It can get a little confusing when comparing all the performance-oriented long underwear out there. I’ve found that the stuff put out by “name-brand” outdoor apparel makers works more or less the same. Mainly because it all IS more or less the same. Patagonia, REI, L.L. Bean, Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, Lowe Alpine聴they will all argue that “theirs” is the best, but I’ve used them all and like them all.
Alchemy Jacket
Still, I do have a few favorites. I’m extremely enamored with Patagonia’s silkweight underwear. It’s available in a variety of styles聴I have the T-shirt and bottoms ($32 each; www.patagonia.com) and the now-unavailable zip turtleneck. Patagonia makes a Mock Turtleneck for women for $37. I also like Marmot’s mid-weight stuff; your daughter might like their Midweight Zip Long-sleeve top ($45; www.marmot.com). This is all very nice stuff.
That said, if your daughter is soaking after just a short walk, maybe she needs to re-think her layering system a little. Most rain jackets have pit zips and other venting options, which can be opened even if it’s raining. In this part of the world, usually a light base layer, maybe a vest or light fleece jacket such as the REI Muir Woods ($68; www.rei.com), and a light rain shell is more than enough. And the Pacific Northwest’s climate is tailor-made for the new generation of “soft-shell” garments, which will easily beat off Seattle drizzle while breathing well. An example: Mountain Hardwear’s Alchemy Jacket ($240; www.mountainhardwear.com), which would be ideal layered over the Icebreaker Crewe for a combination that will handle cool weather, wind, and light rain with aplomb.