I’m very picky about my base layers, mostly because I’ve become spoiled from merino wool. Now, all I want to wear when skiing is merino. So when Woolx, a company based out of Endicott, New York, asked if I’d like to try some X-Plorer base layers, they didn’t have to twist my arm too hard.
The Woolx X-Plorer merino base layers are a heavier, mid-weight underwear set. The company says these bottoms and tops are best used as a layering piece to be worn while snowmobiling, or skiing. Features include:
- 100% 18.5 Micron Australian Merino Wool
- 230 g/m2 Interlock Construction
- Weight of garment – size large – 10.40ounces – 295g
- Midweight Superfine Merino Wool
- Perfect spring, fall, and winter shirt — wear this as a daily wear shirt
- Underarm gusset for a better more comfortable fit
- Slight back drop hem
- 3″ cuffs
- Flatlock non-chafe seams
Since Woolx recommends the X-Plorer for skiing, I took them at their word and headed up to Alta and the Wasatch backcountry to test them out.
First off, this merino wool is some of the softest I’ve ever felt. They say it feels like cashmere, and I have to agree. The tops and bottoms are downright buttery. But after wearing them around the house, I noticed that all that softness was being hijacked by the interior seams. Whatever thread they are using on the seams is pretty rough, itchy, and irritating. Both the tops and bottoms could use an overhaul on the stitching (like maybe flatlock seams or a different thread material.)
I spent several days ski touring and shredding in-bounds with the X-Plorer base layers and, despite the irritating seams, fell in love with the breathability and warmth of these layers. At Alta, they were perfect under my snowpants and a puffy mid-layer followed by an outer shell. Range of motion is very good and the shirt length is long enough to tuck into my pants to avoid any cold air from seeping into my plumber’s crack.
Overall, I’d say the mid-weight thickness of the X-Plorer base layers are perfect for resort skiing, but are too warm for constant aerobic activity like backcountry skiing. While the fabric breathed really well, I think a lighter weight Woolx version would be better for touring. That being said, I did appreciate the X-Plorer on a particularly cold day of touring in Beartrap Fork when winds were howling on the ridges sending the wind chill temperatures into minus territory.
Another thing I really like about the X-Plorer base layer is the patterns they use. Most base layers are assumed to be work underneath jackets, but Woolx created prints that make the tops look like a normal shirt. The blue and black stripes on my test sample looked good when not skiing, like when I hang out at the Peruvian Lodge Bar after a day of skiing at Alta.
The Good: Buttery soft, true to size, excellent range-of-motion, warm, breathable.
The Bad: Inside stitching is rough against the skin.
Final Word: Some of the best-looking and softest merino layers I’ve worn that would be the best if the inside stitching didn’t compromise complete comfort.
To order, or to peruse other offerings from Woolx, check them out at www.woolx.com