Lots of thin layers keep you warmer than one or two thick ones, and Scott's Trail MTN 50âs lack of bulk makes it perfect for that. Itâs definitely a mid-layer â itâs too thin for all but the mildest days â though with shoulders and sleeves of abrasion-resistant polyester, it can cope. The chest pocket is cut into a panel of the same tough material.
Despite the body being Polartecâs Power Dry, we found the Trail MTN 50 worked poorly as a base layer. The soft-backed material is comfy when dry, but despite enough gaps in that backing to make it see-through if held up to a light, it doesnât deal with sweat well. Under other layers, it gets noticeably wet and stays that way.
Put it over a base and itâs a different story. It vents heat well, copes with moisture and stays warm without ever feeling restrictive. Itâs very light, and scrunches small in a pack.
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Sizing is good, and itâs close fitting without being tight â it slips between layers so well you hardly notice itâs there. A half-length zip adjusts heat loss easily, and a zip garage keeps the neck comfy even when itâs done right up.
The Trail MTN 50 could work well on its own on summer evenings, but for winter itâs best â in fact, very good â as a mid-layer. Itâs well made, fits well and is an unobtrusive way of adding warmth without bulk.
This article was originally published in What Mountain Bike magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.
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