Let’s Talk About Under Armour ColdGear Base 4.0 Crew – Women’s
The Under Armour ColdGear Base 4.0 Crew – Women’s is more than just a base layer; it’s a vital piece of gear designed to keep you warm and comfortable in the most frigid conditions. Under Armour has built a reputation for quality and innovation, and the ColdGear Base 4.0 promises to be their warmest base layer yet. I was particularly drawn to its claim of extreme warmth, scent control technology, and 4-way stretch construction.
For years, I’ve struggled to find a base layer that truly keeps me warm during late-season hunts in the Rockies. I’m constantly battling the cold while glassing for elk in sub-freezing temperatures. I was hoping this layer would finally be the solution, allowing me to focus on the hunt instead of the shivers.
My first impression upon unboxing the Under Armour ColdGear Base 4.0 Crew – Women’s was its substantial feel. The fabric felt noticeably thicker and denser than other base layers I’ve used. The brushed grid interior looked incredibly soft and inviting.
Compared to my other base layers, such as the Patagonia Capilene Thermal Weight Crew and the Icebreaker 260 Tech Long Sleeve Crewe, the Under Armour ColdGear Base 4.0 Crew – Women’s felt more focused on pure warmth. While the Patagonia and Icebreaker excel in breathability and odor resistance respectively, I chose the Under Armour for its promise of unparalleled warmth in extremely cold conditions. My initial excitement was high; it felt like Under Armour had delivered on its promise of a premium cold-weather base layer.
Real-World Testing: Putting Under Armour ColdGear Base 4.0 Crew – Women’s to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test for the Under Armour ColdGear Base 4.0 Crew – Women’s was a late-season deer hunt in the high desert of Wyoming. Temperatures dipped well below freezing overnight. I wore the base layer underneath a fleece jacket and my insulated hunting bibs.
The Under Armour ColdGear Base 4.0 Crew – Women’s truly shined in these conditions. I remained remarkably warm throughout the day, even during periods of low activity while sitting in my stand. It moved with me well while hiking and scouting.
Initially, there were no issues. I did not need a break-in period, which I appreciate.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use during various outdoor activities, including ice fishing, snowshoeing, and winter camping, the Under Armour ColdGear Base 4.0 Crew – Women’s continues to impress. It has held up remarkably well, with no signs of wear and tear, even after repeated washings. The stitching remains intact.
Maintaining the base layer is simple; I just machine wash it cold and tumble dry on low. It cleans well and retains its shape and thermal properties.
Compared to my previous experiences with other base layers, the Under Armour ColdGear Base 4.0 Crew – Women’s outperforms in extreme cold scenarios. The scent control, while difficult to quantify, seemed to perform as expected. It never had a strong odor after long days of wear.
Breaking Down the Features of Under Armour ColdGear Base 4.0 Crew – Women’s
Specifications
The Under Armour ColdGear Base 4.0 Crew – Women’s boasts several key specifications that contribute to its overall performance. The fabric is a blend of 78% Polyester and 22% Elasterell. This combination provides both warmth and stretch.
The fitted design ensures a snug fit that traps body heat effectively. Under Armour’s UA Scent Control Technology is designed to reduce odor. Its 4-way stretch construction allows for unrestricted movement in any direction.
These specifications matter because they directly impact warmth, comfort, and concealment. The polyester provides insulation, while the elasterell allows the garment to move with you. The fitted design minimizes heat loss, and the scent control helps hunters remain undetected.
Performance & Functionality
The Under Armour ColdGear Base 4.0 Crew – Women’s excels at its primary job: keeping you warm in extreme cold. The brushed grid interior traps air and creates a microclimate against your skin, effectively retaining body heat. It is great at wicking sweat.
The main strengths are its exceptional warmth, comfortable fit, and unrestricted movement. The primary weakness is that it might be too warm for high-exertion activities in milder temperatures. The Under Armour ColdGear Base 4.0 Crew – Women’s meets and exceeds my expectations for a cold-weather base layer.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Under Armour ColdGear Base 4.0 Crew – Women’s is excellent. The materials feel durable and well-constructed, and the stitching is reinforced in high-stress areas. The fitted design provides a comfortable, non-restrictive fit that allows for a full range of motion.
The base layer is user-friendly with no learning curve. You just put it on and enjoy the warmth.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Under Armour ColdGear Base 4.0 Crew – Women’s should last for several seasons with proper care. The durable materials and reinforced stitching resist wear and tear.
Maintenance is straightforward; simply machine wash cold and tumble dry low.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Under Armour ColdGear Base 4.0 Crew – Women’s does not come with any specific accessories. However, it is designed to be layered with other Under Armour products, such as their ColdGear leggings and outerwear.
The base layer is compatible with most brands of outerwear and mid-layers.
Pros and Cons of Under Armour ColdGear Base 4.0 Crew – Women’s
Pros
- Exceptional Warmth: Keeps you warm in extreme cold conditions.
- Comfortable Fit: Fitted design provides a snug but non-restrictive fit.
- 4-Way Stretch Construction: Allows for unrestricted movement.
- UA Scent Control Technology: Helps reduce odor.
- Durable Construction: Built to last with high-quality materials and reinforced stitching.
Cons
- Can be too warm for high-exertion activities in milder temperatures.
- Price is higher than some other base layers on the market.
Who Should Buy Under Armour ColdGear Base 4.0 Crew – Women’s?
The Under Armour ColdGear Base 4.0 Crew – Women’s is perfect for hunters, ice fishermen, skiers, snowboarders, and anyone who spends extended periods of time outdoors in frigid temperatures. This is great for survivalists operating in cold weather as well.
Those who engage in high-exertion activities in milder temperatures should skip this product. Instead, they might opt for a lighter-weight base layer with better breathability.
A must-have accessory would be a good pair of ColdGear leggings to complete the base layer system.
Conclusion on Under Armour ColdGear Base 4.0 Crew – Women’s
The Under Armour ColdGear Base 4.0 Crew – Women’s is an outstanding base layer that delivers on its promise of extreme warmth and comfort in the coldest conditions. While the price is higher than some competitors, the exceptional performance and durability justify the investment.
I would highly recommend this base layer to anyone who needs reliable warmth during cold-weather outdoor activities. If you’re tired of shivering in the cold, the Under Armour ColdGear Base 4.0 Crew – Women’s is the solution you’ve been waiting for.