Gear Review: Patagonia Capilene 4 Baselayer

Patagonia Capilene 4 Baselayer 9.5/10
This is a synthetic baselayer that can be worn as a mid-layer (over a tight fitting baselayer) if required.  This is an allround excellent baselayer with a micro-grid inside that wicks moisture away from your body super-quick whilst the outside is smoothed to produced an almost powerstretch quality and warmth.  The micro-grid reduces the weight but keeps that all-important warmth factor by making this a super-technical layer.  It is treated, like all their capilene, with crushed crab-shells (Gladiodor) which bizarrely prevents it wiffing when you sweat (much more so than 'smelly' Helly Hansen amongst other synthetic baselayers).  The zip-neck is really low cut so you can cool down quickly if required, and the back is slightly low-cut so you don't get that drafty patch.  It has performed excellently when I've biked, run, scrambled, climbed, hiked and looks exactly the same as when I bought it 2 years ago! It hasn't pilled unlike most other baselayers I've got...
The added bonus is it's made with 50% recycled polyester which is pretty good going, the rest is non-recycled, but still every bit helps! (100% recyclable through Common Threads) There's also 7% spandex in there to provide that important stretch factor when active.  I simply can't knock this top, I'd like a chest pocket, but that's a personal thing because I often wear it as a single layer- It's that good! It retails at £59.95 which isn't cheap which is the only grumble.

SPEC:
Capilene 4 offers great stretch, breathability and compressibility
Interior grid wicks moisture, trims bulk and provides warmth
Smooth jersey face slides easily beneath layers

Zip-neck for easy climate control is backed by draft flap and zipper garage

Raglan sleeve seams won't chafe beneath straps

Vertical zippered chest pocket holds essentials, is easily accessed

Drop-tail hem

5.3-oz Polartec® Power Dry® 93% polyester (50% recycled)/7% spandex, with Gladiodor® natural odor control for the garment. Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program

238 g (8.4 oz)

Capilene baselayers feature a moisture-wicking polyester fabric that dries quickly. Capilene polyester is also recycled, recyclable and features Gladiodor® natural odor control.

Gladiodor natural odor control is a safe, durable, nonpolluting and effective alternative to heavy metal ions. It comprises naturally derived amino acid chains that kill odor-causing bacteria on the product.