• Parrot Powerdry Baseline base layer
• £29
• Parrot
• 0870 998 8001

Parrot’s Powerdry Baseline is squarely in the mid-price base layer bracket, but the performance is distinctly high-end. As the name suggests, it’s made from Malden Mills’s Powerdry fabric, which has all the warmth and wicking power that you’d expect from a modern fabric. Actually, it’s got rather more warmth than most – Parrot describe the Baseline as a “premium winter base layer” and it certainly keeps the heat in. We’ve been out in blizzards with this, a thin fleece and an unlined jacket and been toasty warm.

Being a base layer it’s not overladen with features, but you get a front zip for a bit of venting potential and a comfy standy-up collar keeps draughts out. Cut is close but not ridiculously aero – you wouldn’t feel too daft wearing the Baseline on its own if need be. All the seams use flat-locked stitching and the fabric itself is very soft and cosy – not quite up to the standards of something like Sportwool, but pretty close.

You’ve got a choice of four sizes (S, M, L, XL) and two colours – the one pictured is “French Blue/Navy” or there’s an all-navy option.

Positives: Warm, wicks well, sensible money, warm

Negatives: Doesn’t feel quite as nice as something with Merino wool in it, might be a bit too warm sometimes

If you find most base layers not quite cosy enough, the Baseline may well have that extra hint of warmth that you’re looking for. If you’re generally happy with how warm you are it might be overkill, though.

Performance: 5/5
Value: 4/5
Overall: 4/5