OR - Altra Performance Half Zip - Kathy Waters

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Dear Editors,

Here's another OR for you all to practice on.  Non-technical, so not hard t=
o
understand, I hope.  I look forward to your comments and edits and
appreciate your service to BGT!  The text is below, the HTML in the folder
at: http://tinyurl.com/jnuvp6h

Thanks and TGIF! (at least it was when I posted this...)

Kathy
________________________________________

ALTRA PERFORMANCE HALF ZIP W'S TOP=20


BY KATHLEEN WATERS=20
February 3, 2017=20
OWNER REVIEW=20
TESTER INFORMATION=20
NAME:=20
Kathleen Waters=20
EMAIL:=20
kathy at backpackgeartest dot com=20
AGE:=20
65=20
LOCATION:=20
Canon City, Colorado, USA=20
GENDER:=20
F=20
HEIGHT:=20
5' 4" (1.60 m)=20
WEIGHT:=20
125 lb (56.70 kg)=20
WAIST:=20
28 " (71 cm)=20
TORSO LENGTH=20
18" (45 cm)=20

Living in Colorado and being self-employed, I have ample opportunities to
backpack. There are over 700,000 acres/280,000 hectares of public land
bordering my 71-acre/29-hectare "backyard" in addition to all the other
gorgeous locations which abound in Colorado. Over the past 15 years, my
husband John and I have also had the good fortune to hike/snowshoe glaciers=
,
rain forests, mountains and deserts in exotic locations, including New
Zealand, Iceland, Costa Rica, Slovenia and Death Valley. My hiking style is
comfortable, aiming for lightweight. I use a tent (rainfly if needed).
Current pack averages 25 lb (11 kg) excluding food and water.=20

PRODUCT INFORMATION=20

Manufacturer: Altra Running
Year of Manufacture: 2016
Manufacturer's Website: http://www.altrarunning.com
MSRP: US $65.00
Listed Weight: 3.7 oz (105 g)
Measured Weight: 4 oz (113 g)
Available Colors: Dark Blue, Light Blue
Color Reviews: Light Blue
Sizes Available: XSmall to Large
Size Reviewed: Large

Other details:

* Construction Materials: Body: ZeroLite (90% Polyester, 10% PU-
Polyurethane); Mesh: 82% Nylon, 18% Spandex=20
* 360 degree reflectivity
* Full Mesh Underarms and Back Ventilating Perforations
* Altra Guarantee: "We promise a 30-day satisfaction guarantee on all of ou=
r
products."

Photo Copywrite Altra

DESCRIPTION, CONDITIONS AND PERFORMANCE=20

DESCRIPTION

The Altra Performance Women's Half Zip Top is a slim-cut, athletic-fit fop
with a front zipper half-way down the chest. It is constructed with Altra's
exclusive ZeroLite fabric which is 90% Polyester, 10% PU in the body of the
top and 82% Nylon and 18% Spandex in the mesh sections of the top which
gives the fabric a very smooth, silky feet and a very stretchy fit.

There are reflective thin strips on the front of the top - including the
zipper - the back of the top and on both sleeves. The nylon zipper is a ver=
y
generous 12 inches (30 cm) and it tucks neatly at the stand-up collar in it=
s
own parking garage (flap of fabric which covers the metal zipper pull).

All seams are welded. That includes the bonded thumbholes at the base of
each sleeve. There are no threads at all in this garment!=20

The underarm portion of the top is fully meshed - about a 15 x 5 inch (38 x
12 cm) panel. The fabric is stretchy and reminds me of panty hose material,
only a little thicker. Two dozen small - 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) square holes are
positioned in the center of the back of the top.

Back Vent Perfs


Underarm Mesh - See my "ring"?


Stuffed and Ready to Go!


A Napoleon pocket on the left chest is accessed by way of a 6 inch (15 cm)
zipper and is (according to the Altra website) able to handle the iPhone 6.
My Samsung Galaxy S4 does not fit though. This pocket doubles as a stuff
sack for the top when it needs to be stashed away on the go.

