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Ridge Merino Aspect High Rise Bottoms Review

An excellent Merino Wool long underwear bottom that is versatile enough to be layered into your cold weather kit and stylish enough to be worn on its own
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Ridge Merino Aspect High Rise Bottoms Review (From cold weather runs to climbing mountains, the Ridge Merino Aspect is an impressive, affordable pair of long...)
From cold weather runs to climbing mountains, the Ridge Merino Aspect is an impressive, affordable pair of long underwear.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Price:  $75 List
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Manufacturer:   Ridge Merino
By Trish Matheny ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Apr 12, 2024
79
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#5 of 22
  • Warmth - 25% 7.0
  • Breathability - 20% 8.0
  • Comfort and Fit - 20% 9.0
  • Durability - 15% 7.0
  • Drying Speed - 10% 8.0
  • Layering Ability - 10% 8.5

Our Verdict

The Ridge Merino Aspect High Rise Bottoms are a stylish, high-waisted pair of long underwear that will compliment your curves and insulate your core. The 240 g/m² Merino wool blend is strengthened by Ridge Merino's (m)Force Technology, which offers additional structure and durability to a design already supported by a five-inch thick waistband. The Merino blend effectively thermoregulates body temperatures generated during year-round training sessions, though it does sacrifice some softness next-to-skin compared to other similar models. The slim-fitting bottom is true to size and easy to layer, especially if your overlayer fastens at the natural waistline. These odor-resistant long underwear bottoms are affordable relative to their performance and versatile enough to keep you warm and cozy on and off the slopes.
REASONS TO BUY
Affordable
High waist adds extra warmth
Solid thermoregulation
Very flattering fit
Easy to layer
Full coverage
Odor-free
REASONS TO AVOID
Merino blend lacks comfort and softness of 100% Merino Wool
Light-colored fabrics can show sweat and moisture
Editor's Notes: We updated this review on April 12, 2024, to include updated buying recommendations for other top performers.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Best Buy Award Best Buy Award  Best Buy Award 
Price $75 List$80 List
$79.99 at Amazon
$55 List
$54.95 at REI
$40 List
$39.95 at REI
$36 List
$36.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Bottom Line These affordable Merino bottoms feature a sleek and flattering fit that offers full coverage and structure that doesn't stretch outThese bottoms offer a ton of warmth and substantial comfort at a more affordable priceThese lightweight tights feature a soft and stretchy fabric that is easy to layer and maintains substantial warmth when dryLightweight, breathable, and highly affordable, these tights unfortunately lack warmth and require constant adjustment due to the stretchy fabric and wide waistbandWhile these bottoms lack warmth for the coldest months of the year, they are a great option for those seeking a three-season stand-alone legging
Rating Categories Ridge Merino Aspect... Minus33 Franconia M... REI Co-op Midweight... REI Co-op Lightweig... Baleaf Fleeced Line...
Warmth (25%)
7.0
9.0
7.0
6.0
4.0
Breathability (20%)
8.0
7.0
6.0
8.0
7.0
Comfort and Fit (20%)
9.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
8.0
Durability (15%)
7.0
8.0
7.0
5.0
7.0
Drying Speed (10%)
8.0
7.0
8.0
8.0
7.5
Layering Ability (10%)
8.5
6.0
7.0
9.0
8.0
Specs Ridge Merino Aspect... Minus33 Franconia M... REI Co-op Midweight... REI Co-op Lightweig... Baleaf Fleeced Line...
Measured Weight (Size Small) 6.74 oz 7.52 oz 6.40 oz 5.44 oz 8.80 oz
Material 80% Merino wool, 14% nylon, 6% spandex 100% Merino wool 92% recycled polyester, 8% spandex 92% polyester, 8% spandex 87% polyester, 13% spandex
Insulation Weight Class Midweight Midwewight Midweight Lightweight Midwewight
Smelly Over Time? No No Yes Yes Yes
Odor Control Fabric Naturally odor resistant Naturally odor resistant No No No
Cuts Avaliable Full-length Full-length Full-length Full-length Full-length
Listed Fabric Weight (g/m²) 240 g/m² 235 g/m² Not disclosed Not disclosed Not disclosed

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Ridge Merino Aspect High Rise Bottoms are a flattering pair of long underwear that perform well on their own or within a layered cold weather kit. Standout features include the reinforced 240 g/m² Merino wool body, a full-coverage, high-waisted design that aids in warmth – and adds style points – and a slim fit that is easy to layer. Whether you're hitting the slopes or want a super cute pair of bottoms for training and yoga, these affordable long underwear bottoms are worthy of the hype.

