Examiner Comp 4 Tech Fleece Review

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The Polarmax® Comp 4 tech fleece is more proof why Polarmax is one of the most distinguished leaders in the base layer marketplace. The Comp 4 is their warmest performance base layer that will keep you comfortable in the coldest of temperatures while you’re out mountaineering, ice climbing, or involved in any winter sport.

As one of the nation’s top base layer apparel manufacturers, Polarmax is aggressive with their fabric development and product testing while being environmentally friendly. Polarmax innovation engineers Acclimate Dry performance fabrics with their unique moisture management system, superior breathability, anti-microbial, non-shrink and wash and wear qualities. While integrating all these qualities, Polarmax also maintains absolute comfort with their base layers. Many of the yarns and fibers are recycled and packaging is either recycled and/or re-taskable. Every process it takes to manufacture these amazing base layers is done right in the United States, so Polarmax gives true meaning when the label says, “Made in the USA.”

The Comp 4 tech fleece is the perfect blend of high-performance Acclimate Dry polyester and spandex. You have maximum mobility, enhanced breathability, and moisture wicking comfort in the most extreme conditions. The women’s crew and tight were put to the test while out ice climbing, hiking, and mountaineering.

To say the Comp 4 tech fleece was just comfortable would be an understatement. Cozy and unbelievably soft were two things that first came to mind. Outside conditions were around 30˚F, and a full three days of ice climbing was on the agenda along with a bit of mountaineering and hiking to get to the climbs. Considering that in order to access most of the climbs, you had to rappel down into an icy gorge, warm clothing was vital for keeping warm while belaying climbers.

One of the greatest things about the Comp 4 tech fleece was not only how extremely cozy they were, but they also conformed to your body in a non-bulky way. It was incredible just how warm the base layers felt before even putting the mid and top layers on. It wasn’t until a small part of my back was exposed while setting up a route did I realize just how warm the Comp 4 tech fleece kept me. It almost felt as if someone had placed an ice cube on that part of my back while the rest of me was nice and toasty warm.

Throughout the three days of ice climbing, the Comp 4 tech fleece base layers kept me content and dry. There were a few times while climbing that I started to break out in a little sweat on my face, but the Comp 4 tech fleece kept me dry and I never felt restricted while wearing them. With some base layers if you wear them for more than one day, they start to smell a little sour, the performance isn’t as great, and they need to be washed immediately. But with the Scent Prevent® on the Polarmax Comp 4, the performance of the base layers was just as great with no smell.

Polarmax is definitely one of the best base layers available according to the Salt Lake City Outdoor Gear Examiner. I could easily wear these while climbing, skiing, mountaineering, and even as pajamas. They’re definitely in the “feels-so-good-you-could-sleep-in” category. The Comp 4 tech fleece base layers unquestionably keep you warm, and you really won’t want to leave home without them on your winter adventures.

Polarmax Comp 4 tech fleece is available at Ski-N-See in Sandy, the Sports Chalet in West Jordan, and the Tantrum Gear Shop in Salt Lake City.