Mountain Hardwear Belay Tee : A Perfect Fit

Mountain Hardwear's new Belay Tee has got to be the ultimate tech shirt. This six ounce gem is designed for climbing, but will be appreciated by just about anyone involved in high-octane outdoor sports. It wicks sweat really well, it provides lots of freedom of motion thanks to its stretchy material, and it dries super fast. I couldn't ask for anything more!

Spring has arrived here in Colorado, and I recently got a chance to climb in Boulder in my new Belay Tee. As my partner and I racked up, I immediately began to like the shirt. I normally tuck my shirt inside my harness so it doesn't get in the way of my gear loops, but this can cause problems. If I tuck the shirt too tight, it winds up pinching down on my shoulders when I'm reaching above my head for a handhold. Or, even worse, the overhead motions just pull my shirt out from my harness -- and then all my gear tangles with my shirt. Arrrrrrg. The Belay Tee is different, though. Its nylon/elastane blend is so stretchy that I can't actually get the shirt to become untucked no matter how far I reach over my head.

It was windy when we were climbing, so I was happy that the shirt wicked away my sweat and I dried off quickly. Had I been wearing a cotton tee, I'd have been drenched in sweat, chilled by wind, and shivering by the end of the day. I led the first pitch, while my partner led the second pitch and I belayed. As I followed up the second pitch wearing a heavy pack, I was happy that the shirt has lay-flat seams -- and that the seams aren't in the usual place. Instead, they've been moved to places that are less prone to wear. That's nice because it prevents chafing.

Bottom Line : The ultimate athletic tech tee, designed for climbing but great for any outdoor pursuit. I'll be wearing this everywhere  - N.W. (April. '08) 

Price : $45

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Manufacturer's Site:  www.mountainhardwear.com

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