Alpine Fit Rendezvous Ridgeline Long Sleeve
In need of an all round baselayer with women's specific fit? Look no further. Alpine Fit's Rendezvous Ridgeline longsleeve baselayer top and Backcountry Baselayer bottoms have you covered. I had the opportunity of testing out this combination over the winter and spring of 2023 while backcountry skiing, hiking, resort skiing, under a drysuit whitewater kayaking, and sea kayaking.
Alpine Fit Rendezvous Ridge Longsleeve Baselayer
Sizes: XS to XXL
Colours: Misty Bering Sea Blue, Winter Moss Green
Price: $129.00 USD
Weight: 5 oz
Fit options: Wild Iris and Azalea
Alpine Fit Backcounty Baselayer Bottoms
Sizes: XS to XXL
Colours: Misty Bering Sea Blue, Winter Moss Green
Price: $129.00 USD
Weight: 5 oz (size M)
Features:
The Rendezvous Ridge top and Backcountry Baselayer bottoms are made from the same synthetic fabric blend of polyester, lycocell, spandex and ionic polyester. Alpine Fit call it their 'Sterling' fabric. How does this stand out from other manufacturers? Having silver weaved through this fabric makes it odor-resistant, something that many outdoor adventurers need on multi-day expeditions or multiple uses between washes. The fabric is also lightweight, quickdrying, and is also UPF 50+ rated. The fabric also contains recycled fibers, and are specially spun to be soft and anti-chafing.
Sizing and Fit:
One of the more interesting ways that Alpine Fit stands out above the crowd of outdoor clothing retailers are their different size and fit options. Offering two general body shape options for both men and women, all their garments are are offered in XS to XXL size options for women and S to XXL for men. Let's dive into the shape options first.
Alpine Fit Rendezvous Ridge Longsleeve Baselayer
Sizes: XS to XXL
Colours: Misty Bering Sea Blue, Winter Moss Green
Price: $129.00 USD
Weight: 5 oz
Fit options: Wild Iris and Azalea
Alpine Fit Backcounty Baselayer Bottoms
Sizes: XS to XXL
Colours: Misty Bering Sea Blue, Winter Moss Green
Price: $129.00 USD
Weight: 5 oz (size M)
Features:
The Rendezvous Ridge top and Backcountry Baselayer bottoms are made from the same synthetic fabric blend of polyester, lycocell, spandex and ionic polyester. Alpine Fit call it their 'Sterling' fabric. How does this stand out from other manufacturers? Having silver weaved through this fabric makes it odor-resistant, something that many outdoor adventurers need on multi-day expeditions or multiple uses between washes. The fabric is also lightweight, quickdrying, and is also UPF 50+ rated. The fabric also contains recycled fibers, and are specially spun to be soft and anti-chafing.
Sizing and Fit:
One of the more interesting ways that Alpine Fit stands out above the crowd of outdoor clothing retailers are their different size and fit options. Offering two general body shape options for both men and women, all their garments are are offered in XS to XXL size options for women and S to XXL for men. Let's dive into the shape options first.
After looking at the diagram above and comparing myself to the many models on their webpage, I originally thought I was a Wild Iris shape as I have a straight boxy shape through my torso. To figure out which size within the shape I got out a flexible measuring tape and measuring my hip and waist. I found that I had 9.5" to 10" difference between my waist and hip, which lands me right inbetween the Wild Iris and Azalea fits. For the most part, if you have less that 9.5" difference you land in the Wild Iris camp, and more than 10" you land in the Azalea. I have never considered myself curvy, but after looking at the many photos of the models, comparing myself to the size charts I found that I looked the model photo Althea, and decided that I needed a small Azalea fit. I probably could have gotten away with a Wild Iris top, but decided to go with Azalea so that the bottom of the top would flare out over my wider hips.
The company has a size and fit section of their website to help users out with lots of photo of different models. If you are still stuck and unsure of which shape and size to get, the uber-friendly staff will gladly be of assistance to figure out what size options work best for you.
When my baselayer set arrived, the bottoms fit perfectly. The top fit well on a snug level but I ended up exchanging it for a medium just so that it had a looser, more flattering fit.
The company has a size and fit section of their website to help users out with lots of photo of different models. If you are still stuck and unsure of which shape and size to get, the uber-friendly staff will gladly be of assistance to figure out what size options work best for you.
When my baselayer set arrived, the bottoms fit perfectly. The top fit well on a snug level but I ended up exchanging it for a medium just so that it had a looser, more flattering fit.
Pros:
The first thing you notice right out of the package is that the texture of the fabric is extremely soft. It feels similar to brushed flannel, except that it's not cotton! I found myself reaching for these baselayers more often that my others as they are so much more comfortable than my normal synthetic layers.
