Wool or synthetic? Ultimately, it's a question of taste. One is itchy, the other stinks, but apart from that, baselayers are all kind of the same - that's a slightly exaggerated way of describing my previous attitude to the first layer of insulation, although as a sensitive person, I've always ended up on the side of synthetic fibers because of the way they feel. And because they are all the same anyway, I have whole piles of long-sleeved shirts from the cheap own brands of large sports outfitting stores in my wardrobe, which have simply been replaced en masse. Even the occasional trip to the premium merino store couldn't change my mind.
But since I've had the Bergans baselayer, it's all somehow stayed in the wardrobe. The wearing comfort is outstandingly fluffy and can easily keep up with fluffy woven synthetic fibers. I couldn't keep previous merino products on my skin for long, especially during strenuous activities, but I now even like to wear my Krekling shirt for jogging. Nothing scratches, even in warmer temperatures.
I find the close-fitting cut of the very stretchy fabric ideal and I don't have a baselayer top that fits me nearly as well. The cut at the arms and waist is very long, which I personally really like when skiing. There's nothing worse than a gaping crevasse and a cold draught around your kidneys. And with the soft, stretchy fabric, a few pleats on the underarm are a much better alternative than cuffs that ride up too far.
Turtlenecks aren't for everyone either. Certainly not mine. But the Krekling Half Zip is somehow different. The fabric fits snugly around the neck, doesn't constrict, doesn't get in the way when you turn your head and keeps your neck nice and warm. Something that, to my own surprise, I suddenly really appreciate. If you don't like that, it's better to go for the otherwise identical, collarless Krekling shirt.
In general, the 260g/m² is just right for me in terms of warmth. Perfect for ski tours. For freeriding, I usually wear a T-shirt over it (also recommended: the Bergans Fjellrapp Tee) and when it gets cold, a thin fleece is also used. Unfortunately, I am not really convinced by the legwear from the baselayer segment, so synthetics are still used here. But there's always something...
