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Patagonia Capilene Thermal Weight Zip-Neck - Women's Review

Outstanding warmth and breathability make this layer one of our favorites for high output mountain activities
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Patagonia Capilene Thermal Weight Zip-Neck - Women's Review (The slim fitting Capilene Thermal Weight is great when worn on its own or at the base of your layering kit. The long...)
The slim fitting Capilene Thermal Weight is great when worn on its own or at the base of your layering kit. The long zip neck will help contain or release body heat through the breathable heat design based on current conditions.
Credit: Rebecca Church
Price:  $109 List
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Manufacturer:   Patagonia
By Trish Matheny ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Apr 4, 2024
76
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#5 of 20
  • Warmth - 25% 7.0
  • Breathability - 20% 9.0
  • Comfort and Fit - 20% 7.0
  • Durability - 15% 6.0
  • Drying Speed - 10% 9.0
  • Layering Ability - 10% 8.0

Our Verdict

The Patagonia Capilene Thermal Weight Zip-Neck is an excellent layer for maintaining warmth when temperatures drop. While our testing team disagree that this layer qualifies as a thermal weight, we were still quite impressed by the Polartec power grid fabric that trapped the body heat we regenerated on the uphill, while the micro-grid fleece effectively released that sweat on the downhill. The smooth flatlock seams, gusseted underarms, and stretchy spandex increased both comfort and range of motion, while the slim fit is flattering and helps to conserve body heat. While this layer does not successfully release odor, it is incredibly breathable thanks in part to the long zip neck feature and air-permeable fabric. This is a great choice for shoulder seasons or layered below your down puffy during ski season. See how it fares up against other top products in our best women's base layer review.
REASONS TO BUY
Superior breathability
Excellent warmth
Long zip neck for venting
Durable construction
Comfortable micro grid fleece interior
Fast drying
REASONS TO AVOID
Fabric holds odor
Thumb loops lack quality
Not a thermal weight despite name
Editor's Note: This review was updated on April 4, 2024, to include up-to-date recommendations for other high-performing layers.

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Bottom Line This high performing synthetic base layer is perfect for those cool to cold weather pursuitsBuilt for high-output adventure, this lightweight base layer hoody offers an excellent warmth to weight ratio and maximum breathabilityThis layer is perfect for cold weather pursuits thanks to its quick-drying synthetic construction, trim fit, and versatile featuresA slim fitting and durable synthetic base layer with a modest price tagThe perfect Merino wool base layer crew when worn on its own in cool temperatures or layered beneath your cold weather kit for the coldest months of the year
Rating Categories Patagonia Capilene... Black Diamond Solut... Arc'teryx Rho Hoody... REI Co-op Midweight... Smartwool Classic A...
Warmth (25%)
7.0
8.0
9.0
7.0
5.0
Breathability (20%)
9.0
8.0
6.0
6.0
8.0
Comfort and Fit (20%)
7.0
9.0
9.0
8.0
8.0
Durability (15%)
6.0
9.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
Drying Speed (10%)
9.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
8.0
Layering Ability (10%)
8.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
9.0
Specs Patagonia Capilene... Black Diamond Solut... Arc'teryx Rho Hoody... REI Co-op Midweight... Smartwool Classic A...
Measured Weight (Size Small Unless Noted) 4.8 oz 6.1 oz (size medium) 7.6 oz (size medium) 7.4 oz 4.5 oz
Material 92% recycled polyester, 8% spandex 78% Merino wool, 22% polyester Torrent 190: 84% polyester/16% elastane 92% recycled polyester, 8% spandex 88% Merino wool, 12% nylon core
Weight Class Midweight Lightweight Lightweight Midweight Lightweight
Fit (Tester Verified) Regular fit Slim fit Slim fit Regular fit Regular fit
Torso Length Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium
Thumb Loops Yes Yes No No No
Odor Control Fabric HeiQ Pure odor control Naturally odor resistant Polygiene treatment None Naturally odor resistant
UPF Sun Protection None listed None listed None listed 50+ None listed
Flat-lock Seams Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Avaliable Cuts Zip neck Crew, 1/4 zip neck/hoody Crew, hoody, zip neck Crew, 1/2 zip neck Crew

