Bottom Line
The Arc’Teryx Rho LT Crew is a high-quality base layer built for top cold-weather performance and comfort. The trim, relaxed fit complements the brushed fleece interior, making for the most comfortable base layer on our list.
After testing this layer through extensive lab and over 100 miles of field testing in the Rocky Mountain wilderness, it’s quickly becoming one of our preferred choices for chilly high-altitude backpacking. The fabric handles moisture exceptionally well, quickly wicking it away from the skin for rapid evaporation to keep you warm even when wet.
The Rho LT Crew achieves an impressive warmth-to-weight ratio, providing necessary warmth while keeping your pack light. Although the price might seem high for a minimally featured base layer (aside from the breast pocket), the premium materials and design deliver performance that justifies the investment.
How We Tested
To evaluate measurable qualities like moisture-wicking and drying time, we performed a series of lab tests on each base layer. Our assessments are also supported by hundreds of days spent skiing, hiking, and backpacking in the backcountry.
Quick Specs
Arc’Teryx Rho LT Crew
Best Overall Base Layer
CleverHiker Rating: 4.8/5.0
Price: $100
Weight: 5.6 oz.(Men’s M)
Fabric/Weight: Midweight polyester + elastane
Pros
- Warm
- Ultra comfortable
- Excellent moisture management
- Breast pocket
Cons
- Too warm for some uses
- Pricey
Comfort
The brushed polyester fleece of the Rho LT Crew feels exceptionally soft against the skin, with no noticeable rubbing from the seams. Care was taken in the fit design to ensure a balanced, relaxed fit that is comfortably snug.
For mobility, the fleece is soft, stretchy, and designed with an articulated pattern to prevent fabric binding. The top stays in place well for easy layering. Although the sleeves don’t have thumb holes, the elastic wrists and crew neck provide simplicity and durability.
Moisture Management
The Rho LT Crew isn’t the most breathable base layer, but it offers a powerful combination of moisture wicking and quick drying. The main benefit of fleece is that it still retains most of its thermoregulating properties when wet, so you can stay warm even if you’re a little soggy.
It ranked among the top five in our drying test, losing about 30% of its water weight in one hour. The fibers wick moisture so quickly that you can actually see it happen in seconds. In our wicking test, the wet spot expanded to over 190% of its original size in just ten minutes.
The fibers effectively draw moisture away from your skin to the outer layer of the fabric in a thin layer that can easily evaporate. Even when we dampened the layer from the inside out, the inside remained dry to the touch in just a few minutes, while the outside looked soaked.
Warmth
The Rho LT Crew is built specifically for cold weather activities. The polyester fabric is quite warm, weighing 190 grams per square meter, and the fit and comfort of the fabric make it feel even warmer. The polyester does a great job at retaining body heat whether it’s dry or wet.
The Rho LT Crew offers an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio for a base layer. Weighing only 7.6 ounces, it competes with the lightest base layers while delivering noticeably more warmth. Due to its increased warmth, we wouldn’t recommend the Rho LT Crew for hot summer months.
The Rho LT Crew is new to us this year, but it will definitely become a staple in our cold weather layering system, especially in wet environments.
Features & Versatility
Generally, the Arc’teryx keeps it simple with the Rho LT Crew. The fit features classic designs like a crew neck and elastic wrist cuffs. It has no hood, neck zipper, or thumb holes. However, it does include one zippered breast pocket. It’s not large or overly useful, but it’s handy for flat items like a ski pass or small map.
In terms of versatility, this likely won’t be your only base layer. You could use it year-round if your summer activities are limited to cool, high-altitude locations, but it’s probably too warm for the desert and humid areas.
Should You Buy the Arc’Teryx Rho LT Crew Base Layer?
For mountaineers conquering icy peaks and long backcountry ski adventures, or the chilly three-season backpackers, nothing beats the Rho LT Crew. Ultralight backpackers who struggle to stay warm at night will especially value its impressive warmth-to-weight ratio.
The comfort of the brushed fleece provides that much needed coziness at the end of a long day, and it’s sure to keep you warm even if it’s a little damp, thanks to its exceptional moisture-management traits.
Arc’teryx makes premium gear, so it’s no surprise that this base layer is a bit pricier than other options. However, it’s still not the most expensive layer on our list, and for those serious about warmth and comfort, it’s worth the investment.
What Other Base Layers Should You Consider?
For something with a little more 4-season versatility, check out our full guide to base layers.
REI Midweight Half Zip Review: The REI Half Zip is also made with polyester, offering excellent moisture-wicking properties and similar warmth. It’s a bit heavier in weight and costs almost half as much.
Outdoor Research Alpine Onset Merino 150 Hoodie Review: This versatile hoodie is crafted from a blend of polyester, merino wool, and elastane, allowing you to enjoy the best qualities of each fabric. The hood and built-in balaclava are especially impressive features.
Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew Review: If synthetic fabrics are your thing but you want something more breathable and suitable for four-season use, check out the Capilene midweight. It’s lighter, better for warm-weather aerobic activities, and more affordable.
