After much debate, I finally went ahead and purchased a few items from the much-touted ExOfficio line of clothing. It seems like everyone that has some speaks of it as if it is the holy grail of adventurer gear. My experience has been a mixed bag. Some I absolutely love, other items were quite a disappointment. All of these clothes are comfortable, fit very well, and provide excellent ventilation and drying time. However, the durability of some left much to be desired. These are not cheap clothes and while I did not pay MSRP for any of them, I still expect them to perform. So, on a item basis, let me share my thoughts.
I love these shirts. I bought 2 in different colors and by far they are my favorite shirts now. They fit as expected, offer excellent ventilation, and are just all-around comfy shirts good for work or casual settings. I buy long sleeve as a general rule, but these have built-in buttons and straps to allow you to roll up and secure the sleeves. They also boast an UPF protection rating of 43+. The colors look great and in the end, I would definitely purchase more of these in different colors.
MSRP $90
This shirt fit great, and is very comfortable to wear. It also has an UPF rating of 30+ so not bad at all. Same sleeve features as the Air Strip, and overall a sharp looking shirt. So here is where the review takes a different turn. While I love the fit and features of this shirt, after only a month of light usage and absolutely no abuse, the fabric is already pilling. To say I was not pleased is an understatement. The material in this shirt is softer and of a different texture than the Air Strip and I will not buy this again.
MSRP $70
Triflex Hybrid Long Sleeve Shirt
Again, another shirt that fit great, and is very comfortable to wear. This particular shirt also has a security pocket in the chest which can secure a boarding pass or other similar document making it nice for travel. Same sleeve features as the Air Strip, and overall a sharp looking shirt. Like the Geotrek’r, here is where the review takes a different turn. Again, after only a month of light usage and absolutely no abuse, the fabric is already pilling. Same soft material that is failing on the Geotrek’r and I will not buy this again.
MSRP $95
Fits great, comfy, quick drying, not much more you could want from a pair of boxers. As many before me have said, these are the cats meow when it comes to boxers you may be wearing for an extended time period, in difficult conditions, with minimal washing. I have also experience their superior capabilities as an impromptu beer koozie. I would absolutely buy these again.
MSRP $26
Like the boxers, these undershirts are superb, and for the same reasons. By far the most comfortable base layers I own. I would certainly buy these again.
MSRP $40
Overall Thoughts
This is just a tough review. While every single one of these items fit well, looked great, and was highly functional, durability for 2 of the shirts was just not acceptable. These are not cheap clothes and I expect them to last. Neither the Geotrek’r or Triflex shirts lasted even a month before they were to a point I wouldn’t wear them as a “nice” shirt. I found this quite disappointing and I certainly hope that my experience was a fluke and not typical. I will be contacting ExOfficio to share my experience, and concerns, in the hopes that they are able to fix these issues on some otherwise great clothing.