I would categorize these base layers into the mid-weight synthetic category. So not as thin as an Outdoor Research Echo layer or thin summer running shirt but similar to a Helly Hanson Lifa Active Crew, Lululemon Swiftly Tech, or Arc'teryx Phase AR. Only weighing 5oz in size medium, they definitely don't feel heavy or thick on and do breathe very well.
I tested these baselayers out in a variety of conditions and sports. In winter sports backcountry nordic and alpine skiing, and downhill skiing, they performed very well. They seemed to balance the warmth needed for these adventures and the breathability. Worn underneath other layers, the wide band around my stomach was comfortable the fabric fit well around my body probably due to different size and fit options. I also found they layered well under a drysuit.
I appreciate the odor control fabric. As a person who does multi-week paddling expeditions, I am happy that this fabric offers what most other synthetic fabrics do not. For those of us who use Lululemon Swiftly Tech shirts (the owner of Alpine Fit Jen used to work for Lululemon), also have silver weaved through but do not have the soft texture or fit options that Alpine Fit does. I loved wearing these base layers under my drysuit this spring.
As someone who conscious of sun exposure and skin damage, I was delighted to hear the Sterling fabric is UPF 50+ rated. When using the baselayers in paddling and hiking outings, I didn't have to worry about slathering sunscreen on my skin where the top covers.
As an eco-conscious buyer, I was also happy to hear that Alpine Fit has an environmental stewardship plan woven to their business, and use recycled fibers in their fabric. Even their mailing envelopes are a cardboard material and not plastic.
All in all, I am very impressed with Alpine Fit. This woman led business deserves a chunk of outdoor retail space with their innovative fabrics, custom shapes and fit, and well thought out needs of the outdoor adventurer. You can find them:
Instagram: @alpinefitco
Facebook: Alpine Fit
Website: alpinefit.com
Cons:
The heathered fabric colour is beautiful but it does show water splashes or perspiration as the fabric darkens with moisture. I am wondering if there could be a darker colour option created?
I am a big fan of base layers with hoods and am wondering if a hooded option could be in the works? For me that would make the Rendezvous Ridge top perfect!
Best Uses: Cooler condition active activities like paddling, skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking.
Full Disclosure: Alpine Fit provided me with these base layers for the purpose of this review.
The first thing you notice right out of the package is that the texture of the fabric is extremely soft. It feels similar to brushed flannel, except that it's not cotton! I found myself reaching for these baselayers more often that my others as they are so much more comfortable than my normal synthetic layers.
I would categorize these base layers into the mid-weight synthetic category. So not as thin as an Outdoor Research Echo layer or thin summer running shirt but similar to a Helly Hanson Lifa Active Crew, Lululemon Swiftly Tech, or Arc'teryx Phase AR. Only weighing 5oz in size medium, they definitely don't feel heavy or thick on and do breathe very well.
I tested these baselayers out in a variety of conditions and sports. In winter sports backcountry nordic and alpine skiing, and downhill skiing, they performed very well. They seemed to balance the warmth needed for these adventures and the breathability. Worn underneath other layers, the wide band around my stomach was comfortable the fabric fit well around my body probably due to different size and fit options. I also found they layered well under a drysuit.
I appreciate the odor control fabric. As a person who does multi-week paddling expeditions, I am happy that this fabric offers what most other synthetic fabrics do not. For those of us who use Lululemon Swiftly Tech shirts (the owner of Alpine Fit Jen used to work for Lululemon), also have silver weaved through but do not have the soft texture or fit options that Alpine Fit does. I loved wearing these base layers under my drysuit this spring.
As someone who conscious of sun exposure and skin damage, I was delighted to hear the Sterling fabric is UPF 50+ rated. When using the baselayers in paddling and hiking outings, I didn't have to worry about slathering sunscreen on my skin where the top covers.
As an eco-conscious buyer, I was also happy to hear that Alpine Fit has an environmental stewardship plan woven to their business, and use recycled fibers in their fabric. Even their mailing envelopes are a cardboard material and not plastic.
All in all, I am very impressed with Alpine Fit. This woman led business deserves a chunk of outdoor retail space with their innovative fabrics, custom shapes and fit, and well thought out needs of the outdoor adventurer. You can find them:
Instagram: @alpinefitco
Facebook: Alpine Fit
Website: alpinefit.com
Cons:
The heathered fabric colour is beautiful but it does show water splashes or perspiration as the fabric darkens with moisture. I am wondering if there could be a darker colour option created?
I am a big fan of base layers with hoods and am wondering if a hooded option could be in the works? For me that would make the Rendezvous Ridge top perfect!
Best Uses: Cooler condition active activities like paddling, skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking.
Full Disclosure: Alpine Fit provided me with these base layers for the purpose of this review.
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