Icebreaker Pace Baselayer

Finally, a running tight design combined with my favorite natural performance fabric, merino wool. Result: a contoured baselayer bottom that's breathable, dries fast, and hugs me in all the right places.

You don't have to wear Icebreaker's Pace Legging (or for men, Icebreaker's Sprint Legging) for running; feel free to wear it hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, or under a skirt on a cool day. Just make sure you wear it when you need to be warm but don't want to overheat.

I like the contoured fit of this legging. It has a back yoke so I get a good fit around my rear, with no excess material. It has side panels down the sides of each leg so the flat locked seams are offset, making it easy to layer under a rain shell pant. It has a nice thin waistband (a piece of one-inch high elastic rather than elastic encased in material) that lays flat against my waist, making it easy to layer beneath even my slim-styled jeans. There's also just a bit of lycra woven into the merino wool to help the legging hug my thighs. Nice.

The Pace Legging is made out of Icebreaker's 200 Liteweight merino wool, and is part of Icebreaker's Performance Sports line. I love this fabric. I tend to heat up very quickly when I'm exercising, even when the temps are down around freezing, so I like that this legging breathes well. The wool feels and performs like a lightweight layer but gives me the warmth of a midweight layer.

I normally prefer a low rise in all pants, but I like the higher rise on this legging because I can comfortably tuck in my top and have it stay tucked in. That's essential on cold days.

Available in women's sizes XS-XL, in black with red contrast stitching. Men's Sprint Legging is available in S-XXL. I tested a size L, which is a size up from what I usually wear. If you're between sizes and like a looser fit, you might want to size up.

Bottom Line: Pair this with Icebreaker's Pace Zip top, and you're good to go in temps from the mid-20s to around 50. A must have item for winter, as well as for camping trips and vacations (where I always seem to get the coldest!).--E.D. (Jan '11)

BUY ONLINE: $90, click to shop. Buy at Amazon.

Manufacturer's Site: www.icebreaker.com

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