Craft Active Extreme Base Layer

By Josh Cole-Hossain

Review of the Craft Active Extreme Base Layer

The Craft Active Extreme is designed to keep you dry and fresh during cold weather workouts.

Like many base layers, the Craft Active Extreme base layer seemed dis-proportioned at first; however, it is a very comfortable fit once you actually get it on. Being a winter base layer it was longer than a usual summer version but was not so long that it needed to be rolled up in order to fit under bib tights or shorts.

The single area of stitching is flat lock so as to make it less noticeable to the user. This also helps the base layer to fit to the body’s shape very well. With other base layers the underarms are often a neglected area, as the majority of cyclists rarely move their arms to any great extent whilst riding, so the stitching is usually in awkward and noticeable; but not with Craft. Every detail has been carefully thought of and the care and attention put into the stitching was truly appreciated whilst in a recent Madison training session, one of the cycling events that involves lots of dynamic arm movement.
 

The Craft’s “HEXA channeled fiber (six channels) against the skin enhances moisture transport and cools the body down, whereas a hollow fiber on the outside of the fabric offers insulation and transports moisture to the next layer”

As the ‘Extreme’ range was originally designed for skiers, it is able to trap heat when doing a medium effort, so as to keep the rider warm, but has also been created with vents to cool the rider down when doing high intensity efforts. This means it is perfect for mild winter rides and for the frenetic cyclocross season.

However sometimes, when the weather is milder, the Craft Active Extreme base layer does it’s job a bit too well and can make you a little too warm and therefore too sweaty…

The Craft Active Extreme blends technology from the Pro Active base layer, which is designed to keep you comfortable in mild conditions, with technology from the Pro Cool base layer, designed to cool you down in warm conditions. The outer layer of the Active Extreme uses Pro Cool technology to allow your body to breath while the Pro Active technology so the base layer does not stick or pinch you.
 

Craft say that the “ergonomic 3D construction ensures a perfect fit and optimal freedom of movement for extreme performance”

Overall it is an extremely good base layer for late autumn and winter, will keep you warm, yet fresh and also dries very fast after short spells of rain. However, it’s one to avoid during summer, but then again what do you expect from a winter base layer.

The Craft Active Extreme baselayer

The Craft’s “HEXA channeled fiber (six channels) against the skin enhances moisture transport and cools the body down, whereas a hollow fiber on the outside of the fabric offers insulation and transports moisture to the next layer”

Craft keeping Josh warm during training at the Herne Hill Velodrome

Craft say that the “ergonomic 3D construction ensures a perfect fit and optimal freedom of movement for extreme performance”

Perfect for cold weather training – the Craft Active Extreme baselayer

Craft Website