Our Analysis and Test Results

When considering the Thermal Weight Zip-Neck, the first thing to do is acknowledge that this layer should not be called a thermal weight as advertised, but rather a midweight base layer appropriate for cool to cold weather conditions. However, it does offer superior warmth and breathability thanks to its lightweight and synthetic design. The Polartec fleece traps a surprising amount of body heat, while the long zip neck and microgrid design successfully allow the garment to vent and release moisture. While we wish Patagonia did a better job with the elastic thumb loops, they do help when layering this top with others in your cold-weather kit. If you're looking for a high-performing synthetic midweight base layer, this one doesn't disappoint.

Performance Comparison


patagonia capilene thermal weight zip-neck for women - when you're near the summit and the winds pick up, you'll want this...
When you're near the summit and the winds pick up, you'll want this layer to keep you warm for those last couple pitches of climbing and hauling.
Credit: Cody Hays

Warmth


As we've already mentioned, this layer should not be considered a thermal weight; however, it does trap an amazing amount of body heat. We noticed how well the Thermal Weight Zip-Neck performed once the temperatures dropped in Yosemite Valley and when it snowed on another trip to Utah. We took this layer for extended trail runs to Glacier Point and up the Snow Creek steps before selecting it to keep us warm for three cold October nights sleeping on the side of El Capitan.


Our testers benefited from features like the Polartec power grid fabric, the drop tail hem, and the soft micro-grid fleece interior, which kept us warm (even sometimes too warm!) during our fall adventures. This base layer's zip neck, thumb loops, and slim fit also contribute to its top-notch warmth by allowing the garment to sit close to your skin and remain in place even while in motion. While not the warmest synthetic layer we've tested, nor a true thermal weight as advertised, this base layer is warm enough to be worn on its own during shoulder season adventures or at the base of a layered system during those bone-chilling winter months.

We love the versatility of the zip neck on the Capilene Thermal Weight, which helps to increase or release warmth generated during activity.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Breathability


The Thermal Weight Zip-Neck shines in the breathability category thanks to the fabric's open grid pattern that is practically see-through when held up to sunlight. The long and centered zip neck contributes to this layer's high scores in this metric, allowing a choice between containing body heat or releasing sweat built up during intense activity.


Our lead tester was grateful to have selected this top when climbing in Yosemite in late fall due to its high performance and versatility. Early in the morning, when the sun was shining and the winds were calm, we noticed this layer effectively released any built-up sweat. Later in the day, when the clouds rolled in and the wind picked up just below the summit of El Capitan, our lead tester remained warm, thanks to the effective square-patterned fleece insulation. This is a great pick if you're looking for a warm base layer that also successfully wicks moisture away from your body.

patagonia capilene thermal weight zip-neck for women - this polartec power grid fabric makes this layer incredibly...
This Polartec power grid fabric makes this layer incredibly breathable, while also holding heat to keep you warm.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Comfort and Fit


It is clear that Patagonia put a lot of consideration into this lightweight base layer's overall comfort and fit. The Thermal Weight Zip-Neck is a slim-fitting layer with offset shoulder seams to prevent chafing when carrying a heavy pack. The design features internal neck tape and flatlock seams for increased comfort.


This layer's 92% recycled polyester creates a soft feel next to the skin, and the 8% spandex provides enough stretch for a full range of motion. Regarding fit, our testers appreciate the gusseted underarms and drop tail hem for increased coverage and warmth, especially when engaging in activities like rock climbing. Ultimately, this slim-fitting base layer feels comfortable next to the skin, and the polyester spandex fabric combination allows for ease of movement, no matter what adventure you have up your sleeve.

patagonia capilene thermal weight zip-neck for women - this base layer effectively traps body heat thanks to its slim...
This base layer effectively traps body heat thanks to its slim fitting design.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Durability


While we are happy to report that we did not experience any durability issues during our extensive testing period, we have a couple of complaints regarding odor control and this layer's minimalist thumb loop construction. Patagonia boasts a permanent odor-free Polygiene treatment, but this layer still holds on to body odor, especially after several days of use. To be fair, this has been the case for all synthetic layers we've tested — Merino wool is simply superior in odor protection across the board. That said, the air-permeable fabric of the Thermal Weightand the long zip neck helps reduce odor. However, it does still linger in the fabric once the wind dies down.


