I wasn’t sure I would get a chance to truly test out my new set of Watson’s Performance Base Layer for Women this spring. Normally, April temperatures in Nebraska are a bit warmer and there is no need for a base layer during the day. But as luck would have it, if I could call it luck, this April has been on the cold side.
So when the need to get out of town exceeded my need to get work done, I pulled on Watson’s Performance long sleeve top and long johns, buttoned up my Army-surplus ACUs, donned a cap and my Muck Boots and headed to a nearby Wildlife Management Area that I fancy.
Upon arriving, I checked the temperature: 43ºF. Perfect. I headed out along the seldom-used trail, searched around for a while for morels, and then headed to the back corner of this little WMA to survey the area.
Things had changed a bit since the last time I was here. Newer and bigger power lines lay in cleared land which last year saw turkeys dance and morels burst forth. Nevertheless, I found a little spot under a juniper tree (an invasive species in the prairie, commonly but mistakenly known around here as the pesky red cedar) and sat down Needing solitude and a connection to the natural world and hoping I might see some turkeys, I sat still for quite some time. After about thirty minutes of listening to birds and far-off cows, I decided I might as well lie down for a nap.
All of this brings me to this point: I was happy to be wearing a base layer. Forty-three degrees is not especially cold, I grant you, but it was overcast and breezy. During my hike, I was never too warm and never sweaty. At no time during my long rest did I feel cold. I was comfortable enough to fall asleep, which says quite a lot given my inability to fall asleep anywhere but a bed or a sleeping bag.
I really cannot think of a better test situation in which to try out Watson’s base layers. A bit of hiking followed by a long period of inactivity and I was never uncomfortable.
My one request for Watson’s: make the top a good two to four inches longer. I like to tuck in my base layer top to keep cold air out. The ACU pants I wore have a very high waist so this was not a problem for me on this day, but there are many times I wish to wear a base layer under my everyday clothes. The moment I reach up or bend down, I feel the top untuck. By making the top just a couple of inches longer, this problem would be solved.
The Performance base layer is a medium weight layer made of micro polyester and spandex that wicks moisture away from the skin, stretches perfectly for a comfortable fit, and provides antimicrobial treatment. More information can be found at www.mywatsons.ca.
