Rab MeCo 120 Long Sleeve Base Layer

Rab’s Slim-fitting and comfortable MeCo 120 base layer is competition-ready and durable enough for a multitude of fast moving outdoor activities.

 

The MeCo 120 sits comfortably at the lighter-weight end of the base layer spectrum and is nicely constructed from a combination of Australian Merino wool and recycled polyester, with the 65-35% split in favour of the Antipodeans’ sheep.

Lightweight base layers are more suitable to fast, high pulse activities like running and cycling, but they end up being used as do-it-all, single layers for anything from climbing to canoeing. It’s a personal choice of course, and activities like climbing might fall outside of a company’s marketing plan, but so what? When a good top becomes a favourite and is worn to oblivion it can only be a good thing for that company.

Rab’s use of Cocona technology plays its part admirably here. Used to enhance the overall drying, UV protection and antibacterial performance of the fabric, so you can live in it whether competing in an extended running event, walking a GR route ... or are just plain lazy. 

 

Here’s what the Cocona company says: The Cocona Patented Technology permanently incorporates natural active particles that have micro porous structures, into fibres, fabrics, polymers, and films. These active particles have been tested by industry standards and have been found to enhance the performance of fabrics by 30 to 50%. The benefit of Cocona® technology includes: increased breathability, Dry Times, UV protection and Odour management.

And Rab say: Cocona® technology is contained inside the recycled fibre and will not wear out or wash off.

In the 120 Long Sleeve Tee we use a 120g/m² MeCo fabric. The fabric is lightweight and makes the most of the comfortable and anti bacterial nature of merino wool but is made faster drying due to the synthetic content of the fabric.

Does it work? In a Coconut shell – Yep! I’ve found that even after a string of daily commuter rides, gentle runs, or sterner series of rain-drenched blasts on my mountain bike, the MeCo120 is pretty effective for at least three days before my wife suggests’ that it heads towards the washing machine. I try to avoid eye contact for a further 24 hours (in the name of product testing) before it suddenly disappears from its home on the hallway radiator.

A nice touch is the flat-lock seams that hold the top together. Flat-lock seams are important if you're carrying anything that might rub, like a back pack or hydration system - they just add to the overall comfort factor too.

Base layers, like Rab’s MeCo 120 are, by definition, are close-fitting garments that work best where they touch the skin and have two main purposes: to help keep you warm, and secondly transfer sweat away from the body and out to the next layer.

If you’re dry you’ll remain comfortable for longer and therefore perform better for longer during your given activity – is the theory.

Pros: Close but unrestricted fit, comfy to wear, very durable

Cons: Can’t think of any - it's a base layer and does exactly what it says on the tin

Verdict: I really like the MeCo 120 top. And I particularly like the close fitting. It’s plenty long enough for my gangly arms; no scrimping cut-backs with fabrics here. The feel is soft and light, there’s no itchy-scratchy discomfort, and as an all-round lightweight base layer that's practically lived on my back during this long wet winter, the MeCo 120 proves to be hard-wearing.

 

Seems, all that washing machine turmoil has done it no harm at all.

Sizes: XS - XXL (size tested was a medium on a 5'11 dummy)

Weight: 165g (Large)

For full details on the MeCo 120 visit: www.rabclothing.com

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