By Brandon Bilyeu
Cost:
Varies depending on brand using Polartec fabrics
Le Col Pro Jacket: $345
Pas Normal Studios Thermal Base Layer: $110
How obtained: review samples from company
Website:
Pas Normal Studios Thermal Base Layer
RBR Sponsor: no
Tested: 15+ hours
Polartec Power Shield – PFAS Free, Bio-Based Waterproofing
Polartec’s new Power Shield is a waterproof and breathable membrane that is manufactured without the use of PFAS chemicals. According to the US EPA, we don’t yet fully understand how harmful PFAS are to humans and the environment, but the consensus is they are not good. PFAS are synthetic chemicals that last nearly forever and can now be found everywhere including in food and human blood. Further studies are needed, but PFAS may be linked to harmful health effects.
PFAS chemicals have many uses, and one is waterproof membranes. Polartec Power Shield was specifically designed to be PFAS free and is made of 48% plant-based biomaterials. Instead of a micro-porous membrane, Power Shield uses molecular diffusion for the waterproof and breathable membrane. Simply put, the high water vapor concentration at your skin during exercise naturally diffuses through the membrane to the low concentration ambient air.
Power Shield is also the best performing waterproof + breathable membrane that Polartec has ever produced. It is rated at 20,000+mm hydrostatic pressure waterproofness and 20,000+ g/m2/24hour breathability so it can handle both heavy rain and heavy sweat. Without any micro-pores to clog it can’t lose any of its breathability and can stretch without damaging the membrane.
Le Col Pro Jacket Makes Good Use of Power Shield’s Strengths
Rating: 
The Le Col Pro Jacket is a winter softshell designed to keep you warm and dry (from sweat and precipitation) during intense efforts. The insulation layer is a lightweight microfleece lining and the breathable + waterproof properties are provided by Polartec Power Shield. The jacket is cut close to the skin for aero performance but with enough space to easily fit a thermal base layer or jersey underneath. A waterproof zipper in the front helps keep the water out and dump heat as needed. Out back are three standard pockets and one waterproof zippered pocket. Large reflective elements on the arms and back help with visibility in the dark winter months.
Performance-wise I was really impressed with the jacket. I did test rides in temperatures from 0-13C (32-55F) using only a thermal or standard base layer and was very comfortable. Several five-hour rides started very cold but warmed up significantly and the Pro Jacket kept me at a reasonable temperature without having to change any layers. Bigger efforts or climbs required opening the front zipper for ventilation, but in general I could just ride along zipped up without overheating. I’m a heavy sweater regardless of intensity and the Power Shield membrane did an excellent job of removing moisture to keep me dry and therefore warm.
The Pro Jacket isn’t fully waterproof as the seams are not sealed but does an excellent job of keeping you dry until the rain gets serious (Le Col calls it ‘showerproof’). I spent several hours in heavy mist, drizzle, and wet snow without any water intrusion. The PFAS-free DWR coating has proven very durable and after several wash cycles still beads up nicely.
Bottom Line
Polartec’s Power Shield membrane helps the Pro Jacket become a super effective winter softshell. The breathability and warmth provide comfort over a very wide temperature range without the need for other layers and can handle drizzle with ease. This single jacket replaces my typical triple layer of long sleeve thermal jersey + gillet + rain shell.
Polartec Power Wool – Combines Natural and Synthetic Fibers
The concept is simple and effective: combine different materials in a way that maximizes each material’s strengths. Power Wool uses merino wool against the skin and a synthetic outer layer. The wool is soft and arranged in a checker pattern to create pockets to trap warm air but also provide breathability. The synthetic outer layer is designed for wicking and provides a strong, durable base for the merino wool. Combined you get the benefits of a merino wool base layer in a package that can be machine washed and dried without worry of damage or shrinking.
Pas Normal Studios Thermal Base Layer – So Cozy
Rating:
Constructed entirely of Power Wool (51% Polyester, 42% Merino Wool, 7% Elastane), the PNS Thermal Base Layer is my new favorite for winter rides, hikes, and everything else done outside in the cold or just lounging around the house. The checkered tufts of merino feel great against the skin and the warmth is impressive. I had to remember to use less layers than normal to avoid overheating, but even then, any sweat was quickly wicked away.
The base material stretches for a sung fit to trap a warm air layer against the skin and maximize wicking. It also breathes very well so you can dump a lot of heat just by unzipping your outer shell. It still looks brand new after numerous machine wash/dry cycles.
Bottom Line
Cozy, warm, and easy to wash/dry.
Brandon Bilyeu is an avid recreational roadie who lives in Regensburg, Germany. He’s a year-round bike commuter and is a mechanical design engineer by trade. Click to read Brandon’s full bio.