Editor’s note:  My friend Colin and I recently tried out several items from Dæhlie.  I’ve been wearing the women’s Airnet Wool base layers, and my friend Colin has been testing out the men’s Airnet wool base layer top and  the Men’s Pro Pant.  Dahlie’s Nordic heritage stands out with these items.

The Dæhlie items proved a solid choice for a quick jaunt to the foothills.   We hiked around Elk Meadows open space on a sunny but windy Sunday morning.  Amidst a bit of snow and high wind, the material and construction stood up to the elements.  The design afforded some versatility and convenience.  Colin thought the pants were a great product for a casual hike but really the type of pant you’d want for a full day in the mountains or during a competition.  I stayed toasty warm in the women’s Airnet base layers beneath another long sleeve top and a windproof jacket and pants.

The Airnet base layers tout several helpful features:

Colin thought the pant material felt rock solid in the elements.  Wind didn’t get through and the material felt as though it would buffet a freezing rain.  Likewise, the construction (water-resistant seams; full-leg zippers; drawstring; and the sewing) was as professional as it gets.  These pants could easily be a go-to for Nordic skiing, trail running in snow, and or fast-paced mountaineering.  I plan to further test the Men’s Pro pants over time.

The fit was solidly within the Eurozone of tightness so loose-fitting American types will want to go a size or two larger.  Straight forward black design with minimal branding but the orange waistband added some style.  Pockets are also a nice touch for stashing money and id.

As for the base layers, having already experienced a combination mesh and merino wool top, I was not surprised that that Dæhlie top and bottom performed equally well.  Wearing a regular base layer, even one that is wicking, directly under a jacket wicks sweat away from your body, but it gets transported to the outside of your base layer, and then to your jacket, which can create odor over time.  The Airnet top and bottom should be worn with a layer on top.  The photos here are only to show the whole base layer outfit; I would have frozen if I hiked around on a chilly, windy day wearing only wool and mesh base layers.  The Airnet transports moisture and heat to the next layer, leaving me comfortably dry and warm.  I wore my Airnet on a freezing cold day in Vail, under another solid top layer and my normally warm insulated NILS pants; I was toasty all day with no complaints.  The Airnet layers have earned a permanent place in my gear closet.