Released for the winter season just gone, Rab's Conduit range of midweight baselayers offers a sensible balance of warmth, fast drying times, and wicking performance, making them ideal for both cold weather and more moderate conditions. I've found them equally suited to running, winter climbing and spring hillwalking, and it's probably only in warmer summer weather that they might start to feel too much.

There's a half-zip top (£65), a crew neck (£55), a hoody (£70), and tights (£50), all coming in both women's and men's sizes.

I really don't like having a hood on every layer, since they get bulky and uncomfortable and you can only sensibly use one or two at once. My baselayer is one item that can definitely do without a hood, so I've looked at the crew and pull-on here rather than the hoody.

Ethics and environment

Rab has Leader status as a member of the Fair Wear Foundation. "We'll continue working with Fair Wear and other brands to challenge, influence, and develop the working conditions at our factories. Each year we develop a plan with Fair Wear and our manufacturers, targeting efforts to maximise improvements across our supply chain" they say.

The fabric in the Conduit range is 92% recycled polyester, with only the remaining 8% elastane being non-recycled. Eco-wise this seems pretty good.

Conduit Pull-on - £65

Described as a thin fleece, but very much a mid-thickness baselayer, the Conduit Pull-on is a great half-zip top for winter and bridge season use - not so thick that you instantly overheat when exerting, but snug enough to be a key part of your layering system in cold weather.

Weight

In men's size Large the zip neck version weighs 217g, which I'd say is pretty much bang on for a midweight baselayer; you can get thicker tops, and I've got a couple that would definitely be preferable in really perishing weather, but as a layer that you won't bake in on the move - even in spring- the Conduit tops seem an ideal weight and warmth.

Fit

The cut is described as slim. These days I'm probably not, but actually in my usual size Large I'm not at all pushed for space. If anything it's fairly roomy for the size by the standards of a baselayer; if you want skin tight then it may be worth trying on a size down from your usual.

With enough length in the body to comfortably cover the waist and keep out the cold, and a bit of a drop at the rear for extra warmth on the lower back, the hem sits nicely under a harness or rucksack. A decent active cut makes the Conduit tops a good choice for climbing or scrambling; I can raise my arms without much hem lift, and the cuffs stay over my wrists when reaching up.

The snug double-thickness collar is best described as mid-height; for really cold and windy weather a centimetre or two more wouldn't have gone amiss, but not so that you'd really notice. There's a deep zip, so you can bear all and cool down fast on the move.

Fabric

Made of a very light polyester/elastane fleece called Thermic G, at a weight of 160gsm, the Conduit tops are highly stretchy to aid freedom of movement, but still seem to hold their shape after many washes (something I do sometimes wonder about with thin stretch fabrics). Quick-drying and highly breathable, the fabric is practically transparent to the light, with a brushed fleece grid on the inside that offers a bit of insulation while remaining open and airy for maximum comfort on the move. Its smooth outer side slides easily under other layers, while the flatlock seams are comfy against bare skin.

For more info see rab.equipment

Conduit Crew - £55

While it lacks the neck protection of a collar, the simpler crew neck version is a good bet for less-wintry conditions. From spring into summer, this is the one I'll be carrying (or wearing) on climbing and hill days. It has generally been my preference for running too.

Weight

At only 187g in size L I guess we're approaching the realms of lightweight here. It's the same thickness as the zip-neck though, not a skimpy summery thing.

Fit 

You get the same fit as the pull-on: long in the hem, reasonably roomy for the stated size, and with a good active cut that works well for climbing.

Fabric

Nothing new to report here either: stretchy and breathable Thermic G, in the same weight as its zip-up sibling.

For more info see rab.equipment

Conduit Tights - £50

No set of baselayers is complete without a bottom half. Conduit Tights are as unflattering but practical as any thermal leggings. I've worn them on every mountain day since December, and only ditched them when the sun came out over the Easter Bank Holiday. You're spared the photographic evidence since they're invariably worn under trousers.

Weight

Coming in at 182g in size L, these are pretty light leggings considering the warmth on offer. I have thicker thermal bottoms, but these ones have kept me snug on several very cold winter climbing days, without feeling like overkill above zero.

Fit

Either they're closer-fitting than the tops, or I just have a chunkier set of legs than arms; or more likely it's a bit of both. A high waist keeps the draughts out of your midriff and works well under a harness etc, while the broad double-layered waistband (with drawcord - redundant on me) is snug and comfortable. They're cut for completely free movement too. Overall I really like the fit.

Fabric

Stretchy, breathable and quick-drying Thermic G again. This does seem a really good fabric for base layers.

For more info see rab.equipment