Gear Review: GORE R3 Women's Thermo Long Sleeve Shirt

GORE R3 Women's Thermo Long Sleeve Shirt specs

80% polyester, 20% elastane
Reflective logo
Stretchable collar for easy on and off
Reflective print
Thermo-stretch functional fabric
Sleeve hem with thumbhole

Where To Get It:

The bottom line: This is a high-quality base layer ideal for hiking or trail running during winter or chilly shoulder season days. The bright color feels fresh and feminine, while the technical features are intended for real athletes ready to hit the trail.

The R3 Thermo Women's Long Sleeve Shirt is one of the most comfortable base layers I've ever tried on. It's softer than SmartWool and warmer than many of its thinner synthetic counterparts. I found it to be the best option I've seen yet for uphill winter hiking or trail running when temperatures are in the high 30s to mid-40s.

One of the best things about this top is the care that the designers clearly put into all of the extra features. There are hemmed thumb holes so that the sleeves don't ride up and a reflective GORE logo and print so that cars can see you at night. Perhaps the most unique feature: the zipperless high neckline that manages to stay up without flopping around during vigorous movement. It was a welcome addition to have it built in rather than packing a scarf or a buff.

The fabric GORE chose to use in this piece is worth noting as well. Synthetic base layers tend to be more durable than their wool counterparts, which is worth considering if you're a high-use outdoorswoman or a daily runner who wants their gear to last. Plus, the R3 Thermo boasts the softest fabric of any other winter base layer I've tested.

The R3 currently comes in three colors: Terra Grey, Deep Water Blue, and Hibiscus Pink. They are all slightly muted tones that make for easy pairing with your existing outdoor gear, but I wish that they had included additional colors in the lineup like a forest green or a mellow plum tone.

Coming in at $89.99, the R3 Women's Thermo Long Sleeve Shirt hits the nail on the head in terms of pricing, in my opinion. Similarly, high-quality base layers from Smartwool and Patagonia typically go for about $100, and this top has all the features, durability, and warmth that someone should expect from a technical baselayer for a little under that price. It comes highly recommended this winter season, so declare a snow day and stay cozy with the R3!