I've ridden these a lot on rides where the temp goes well over 100�. Keeps you cooler than just a jersey, that's for sure. You wouldn't think they would but they do. You don't even notice that it's there except that you're cooler than without it. If I had to make a complaint, it's that sunscreen stains the neck after a while. But nobody ever sees these when you're riding so who cares, right? They go on sale every so often so keep an eye out.
The difference in cooling effect between the new base layer and an well worn bade layer of the same garment was quite noticeable. Definitely felt cooler wearing this base layer. Comfortable, snug without being uncomfortable.
Have used a warm-weather baselayer for a few years, Craft was the first brand I tried. The sale price made it a no-brainer I needed replacement. White does show some sweat stains (although not until several months of wearing it 2-3 times/week) so also bought a black one this time.
Great for everyday summer riding, you can unzip your jersey and not have your chest exposed and the light material helps in wicking and cooling. Also, great for traveling and be easily washed in a hotel sink and drys quickly, or you can roll it up in a dry towel and it ready to wear immediately.
Bought this on sale but would buy full price. This is one of those pieces of gear you put on and forget because it is so good. Does the job in hot humid weather and great for indoor training. I also wear under work shirts to keep a sweaty cotton shirt off of me.
I use the Craft Cool Mesh on my MTB rides and on long E-MTB rides (exploring remote areas). I love the barrier and the ventilation it provides. I now have 4 of these to prevent laundry becoming an everyday event.
PROs - great ventilation, doesn't stick to my skin, no odor problems, I use the white ones so they are always cool.
CONs - A bit pricey for what it is, the laundry tag is enormous
the main reason i got this was not because its designed to help you stay cool on hot days, but because on hot days i wear a Le Col Pro Air Nexus jersey which is basically a see thru mesh jersey. great for staying cool, but it leaves nothing to the imagination. adding this base layer allows for the benifit of breathablity while also making my jersy top less see through.
its super light and comfortable and i dont notice its even under my jersey which is a plus.
overall im happy with it.
This was a Daily Special, Looked like a great option for the hot days, but sounded kind of contradictory to wear additional layer on a hot day. I read the reviews and they were good. The price was good when offered for the daily deal. So I purchased the Crafts cool mesh base layer to try and I can say wow I am impressed it works great under your bike shirts they do not stick to you and the holes in fabric let your skin breath. I was so impressed I purchased another one when it was a daily deal again. Now on some cooler mornings about 70 degrees it adds a little warmth. I will buy one more when a deal again. It works great but the little bit of cloth is a lot of money for the full price.
I can't tell if I need this thing. I've worn this and another Craft baselayer ten or so times in the heat, and on some days it has made me too hot, and on others it seemed to make me sweat more, and the sweat soaked the baselayer, which helped cool me down, but it feels like I'm dehydrated faster. On other days, I feel cool and this thing seems to work. The effect is different with different jerseys. Was I too hot without this baselayer? I don't think so. Best utility is for shoulder seasons, I think.
Only used for a few rides so far, but works great. I would do as others have posted here and go a size smaller than usual. I usually ride a XL standard fit jersey and a L Craft baselayer fits perfect.
It's still too early to tell if this will fall apart over time. I plan on using it weekly as I did with my Pearl Izumi baselayer and so far it's lasted me 3 years with no issues. So I will compare it to my PI. It's very light, and comfy, keeps me cool in the Florida hot and humid weather. I don't feel sticky at the end of my rides and still able to not feel overheated. I bought a size medium, which I usually wear, but appears to be more loose. Maybe next time I'll order a small and see if it'll fit well. Anyway, like I said earlier my review might change over time since I'm going to compare it to my PI that I've been using for over 3 years and so far nothing wrong with it.
This piece adds warmth to any jersey. Makes a climbers jersey too hot above 55�F. I wear it under a long-sleeve thermal jersey at 40� for the extra insulation. I bought it for supposed wicking and cooling action, which is the opposite of what it does. So, from 40�F to 55�F, it makes a nice lightweight insulating layer. Warmer than that, leave it at home.
Used under jersey in all weather conditions. Keeps a layer of ventilation when it's hot out allowing cooler air layer between skin and jersey, jersey doesn't stick to the skin.
