Helly Hansen Hybrid baselayer £50

Helly Hansen is infamous for its baselayers, with the distinctive stripes of its Lifa tops a familiar sight in changing rooms and kitbags across the country.

For simplicity, Helly Hansen divides its baselayer range into Cool, Dry and Warm categories based on the temperature range and level of activity you’re planning on. The Hybrid top, however, mixes materials from both the Dry and Warm tops into a baselayer designed for ‘high energy use in cold weather’ – should suit cyclists perfectly then.

Helly Hansen’s Dry panels in the arms and shoulders are combined with its Warm fabric in the body. The latter material is actually two layers – the inner Lifa T3 uses ‘Thermic Tube Technology’ which means the fibres are hollow, and for warmth, super fine Merino wool on the outside is soft and odourless.

These two materials are combined using flat-lock stitching into a garment that has been keeping us [Just DA, actually – ed…]cosy warm in these recent cold months. The high collar keeps your neck warm, but can roll-down if it’s too warm, and a long zip helps to regulate your temperature. The cuffs extend over your hands and there’s a hole in which to insert your thumb. We found that the sleeves could be pushed back a back if you’d rather not hook your thumbs into the cuffs though. One other feature worthy of note is a ‘Cool Grid’ panel on the back, which goes some way to avoid excessive heat build up.

The combination of man-made and naturally-occurring materials makes for a great combination. In cold weather this is a veritable shield with which to keep the cold out, with sweat ably mopped up and insulation provided by the Lifa T3 and Merino materials both employed.