Advnture Verdict
We loved wearing the super comfortable Megmeister Drynamo Winter High Neck Base Layer during winter walks and early morning trail runs on cold mornings. The high neck design really makes a difference. As a dynamic lightweight top, it will stay in our packs on walking and camping trips throughout the year too.
Pros
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Close fitting
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Extremely warm
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Maintains thermal properties when wet
Cons
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No thumb hooks
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First impressions
At first glance, the Megmeister Drynamo Winter High Neck Base Layer certainly looks the business, so we were excited to put this top to the test on the trails. Megmeister is Dutch brand known for making highly technical gear (primarily, but not exclusively, for cyclists) in Italy, their name from the German word Meister – meaning master – and is meant to convey the idea of clothing made by a ‘master craftsman’.
- Explore all the best base layers in our buying guide
- Think more substantial mid layers with the best down jackets and puffers
- When it comes to keeping warm and dry, why is layering important?
The company was literally launched to create innovative base layers, and a major point of difference with their underwear is that fact that it is seamless. The Drynamo top is made from mixture of polypropylene dryarn, nylon and elastane, which promises a lot in the performance stakes – although none of these manmade materials are very environmentally friendly.
• RRP: Men’s: £65 (UK) / €70 (EU); Women’s: £60 (UK) / €70 (EU)
• Gender availability: Male / Female
• Materials: polypropylene Dryarn (44% ), nylon (44%), elastane (12%)
• Weight (male large): 178g / 6.3oz
• Sizes: Men: S–XL; Women: XS–L
• Colors: Men: / Black / Navy / Olympic blue; Women: Black / Carmine pink / Violet tulle / Baltic blue / Navy / White
• Compatibility: Hiking, biking, trail running, climbing, alpine adventures
In the field
The seamless design of the well-thought-through Megmeister Drynamo Winter High Neck Base Layer offers sensational next-to-skin comfort from the second you put it on. It’s not a compression top, but the Drynamo clings to you like a jealous lover – something people will either love or hate.
Having tested it out on trails and paths in various conditions, ranging from wet and windy to brass-monkey cold, we think the body-hugging fit works very well for this base layer when it is worn as a undergarment during high-intensity activities such as hiking and trail running in colder conditions. It stays firmly in place (and helps keep your less firm parts in position too), with no flapping around, and provides good thermal protection against the elements – we especially appreciated the high neck on the frostiest mornings. And the close feel sends you out the door feeling like a superhero even if no one else can see what you’ve got on under your outer layers.
But the close fit does perhaps mean you’re less likely to wear this as a stand-alone top in warmer weather (which isn’t what it’s designed for anyway). In case you are parading around wearing just this top, though, the designs are shaded to imply definition in places you may only dream of in reality.
It’s not all style over substance, either. The blended material is warmer than merino wool (even when wet) and has anti-odour and antibacterial properties. It’s incredibly light, and it wicks moisture away superbly, and the high neck – the design of which feels a little strange at first – quickly becomes very comfortable and keeps you toasty.
The price is reasonable too, for such a high-performance garment. On the downside, there’s no zip or thumb hooks, and the top can ride up a little bit beneath midlayers.
