Craft Active Extreme Windstopper Long Sleeve base layer

It's been said before on this site that Swedish company Craft knows a thing or two about base layers. They have an unusually broad range, that's for sure, including a base layer to wear when it's too hot and this, the Active Extreme Windstopper Long Sleeve base layer, with a Gore Windstopper layer built in. The windproofing extends across the front of the torso and across the shoulders but not onto the arms, and you can really feel the difference when you're going quickly on a chilly day. My only quibble would be whether a base layer is really the best place for windproofing.

Mat has previously tried to get to the bottom of Craft's somewhat confused naming strategy for its base layers, so I won't cover that ground again. The Active Extreme Windstopper base layer is intended for cold days, that's for sure. The main material is a fine-knit fabric made of 100% polyester, but woven such that it is pretty stretchy. This is good as it is also cut very close, so it conforms well to your body shape. For a base layer to be most effective, you want as much of it against the skin as possible, and the absence of flapping on our size-medium test model was perfect in this respect. Craft base layers tend to be on the long side but I'm in favour of this - you can tuck it into your bibs and keep the draughts at bay.

I first tested this on a cold day, wearing it under the Alé winter jersey which I reviewed recently, a close-fitting mid-weight top without any windproofing. The effect of the Craft base layer was noticeable from the off, and especially when going downhill at speed. My torso was well protected from the chill factor in a way it wouldn't be with only the jersey. Quite a few jerseys don't have enough protection for cold days, so this will certainly give you more options during the winter.

The Windstopper layer is thin and very lightweight. In common with other Craft base layers, general breathability and wicking is extremely good. The Windstopper layer is breathable, but obviously rather less so than the rest of the garment. I found that this meant I had to give a little more thought to what to wear over the top. If I overdressed then I would find myself starting to get too hot, due to the reduced breathability at the front.

For general riding during the winter, I spend most of the time wearing a jacket as an outer layer, which usually gives a reasonably good protection against the wind. So dressed, the further layer of wind protection here is arguably superfluous and even counter-productive. A good winter base layer performs two functions: it keeps you warm, and it wicks the moisture from any sweat away from your skin. I felt that the Windstopper panel was less able to perform the second of these functions and I was more aware of sweat underneath when I had a jacket over the top.

When you are dressed to go quickly, such as for racing, then I think it makes a lot more sense. This would be a great option under a skinsuit or other tight-fitting jersey, allowing you to get away without a gilet for riding in the cold. More generally, as with the Alé jersey mentioned above, it does allow you to have some extra hidden protection against the cold if your favourite top doesn't keep the wind out.

General standards of construction are impressive. The seams are neat and tidy and (important in a base layer) flatlocked to avoid any irritation. It's really comfortable against the skin. Thermal transfers instead of a scratchy label inside the collar are a welcome further comfort-enhancing measure. There's a reflective logo on one sleeve: I can't really imagine why this was felt to be needed.

This, then, is another very well-made base layer from Craft. In specific circumstances, the addition of a windproof panel on the front gives protection for which you'd otherwise need a jacket or a gilet, so it can mean you can get away with one less layer, saving weight and improving aerodynamics when that matters. In the extreme cold this would also be beneficial. For more general riding in UK conditions, I'd probably spend my money on the non-Windstopper version which I find a bit more comfortable as it wicks and breathes a bit better.

Verdict

Great base layer with extra wind protection if your other layers aren't already fending off the breeze