Image of the October 2017 Wilderness Magazine Cover Read more from the
 October 2017 Issue
Home / Gear reviews / Baselayers

Peak to Plateau Kailash 1/4 Zip LS

Peak to Plateau's yak wool Kailash baselayer

Image of Alistair Hall
20 September 201720 Sep '17

Price:

$159

Our Rating:

If The North Face Warm Zip Neck is a modern take on baselayers, the Kailash is a more traditional variety. It has a long, below-the-waist cut, thumb loops and it’s made from wool – 18 micron yak wool which Peak to Plateau claims to be warmer than merino. Such fine wool has its advantages: it doesn’t itch or scratch – offset seams and flatlocked stitching help here, too – and it can trap more air in its fibres, increasing warmth. I used the Kailash every day for three weeks – either to sleep in, for walks and beneath my other clothes – before finally throwing it in the wash. Though I wasn’t often over-exerting myself, this shows an impressive odour-resistance – a natural feature of yak wool. The top is said to be slim cut, but I found it a bit loose on my frame. I really appreciated sleeping in it on cold nights – it wasn’t restrictive and it kept me warm. The thumb loops are a good feature, ensuring sleeves don’t ride up and the long cut means it can be worn beneath a harness or tucked in. One drawback is there is not a female-specific model. The size medium I tested weighed 220g. This is an expensive item, but its superb comfort, warmth and odour-resistance have made it my go-to baselayer.