The first thing you notice about the Mondo Zip is the length of it; this is no T-shirt doubling up as a baselayer, it's got arms the length of gorillas' arms and a torso long enough to almost sit on. At 224g (we didn't have a manufacturer's quoted weight to compare with) it's by no means the lightest base layer, but being part of the 200 weight Bodyfit series it's designed for cooler conditions where it's important to prevent the wind cutting through the midriff or sleeves. In real world testing the extra length not only eliminated waist height draughts but gave a uniform feeling of warmth and comfort over the full length. What also helps here is the semi-compression design of the Mondo Zip, clinging to the body with complete precision yet without feeling restrictive. There's no loose fabric to flap around or allow cold air to collect and the garment moves in perfect unison with the body whatever the activity.

Along with refusing to hold moisture Icebreaker's merino products are famed for their resistance to odours, and we certainly put that to the test well with 5 days non stop, day and night, use doing everything from sitting at the desk to filming a walk in the Peak. Now odour resistance is relative and a lot depends on if you run "hot" or "cold" along with the activities involved, but by comparison we'd never normally wear our Ron Hill or Berghaus base layers for more than a couple of days at the outside (and even then only if camping alone). After 5 days use the Mondo Zip showed no noticeable sign of wear and to be honest we could quite easily have carried on for a few days more if we didn't have other base layers to test.

£60 may sound a lot for a baselayer, especially when you can pick up a synthetic top for under half the price, and Icebreaker's known for being a bit "pricey", but the capital outlay is just a part of the equation. Could you wear a synthetic base layer for 196 hours non-stop without the overwhelming need to change it for something fresher smelling? Well Icebreaker baselayers have done that for 196 days!!! What you also get with the Mondo Zip is that incomparable feeling of wool on skin. It delivers a warmth and comfort that not only beat the man-made competition hands down but can add more than a few degrees capability to a whole layering system when it matters most. What you pay on the initial cost will more than save its cost in the medium, never mind long, term with reduced washing needs alone but when you add in the extra warmth and reduced need for extra spares it becomes a no-brainer.

Price: £60.00

Weight: 224g

Colour: Black, Camo, Mars, Ink, Blue

Features:

• Zip neck collar Raglan sleeves Gussets for ease of movement
• Forward side seam
• Fits close to the body
• Flatlock stitching
• Icebreaker embroidered logo

Pros: Comfort, odour resistance

Cons: sleeve length, durability

Note: This article was restored from the archives. It's published creation date is inaccurate.