Staff Picks:Wild Rye Mauna Kea Base Layers

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Staff Picks:Wild Rye Mauna Kea Base Layers

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In this episode of Staff Picks, gear editor Ariella Gintzler walks us through Wild Rye Mauna Kea base layers. Made of breathable, wicking, superfine merino wool, this top-and-bottom set ($208) has the technical chops for long days in alpine environments. But it’s the relaxed (though not baggy) fit, soft hand, and understated pattern that have earned it a top spot in our editor’s drawer.

Jan 29, 2019

Video Transcript

Hey, what’s up? Ariella.

I just got back from a morning lap, and I wanted to tell you about my new favorite base layer. It’s the Mauna Kea collection from Wild Rye. So, Wild Rye is a small company, it’s by women, for women. They make mountain-bike apparel and base layers, mostly for skiing. They’re all designed specifically for women.

And what I love about the Mauna Kea top and bottom in particular, first of all, is just the comfort. The fit is perfect. It’s that sweet spot just between formfitting but not so tight that you feel uncomfortable. It’s still sort of... you can pull it over your hands a little bit. It has a little bit of that sort of sweatshirt feel. So I would just go back to the living room or back around the fire and hang out after skiing and still feel totally comfortable. It’s also really, really soft. Like butter-soft.

And then, lastly, I just love the colors. It seems like a small thing, but I love that it’s colorful without being in-your-face, bright-neon colors. The pattern is just a little bit playful but not too much. A little bit different, which I really love.