The Altra Performance Hall Zip Top is well-conceived and constructed in my
opinion.

FIELD CONDITIONS AND LOCATIONS

I've had the Altra Performance =BD Zip Top for Women for just about six mon=
ths
now and have worn it often at home for daily hikes to the mailbox, weekend
day hikes in my "backyard" and various other out-of-town locations. Fun,
outdoor, out-of-state locations have included: the Canadian Rocky Mountains
in Banff and Jasper National Parks (Alberta, Canada), and Glacier National
Park and Custer-Gallatin National Forest (Montana)

Location and condition details were as follows:

Custer-Gallatin National Forest - Moose Creek Flat
Terrain: we base-camped in a valley besides the Gallatin River, but
day-hiked to mountain lakes for fishing as well
Elevation range: 5700' (1700 m) to 7500' (2300 m)
Temperature range: 35 F (2 C) to 65 F (18 C)
Other weather-related conditions: rain every day for varying periods of tim=
e
from just a periodic drizzle to a downright downpour for hours (mostly at
night). Very little sunshine

Banff/Jasper National Parks
Terrain: ah, mountains. Rocky, heavily treed mountains
Elevation range: 4500' (1400 m) to 10,000' (3000 m)
Temperature range: 22 F (-6 C) to 70 F (21 C)
Other weather-related conditions: rain every day for varying periods of tim=
e
from just a periodic drizzle to a downright downpour for hours (mostly at
night). Very little sunshine. (Yup, same as the previous week in Gallatin!)

Glacier National Park
Terrain: high, rocky mountain trails
Elevation range: 4600' (1400 m) to 6600' (2000 m)
Temperature range: 45 F (7 C) to 65 F (18 C)=20
Other weather-related conditions: Sunshine!

As can be seen, I spent a lot of time in the rain in the mountains.
Different states/countries, but pretty much the same conditions!

Colorado Trail near Hoosier Pass


Closer to home:

Fremont County, Colorado (my home "range") - this area is in the foothills
of the Rocky Mountains with elevations ranging from 5500 ft (1700 m) to 990=
0
ft (3000 m). The terrain is mostly rather rough with lots of mud, loose roc=
k
and huge slabs of granite rock. Vegetation is scrubby pinon pine, Gamble
Oak, juniper, cactus and prairie grasses (or weeds, depending on who is
talking!).

Weather conditions were pretty much the same through all locations and
throughout the entire season. Hot, hot and more Hot! Dry, Dry and more Dry!
And for most of the summer, fall and early winter, temperatures have ranged
from above 90 F (32 C) to the freezing mark. It's been unseasonably warm
with very little snow so far.

PERFORMANCE

In evaluating a piece of clothing, I general consider what I call the "Four
F's" - Fit and Feel, Features and Field (performance). I will detail my
thoughts on the Altra Performance Half Zip in that manner.=20

Fit and Feel: Thanks to the long zipper, I am able to pull the top on over
my head without every snagging my glasses, getting caught on my cap or
struggling. The top is cut very close to the body and I could easily wear i=
t
as a base layer without anything between it and my skin. Wearing it over a
base layer makes for a tight but not overly constrictive fit. I attribute
that lack of constriction to the stretchy fabric of the top. Were it a less
flexible material, I suspect I would be unable to more comfortably.=20

I normally wear a women's size medium in just about every top, vest, jacket=
,
etc. I think this top runs small for my needs. I wear it over at least a
base layer camisole top and mostly a light silk or wool base layer. Wearing
solo, it would perfectly hug my curves (ripple, wrinkles, etc.). That's not
how I dress though. In the interest of full disclosure and for comparison
purpose, my measurements are bustline 37 inches (94 cm) and waist 30 inches
(76 cm).