Performance Comparison


We were happy to have the Ridge Merino Aspect leggings layered below our jeans during a late season ascent of a multi-pitch rock climb in the Wheeler Crest.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Warmth


The Aspect High Rise features a 240 GSM, midweight construction of 80% Merino wool, 14% nylon, and 6% spandex. Although they are marketed as midweight, these bottoms have the look and feel of a lighter-weight long underwear bottom, though they are not see-through or thin. Our testers love the five-inch thick waistband that provides a flattering and functional fit and keeps the core warm, closing off any potential for air to wick heat away from your skin.

During our fall testing period, temperatures ranged from the high 60 °Fs to the low 30 °Fs. When worn as a stand-alone piece, these bottoms offered sufficient warmth down to the low 40 °Fs as long as we maintained a good pace – anything below that, and you'll want to include more layers over the top. We also greatly appreciated the additional warmth provided by the thick waistband that kept our core toasty during training.

ridge merino aspect high rise bottoms - we were psyched to have the additional 5 inches of waistband that...
We were psyched to have the additional 5 inches of waistband that helped insulate our core during a cold day of rock climbing.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Breathability


The Aspect High Rise doesn't feature any fancy ventilation panels or perforated fabric to aid in breathability, but the majority Merino wool blend naturally wicks sweat away from the skin. The built-in climate control harnesses body heat when it's cold and releases sweat once you warm up.

We were especially impressed with the wicking performance of this layer during hard, uphill efforts in humid conditions. Even though some sweat does build in the crotch and waistband, it is wicked away from the skin and dried quickly once our intervals were complete. Since the Aspect High Rise has more structure to its design and effectively balances warmth and breathability, they are a great pair of bottoms to be worn just on their own.

ridge merino aspect high rise bottoms - subtle breaks in the 240 g/m² merino wool fabric allows the layer...
Subtle breaks in the 240 g/m² Merino wool fabric allows the layer to breathe efficiently and dry quickly on body.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Comfort and Fit


The Aspect High Rise offers a slim-fitting profile with a flattering high-rise waistband. The inseam of the updated fit is 29 inches for a size Small and adds 3/8 inches for the next size up. Our lead tester is 5'6" and found the size small to be full length, extending appropriately to the ankle. The five-inch waistband offers full coverage and effectively holds the bottoms in place. These bottoms required very little adjustment, even during yoga and physical therapy sessions.

Though the custom-developed Merino wool blend features ultra-fine, 18.5-micron fibers, our testing team could definitely tell the difference between this fabric and a 100% Merino wool design. Ultimately, it is a worthy trade because the bottoms really hold their shape and structure, unlike some saggy-bottomed Merino tights we've tested previously. Features like a gusseted crotch and flatlock seams keep these bottoms comfortable while offering a full range of motion – a reasonable tradeoff, even if they aren't quite as soft next to the skin.

ridge merino aspect high rise bottoms - the ridge merino aspects features a stylish and flatting high waist...
The Ridge Merino Aspects features a stylish and flatting high waist that holds these bottoms in place during activities.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Durability


The Aspect High Rise delivered a solid performance in durability thanks to its custom-blended Merino wool, nylon, and spandex construction. We noted the difference in the 240 GSM Merino wool reinforced with Ridge Merino's (m)Force Technology, especially compared to other 100% Merino wool options. However, it is not quite as durable as other thick, synthetic bottoms in our lineup.

