There’s more than meets the eye to the Rab Women’s Conduit Crew, says Lara Dunn.

Made for high-effort winter activities, the Rab Women’s Conduit Crew – a straightforward long-sleeved crew neck – delivers way more technical functionality than its casual good looks might at first suggest.

Lara Dunn highly recommends

It’s versatile, comfy, effective and has good environmental credentials. A very good buy.
Pros
  • Good warmth to weight ratio
  • highly breathable
  • excellent value
Cons
  • consider sizing down for neat fit
Quick specs
Price: $75 / £60 (available from Rab)
Weight: 185g (size 14)
Materials: 92% recycled Thermicä G fleece gridded fabric/8% elastane
Features: Flatlocked seams, shaped cuffs, gusseted underarms, dropped rear hem
Sizes: UK8-16
Men’s Version? Yes
rab.equipment

The top is made from Rab’s highly technical Thermicä G fleece which uses a grid fabric to maximise warmth and moisture transport while minimising bulk and weight. Thermicä G also has the environmental benefits of being made from 92% recycled polyester.

The fit is on the generous side, ideal for three-season wear or if you don’t like a close-fit, but it’s worth considering sizing down if you’re looking for a neater fit for layering in much colder conditions, particularly given that the fabric is very stretchy. There’s plenty of length in the body and the rear hem is dropped very slightly to give extra length for tucking in securely. The cuffs are shaped to cover as much of the wrists as possible without interfering with gloves and the neckline is soft and unobtrusive.

The Thermicä G fabric is ultra-soft next to skin and does a brilliant job of wicking moisture away quickly when you build up a head of steam, drying fast and effectively so the risk of chilling is minimalized. It functions excellently as part of a layering system, or on its own. The outer skin is also tough enough to easily cope with rucksack wear if it’s being worn on its own.

Gusseted underarms and the stretchiness of the fabric mean that this is a good choice for when freedom of movement is crucial – scramblers and climbers will particularly appreciate this.

As one of the least expensive baselayers tops on test, this marks exceptional value for money, given its versatility (I’d be happy wearing this in all but the hottest weather) comfort, effectiveness and environmental credentials. A very good buy.

Testing conditions

Lara Dunn wore the baselayers during wet autumn and cold, snowy winter conditions on a mix of walks in the Malvern Hills, Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains. She takes a high street size 14, sometimes 16 and is 5’5” tall. This review was first published in the March 2025 issue of The Great Outdoors.