Patagonia Wool 2 : Next-to-Skin NICE

This gorgeous and amazing merino wool crew-style top has quickly become my "go to" shirt.

I wear it alone and as a base layer. The soft merino wool is not at all itchy, but in fact, extremely soft and comfortable against my skin.

The Wool 2 top is Patagonia's first level of base layer warmth out of three styles (i.e., Wool 3 and Wool 4 --- don't know why there isn't a Wool1). Designed for cool weather, it's super thin and lightweight, with a pointelle ventilation system that augments the wool's natural superior breathability and temperature regulating properties. The Wool 2 is available in men's and women's styles; the short-sleeved crew (pictured above), a long-sleeved crew, and a half-zip.

I tested a women's style, which has a a crossover crew neck that adds an interesting detail, looks feminine in an outdoorsy way, and actually creates some give in the neckline. I appreciate that the top is cut long enough for me to tuck it in and also has such a great drape (due to the weight of the fabric) that it looks very nice untucked, too.

I wore this shirt (I have a black one) to a casual business meeting, and received many compliments on it. Two days later, I wore it as a base layer while ski touring. It preformed beautifully--it kept my core warm and dry and the flat seems preventing any rubbing underneath the shoulder straps of my pack. The Wool 2 was just the right thing to have on beneath a long sleeve wool mid layer and my soft shell jacket.

This shirt washes well, retains it's shape, and doesn't shrink.

Editor's Note: I also tested the Wool 2 top, the long-sleeved version. I wear it every day for my power walks, and it's been the ideal base layer under a shell for mid- to high-40s temps. Even on colder days when it dips into the mid- to -high-30s, it's all I need under a soft shell or under a fleece vest and windbreaker.

It's so comfy and dries so fast that I always leave it on after my early evening walks/hikes until bedtime. And I wear it day after day without washing. Even when I stink, the shirt stays fresh.

I appreciate the raglan sleeves which give the top a custom fit through the shoulders and make it an easy layering piece (no seams under seams).--E.D.

Bottom Line: Available for men and women in three styles and a variety of colors. There's also a Wool 2 pant/tight.--S.R. (Dec 07)

Price: $80 short sleeve, $82 long sleeve, $88 zip

Buy Online: Moosejaw.com ,

Manufacturer's Site: www.patagonia.com

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