Bergans Akeleie Half Zip Merino Baselayer Top

Bergans Akeleie Half Zip: The Ideal Winter Baselayer

"There are tons of good base layers on the market at the moment, but I’d look closely at the lighter weight Merino wool clothing and better still the Merino / polyester mix’s which don’t get as heavy when wet and dry fast (plus they still don’t stink!)." - Andy Kirkpatrick (mountaineer)

"There's nothing revolutionary about the Akeleie half zip, they've just got everything right: from the choice of materials, to the fit, the zips, cuffs, collar and seams, all done to a high standard. There's simply nothing we would change. The Bergans Akeleie Half Zip is a superbly designed, functionally styled, winter baselayer. A second skin that keeps you warm when you're wet, dries rapidly, and is luxuriously comfortable. This ideal balance of function, style and luxury make the Akeleie Half Zip Scramble's top pick in our Cold Weather Baselayer category." (See the full review for more images and a good idea of sizing)

The Akeleie is part of Bergans of Norway's hybrid series of two-layer, woolen baselayers made from a combination of Merino wool and polyester.

The two-layer design allows the fabric to retain more air for enhanced insulation. The combination of wool and synthetic fibres makes the garments highly wicking and provides insulation under different temperature conditions and activity levels. The Akeleie range is also suitable for those who do not want to have wool right next to their skin. The Akeleie Half Zip can be used both as an innermost "next-to-skin" layer (recommended), but can double as an extra layer over a lighter baselayer in very cold conditions.

The Benefits of Merino Wool

Merino wool is a high-quality natural fibre with numerous benefits:

• moisture-wicking
• insulating
• temperature-regulating
• odour-resistant
• breathable
• elastic (maintains shape over time)
• comfortable

Specification

• Fabric: Outer fabric: 80% Merino Wool / 20% Polyester
• Inner fabric: 100% Polyester
• Merino quality: 220 g/m² (6.49oz/yd²)
• Fiber: 19.5 microns
• Weight (measured):    258 g (size L)
• UPF: 50+

Features

• Odour neutral
• Tailored fit
• Half-zip (for venting)
• Breathable
• Great moisture-wicking
• Luxuriously comfortable

Recommended uses include:

•  trekking / scrambling
•  climbing / mountaineering
•  expedition
•  skiing, winter cycling

Sizing / Measuring

Bergans sizing is pretty accurate. This kind of baselayer will work best as a reasonably fitted item, so if you're on the margins we recommend sizing down. You can get a good idea of the fit from the Scramble review (note: the editor is 5'8" tall with a 42" chest).