When Jen Loofbourrow launched Alpine Fit in 2019 her goal was simple: create the perfect baselayer.
Not only did it need to be designed with comfort and functionality in mind, it needed to stand up to multi-day adventures (ie. pass the stink test) and provide inclusive fit options for every body size and shape.
Presenting Alpine Fit’s flagship, and easily most popular garments, the Rendezvous Ridge Long Sleeve baselayer.
SPECS
Size: Women’s Medium
Fit: Azalea Fit
Weight: 5 oz.
Materials: Sterling™ fabric (69% recycled polyester, 17% Tencel® Lyocell, 7% ionic+® polyester and 7%% Lycra® spandex
Color: Winter Moss Green
WHAT I LOVED
A Fit for (Almost) Every Body
Perhaps the most celebrated attribute of Alpine Fit is the fit! Since the brand’s inception, they offer twice the inventory to provide more comfortable, properly fitting garments with the aim of fitting every body shape and size.
“Most brands have just one shape, then scale it to other sizes,” Jen explained. “But there’s just so many body shapes out there, no matter the size.” Through research, personal experience, and lots of conversations, Alpine Fit is proud to offer twice the fit options in both women’s and men’s garments.
The website offers plenty of guidance and even a Fit Quiz when it comes time to choose a size and fit. When making the fit selection, there are two options in Men’s and two options in Women’s. I opted for the Azalea Fit to accommodate more volume in the bust and hips. As base layers should, the top still felt form fitting but provided just enough room around the wider areas of my upper half. Rest assured, Alpine Fit supports free returns and exchanges so you can ensure you’ll get the right fit for you.
Cutting Edge Fabric
Thin enough to layer but can definitely be worn on its own, the comfort of the Rendezvous Ridge is the result of a lot of R&D. Jen tapped into decades of education and experience in textiles to develop a special fabric they coined Sterling™. It’s quick drying, UPF 50+, and thanks to the silver fibers woven into it, it’s antimicrobial too. “The silver is in the fiber. It’s not a chemical, so it won’t wash out,” Jen said. “You can wear it and sweat in it for two weeks, and it’ll still be odor resistant.”
So far, Jen’s words and Alpine Fit’s promise hold true. After several continuous days of wear and zero washes, the base layer is easy to throw on again and again without unpleasantries.
Forearm Flare
While the neutral Winter Moss Green fabric doesn’t turn heads, the unique forearm embellishments sure do! I love the sprinkle of flare that makes the shirt stand out and uniquely Alpine Fit.
Made in Alaska
As if operating an apparel manufacturing business in the USA isn’t challenging and costly enough, the remoteness of The Last Frontier presents even more hurdles. Despite this, most of the cutting, sewing, finishing, and all of the fulfillment comes out of their Anchorage, Alaska warehouse. Like Alpine Fit, I too was born and bred in Alaska, and I can’t help but feel immensely proud of this woman-owned brand that gets to slap on that iconic “Made in Alaska” mother bear and cub logo I’ve grown to know and love.
WHAT I DIDN’T LOVE
It’s difficult to throw shade at this practically perfect baselayer! Fabric colors come and go, and currently Alpine Fit only offers two, Winter Moss Green and Misty Bering Sea Blue. It’s understandable why a modest sized brand remotely based in Alaska might not offer the entire rainbow, but I’d love to see some brighter and bolder colors in their palette.
Finally, I’d love to see the Rendezvous Ridges with thumb holes for additional warmth, protection, fit, and style.
THE VERDICT
The Rendezvous Ridge really is the ultimate year-round, go-to base layer. The wide variety of fit options and high tech fabric make it a winner no matter where your multi-day, possibly stinky, adventures take you. It performs exactly as a base layer should. The added benefit of supporting an Alaskan apparel manufacturer who values sustainability, domestic production, and inclusivity is just the cherry on top.
While the Rendezvous Ridge is easily Alpine Fit’s most popular garment, they make some fabulous accessories with just as much attention to quality, functionality, comfort, and fit...
Merino Wool Lined Headband
Color: Chugach Dusk
Warm and stylish, Alpine Fit’s merino wool lined headband is made in house in Anchorage. The 100% ethically sourced merino wool pairs with a fun splash of colored, quick-drying recycled polyester. It’s slim, compact, and super functional. The stretchy fit promises to accommodate a wide range of head sizes and can be worn comfortably all day.
Geo Merino Wool Neck Gaiter
Color: Charcoal Grey - Miracle Fiber
No matter the season, no matter the adventure, there’s always a place for a neck gaiter. The Geo Merino Wool Neck Gaiter is made of 100% ethically sourced merino wool, is naturally antimicrobial and will easily accompany any outdoor wardrobe. Not a fan of merino wool? Try the Geo Neck Gaiter with the same qualities, only it’s made with Alpine Fit’s iconic Sterling fabric. Both options offer a flashy slice of colorful printed fabric. Wear it as headwear, face mask, balaclava, and more.
Nordic Anywhere Merino Wool Hat
Color: Outer Coast Blue
Made in Anchorage of 100% double layer Merino wool, this is the ultimate take-with-you-everywhere hat. Just like the Rendezvous Ridge base layer top, it’s the perfect base layer for your noggin. Merino wool is naturally odor-resistant, and it’s worth noting Alpine Fit only sources from ethically produced, non-mulesed merino wool sheep. Functional for skiing, hiking, biking (perfect under a helmet!), camping, or while enjoying apres ski. Weighing in at 1.4 ounces, you can’t not take it with you.
Originally from Alaska, Maria currently resides in Montana with her husband, two young daughters, and chocolate lab named Echo. When she’s not chasing her kids or that next running goal, you can find her weekend-warrioring in the mountains or thinking about her next cup of coffee.
