As I said in the first review, it is often the case that we are putting on and taking off arm warmers, scratching around in our packs to get something to keep our necks warm overnight. It’s a bit like the Bear’s porridge with kit – it’s hard to get the temperature just right.

i-RULE’s XTREMO all-season endurance top aims to fill this gap. It is incredibly light for the performance and function it yields. Now having raced as well as trained in it I am a convert.

The shirt is intended for optimal performance over spring- autumn and winter ( in temperate zones ). The XTREMO provides fantastic thermo-regulation, sun and wind protection. Because it is based on i-RULE’s exclusive and unique Turbo Merino fabric it does not get overly soggy with sweat like ‘normal’ merino, in fact it wicks well while still providing the famous next to skin comfort, breathability, micro-climate stasis and the reduced odour attributes of regular merino.

From my testing experience, I’d say it really meets the mark in an operating range of between 8 degrees and 28 degrees C making it ideal for many 12 and 24 hour events.

Race wise I have done a 12 hour rogaine and 12hour solo MTB and in both instances the weather varied a lot over the race time; one minute sunny and warm next breezy and cool.  But me I managed to stay at a constant temperature so my body wasn’t wasting energy adjusting its thermostat.

Functionally, I have used it extensively for 100km MTB hit outs; 24 hour adventure racing and extended trail runs. I opted for the usual Quadstowe 4 pocket system but with the added torso-stationed Holstarz pockets. Given the fabric has a good deal more stretch than any other merino I have worn, I was careful to load soft goods only ( OR shell; inVEST; gloves; food ) in the rear pockets. The Holstarz are really good for food bars, they are made so it’s difficult to have stuff fall out when inverted. I actually found the shirt rolls and packs quite nicely.

One small improvement I would as for in future is to angle access to the side positioned rear pockets to make it easier.

Given my battles with melanoma, the hood is an absolute no-brainer for me; I love it. It’s stowable, adjustable and lightweight, effectively keeping out wind and sun, which means reduced heat energy loss and improved protection against exposure. I still remain gob smacked at the ignorance of mainstream ( read deep pocketed enlarged ego) brands to heed the warnings of doctors and do more to protect the athlete from the sun. hats off ( or is that on ) to i-RULE for taking the punt, and putting the punter first.

The adjustable bungee waist enables you to manage your load in the Quadstowe rear 4 pocket ( incl. centre zipped over pocket ) according to what you are doing; riding, running, climbing.

Both sleeves and the rear pocket feature reflective piping to enhance night safety which if you opt for the svelte and sexy all-black model is just as well. I used the combo silver-black model for testing.

As always, i-RULE’s The D-Yokel-07 design frees up my shoulders for paddling and running and makes it easier to grab stuff out of my pack.

I now use the XTREMO for all training for all events; keeping it for expedition-type racing and 24 hour MTB; it really is that good. It just plain works; comfortable, functional and smart looking.