Grassroots Rating: Smartwool 4 Boots, Sports Science 3 Boots (1 to 5 Boots possible)

Test Date: February-April 2008
Test Location: Asheville, NC
Conditions: Varied

The Products
Over the winter, I picked up two long sleeve tops that I have been testing. The Smartwool Micro Weight NTS Crew and the Smart Science long sleeve zipper turtleneck.

Both of these products are meant to be next to skin (NTS) pieces made of wool. However, I picked them up for completely different reasons. I am always going back and forth over which is better for me, zip necks or crew necks. I like to try them both in all activities. I am definitely a WARM person, so I love the functionality of zips for venting purposes. However, I also have a beard, so zips inevitably catch on my neck. This usually leads me back to crew necks, which are better on the neck, but not on the ventilation. So what is a guy like me to do?

The Fit

The Smartwool piece is a crew style, which fits well under most everything or on its own. It is made to fit snugger for the NTS feel, however this piece was a little short in the torso on me, it could also be the extra winter weight, I’m not saying for sure. The Sport Science top is a 1/2 zip with thumb loops and has more volume, so not exactly NTS fit. The fit on this was good in the torso, with a thicker waist line hem and long over back. The neck line was a little looser, and my neck was thankful. The arms, however were too long, even with the thumb loops holding it in place. I am about 6′ and have average to longer than average arm length for my size, the Sport Science top was just way too long.

The Performance

Over the span of three months I have worn both pieces in different circumstances; from hiking, to urban adventure to working out at the gym. I definitely wetted out both pieces in any exertion. My main focus for comparison was wearing the pieces either running or hiking. On a couple of occasions, I tested under similar conditions at the office and gym. I wore both garments to work–then to the gym– then home. In this sequence, both garments were warm, but not too warm to make me sweat during the day. The Smartwool piece was a little itchy, but not bad and the Sport Science piece is a little “silkier” to the touch. The real test was from Gym to home. After a 45 minute run on the treadmill, I wetted out with both garments. After a 20 min cool down/stretching, and 10 minute drive home, both garments dried well and felt comfortable enough wearing them until after eating dinner, and my wife didn’t notice much of stench so that was a huge plus for both.

Conclusions/Recommendations

I was definitely more comfortable in the Smartwool piece, as the fit was much better. I might go with the Sport Science piece (in a Medium) on a hike, but for everyday use and working out in the cold, the Smartwool is a better option. Both are very comfortable to the skin and about the same weight. I would recommend both, but definitely pay attention to sizing. The Smartwool was a little short in the torso, whereas the Sport Science was too long in the arms.

Test Specs:

Smartwool Men’s Microweight NTS Crew, Color Green, Size Large

Sports Science Men’s Longsleeve Zipper Turtleneck, Color Black, Size Large

Where to Buy: Grassroots Retail Members
Reviewer: Tyler Donaldson
Occupation: Marketing Coordinator, Grassroots Outdoors Alliance
Age: 30 Height: 6’