Review: Patagonia Women’s Axuwool Zip-T and Cool Weather Base Layers

As a company, Patagonia is known for its wide-reaching environmental sustainability efforts, and its Axuwool and Cool Weather products are no different. Originally released in the early 2000s, Patagonia’s Axuwool Zip-T and Cool Weather Tights and Top are still around today. Find them used in good or excellent condition on Patagonia Worn Wear, an option for extending the life of your gear while saving costs.

Below, learn of one snowshoer’s experience and her review (pros and drawbacks) of the original women’s Axuwool Zip-T and Cool Weather Tights and Top.

product photo: wild berry Patagonia Axuwool T-Shirt

Photo: Patagonia

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Axuwool Zip-T

Snug as a bug in a rug? Well, not entirely, but with 16% wool on this base layer, the Women’s Axuwool Zip-T is plenty warm for the snow enthusiast. Of course, with the extra features you would expect from Patagonia.

Comfort and Performance

When I first picked up this shirt, I could see the quality. This shirt is made of a high-performance hybrid of soft, lightweight merino wool and fast-wicking polyester, which provides low-bulk warmth. The wool is positioned against your skin, and the moisture is pulled to the polyester outside, where it can quickly evaporate.

For additional comfort, the zipper is a deep, two-way zipper that can allow heat to escape without making your neck cold. It also features a high collar and flat seams. This shirt is contoured for a comfortable yet snug fit. It is still easy to pull on over your head, yet it is tight enough to keep the cold wind from creeping in.

Read More: Analysis: Should We Wear Merino Wool While Snowshoeing?

Layering Considerations

When I wore the Axuwool Zip-T for a morning workout, I wanted to ensure the price was worth it. If you are the type of person who thinks layering is a long-sleeved tee shirt, a fleece, and an outer jacket, this might not be the shirt for you.

On the other hand, if you have a moisture-wicking base layer, different jackets, gloves, boots, a hydration system, etc., you will genuinely appreciate Patagonia’s commitment to quality. For you, the price will be worth it.

Read More: ThinShell Layering With Merino Wool and Nylon

Machine Washable

One minor drawback noticed is the washing instructions. These consist of mainly small, hard-to-read pictures on a tag sewn into the seam. With 16% wool, I was worried about what would happen in the washing machine and dryer and didn’t want to take a chance that I misunderstood the pictures.

So I contacted customer service through their website. They didn’t know who I was or that I was writing a review, so I knew that I was treated like all customers. They responded to my questions within 24 hours; yes, it is machine washable.

Worth the Price

As someone who snowshoes in the Midwest, I think the Axuwool Zip-T is definitely worth the investment. You might pay less for a shirt, but you might need to wear two to get the same warmth. Meanwhile, the moisture-wicking design can be the difference between having fun or going home early.

This season, take the time to do some research on Patagonia products, and don’t let the retail price deter you. Ultimately, buying the right shirt the first time would be better than investing in several shirts, none of which get the job done.

Read More: Snowshoeing Dress Code: Tips for What Clothing To Wear

side by side: L Patagonia Cool Weather Tights Black R Patagonia Cool Weather Top Black

Photos: Patagonia

Cool Weather Tights and Top

So much more than your mother’s long underwear, Patagonia’s Women’s Cool Weather Tights and Cool Weather Top represent an ideal base layer of clothing. Whether snowshoeing, skiing, biking, or running, this system will stand up to whatever you can dish out.

Comfort and Performance

This layering system is not only wind-resistant but also abrasion-resistant. The stretchy nylon allows free movement, while the inner polyester knit wicks away moisture. The top comes with flat, off-the-shoulder seams of fluff thread for chafe-free comfort. The tights come with ankle zippers for a tight fit. They are made of 71% nylon, 28% polyester, and 1% spandex.

What sold me was the moisture-wicking on Patagonia’s Cool Weather Tights and Top. When I exercise in the winter, I usually end up wet. Either snow, sweat, or condensation makes me damp. That’s fine when I’m in the middle of a workout but terrible when I quit. I know that I have to get inside quickly before I get really cold. This is not the case with these base layers.

I recently had the opportunity to test how long I could stay warm after a workout. Waking up before dawn, I made a long hike up a steep grade. I was bow hunting for deer on a cold November morning. The walk was long, and after only a few minutes, I took off my coat and put it in my backpack. When I got to the deer stand, I was hot but not wet. The moisture-wicking and breathable material had taken care of all my excess moisture. Then I sat and sat, and sat, waiting for a deer. As the hours passed, I waited for the usual damp coldness I had accustomed to over the years. It never came. Patagonia’s unique material and construction kept me warm and dry.

Read More: The Patagonia Ultralight Hoody is a Woman’s Best Friend on the Trail

Price Considerations

The one drawback to most Patagonia products is the retail price. The original new retail price for the Cool Weather Tights and Cool Weather Top was close to $100 each, and many consumers will not know the difference between a $50 base layer and a $100 one. Is Patagonia really twice as good as some of its competitors? My answer: yes. I think that it is.

I’m not an expert on clothing, but even I could tell the difference between the traditional layers I used and the Patagonia products.

Luckily, with Patagonia Worn Wear, you can save anywhere from 25 – 75% percent on most items, including those in this review.

This article was first published on December 18, 2005, and was most recently updated on September 14, 2023.

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