The Effra crew is a super warm baselayer, thanks to a deep and luxurious grid pattern on the inside that traps warm air, creating a little microclimate next to the skin. The outer surface is smooth, to allow it to slide easily under other layers.
Lucy Wallace’s verdict
I do think it’s an excellent value base layer, and a great start for anyone on a budget, because it is so warm, and at the same time, affordable.- Very warm
- Affordable
- Bulky
- A little sweaty
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: £32 Weight: 210g (size 12) Pros: very warm, affordable Cons: bulky, a little sweaty Materials: 95% polyester, 5% elastane Features: Crew neck, flat lock seams, thumb loops, internal grid knit. Sizes: 8-18 Men’s version: the men’s equivalent is called the Dornie crew. https://www.sprayway.com/ |
The Effra crew design is a straightforward long-sleeved crew neck with flat locked seams (bulkier than some due to the chunky grid knit) and includes thumb loops at the cuffs. I quite like these for keeping everything in place when layering up, and even offering added insulation around the wrists and backs of the hands under gloves. It’s heavy at 230g, which you might expect with something so warm. The fit and sizing are generous, I found my size 12 to be very roomy, and it is available up to a size 18, so it’s a technical base layer that is accessible to a wide range of people.
I tested the Effra in winter and spring conditions in the mountains, often in the wet, and frequently when carrying heavy loads up hill. The CoreC grid fabric is very warm, if a little bulky and in extremis even felt sweaty despite being a synthetic fabric, perhaps due to the elastane content, which can have a dampening effect on moisture management and wicking performance. Despite this, I do think it’s an excellent value base layer, and a great start for anyone on a budget, because it is so warm, and at the same time, affordable.