The sleeves are long enough to cover my hand to my fingers and the thumb
loops are positioned perfectly for me. The length of the sleeves from the
welded should seam to the cuff is 27 inches (69 cm)

The hem of the top doesn't quite cover my entire bottom but does cover most
of it which is quite nice. From the collar seam to the hem of the top is 26
inches (66 cm).

Overall, I'm very happy with the fit of the Altra Performance Half Zip

Features: Unlike some of my outdoor clothing, the Altra Performance Half Zi=
p
top doesn't have a lot of extraneous bells and whistles. It has a zipper, a
small pocket, thumbholes, stand-up collar and venting. For the most part,
nothing crazy, distracting or useless. Everything works as it should and ca=
n
be found on many of my other windshell tops. EXCEPT the way the Altra
handles venting. That's crazy unusual and crazy neat and efficient! Which
leads me right into how the top worked for me in the field.

Field:

Wind seems to be a regular weather pattern wherever I go, so I really like
the fact that the Altra Performance Half Zip top works as a very efficient
wind shield and keeps my core from suffering chilly breezes. As thin as the
material is, I hadn't expected it to be particularly good in that
department, but it was. Especially when above tree line - as I often am - I
appreciated the ability of the top to keep me warm.=20

I didn't use the thumb loops much as mostly wore glove liners when it was a=
t
its coldest. Usually I will use thumb loops simply to be able to get gloves
over the cuffs of my tops. The close fit of the sleeves on this top allowed
me to easily tuck in the sleeves without the need of the thumb loops. For
me, that is more comfortable than using loops.

I also liked the feeling of the stand-up collar. It added an extra bit of
protection from the wind. And because the fabric is so thin and silky-soft,
I wasn't bothered by any rubbing on my neck.

Conversely, when the wind wasn't a'blowin', I was just as comfortable thank=
s
to the Altra's venting systems. The mesh underarm fabric is stretchier and =
a
finer mesh than any other top I've ever seen. Usually, the underarm venting
is almost like a netting. This is truly a very fine mesh. And it is so
subtly color-matched to the rest of the tops that I didn't even notice it a=
t
first glance. But I certainly noticed it the first time I was hiking with a
full pack and that early morning breeze was stilled and the mid-day sun
started to warm me up! Ditto on the back vents. They gave added
breathability under my backpack and were even more effective when the pack
came off.=20

I wore the Altra Performance Half Zip top at least a couple dozen times ove=
r
the last 6 months. Most of the time, I wore it over a very light silk or
wool base layer top, often a camisole and under a light down vest. It has
not snagged or stained or shown any signs of all the wear and tear I've
subjected it to either.

I couldn't find any care instructions on the Altra website. Inside the top
are "tagless" instructions that are printed in a very hard-to-read silvery
color and while I love the tagless feature, I need to use a magnifying glas=
s
and hold the top at a slant to sunlight to read them!=20

The directions are pretty much the usual stuff - wash is cold water, gentle
cycle with similar colors, dry flat, no bleach, ironing or dry cleaning. Th=
e
one extra line though threw me initially and that was "put the garment
separately into a laundry bag." Huh. There's something I don't have in my
laundry supplies! So, I just tucked the top into a cotton pillow case and
that worked just fine. After at least a half dozen go-rounds in the washing
machine, the top still looks great. Lots of wear left for me!

STARRING ATTRACTIONS=20

1.) So very light weight - almost tissue paper!
2.) Keeps the wind out wonderfully.
3.) Breathes well, even when I'm working hard.=20

MINOR DISTRACTIONS=20

1.) The top runs rather small. Need to go up at least one size.=20

SUMMARY=20

To tell the truth, when I first saw this top at a media event in Park City
last June (2016), I didn't think I would get all that much use from it. It
isn't like any other outdoor clothing that I own.=20

I'm happy to say, I've totally changed my initial "non-excitement" to
enthusiastic endorsement of this very comfortable and versatile top. It is
at the top of my mid-layer/light wind shell pile when it is not on me on th=
e
trail or dirty and in the wash.

Thanks, Altra, for making clothing I can really use!

Kathleen (Kathy) Waters=20
This report was created with the BackpackGearTest.org Report Writer Version
1.5 Copyright 2017. All rights reserved.

Kathy=20
Website:  www.BackpackGearTest.org
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/BackpackGearTest/
E-mail:  Kathy at backpackgeartest dot com




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=20=20=20=20=20=20
=20=20=20=20=20=20
      <p>Dear Editors,<br>
<br>
Here&#39;s another OR for you all to practice on.  Non-technical, so not ha=
rd to<br>
understand, I hope.  I look forward to your comments and edits and<br>
appreciate your service to BGT!  The text is below, the HTML in the folder<=
br>
at: http://tinyurl.com/jnuvp6h<br>
<br>
Thanks and TGIF! (at least it was when I posted this...)<br>
<br>
Kathy<br>
________________________________________<br>
<br>
ALTRA PERFORMANCE HALF ZIP W&#39;S TOP <br>
<br>
BY KATHLEEN WATERS <br>
February 3, 2017 <br>
OWNER REVIEW <br>
TESTER INFORMATION <br>
NAME: <br>
Kathleen Waters <br>
EMAIL: <br>
kathy at backpackgeartest dot com <br>
AGE: <br>
65 <br>
LOCATION: <br>
Canon City, Colorado, USA <br>
GENDER: <br>
F <br>
HEIGHT: <br>
5&#39; 4&quot; (1.60 m) <br>
WEIGHT: <br>
125 lb (56.70 kg) <br>
WAIST: <br>
28 &quot; (71 cm) <br>
TORSO LENGTH <br>
18&quot; (45 cm) <br>
<br>
Living in Colorado and being self-employed, I have ample opportunities to<b=
r>
backpack. There are over 700,000 acres/280,000 hectares of public land<br>
bordering my 71-acre/29-hectare &quot;backyard&quot; in addition to all the=
 other<br>
gorgeous locations which abound in Colorado. Over the past 15 years, my<br>
husband John and I have also had the good fortune to hike/snowshoe glaciers=
,<br>
rain forests, mountains and deserts in exotic locations, including New<br>
Zealand, Iceland, Costa Rica, Slovenia and Death Valley. My hiking style is=
<br>
comfortable, aiming for lightweight. I use a tent (rainfly if needed).<br>
Current pack averages 25 lb (11 kg) excluding food and water. <br>
<br>
PRODUCT INFORMATION <br>
<br>
Manufacturer: Altra Running<br>
Year of Manufacture: 2016<br>
Manufacturer&#39;s Website: http://www.altrarunning.com<br>
MSRP: US $65.00<br>
Listed Weight: 3.7 oz (105 g)<br>
Measured Weight: 4 oz (113 g)<br>
Available Colors: Dark Blue, Light Blue<br>
Color Reviews: Light Blue<br>
Sizes Available: XSmall to Large<br>
Size Reviewed: Large<br>
<br>
Other details:<br>
<br>
* Construction Materials: Body: ZeroLite (90% Polyester, 10% PU-<br>
Polyurethane); Mesh: 82% Nylon, 18% Spandex <br>
* 360 degree reflectivity<br>
* Full Mesh Underarms and Back Ventilating Perforations<br>
* Altra Guarantee: &quot;We promise a 30-day satisfaction guarantee on all =
of our<br>
products.&quot;<br>
<br>
Photo Copywrite Altra<br>
<br>
DESCRIPTION, CONDITIONS AND PERFORMANCE <br>
<br>
DESCRIPTION<br>
<br>
The Altra Performance Women&#39;s Half Zip Top is a slim-cut, athletic-fit =
fop<br>
with a front zipper half-way down the chest. It is constructed with Altra&#=
39;s<br>
exclusive ZeroLite fabric which is 90% Polyester, 10% PU in the body of the=
<br>
top and 82% Nylon and 18% Spandex in the mesh sections of the top which<br>
gives the fabric a very smooth, silky feet and a very stretchy fit.<br>
<br>
There are reflective thin strips on the front of the top - including the<br=
>
zipper - the back of the top and on both sleeves. The nylon zipper is a ver=
y<br>
generous 12 inches (30 cm) and it tucks neatly at the stand-up collar in it=
s<br>
