Best Base Layer Ever
This year I was having a hard time figuring out what I wanted to get my wife for our anniversary. One thing that came to mind was a new set of base layers. That is always a safe bet around our house. Well after looking over Backcountry.com for a bit I came across something that I have been debating on getting for myself for quite some time. Not wanting to pull the classic anniversary bowling ball gift scenario, I decided that it was best to get us both a one, in matching smurf blue.
What you might ask. Well it is the AirBlaster Ninja Suit, and it is by far one of the best purchases I have made in a long time. Even though I hate to report that the wife returned hers. (I will talk about why in just a bit.)
As for mine, well again this thing rocks and here are a few points why.
- One-piece means, one less waist band, and one less shirt coming un-tucked, and one less thing around my neck. With the integrated hood it is solid coverage from head to ankle. This has been a much bigger advantage than I expected and why I am placing it at the top of the list.
- Integrated hood, with a high front zipper. This has basically gotten rid of the need of a balaclava. Now for someone that likes to have something over there mouth and nose on cold days, this just won't cover it. As for me, I like to cover right to the bottom of my chin and stop there. This is exactly were the Ninja Suits hood comes to and works well for me. With a little modding it would not be hard to add a small fleece face mask that integrates into the hood.
- Long arms with great thumb holes in the cuffs. I have heard some people call them monkey paws, but what ever you call them these work, and work well.
- Small and simple, around the waist, waist disposal zipper. Yep that is how I am saying it. Instead of a flap in the back like your grandpa used to have, the whole thing practically zips into two parts. This was a plus for my but a minus for my wife and the reason why she returned hers. The zipper just wasn't quite in the right place and made the process much more complicated.
Now I have the synthetic version, but Airblaster does make a version out of merino wool. One day this will get added to my bag of goods. They also make a cheaper version that I hope to get my hands on at the up coming SIA show. I will let you know what I think. As far as the price goes, you just have to remind yourself you are getting a top, and bottom together.
With all that said I highly recomed giving the Ninja Suit a try. Check out Airblaster at http://www.myairblaster.com/