Our testers were also disappointed by the lack of effort that Patagonia put into their thumb loop design, which they refer to as “low profile.” We found that the thin elastic construction of the loop not only reduces comfort but doesn't inspire confidence that they'll continue to be functional throughout the life of this base layer. These complaints aside, we experienced no serious issues with the Thermal Weight Zip-Neck during testing, whether on a long trail run or hauling a heavy load up a rock face.

patagonia capilene thermal weight zip-neck for women - we experienced no issues with this base layer, thanks to its durable...
We experienced no issues with this base layer, thanks to its durable flatlock seams.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Drying Speed


It was important to our testers to track how much time each layer required to “wash,” wring out, and air dry while on an extended backcountry trip. Of all the layers that we tested by soaking in a stream before wringing out to dry and tossing on a rope, it is fair to say that the Patagonia layers really stood out amongst the competition. We consider the Thermal Weight Zip-Neck to be more of a midweight layer (within a range of other base layers from silk to midweight), offering a drying speed of only 37 minutes. This was the fastest drying speed out of all the layers we tested, no matter the fabric weight.


Our testing crew didn't stop there. Next, we hit the trails and worked up a sweat to measure the drying speed on the body post-activity. After returning from the trails, the Thermal weight needed a modest 25 minutes to air dry on our body, a testament to this layer's exceptional breathability. While polyester material is considered more durable than 100% pure Merino wool, we still recommend allowing this layer to air dry overnight away from heat sources to increase the lifespan of this high-performing layer. If you're looking for a quick-drying layer that allows airflow to move through the fabric with ease, this layer is at the top of our list.

This layer featured one of the fastest drying speeds thanks to the lightweight air permeable synthetic design.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Layering Ability


Thanks to a smooth face fabric and stretchy spandex material, it is easy to layer over the Thermal Weight Zip-Neck. However, due to its rather slim fit and the square grid pattern on the interior, our testers found it difficult to layer more than a tank top or lightweight base layer crew underneath.


While we love that the Thermal Weight Zip-Neck offers a thumb loop feature to aid with layering and warmth retention, we wish the design wasn't so minimal. Some of the other layers in this review feature thicker, higher quality, and more comfortable thumb loops, while those on the Thermal Weight are just very thin and elastic. These lack the comfort and warmth we'd hope for after investing in a more expensive base layer.

The thumb loops on this top left a bit to be desired, while they...
The thumb loops on this top left a bit to be desired, while they help hold the base layer in place while layering within a system, they are thin and lack durability.
Smooth fabric, thumb loops, and a long zipper make this top easy to...
Smooth fabric, thumb loops, and a long zipper make this top easy to layer over top, however, the slim fit doesn't allow for more than a tank top and base layer crew underneath.
The thumb loops and zip neck are great features, though we wish the thumb loops were more substantial.

Should You Buy the Patagonia Capilene Thermal Weight?


While not the most affordable synthetic base layer, our testers feel this layer delivers higher performance than the price tag suggests. It successfully traps heat and wicks moisture incredibly well, thanks to a Polartec and spandex construction that feels soft next to the skin. If you're allergic to wool and seeking a synthetic option for your cold-weather mountain pursuits, this layer is worth the investment.

What Other Base Layers Should You Consider?


While our testers love the synthetic Capilene Thermal for its superior warmth and breathability, more affordable options are available, such as the Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew. Or, if you'd like a versatile, blended design that offers high performance without the odor retention of synthetic fibers, check out our favorite Merino layer, the Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Quarter Zip - Women's. The Solution design is very different from the Thermal Weight, but it offers the versatility of a hood, better thumb loops, and superior durability.

patagonia capilene thermal weight zip-neck for women - other recommendations if considering the capilene thermal weight.
Other recommendations if considering the Capilene Thermal Weight.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Trish Matheny