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We all know that nothing can ruin a ski day as quickly as the cold. It is rather ironic of course, considering we are actively choosing to partake in an activity highly reliant on freezing temperatures, but sitting on a chairlift shivering out of your skin really can take the shine off a day on the slopes.
When it comes to maintaining a comfortable temperature on the slopes, it’s not thick coats and heavy jumpers, but baselayers that play the key part.
So, if you’re someone that really feels the cold, or if you’re heading somewhere particularly chilly for your next winter getaway, you’ll want the best baselayers possible when it comes to keeping you warm and toasty. This winter, there’s one company totally changing the game when it comes to super warm baselayers – Zerofit.
The Japanese brand have created what is believed to be “the world’s warmest baselayer”. For the pessimistic amongst us, it would be easy to assume this is a slight over-exaggeration, but after testing them for ourselves, we can’t deny that Zerofit have a point.
Here at InTheSnow, we’ve tried our fair share of baselayers over the years, so you can trust us when we say, Zerofit baselayers are insanely warm.
Indeed, their impressive claim to be five times warmer than a standard baselayer is actually a tried and tested fact. The Boken Institute in Osaka tested the heat retention of the Zerofit baselayer and gave it a rating of 0.78. In comparison, a standard baselayer would usually have a rating of 0.1-0.14 (and a regular jumper would typically have a rating of around 0.3).
With a range of products, from merino wool layers to thicker hoodies and leggings, you can choose your ultimate warmth.
Exclusive offer for InTheSnow readers! Buy any Zerofit baselayer and receive a free Thermal Bobble Hat (worth £20) using code ITS001 at checkout.
The Technical Side
So we’ve already established that Zerofit is five times warmer than a standard baselayer, but what other tech does it include to stand out in the ski market?
Firstly, the Zerofit baselayer boasts five separate fabrics and a patented knitting process to create heat that is immediately noticeable as soon as you put it on. A standard baselayer, on the other hand, tends to work by trapping body heat between your skin and the material, meaning that it takes a little time wearing it before you begin to feel the warmth.
However, this isn’t the only way the Zerofit layers create heat. On the inside of the products are extra-long, incredibly soft fibres, which gently rub against your skin, allowing the product to further produce frictional heat as you move.
This applies to both the Heatrub Ultimate Baselayer and Leggings, so you can choose whether you want optimal heat across your whole body or want to target to either your upper or lower body, depending on where you most feel the chill.
Zerofit Ultimate Baselayer
So heat retention is guaranteed, but what about comfort?
Well, unlike many other baselayers, Zerofit’s Ultimate products don’t use compression to keep you warm and seal in body heat. Instead, their unique fabric mix ensures heat without extra tightness, so you don’t constantly feel squished into your layers!
The Zerofit Heatrub Ultimate (RRP £60) has been designed to perform best in temperatures between -10° and 10° Celsius and is our top pick for days on the slopes, but Zerofit do have other options for those that may want a little more versatility, especially if you’re not heading to the coldest climes! The Heatrub Move (RRP £40) is slightly lighter, performing best in temperatures between -5 and 12 Celsius and is still twice as warm as a standard baselayer. As such, it’s a great option for those that might need extra warmth on the slopes as well as in the UK’s more wintery months.
Our Top Zerofit Picks
Zerofit Heatrub Ultimate Baselayer
RRP £60
It’s called the ultimate for a reason – this is Zerofit’s most popular product and lives up to its advanced technology promise. The warmth is immediately more noticeable than any other baselayer we’ve tested.
Key Features:
- Body heat sealed in like a standard baselayer.
- Innovative design to heat the user up instantly.
- Unique double-loop fibres create comfortable, frictional heat.
- Incredible freedom of movement due to the stretchable nature of the fabric.
- Optimal Temperature Range -10° Celsius through 10° Celsius
Materials: Acrylic 68%, Nylon 21%, Polyester 2%, Wool 7% & Polyurethane 2%
Zerofit Heatrub Ultimate Leggings
RRP £60
Proven to be twice as warm as regular trousers, the Heatrub Ultimate leggings provide super-soft comfort without compromising ease of movement one bit. Even in the coldest conditions, these feel more like fleece-lined trousers, but with a design that fits easily under ski pants. The leggings utilise the same technology as the Heatrub Ultimate Baselayer, with both heat insulation and friction heating providing incredible levels of warmth, even in the coldest conditions.
Key Features:
- Independently tested and proven to be twice as warm as regular trousers.
- Great range of movement without restriction due to the stretchable nature of the fabric.
- ‘Double-loop’ barrel fabric provides both heat insulation and ‘friction heating’
- Optimal Temperature Range -10° Celsius thru 10° Celsius
Materials: Acrylic 68%, Nylon 21%, Polyester 2%, Wool 7% & Polyurethane 2%
Zerofit Heatrub Move Baselayer
RRP £40
For those that might not need the highest level of warmth, the Heatrub move provides a highly versatile alternative to the Ultimate baselayer.
Still twice as warm as its closest competitor, it’s a great choice for athletes training and competing in outdoor activities, from golf and sailing to rugby and even motorcycling – providing ideal levels of warmth and breathability.
The Move features 45% polypropylene fibres in order to retain heat for a longer period of time, with hydrophobic fabric to ensure the wearer stays dry as well as warm. Meanwhile, temperature regulation ensures that no matter the activity, the wearer remains comfortable and avoids overheating.
Key Features:
- Two-layer construction efficiently and quickly removes sweat from the skin.
- Hollow polyester design and ‘LABO’ fabric ensures it evaporates off the surface of the garment quickly.
- Avoids the unpleasant feeling of cold sweat on the body lingering after exercise
- Incredible freedom of movement due to the stretchable nature of the fabric.
- Optimal Temperature Range -5° Celsius through 12° Celsius
Materials: Polyester 50%, Polypropylene 45%, Polyurethane 5%
Zerofit also produce a range of other layers and accessories, from socks (a revelation for those like me whose toes never seem to be able to warm up in ski boots) to neckwarmers.
Remember, buy any Zerofit baselayer and receive a free Thermal Bobble Hat (pictured below) worth £20 using code ITS001 at checkout.
Find out more at www.zerofit.co.uk