own parking garage (flap of fabric which covers the metal zipper pull).<br>
<br>
All seams are welded. That includes the bonded thumbholes at the base of<br=
>
each sleeve. There are no threads at all in this garment! <br>
<br>
The underarm portion of the top is fully meshed - about a 15 x 5 inch (38 x=
<br>
12 cm) panel. The fabric is stretchy and reminds me of panty hose material,=
<br>
only a little thicker. Two dozen small - 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) square holes are=
<br>
positioned in the center of the back of the top.<br>
<br>
Back Vent Perfs<br>
<br>
Underarm Mesh - See my &quot;ring&quot;?<br>
<br>
Stuffed and Ready to Go!<br>
<br>
A Napoleon pocket on the left chest is accessed by way of a 6 inch (15 cm)<=
br>
zipper and is (according to the Altra website) able to handle the iPhone 6.=
<br>
My Samsung Galaxy S4 does not fit though. This pocket doubles as a stuff<br=
>
sack for the top when it needs to be stashed away on the go.<br>
<br>
The Altra Performance Hall Zip Top is well-conceived and constructed in my<=
br>
opinion.<br>
<br>
FIELD CONDITIONS AND LOCATIONS<br>
<br>
I&#39;ve had the Altra Performance =BD Zip Top for Women for just about six=
 months<br>
now and have worn it often at home for daily hikes to the mailbox, weekend<=
br>
day hikes in my &quot;backyard&quot; and various other out-of-town location=
s. Fun,<br>
outdoor, out-of-state locations have included: the Canadian Rocky Mountains=
<br>
in Banff and Jasper National Parks (Alberta, Canada), and Glacier National<=
br>
Park and Custer-Gallatin National Forest (Montana)<br>
<br>
Location and condition details were as follows:<br>
<br>
Custer-Gallatin National Forest - Moose Creek Flat<br>
Terrain: we base-camped in a valley besides the Gallatin River, but<br>
day-hiked to mountain lakes for fishing as well<br>
Elevation range: 5700&#39; (1700 m) to 7500&#39; (2300 m)<br>
Temperature range: 35 F (2 C) to 65 F (18 C)<br>
Other weather-related conditions: rain every day for varying periods of tim=
e<br>
from just a periodic drizzle to a downright downpour for hours (mostly at<b=
r>
night). Very little sunshine<br>
<br>
Banff/Jasper National Parks<br>
Terrain: ah, mountains. Rocky, heavily treed mountains<br>
Elevation range: 4500&#39; (1400 m) to 10,000&#39; (3000 m)<br>
Temperature range: 22 F (-6 C) to 70 F (21 C)<br>
Other weather-related conditions: rain every day for varying periods of tim=
e<br>
from just a periodic drizzle to a downright downpour for hours (mostly at<b=
r>
night). Very little sunshine. (Yup, same as the previous week in Gallatin!)=
<br>
<br>
Glacier National Park<br>
Terrain: high, rocky mountain trails<br>
Elevation range: 4600&#39; (1400 m) to 6600&#39; (2000 m)<br>
Temperature range: 45 F (7 C) to 65 F (18 C) <br>
Other weather-related conditions: Sunshine!<br>
<br>
As can be seen, I spent a lot of time in the rain in the mountains.<br>
Different states/countries, but pretty much the same conditions!<br>
<br>
Colorado Trail near Hoosier Pass<br>
<br>
Closer to home:<br>
<br>
Fremont County, Colorado (my home &quot;range&quot;) - this area is in the =
foothills<br>
of the Rocky Mountains with elevations ranging from 5500 ft (1700 m) to 990=
0<br>
ft (3000 m). The terrain is mostly rather rough with lots of mud, loose roc=
k<br>
and huge slabs of granite rock. Vegetation is scrubby pinon pine, Gamble<br=
>
Oak, juniper, cactus and prairie grasses (or weeds, depending on who is<br>
talking!).<br>
<br>
Weather conditions were pretty much the same through all locations and<br>
