REASONS TO BUY
Exceptional mobility and fit
Best thumb holes
Very breathable
REASONS TO AVOID
Poor durability
Average drying speed
tasc Base Layer Review
We loved the tasc Base Layer for its ability to move along with our bodies across a wide range of activities, as well as its significant warmth and breathability, but were disappointed in its lack of durability
tasc Base Layer
Credit: tasc
Our Verdict
This was the first product from tasc that we have ever tested here at OutdoorGearLab. On paper, we were drawn in by its distinctive blend of viscose from bamboo, merino wool, and lycra. On our backs, we were seriously impressed by the fit of this model, which seemed to move with our body movements like a second skin, without the vacuum-sealed feeling of some base layers.
It also proved to be very breathable and warmer than it appears, and the majority natural fibers resist odors well. However, it got pretty beat-up during testing and didn't hold up nearly as well as the others. As the fabric and threads ripped, we also became torn. But with a lackluster performance concerning durability, this great product fell out of the running for an award.
Our Analysis and Test Results
A blend of viscose from bamboo, merino wool, and lycra forms the fabric for the Base Layer from tasc, which costs $90. This unique combination of natural and synthetic materials created a warm, breathable, and comfortable product. We especially liked the fit of this well-designed top. It did suffer from a low score in durability, though, as it showed the most scars at the end of our testing period.
Performance Comparison
As the first product from tasc ever reviewed by OutdoorGearLab, this product brought some great qualities to the table. It didn't smash up the competition, but we look forward to more products from this company in the future.
Credit: Ross Robinson
Warmth
Weighing 8.9 oz, the tasc model had a strong weight to warmth ratio. It feels thicker than other products with the same 200 g/m² fabric weight and provides a good deal of warmth. As long as we remained moderately active, this top was warm enough on its own down to 32°F.
With extra long sleeves and torso, this model kept us covered through any activity or movement. Even sitting.
Credit: Ross Robinson
Its design and features added to its warmth. The snug and long fit of the torso and sleeves kept our skin from being exposed to cold air during practically any kind of movement. The torso extended further than any other product, reaching 13 inches past the top of our main reviewer's hips. We also loved the way this top seemed to hug our hips and upper thighs in a flexible, warm embrace, and the drop tail even further covered us below the waist in the back. The thumb holes were a favorite, functioning much better and keeping our hands comfortable and warmer than the thumb loops on other tops. Lastly, the minor detail of a zipper garage was welcome, as it kept the sometimes icy zipper from giving our necks an unwanted cold kiss.
Breathability
This contender didn't disappoint in breathability. When hiking in cold to moderate temperatures with a loaded pack, we didn't notice any sweat condensing on the inside layer of this top. After our indoor workout test, our skin went from sweaty to dry in less than seven minutes. Its breathability was comparable to some models with thinner fabric.
The swinging rings on the beach of Santa Monica beg to be played with, and the flexible tasc model didn't protest.
Credit: Ross Robinson
Comfort and Fit
The tasc model is comfortable and very well fitting. The flexible fabric, combined with its snug fit, moved exceptionally with our bodies in all directions. When testing this product in rounds of calisthenics, very rarely did we have to re-adjust our sleeves or the bottom of the shirt, as they simply stayed put. This is more than we could say for several tops reviewed.
Due to its stretchy fabric, and with the help of oval underarm gussets, this product has no hindrances when it comes to mobility. The seams are cleverly placed away from the shoulder tops and avoid any chafing. It was also the only model that had no inner tags, which can often rub and itch annoyingly on similarly snug products. The thumb holes were very comfortable, as the extra-long sleeves provided enough material to loop over the thumb without putting pressure on the purlicue between the thumb and index finger.
The already stretchy fabric of this model combined with the large under arm gussets to create a base layer with excellent mobility.
Credit: Ross Robinson
This product did have two drawbacks, one concerning comfort and one concerning its fit. Surprisingly, this fabric was the itchiest of all that we tested, despite only being 30% merino wool. It also hugged our neck a smidge too tightly when zipped up, causing us to feel the need to adjust it more than other models.
If your skin is especially sensitive to itchy fabric, consider synthetic products for your long underwear needs.
Drying Speed
The tasc product dried significantly slower than some tops with the same fabric weight of 200 g/m². As it is a snug fitting model, its drying speed should improve when worn, as this would increase the fabric's surface area contact to the air.
Durability
Durability was the unfortunate downfall of this top. At the end of our testing period, it showed quite a bit of wear and tear. It had developed small holes in the fabric on the left sleeve, multiple points where the stitching was coming loose, and our beloved thumb holes were beginning to rip apart. We don't expect this top to last more than one or two seasons of extensive use. If this product was more durable, it would have scored much higher overall. But, nope!
Frequent washing of any base layer will weaken its fabric. Because this product naturally resists odors very well, it will require fewer washes than most synthetic products. Although the tasc model doesn't score well in durability, this is a thin silver lining.
Layering Ability
Although the material is quite stretchy, this top wasn't our first choice for layering over t-shirts or other base layers. It was perfect for layering on top of, though, as its snug fit kept it in place under mid-layers and jackets. The next-to-skin sleeves also made slipping under other layers a breeze, without needing to re-adjust.
We love the versatility of midweight base layers. Here, the Arc'teryx model fits comfortably over the top from tasc for a winter hike above Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe.
Credit: Ross Robinson
Best Applications
The performance of this base layer is most noticeable when used in activities requiring high mobility and flexibility, such as climbing. It works well as a first layer and on its own, depending on the temperature.
Value
While we enjoyed many aspects of this tasc model, we find it hard to justify spending $90 on a base layer that won't last very long. With durability in mind, this product doesn't present an incredibly high value.
This base layer is great, but for its price point, we found other models to offer a little more functionality.
Credit: Ross Robinson
Conclusion
The tasc Base Layer succeeded where other products frequently disappointed us; its fit was awesome. We loved that this product moved with our bodies better than any other model. With a great showing also in breathability and sufficient warmth for lower temperatures, this shirt initially seemed to have it all. However, its lack of durability lowered its value and long-term performance.
—
Ross Robinson
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