Reviews

Altura ThermoCool Long Sleeve base layer – review

Comfortable base layer which transfers moisture away from the body effectively

Altura’s ThermoCool Long Sleeve base layer is the brand’s most technical base layer, featuring contoured and shaped ThermoCool yarn which does an effective job of keeping you dry and comfortable.

Boasting a close fit, the ThermoCool Long Sleeve base layer carries an RRP of £49.99 – a competitive price for a base layer which promises to be an adaptable layer for cool and warm weather riding.

Personally speaking, the base layer worked effectively – thanks in no small part to the skin-tight fit, and body-mapping technology – but was more adept in cooler conditions than on milder days.

Altura’s ThermoCool Long Sleeve Base Layer does an effective job of wicking away moisture

With the typically unpredictable British weather allowing a wide range of temperatures in which to test the base layer, it worked well in anything from freezing to around ten degrees.

On shorter, more intensive rides or in temperatures above that you could probably get away with just a jacket or shell over the top, while on longer mileage rides a medium to lower weight jersey and gilet were necessary for windproofing.

Specification
Price: £49.99
Sizes: S/M-L/XL
Size tested: S/M
Website: Altura

This is because the ThermoCool tech does not boast thermal properties – instead it works by rapidly wick excess moisture away from the skin, thanks to added surface and enhanced air circulation.

The Altura ThermoCool Long Sleeve base layer also has ‘thermo-buffering’ properties, claimed to reduce post-exertion chill, which did a good job in our experience.

On the bike, meanwhile, it hardly ever felt too warm, unless under very hard effort with too many layers – and we can’t blame the base layer for that!

Fit-wise, it’s very close but very comfortable, with enough stretch to ensure it isn’t too tight while riding.

It’s also long enough on the torso to allow overlap into bib tights, which keeps it flat and in place – minimising any bunching of fabric that can happen if it’s too short.

As we have mentioned, there isn’t the weight or fleece-like material to hold warmth – it’s not built to be a thermal base layer – but the effective moisture transfer meant cooled perspiration (and therefore cold spots) were very rare.

The aforementioned ‘thermo-buffering’ properties aren’t a particular advancement – as most good base layers don’t leave you too clammy – but all this meant was I kept warm, and a lot drier.

The fit is tight but comfortable, with a long enough torso to tuck under bib tights and avoid bunching

I did notice jackets over the top of the base layer had more moisture at times on the arms, and I’d take that to be testament to the effective wicking of the base layer.

Cost wise, its reasonable, and adds performance and versatility to other garments, by being lightweight and effective, minimising extra bulk but offering a degree of warmth, and solid moisture evaporation.

Conclusion

The Altura ThermoCool Long Sleeve base layer is a capable one, effectively wicking away moisture to keep you dry and comfortable on the bike, but it’s more of an all rounder than a niche ‘cooling’ or ‘thermal’ layer. That means, however, it will do an effective job through much of the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn.