RH+ Kinox base layer

The RH+ Kinox base layer has become one of my favourite go-to products since summer has (intermittently) arrived, as it feels comfortable and shifts moisture really well.

It's mostly polypropylene (78%, if you're taking notes) with the remainder polyamide (nylon) and elastane. Sometimes polypropylene can feel scratchy but not here – this is comfy stuff.

The fabric itself is very stretchy thanks to the elastane, and the mesh construction gives even more stretch so you get a close, form fit without tightness or ridges.

The body is completely seamless while the seams of the raglan shoulders are about as flat as it's possible to be. You'd have to be hypersensitive to feel them, and you certainly won't be troubled by them.

The best thing about the Kinox base layer is the way that it deals with sweat. The weave next to your body does an excellent job of sucking up moisture from your skin and transporting it away, while all those holes allow plenty of air to circulate. Plus, polypropylene doesn't retain water, it dries really fast, so you don't tend to get cold on the descents.

You get strips of solid fabric down the front and back, and similar panels on each of the sides. I don't think this makes any difference to the breathability, although it might help a bit with the fit.

After several weeks of use the only signs of wear are a couple of small fluffy areas inside, I think where the fabric has rubbed against my heart rate monitor strap. Whatever, you can barely see them and they make no difference to the performance.

The Kinox doesn't resist odours like merino, for example, but any smells wash out easily in the machine.

Verdict

Very comfortable base layer that transports moisture well.