The Aspect High Rise bottoms hold their structure very well, even after several uses between washing. We suspect this is because of the addition of spandex, which can help fabrics bounce back after being stretched. And speaking of consecutive days of use, we never noticed any smells or odor, even after wearing these bottoms for a week straight during a fall trip to the Yosemite Valley. The odor-resistant properties, without any potentially harmful chemicals, allowed our testers to layer these bottoms confidently next to the skin, regardless of whether they were wearing them on their own or at the base of a cold weather kit.

The thick and durable flatlock seams along with a reinforced Merino wool construction helped to increase the overall durability of these affordable long underwear bottoms.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Drying Speed


Even though the Aspect High Rise doesn't feature any fancy ventilation panels or lofted open grid technology, the blended fabrics provide a relatively fast drying speed on your body or a clothesline. During our high-output performance tests, sweat would pool on the waistline and the gusseted crotch. This is especially worth noting if you sweat a lot and are considering purchasing a lighter colorway. That said, the bottoms dry rather quickly on the body, successfully preventing clammy discomfort.

We conducted the other portion of our drying test in Bishop, California, on a sunny fall day with temperatures in the 60 °Fs, no wind, and 9% humidity. For this test, we dunked the bottoms in water, wrung them out, and tossed them on a clothesline in direct sun to dry. After only 43 minutes, the Aspect High Rise Bottoms were completely dry – not bad for a 240 GSM Merino wool blend.

ridge merino aspect high rise bottoms - though the fabric of the aspect high rise is 240 g/m², these...
Though the fabric of the Aspect High Rise is 240 g/m², these bottoms offer a competitive drying speed, drying quickly both on body and on the clothes line.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Layering Ability


The slim fit and flattering waistband of the Aspect High Rise and the smooth Merino blended fabric make these bottoms easy to layer. Even though they are technically considered midweight, they have the feel of a lighter-weight garment.

Rock climbers may especially love this waistband when layering below their harness. The thick waistband protects the skin from any chafing or discomfort, both above and below the waistbelt, which makes these bottoms perfect for those colder days at the crag. Our testing team also moved in ski pants, puffy pants, and rain gear to double-check this smooth interface.

ridge merino aspect high rise bottoms - the ridge merino aspect bottoms feature a smooth interface that...
The Ridge Merino Aspect bottoms feature a smooth interface that layered well below our jeans and offered plenty of mobility to climb in.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Should You Buy the Ridge Merino Aspect High Rise Bottoms?


We can't say enough good things about the Aspect High Rise Bottoms. These flattering long underwear bottoms offer great performance from the slopes to the yoga studio. They are warm enough to layer into your cold weather kit and breathe without additional ventilation panels. The sleek fit is easy to layer, and the Merino wool blend is strengthened by Ridge Merino's (m)Force Technology for increased durability. These are high-performance bottoms at an affordable price point and come in a number of fun colorways.

ridge merino aspect high rise bottoms - we were happy to have these bottoms layered below our overalls for a...
We were happy to have these bottoms layered below our overalls for a late season ascent of the Northwest Books route in Tuolumne Meadows.
Credit: Trish Matheny

What Other Long Underwear Should You Consider?


If you love the versatile design of the Aspect High Rise Bottoms but want to compare these to a fully synthetic bottom, the Arc'teryx Rho Bottom also features a thick waistband and can be worn as a stand-alone legging. If you have a strict budget but want a warmer pair of 100% Merino wool bottoms, consider the Minus33 Franconia Midweight Wool. The midweight design offers a ton of additional warmth and the softness of 100% Merino wool. And if you'd like to invest in an even higher performing pair of bottoms, check out the body-mapping technology on the Icebreaker 200 ZoneKnit Merino Leggings. A great option that offers versatility and strategic ventilation is the Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino Bottom. This is another Merino wool blend that is perfect for cold-weather performance.

ridge merino aspect high rise bottoms - if you're looking for a stylish, functional, and affordable pair of...
If you're looking for a stylish, functional, and affordable pair of long underwear bottoms, the Ridge Merino Aspect High Rise simply can't be beat.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Trish Matheny