Product Overview
Weight: 9.4 oz.
What we like: A great-looking technical baselayer with tons of features.
What we don’t: Pricey for synthetic materials.
Best uses: A baselayer for winter sports or an outer layer for cool weather hiking.
Price: $119 at Backcountry, $119 at REI
First, I have a predisposition for Patagonia’s Capilene baselayers and was excited to get the new Capilene 4 Pro Zip-Neck. I frequently wear Capilene tops for everything from skiing and hiking to normal everyday use (this is socially acceptable in Seattle). However, the Pro Zip-Neck is different, with a unique hybrid design and features like an extra high collar and odor resistance. After the first look, the comfort and warmth of the Pro Zip-Neck are impressive and I can’t wait to get it out in the snow for more testing.
Look and Feel
The first thing that jumps out about the Pro Zip-Neck is that the design is more attractive that most other Capilene options. Instead of a solid black or grey, the Pro Zip-Neck has panels with two shades of blue and a yellow zipper that stands out (it also comes in a green and grey version but we prefer the blue). The inside is a blue brushed-fleece that is super soft on the skin, as is the high collar. In addition to using the Capilene 4 Pro Zip-Neck as a baselayer, we can’t help but think about lounging around the cabin in it too.
Materials and Features
The feature set is really where this baselayer stands out. The Capilene 4 Pro Zip-Neck is touted as being one of Patagonia’s warmest and most breathable technical baselayers, made possible by a hybrid design and some impressive fabrics. To summarize, the materials around the core, sides, and forearms are Capilene 4 for breathability and moisture management, and the chest and shoulders are a thicker R1 fleece for warmth. This combination is great for active use, keeping you warm and dry where you need it.
Other features on the Capilene 4 Pro Zip-Neck include thumb loops in the cuffs to keep cold out and an extra high collar for warmth around the neck and chin. The latter allows you to leave your neck warmer at home, and the zipper is cut deep for airing it out when things get toasty. This all adds up to a serious technical baselayer suitable for a variety of activities and conditions.
Odor Control
The Capilene 4 Pro Zip-Neck is a performance baselayer, and therefore one of the most notable inclusions is the Polygiene odor control treatment. A major point of separation between synthetics like Capilene and natural materials like merino wool is odor resistance: synthetics are cheaper, more durable, and easier to wash, but traditionally aren’t as good for week-long hut trips where stink builds up quickly and washing machines are not available.
Enter Polygiene, a Swedish company that specializes in antimicrobial treatments (i.e. making your clothes as stinkproof as possible). We’ve taken this baselayer on runs with no stink and can’t wait to get it out for cross-country and downhill skiing for more testing. If the odor treatment works as advertised, it would be a significant development in baselayer tech and make Capilene an even more attractive option for serious backcountry endeavors.
Fit
The Capilene 4 Pro Zip-Neck has a slim fit and long enough to be tucked in. I am just over 6 feet tall and on the lanky side—right on the cusp between medium and large. In Patagonia Capilene products and other baselayers, I usually go with a medium. In outerwear and other items that are meant to fit a bit baggier, I often go with a large. If you’re planning on wearing the Capilene Pro Zip-Neck primarily as a next-to-skin baselayer, I would recommend getting your normal baselayer size or a size smaller if you’re on the border. The benefit of going a larger is that the top will wear better as an outer layer around the cabin.
Conclusions
For all kinds of winter sports from resort skiing and snowboarding to serious forays into the backcountry, the Patagonia Capilene 4 Pro Zip-Neck is a contender for the best technical baselayers of the year. We love the design, comfort, and features, and from our experience, Capilene just seems to last forever. At $119, this is a relatively pricey top for non-merino, but the features are there to back it up.