn The Trail
Coupled with a good base layer this is ridiculously warm and you could even wear it on its own, on warmer days, very comfortably. The athletic fit is snug against your body and the stitching is such that there are no rub points when you sling your backpack on. The cut is generous at the back so if you take your jacket off you will still get some protection from the elements. The long sleeves ensure your wrists stay warm too. It is a great addition to the winter wardrobe, but will no doubt get plenty of use as a top layer when the weather eases up.
Overall
Snug, warm, tight fitting mid-layer that is perfect for those cold days when you couple it with a good base layer. Can also be worn on its own and will wick the sweat away very effectively. The cut on the arms and back is generous so you shouldn’t ever get cold when you’re wearing this along with an appropriate jacket. Well priced too considering the quality of the garment.
Buy Base Layers onThis review was in Issue 3 of IMB.
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By Rou Chater
Rou Chater is the Publishing Editor of IMB Magazine; he’s a jack-of-all-trades and master of none, but his passion for bikes knows no bounds. His first mountain bike was a Trek 820, which he bought in 1990. It didn’t take him long to earn himself a trip to the hospital on it, and he’s never looked back since. These days he’s keeping it rubber side down, riding locally and overseas as much as possible.