MontBell ZeoLine 3D T-Shirt
By Cori Jones

I have worn many kinds of light base layer t-shirts over the years and they each have a slightly different feel to them and react slightly different to warmer and cooler temperatures. The also differ in how quickly they dry and how well they wear over time. When MontBell ask me to test their new ZeoLine 3D T-shirt I was excited because I was intrigued by the new material they call ZeoLine 3D.

As a quick summery, Isamu Tatsuno founded MontBell in 1975 in Osaka, Japan. In 2002 they established MontBell America, Inc. located in Boulder Colorado. They have always been early adopters of new and innovating materials and technologies. At MontBell they focus on "Light & Fast" without compromising on quality, durability or functionality.

At a glance the 3D T-shirt looks like any cotton t-shirt but once you get closer to see and feel the ZeoLine 3D cloth you realize that there is more than meets the eye.

Here is how MontBell describes their fabric. "ZeoLine 3D fabric represents a leap forward in quick-dry fabric technology. The layer of fabric closest to your skin uses antibacterial, conjugated fibers of wool-like polyester, while the outside layer is made from anti-pilling, spun polyester made with bulky threads. Together, the two layers sandwich a third, middle layer of trapped air where moisture absorbed from your skin can spread out and evaporate more quickly. The result is exceptional moisture absorbency and control. ZeoLine 3D keeps you comfortably dry when you exercise and keeps you from getting chilled when you stop."

So how did the ZeoLine 3D T-shirt perform in the above-mentioned areas?

Because of its multi-layer construction, the 3D material is about two to three times as thick as normal cotton, but is a light, loose weave that has lots of room for air. The cloth is very comfortable and has a light feel. In fact the shirt only weighs 4.9 oz. In hot weather this shirt is too warm to wear—it seems to breath well but I guess it is just too thick. In cooler weather it was great, because of the excellent combination of warmth and breathability. The 3D T-shirt was one of the quickest drying materials I have ever used. I've had my shirt soaked with sweat while running only to jump on a bike and see it dry out in a matter of minutes. Many t-shirts that I have worn with packs while running/biking/etc. have started to show significant wear over a few months of use. Not so with the 3D T-shirt. I have worn this shirt at least once a week for the last 5 months and it still looks band new.

I wore this shirt in the 2004 AWAR 24 hr adventure race last August in Utah near Salt Lake City. It was perfect for the late evening mountain biking and the all night trek. When the temperatures dropped bellow freezing I thought I would need to pull on long sleeve layer but I found that the 3D T-shirt with the MontBell Stretch Wind Jacket over it was the perfect amount of insulation, as long as I didn't stop moving.

The next day the temperature rose and during the many hours spent biking and hiking in the direct hot sunlight I found the t-shirt was too warm, but it did stay dry which helped avoid the chafing that can come from wearing a wet shirt for a prolonged period.

Summary: All in all I was really impressed with the ZeoLine 3D T-shirt and will continue to reach for it first if the temperatures are going to be on the cool side. The ZeoLine 3D T-shirt retails for $35 and should definitely be considered if you are looking for a cool weather base technical t-shirt.

Cori Jones, a contributing editor at GearReview.com, has feelings too.

For more information, contact:
MontBell America Inc.
2800 Wilderness Place
Boulder, CO 80301
866-546-6824