Rab - Forge LS Tee
Posted by The Great Outdoors Magazine on Aug 18, 2022
This lightweight merino-blend top has the most athletic fit of all the garments I tested. So it's efficient at wicking moisture, and it's good at thermal regulation too, in a wide range of temperatures. However, I found the fit a little too snug. Amen's Medium usually fits me perfectly in most products but this was uncomfortably tight around the chest and upper arms. The fabric's stretchy, so it does relax a bit over time. Typically of Rab, the finish is very good, and like most tops, I tested flat-locked seams were standard. However, I didn't find the fabric comfy on the hill. It felt unusually scratchy gainst the skin even compared to other merino-based tops. This may be due to the fabric's slightly ribbed construction. The micro-ribbed structure probably helps with breathability and maybe another factor contributing to the Forge LS Tee's efficient performance, but after a few hours of wear, I found it irritating my skin. More positively, 32% of the polyester in this garment is recycled, I found it great at controlling odours due to its merino content, and there's no sign whatsoever of the fabric 'pilling' after several washes. It's a well-made base layer, that works fine, but try before you buy make sure it fits you and is comfortable against your skin.