throughout the entire season. Hot, hot and more Hot! Dry, Dry and more Dry!=
<br>
And for most of the summer, fall and early winter, temperatures have ranged=
<br>
from above 90 F (32 C) to the freezing mark. It&#39;s been unseasonably war=
m<br>
with very little snow so far.<br>
<br>
PERFORMANCE<br>
<br>
In evaluating a piece of clothing, I general consider what I call the &quot=
;Four<br>
F&#39;s&quot; - Fit and Feel, Features and Field (performance). I will deta=
il my<br>
thoughts on the Altra Performance Half Zip in that manner. <br>
<br>
Fit and Feel: Thanks to the long zipper, I am able to pull the top on over<=
br>
my head without every snagging my glasses, getting caught on my cap or<br>
struggling. The top is cut very close to the body and I could easily wear i=
t<br>
as a base layer without anything between it and my skin. Wearing it over a<=
br>
base layer makes for a tight but not overly constrictive fit. I attribute<b=
r>
that lack of constriction to the stretchy fabric of the top. Were it a less=
<br>
flexible material, I suspect I would be unable to more comfortably. <br>
<br>
I normally wear a women&#39;s size medium in just about every top, vest, ja=
cket,<br>
etc. I think this top runs small for my needs. I wear it over at least a<br=
>
base layer camisole top and mostly a light silk or wool base layer. Wearing=
<br>
solo, it would perfectly hug my curves (ripple, wrinkles, etc.). That&#39;s=
 not<br>
how I dress though. In the interest of full disclosure and for comparison<b=
r>
purpose, my measurements are bustline 37 inches (94 cm) and waist 30 inches=
<br>
(76 cm).<br>
<br>
The sleeves are long enough to cover my hand to my fingers and the thumb<br=
>
loops are positioned perfectly for me. The length of the sleeves from the<b=
r>
welded should seam to the cuff is 27 inches (69 cm)<br>
<br>
The hem of the top doesn&#39;t quite cover my entire bottom but does cover =
most<br>
of it which is quite nice. From the collar seam to the hem of the top is 26=
<br>
inches (66 cm).<br>
<br>
Overall, I&#39;m very happy with the fit of the Altra Performance Half Zip<=
br>
<br>
Features: Unlike some of my outdoor clothing, the Altra Performance Half Zi=
p<br>
top doesn&#39;t have a lot of extraneous bells and whistles. It has a zippe=
r, a<br>
small pocket, thumbholes, stand-up collar and venting. For the most part,<b=
r>
nothing crazy, distracting or useless. Everything works as it should and ca=
n<br>
be found on many of my other windshell tops. EXCEPT the way the Altra<br>
handles venting. That&#39;s crazy unusual and crazy neat and efficient! Whi=
ch<br>
leads me right into how the top worked for me in the field.<br>
<br>
Field:<br>
<br>
Wind seems to be a regular weather pattern wherever I go, so I really like<=
br>
the fact that the Altra Performance Half Zip top works as a very efficient<=
br>
wind shield and keeps my core from suffering chilly breezes. As thin as the=
<br>
material is, I hadn&#39;t expected it to be particularly good in that<br>
department, but it was. Especially when above tree line - as I often am - I=
<br>
appreciated the ability of the top to keep me warm. <br>
<br>
I didn&#39;t use the thumb loops much as mostly wore glove liners when it w=
as at<br>
its coldest. Usually I will use thumb loops simply to be able to get gloves=
<br>
over the cuffs of my tops. The close fit of the sleeves on this top allowed=
<br>
me to easily tuck in the sleeves without the need of the thumb loops. For<b=
r>
me, that is more comfortable than using loops.<br>
