Berghaus 24/7 Long Sleeve Crew Base Layer

£30 166g (M)

excellent value, comfortable, wide range of sizes

no odour control or recycled fabric

Fabric: 100% polyester

Sizes: XS-XXXL

Women’s version: yes berghaus.com

This feels like a classic garment, perhaps even an old-fashioned one: a simple crewneck long-sleeved base layer made from polyester. That’s pretty much all you need to know about it. Although it lacks impressivelooking accreditations and additional technologies on the spec sheet – no odour control, UV protection, recycled fabric or complex construction here – the big upside is the price, which at £30 is excellent.

I’d be more scathing of its lack of recycled fabric or odour control if the top didn’t perform adequately, but it does. The fit is relaxed, comfy to wear and good in hot weather. You get flatlocked seams throughout, so there are no points of discomfort under a pack. Though it doesn’t wick moisture quite as efficiently as a garment with tighter fit, it does the job competently in a variety of conditions and I had no complaints on a very hot day in the Fannaichs. The relatively thin polyester dries well too. Although my yellow top of my attracted insects, it felt cool in hot sun.

The lack of odour control tech means it tends to pong; even after a single day out, there is a distinct whiff, so you’ll have to wash it more often. So this is not the garment to buy if you are looking to make an environmentally conscious choice. But at £30, despite some minor criticisms, the 24/7 Long Sleeve Crew is easy to recommend.