Ridge Merino Convict - Women's Review

The Ridge Convict is a high-performance, blended Merino wool base layer that prioritizes warmth and thermoregulation within a durable polyester face fabric. The soft 18.5-micron, ultra-fine Merino wool interior enhances comfort, while the polyester exterior beefs up the layer's durability. This layer is perfect for those looking for versatility in a wide range of temperatures and cold weather conditions.

Performance Comparison

Warmth

The Convict is one of the warmest base layers we've tested. At a ratio of 54% polyester, 38% wool, and 8% spandex, it combines the best attributes of synthetic and Merino wool fibers. The patented 170 GSM Polartec Power Wool interior helps trap body heat from high-energy activities, and the combination of a low-profile hood and super high, mock-style collar bolsters heat retention on cold weather days.

The Convict prioritizes climate control by insulating your body when it's cold and allowing heat to escape through the lofted grid pattern interior when the sun comes out. The hood's high-level coverage is an added bonus in terms of sun protection. The well-balanced thermoregulation makes this one of our testing team's top choices when the temperatures are low, but the sun is shining.

Breathability

The Convict does an exceptional job with moisture management. The bi-component fabric combines the warmth of Merino wool with the quick-drying capabilities of polyester. This top effectively wicks moisture away from your skin to keep you warm while preventing any clamminess that leads to discomfort while on the move. Ridge upped the ante by including a half zip feature running from the collar nearly down to the belly button. The extended zipper is helpful for trapping heat and as a wind break, but it is also helpful to effectively dump heat on warmer days.

We were impressed with how well the Convict managed to balance warmth and breathability in cold and warm conditions. The weather was all over the place during our fall testing period, so we were able to test this layer through unseasonably warm days up through the first snowfall. Although the open grid pattern allows air to permeate the layer and wick moisture, we did notice some regular sweat accumulation at the bend of our elbows. However, this pool dried rather quickly (5-10 minutes, on average) once the arm was extended and exposed to ambient air.

Comfort and Fit

The Convict is thoughtfully designed to maximize comfort and femininity while reducing chafing in common areas. The gusseted sleeves increase the range of motion, and the removal of shoulder seams makes this one of our favorites for long days of carrying a heavy backpack. The premium, ultra-fine, 18.5-micron Merino wool interior feels super soft next to your skin. We wanted to wear this layer all the time, no matter if we were pushing our athletic limits or lounging inside on a recovery day.

The fit of the Convict feels true to size, even on different body types. For our lead tester – who is 5'6" with a short torso and longer legs – the sleeves extended a bit beyond her wrists and the longer torso extended down to her upper thigh. Excellent patterning, flatlock seams, a soft Merino wool interior, and a fit that offers performance and style all combine to allow the Convict to stand out from the rest of the competition in terms of comfort and fit.

Durability

The construction successfully combines polyester's durability with Merino wool's odor resistance. While the synthetic exterior protects the ultra-fine Merino interior, the natural antimicrobial qualities of Merino wool help the layer combat odor without chemical treatments.

We wore this top everywhere, from bouldering on abrasive rocks to long days in the backcountry navigating sharp sagebrush and invasive Russian thistle. After wearing the Convict for many days, we're happy to report that it stands up to abuse and manages to repel odors – even without washing. That said, you can help extend the life of this layer by machine washing cold and hanging to dry. All told, this is one of the most durable blended layers we've had the pleasure of testing.

Drying Speed

We perform a one-hour, high-intensity workout routine to assess drying speed under similar environmental conditions. Whether we are running or skinning uphill, this test helps us evaluate how well the layer dries on the body and if any moisture is retained during regular activity. Thanks to its quick-drying construction that features an open grid pattern designed to efficiently shed moisture, even on warmer days, the Convict is effectively able to dry on your body.

We also conduct an objective test, side-by-side with competitors, to evaluate the time required to line dry completely. We saturate this layer in a stream, wring it out, and hang it out to dry in the sun – like how you would wash on an extended backcountry trip. The Convict required only 40 minutes to completely dry on the line. This is very impressive for a 7.98-ounce layer, which highlights this design's quick drying capabilities. Whether we're wearing it as a standalone piece or as a layer at the base of our kit, the combination of wicking power and super fast drying speed make this high-performance layer a favorite whenever we plan to work up a sweat.

Layering Ability

The Ridge Convict offers a slim-fitting silhouette that is very easy to layer underneath a puffy, rain jacket, or another mid-layer. The polyester exterior provides a smooth interface when layering over top. The discreet thumb holes help keep this layer in place while pulling on an additional layer and enhance coverage for added warmth on those super cold days in the mountains.

The Merino wool grid pattern on the interior is a little “grabby”, making it a bit more difficult to layer much more than a thin Merino t-shirt or tank top underneath. The lofted design also requires more space in your layering kit – an important consideration for those looking to dial their kit in to maximize range of motion. Overall, the benefits of the smooth, polyester exterior overcome any annoying traits of the interior face fabric. This is, after all, intended to be a base layer and not a mid-layer.

Should You Buy the Ridge Merino Convict?

The Convict is a great choice for those looking to invest in a durable, high-performance base layer. The fabric blend does a fantastic job of shedding moisture and trapping body heat to keep your core warm and toasty enough for cold-weather adventures. Yet the weight is versatile enough to wear as a standalone piece through the shoulder seasons. The thoughtful design maximizes comfort, femininity, warmth, and breathability. Although it is quite expensive, our testing team considers this layer worth every penny.

What Other Base Layers Should You Consider?

If you like the idea of combining the durability of polyester with the natural odor resistance of Merino wool, but are looking for a slightly lighter weight layer, check out the Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Quarter Zip. If you like the lofted, open-grid design but want to shed some additional bulk and weight, consider the Patagonia Capilene Thermal Weight Zip-Neck. And if you're after something more affordable and lightweight that is better suited for cooler temperatures, check out the Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino.