• Specification

• Price: £35.00
• Sizes: S-XXXL
• Size tested: M
• Website: Pactimo

The base layer is made from 93 per cent polyester and seven per cent spandex, with a honeycomb texture designed, Pactimo say, to maximise wicking.

The low weight of the base layer means the fabric is very thin but this, combined with the construction, ensures it sits inconspicuously beneath a jersey and does a fine job at wicking sweat away from the skin. I’ve tested the Zero-Weight in temperatures in the mid-20s, on humid days both here in the UK and Gran Canaria, and have been grateful it’s been in my kit bag.

Wearing a base layer during the summer when the sun is beating down may sound strange but, while some riders prefer to ride bare-chested, a wicking undershirt helps lift sweat away from the skin, pulling moisture away from the body and working to keep your core relatively dry and comfortable. As an aside, a base layer will also prevent any irritation between the straps of your bib shorts and your skin.

You’ll also get a cooling effect if the base layer is exposed to the wind, which brings the design back in focus. A base layer may not be the most obvious place to add a little design flair to your kit, given that it will be hidden from view most of the time, but Pactimo have done so here, just like Hackney GT with the excellent Stars and Stripes base layer we’ve also reviewed. If it’s warm on a climb and your jersey is unzipped then you’ll get the full effect. Pactimo offer the Zero-Weight in white and green topographical designs, while there’s also a plain white option if that’s more your thing.

The fit is excellent and true to size – I typically wear a medium in race-fit kit and that’s the case here – and the fabric used is very soft, feeling almost like silk, so it sits comfortably next to the skin. One thing to note, however, is that the base layer comes up significantly shorter than any other I’ve tried. I don’t mind, as it reduces the amount of excess material which needs tucking into bib shorts, but if you prefer a more conventional fit or are particularly long in the torso, then it may be a problem.

Conclusion

The Pactimo Zero-Weight sleeveless base layer is ideal for hot summer rides, when staying comfortable in sticky conditions is top of the agenda. It’s extremely light and does an excellent job at wicking sweat, with a little design flair thrown into the mix, too. While I like the shorter-than-average cut, some riders may prefer a little extra length in the body.

Pros

• Extremely lightweight
• Ideal for hot, humid conditions
• Adds a little design flair to the humble base layer
• Form-fitting

Cons

• Some riders may prefer a little extra length in the body