X-Sensor

Pearl Izumi X-Sensor Zip Top
The 5.6-ounce X-Sensor ($60; www.pearlizumi.com) feels as slick and smooth as it looks (and sounds), employing the moisture-transfer capability of specialized Ultrasensor fabric and the unique performance of X-static fibers, strands of silver-based fabric that are definitely the silver-lining to this number. It's said that polyester is best when it comes to keeping you dry, but the odor of sweat. In contrast, the X-Sensor's tiny silver strands are infused with a natural antimicrobial to deter odor-causing bacteria, leaving you dry and stench-free. The inherent conductivity of silver also helps to keep you cool when it's hot, and warm when it's cool, while the stand-up collar's draft flap increases wind protection. This top is ideal for aerobically active people wanting to maintain comfort and dryness across a range of warm and cool temps.
Best Use: This layer is made for sweat, so take advantage of it on the most vigorous activities like jogging and cycling.

Shak Jersey

Ibex Shak Jersey
Ibex has long turned to merino wool for its durability, comfort, and temperature-regulating properties, and people have in turn flocked to the 18-ounce Shak Jersey ($120; www.ibexwear.com)—so much so that Ibex struggles to keep this base layer in stock. With 30 crimps per inch, the Shak Jersey certainly gives you something to bleat about. The dense knit of the fiber gives the shirt tons stretch and a slick, smooth finish that's ideal for layering (and it doesn't require the added stretch of water-collecting Lycra). The turtleneck, with a deep three-quarter-length zipper, works for the office as well as the slopes, and it is completely machine-washable.
Best Use: The Shak's smooth line makes it nice enough to wear to work and warm enough to bear the cold, not to mention it's flexible enough for any kind of wild—even unintentional—moves.

Airius Eclipse

Patagonia Airius Eclipse
Patagonia's idea is to keep your upper body in a cool shadow even if you're making like the proverbial mad dog and Englishman in the noonday sun. The Airius Eclipse's ($49; www.patagonia.com) ultralight fabric works its ventilation magic in the torso's sweat-prone zones, while the Capilene silkweight panels on the shoulders and down the sides of the arms wick away moisture and work to lessen chafing and abrasion. And best of all, the shirt uses UV light to break down the serious odors that aerobic activity stimulates. Leave it to Patagonia to get so high-tech with something seemingly so simple.
Best Use: The Airius Eclipse will protect you from noonday sun while climbing, running, or doing any aerobic activity.

Mesa Shirt

Mountain Hardwear Mesa Shirt
Mountain Hardwear's line of Excursion clothing is the quintessential light, vented, and dry base-layer collection. Their Mesa Shirt ($45-$55; www.mountainhardwear.com), new for 2004, is among this season's best backcountry garb. Lighter and cleaner than a bottle of Coppertone, the Mesa has a flip-up sun protection collar and offers protection equivalent to SPF 35. The men's Mesa shirts come in long- and short-sleeve styles, with pleated chest pockets and Velcro closures (the long sleeve also has a roll-up sleeve tab). The women's Mesa is a half-sleeve piece with a chest pocket and hidden, zippered Napoleon pocket. A split hem allows the 15-ounce shirt to be tucked in or out, and the mesh-lined shoulders provide that extra ventilation for those hot, sweaty hikes or fly-fishing trips in the tropics.
Best Use: Hitting the backcountry on spring's sunny days.

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