The Artilect Redstone 185 GSM Wool LS Baselayer Crew Shirt delivers a well-balanced combination of warmth, comfort, and performance that will appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. Positioned as the foundation of mid-wool, it aims to combine the natural performance benefits of merino with thoughtful construction and a clean, functional design. After wearing it in a variety of situations and activities throughout the winter and into the spring, here’s an in-depth take on its strengths and minor pitfalls.
- Materials: Nuyarn 185gsm Jersey: 82% Merino wool, 18% Nylon
- Weight: 7.4 oz (Men’s Large)
- Fit: Easy fit (not too roomy, not too athletic)
Property and Feeling
The standout feature is the 185 GSM merino-blend fabric. At this weight, it hits the sweet spot: noticeably warmer than the lightweight 150 GSM tops while still being smaller than the heavyweight options. The fabric absorbs well and feels soft against the skin from the first wear. It’s not the finest merino that feels like silk, but it’s very comfortable with a slight bite, even when worn directly next to the skin for long periods of time. The knit has a good density that increases durability while providing excellent breathability.
Thermal Performance and Breathing
Thermally, the Redstone 185 works well as a versatile midlayer or standalone baselayer in cool to cold conditions. It retains heat well when used under a shell or insulated jacket for winter hiking or skiing. At moderate levels of exertion, the fabric breathes and wicks moisture away from the skin, keeping you dry and preventing cold when you stop. In wet, cold conditions, its natural odor resistance and moisture management are additional advantages; even after a full day of work, the shirt stays fresh.
Materials: Nuyarn
Nuyarn is no ordinary spun yarn. Instead of knitting the fibers tightly together, this technique wraps the merino fibers around a very strong nylon core. This creates a fabric that is superior, stretchy, and stronger than regular merino of the same weight. Because the fibers are less dense, moisture has more surface area to evaporate, so your skin stays dry. Breathability comes with Patagonia’s Capilene synthetic jerseys, which aren’t synthetic, but they’re great.
And when it comes to washing, I treat my Nuyarn wool clothes like my 100% synthetic clothes, washing them in cold water and drying them on high, without any noticeable wrinkles. If you wash your clothes in small town laundromats, this is a must have.
Fit and Sizing
The fit is comfortable and not too close to the torso and arms to be tight, but also inexpensive. Sleeve length and body length are the same for most body types; the cuffs sit comfortably on the wrist without riding up during movement.
Building
The build quality is solid. Seams are flat and less intrusive, which minimizes poking under pockets or belts. The neckline is a classic band that sits low and keeps you warm; no excess fabric around the collar can bunch up under the jackets. The stitching appears to be strong with no loose threads after wear and repeated washing. The overall design of the shirt indicates that it should handle regular use throughout the seasons without premature wear. I have used it several times throughout the winter, and it has held up well.
Recommendation
The Artilect Redstone 185 GSM Wool Long Sleeve Baselayer is a reliable, well-made baselayer that performs well in cold to cool conditions. It offers excellent moisture management, natural odor resistance, comfortable fit, and durable construction. If you’re looking for one versatile baselayer for hiking, skiing, traveling, and everyday cold weather wear, the Redstone 185 is a solid choice. It is expensive, however, and can be difficult to find at a discount. REI often has Artilect clothing on site, where you can pick it up at a low price.
Disclosure: Artilect provided the shirt for review.
