The Macpac Prothermal Fleece Top is an unheralded piece of gear designed for the NZ Alpine Team.
The prothermal is a baselayer, but the classic geothermal and merino baselayers are more popular.
But maybe the Prothermal Range is for you. Some do say it’s the best piece of gear Macpac makes.
You can view and buy the Prothermal Ranges here (there is also a hooded top, and pants).
Or pop into the store and try them on first. You can always take it back (with the tags on) if you buy it online and the fit/size isn’t quite right – and get a full refund.
I’ve had mine Prothermal for about two years, and while it’s great I don’t wear it to often for a few reasons:
- I got bright orange, it’s quite out there (this will make more sense later – normally baselayer colours don’t matter as they aren’t seen).
- If I wear long sleeves, my Pisa Jacket is my goto.
- I don’t wear base layers very often, I use this as a mid/outer layer usually (I generally avoid winters).
Wearing the Prothermal Top in the cool temperatures heading to Armenia’s Mount Aragats.
That said, I will wear this often in the following scenarios:
- evenings while camping or at a hut (it also works as sandfly protection)
- riding the bike to work on cool mornings (yay for orange)
- and if it’s a really cold day and I need to put on another layer as seen in the photo above
This post will cover what I do and do not like about the Macpac Prothermal Fleece, and I’ll also mention the features.
Note: The below will apply for the hooded version as well. I haven’t got the hooded one, but my girlfriend do…I asked her a couple of questions about hers.
MACPAC PROTHERMAL TOP FEATURES
Clockwise from Top Left: The high collar, thumb hole, Polartec Powergrid Fabric (inside), the only lowkey Macpac branding on the top
- Polartec® Power Grid™ technical fleece fabric
- Polartec® Fresh Face treatment for anti-odour properties
- Breathable and moisture-wicking
- Elastane ensures freedom of movement
- Flatlock seams and offset shoulders for comfort
- High collar (I really like this)
- Half zip
- Thumb holes
- Slim fit
WHAT I LIKE
As it’s so light, it usually always comes with me on overnight trips. You can see it in the bottom left corner from this photo that was featured on Wilderness Magazine.
It’s Lightweight. The reason I initially got this was for a running event which required a fleece that didn’t have any weight restrictions. I got this. And it feels light, with the website stating 190 grams for the mens medium.
It Doesn’t Look Like I’m Wearing Undies. If I’m walking around a campsite or public wearing this as a base layer on its own, I’m pretty sure noone looks and says ‘oh that guy is wearing his PJs in public’. That’s always nice. Some classic baselayers are a bit too revealing.
Multipurpose. While its primary case is as a baselayer I do use it as a mid layer (or light outer layer) over my t-shirt sometimes. I don’t have any issues with the fit.
Durable. I’ve owned this for over two years now, and have washed it dozens of times and it’s still good as new. There’s no shedding or major pilling at all. It’s easy to wash as well, I just throw it in with all my other washing and put it on a cold wash and that’s good as gold.
WHAT I DON’T LIKE
Not Windproof. It’s not designed to be windproof, but it would be nice if it was :p
Bright Orange. Lucky for you there’s more colour options now. That’s the main thing preventing me from wearing this as a daily fleece more often but I didn’t want a black one so went with orange, the only other colour at the time.
Price. The Prothermal is one of the items you won’t see discounted at 40 or 50% on a regular basis. You’ll always get the 20% off for members price, occassionally you’ll spot 30% and you maaaay get it for 40% off…but 30% off it what you’ll see it at. None of the colours ever go into clearance sales.
This is what makes it a hard sell versus a Geothermal baselayer ($25-40 depending on the sale) and Merino (people are obsessed with Merino).
It Is Synthetic. It’s not really a downside, it is what it is. If you’re after natural fibres, this is not for you.
So yes, I think the Macpac Prothermal is a great piece of gear that doesn’t have any real downsides outside of the wind – which they don’t hide this fact. Even the little thumb loops are great.
Looking at the Macpac website, the reviews are pretty good overall with a large portion of 5-star reviews.
Here are the links to buy them again:
If you do need one, it’s a great piece of gear that I recommend. Everyone seems to like the hood version too.
If you’ve got any questions about the Macpac Prothermal top, let me know in the ccomments below or email jub@churnewzealand.com. If you own a prothermal, leave a comment below to help others decide whether or not they should get one.
p.s. You can read my other gear reviews here.
p.p.s. If you’re ready to take your prothermal on a hike, these are all the hikes I’ve documented on Chur New Zealand.
Hey, it’s Jub here. I’m the guy behind Chur New Zealand, helping you have the best time hiking, trekking, walking…whatever you want to call it…in NZ. I’m based in Queenstown and am always out and about exploring trails, old & new. If you have any questions, reach out.