Mountain Hardwear Cusco Long Sleeve Tee

Mountain Hardwear's Cusco Long Sleeve Tee is perfect for me because it looks and fits like a regular cotton tee but gives me all the high performing features wool has to offer.

Merino wool is naturally odor-resistant, so I can get away with wearing the same top for days without washing it. I can wear it for almost any occasion, without changing during the day for my various outings. I put it on in the morning, work all day (I'm a writer, so I work at home), go for a short hike or long walk after work, and meet a friend at my favorite Thai restaurant for dinner. That's simple living.

Merino wool breathes well and wicks away moisture effectively, so get a lot of mileage out of my Cusco Long Sleeve Tee. I like the tee style--I'm just not a fan of body-hugging baselayers--because I can wear it as a performance top or with jeans as a casual, everyday top. It's all I need on 60 degree (F) days, and it breathes so well that I can exercise in it without overheating. On cold days, in temps down to freezing, I wear it under a soft shell jacket or a windbreaker for outdoor workouts. The Cusco Tee does a great job of keeping me warm.

I used to think I didn't like thumb loops, but I've changed my mind after wearing the Cusco Long Sleeve Tee. Rather than loops, the top has discreet slits near the wrist hems, reinforced at each end with extra contrast stitching, I like having the option of pulling the ends of the sleeves around the tops of my hands on chilly days when I need a little warmth but not necessarily gloves.

Mountain Hardwear's Cusco Long Sleeve Tee is one of the staple pieces that I find myself wearing again and again. Because it's thin and dries quickly, it's also become my "go to" travel top. I didn't find the wool to be quite as soft as some of my other merino tops, but I also didn't think it was itchy, either. Available in men's sizes S-XXL , in blue, red, green. Mountain Hardwear also makes merino wool tops for women.

Bottom Line: All-purpose tee made out of high-performing, lightweight wool.--E.D. (Feb 2011)

BUY ONLINE: $80, on sale for less at Altrec.

Manufacturer's Site: www.mountainhardwear.com

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