<br>
I also liked the feeling of the stand-up collar. It added an extra bit of<b=
r>
protection from the wind. And because the fabric is so thin and silky-soft,=
<br>
I wasn&#39;t bothered by any rubbing on my neck.<br>
<br>
Conversely, when the wind wasn&#39;t a&#39;blowin&#39;, I was just as comfo=
rtable thanks<br>
to the Altra&#39;s venting systems. The mesh underarm fabric is stretchier =
and a<br>
finer mesh than any other top I&#39;ve ever seen. Usually, the underarm ven=
ting<br>
is almost like a netting. This is truly a very fine mesh. And it is so<br>
subtly color-matched to the rest of the tops that I didn&#39;t even notice =
it at<br>
first glance. But I certainly noticed it the first time I was hiking with a=
<br>
full pack and that early morning breeze was stilled and the mid-day sun<br>
started to warm me up! Ditto on the back vents. They gave added<br>
breathability under my backpack and were even more effective when the pack<=
br>
came off. <br>
<br>
I wore the Altra Performance Half Zip top at least a couple dozen times ove=
r<br>
the last 6 months. Most of the time, I wore it over a very light silk or<br=
>
wool base layer top, often a camisole and under a light down vest. It has<b=
r>
not snagged or stained or shown any signs of all the wear and tear I&#39;ve=
<br>
subjected it to either.<br>
<br>
I couldn&#39;t find any care instructions on the Altra website. Inside the =
top<br>
are &quot;tagless&quot; instructions that are printed in a very hard-to-rea=
d silvery<br>
color and while I love the tagless feature, I need to use a magnifying glas=
s<br>
and hold the top at a slant to sunlight to read them! <br>
<br>
The directions are pretty much the usual stuff - wash is cold water, gentle=
<br>
cycle with similar colors, dry flat, no bleach, ironing or dry cleaning. Th=
e<br>
one extra line though threw me initially and that was &quot;put the garment=
<br>
separately into a laundry bag.&quot; Huh. There&#39;s something I don&#39;t=
 have in my<br>
laundry supplies! So, I just tucked the top into a cotton pillow case and<b=
r>
that worked just fine. After at least a half dozen go-rounds in the washing=
<br>
machine, the top still looks great. Lots of wear left for me!<br>
<br>
STARRING ATTRACTIONS <br>
<br>
1.) So very light weight - almost tissue paper!<br>
2.) Keeps the wind out wonderfully.<br>
3.) Breathes well, even when I&#39;m working hard. <br>
<br>
MINOR DISTRACTIONS <br>
<br>
1.) The top runs rather small. Need to go up at least one size. <br>
<br>
SUMMARY <br>
<br>
To tell the truth, when I first saw this top at a media event in Park City<=
br>
last June (2016), I didn&#39;t think I would get all that much use from it.=
 It<br>
isn&#39;t like any other outdoor clothing that I own. <br>
<br>
I&#39;m happy to say, I&#39;ve totally changed my initial &quot;non-excitem=
ent&quot; to<br>
enthusiastic endorsement of this very comfortable and versatile top. It is<=
br>
at the top of my mid-layer/light wind shell pile when it is not on me on th=
e<br>
trail or dirty and in the wash.<br>
<br>
Thanks, Altra, for making clothing I can really use!<br>
<br>
Kathleen (Kathy) Waters <br>
This report was created with the BackpackGearTest.org Report Writer Version=
<br>
1.5 Copyright 2017. All rights reserved.<br>
<br>
Kathy <br>
Website:  www.BackpackGearTest.org<br>
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/BackpackGearTest/<br>
E-mail:  Kathy at backpackgeartest dot com<br>
<br>
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