“There is a fine point where an athlete could freeze up, break down or thrive.” That is a tagline from Craft, a Swedish maker of clothing catered to runners, cross-country skiers and cyclists.
During activity or not, the average body functions best at about 98.6 degrees — no matter the temp outside. Skin temperature, sweat and moisture management affect performance. With its line of aerobic-minded apparel, including base layers, tights, and jackets, Craft touts “climate control” for a body in motion.
This winter, for running and skiing, I have been testing two Craft products. The proZERO Zip Mock Neck, $55, comes with high claims, including superior “ventilation, moisture transportation and drying time better than any other fabric technology on the market,” according to promotional text.
The secret to this base-layer top is in its fancy polyester fabric. To be precise, the company (www.craft-usa.com) refers to a “multi-channeled hollow polyester filament” that was invented to increase the release of warm body heat and moisture absorption.
I like the proZERO Zip Mock. It has a nice fit, a high collar, and a long back that tucks in and stays in place. On long runs in the cold, it wicks fine for a mile or two. But once my heart rate is high — as with every base layer I have ever tested — sweat simply soaks through the Craft fabric.
The proZERO top has a soft feel, almost like cotton. It is a little thicker than most base layers I wear. Overall, it is a quality piece, but far short of a miracle for “climate control” in cold weather.
The second Craft product, the Performance XC Storm Tights, cost about $120. They are a slick solution on extremely cold days. Wind-resistant panels and legs lined with a light fleece keep you toasty. Articulated knees and a svelte design make the tights amenable to running and cross-country skiing.
My main issue with the tights was that they were too warm. Unless it was below about 15 degrees F outdoors, my legs were hot. And this is with nothing but boxer shorts underneath.
