Le Bent Bamboo-Merino Thermals, Review – The Gear Locker
The backcountry version of the Hills Hoist – another Aussie Icon Image:: Supplied
Mountainwatch | Alex Horvath
ED: Welcome to The Gear Locker. We’ll be putting products through their paces and reporting back on how they stack up. Got some gear you think we should check out? Get in contact via alexh@mountainwatch.com
WHO: Le Bent, an all-Aussie owned company based in Sydney.
WHAT: Baselayer Thermals manufactured from a unique blend of bamboo and merino fibres.
WE THINK:
Over the last 12 months, I’ve really put these thermals through the wringer: a week-long backcountry trip, -25ºC in Japan, and gail force winds in Thredbo. I just pulled them out of my gear bag in preparation for a Northern Hemi trip, and they still look brand-new – no holes, pilling or stretching. This thermal set easily satisfies the first criteria for a truly great baselayer: they keep you warm. While doing so, they also manage to be extremely comfortable, scratch-free and excellent at repelling any kind of odour build up over multiple days of use. What more can you expect from a set of thermals?
The fit is tight, yet loose. It doesn’t restrict mobility, never bunches or rides up and the material isn’t noticeable when wearing them for long periods – as polypropylene and 100% merino can be. The tops are made to fit a little longer than other manufacturers, a feature I appreciate as I can easily keep it tucked down while active.
Le Bent seems to achieve the perfect blend of quality, fit, comfort and durability via their unique bamboo-merino fibre that’s used across all their products. They first started using this material in 2010, and since then they’ve invested considerable amounts of time and effort in refining it. The results show in the performance. Give ’em a go.
PRICE:
- BASELAYERS: $99.99 (Top) $99.99 (Bottoms)
- SOCKS: $39.99
