Arc'teryx Pelion Comp LS

The Arc'teryx Pelion Comp LS combines a Nucliex 150 nylon core-spun Merino wool (86% Merino, 14% nylon) body with Alatorre nylon reinforcements on shoulders and sleeves, delivering natural fiber comfort with enhanced durability. The composite construction places materials strategically, with wool touching skin for comfort and odor resistance while nylon adds abrasion resistance where needed most. Best for warm-weather hiking and trekking between 60-80°F, it provides natural temperature regulation and multi-day odor control. The trim fit and gusseted underarms support active movement on technical terrain. Not ideal for cold weather or high-output activities that require maximum moisture-wicking speed.

Does the Arc'teryx Pelion Comp LS Work for Hiking?

Yes, the Pelion Comp LS excels for warm-weather hiking where you need natural fiber comfort with durability. The Nucliex 150 fabric wraps Merino wool around a nylon core, keeping the wool against my skin while the nylon provides structural integrity.

I've worn this on day hikes and multi-day trips where temperatures sit between 60-80°F. The Merino provides excellent temperature regulation during variable exertion, staying comfortable whether climbing steep switchbacks or maintaining a steady pace. The fabric breathes well to prevent overheating while retaining warmth for cooler mornings.

The Alatorre nylon reinforcements on shoulders and sleeves resist abrasion from pack straps. After multiple trips with loaded packs, these zones show no signs of pilling or thinning that affects pure Merino. Gusseted underarms provide an unrestricted range of motion, and the trim fit stays close without feeling restrictive.

Merino-Nylon Performance Over Multiple Days

Odor resistance matches quality Merino wool. I can wear this for multiple days without developing the smell that synthetics develop after just one day. The antimicrobial properties prevent bacterial growth, making it ideal for multi-day trips. After three days of summer hiking, it still passes the sniff test.

Moisture management works well for moderate activity in warm conditions. The Merino wicks sweat and dries reasonably quickly, though not as fast as pure synthetics. During sustained climbs, you'll notice some dampness, but wool maintains comfort when damp better than synthetics. The fabric provides UPF sun protection and temperature regulation that adapts to changing conditions without constant adjustments.

Trail to Town Without Looking Technical

The Pelion Comp LS works well for travel, where you want a shirt that transitions from trail to town. The crew neck and trim fit create a cleaner profile than obviously athletic cuts, and Merino's odor resistance means fewer shirts are needed on extended trips.

The fabric's wrinkle resistance means it looks presentable out of your pack for casual dining or town walks. I've worn it on flights, during hikes, and around towns without feeling like I'm wearing specialized gear. Machine washing is straightforward with wool detergent, and it dries overnight when hung.

Trim Fit at 6 Feet and 165 Pounds

The trim fit follows body contours without excess fabric that bunches under packs. At 6 feet tall and 165 pounds, the medium fits me without feeling baggy when worn alone.

Gusseted underarms eliminate the pulling sensation during overhead reaches or when adjusting pack straps. The extra fabric allows a full range of motion without lifting the hem or creating tension across the shoulders. Merrow stitch seam construction reduces seam bulk compared to traditional overlocked seams, and the flatter seams lie against skin without creating pressure points during extended wear under pack straps.

The crew neck sits high enough to prevent excessive sun exposure without feeling restrictive. Long sleeves extend to the wrist with enough length to prevent riding up during movement, and the cuffs stay in place without needing thumb loops.

Arc'teryx Pelion Comp LS vs. Smartwool and Cormac

The Pelion Comp LS sits between pure Merino base layers and synthetic hiking shirts. Compared to brands like Smartwool or Icebreaker that make 100% Merino shirts, the Pelion Comp LS offers superior durability through its nylon core and reinforced panels. Pure Merino shirts feel slightly softer initially, but they develop wear patterns faster than Pelion's composite construction.

Compared to the Cormac Crew Neck LS, which uses synthetic Phasic fabric, the Pelion Comp LS provides better odor resistance and natural temperature regulation. The Cormac dries faster and weighs less, making it better for high-output activities, but the Pelion wins for multi-day use without washing.

The reinforced shoulders and sleeves distinguish the Pelion Comp LS from standard Merino hiking shirts. This composite approach adds weight and cost, but it significantly extends the useful life for people who regularly hike with loaded packs. Price typically runs higher than basic Merino shirts but lower than Arc'teryx's more technical synthetic offerings.

Best Between 60 and 80 Degrees

Use the Pelion Comp LS for warm-weather day hikes and backpacking trips where temperatures range from 60 to 80°F. The Merino provides comfortable temperature regulation across variable activity levels, and its reinforced construction withstands pack wear during multi-day trips. It pairs well with lightweight pants for complete hiking setups.

For multi-day trips without laundry access, the natural odor resistance makes it valuable. Wear it for consecutive days without developing a smell, reducing the number of shirts needed for extended trips. For travel combining hiking with town time, it works well as a versatile piece that doesn't look overly technical in casual settings.

Skip it for cold weather, when you need serious base-layer warmth. Skip it for high-intensity activities like trail running, where synthetics wick faster. Skip it if you primarily hike without packs, as the reinforced panels add unnecessary weight and cost.

Natural Fiber Benefits at a Premium Price

The versatility between trail and travel adds value if you want fewer specialized pieces. One shirt handles hiking and casual wear, reducing the total number of garments needed for trips and combining outdoor activities with town time.

If you primarily hike in cooler conditions, look at heavier base layers. If you need maximum moisture-wicking for high-output activities, synthetics like the Cormac perform better. But for warm-weather hiking with loaded packs where you want natural fiber benefits, the Pelion Comp LS occupies a valuable middle ground. Check Arc'teryx's website for availability.