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Baked Alaska

297 reviews
Colour
Burnt Orange
Silver
Marine Blue
Dark Royal
Size

A hot 'n' cold top that propels you at the speed limit across the gap between summer and winter. Its WindFoil™ softshell front takes the edge off a chilly headwind while the Lightwave™ Merino sucks sweat off your body. Wrap your meringue around that.
+Features
  • Lightwave™ hi-performance thermal bodywear combines a merino inner layer with a fast-drying polyester outer.
  • WindFoil™ micro-fleece softshell front deflects chilly winds.
  • Long front zip for temperature control.
  • Flat seams for enhanced comfort.
  • 'Snug-as-a-bug' fit keeps the fabric against your skin to wick sweat away.
  • Integrated thumb loops keep your wrists under wraps.
  • Rear security pocket and twin elasticised angle-pockets.
  • WhaleTail™ longer back for greater cycling warmth.
  • Designed & made by us in Aotearoa | New Zealand.
+Tech

  Weight: 290 gm

+Lightwave™ Merino
A bi-component thermal fabric combining merino and polyester yarns. Superfine 19.5 micron merino wicks sweat away from your skin while the polyester provides a durable, non-pill outer. Lightweight and machine washable.
  • Composition: 46% merino; 54% polyester.
  • Weight: 150 gsm.
+Man vs Wild
  • Merino is unrivalled for comfort as a body layer.
  • Its natural fibres help fend off the big stink on multi-day epics.
  • Merino absorbs more moisture than synthetic fibres, mopping up excess sweat rather than letting it settle on your skin.
  • However high-aerobic activities like cycling will often overload ordinary merino. Lightwave's polyester component repels moisture to reduce total saturation of the fabric - so it dries faster to help keep your cool. Ideal for going hard 'n' fast, and for wearing under your rain jacket.
+Hot 'n' Cold
Lightwave™ Merino regulates your temperature through a wide range of conditions. Delivering comfort in all but the hottest climes, as well as a thermal layer under a WindFoil™, microFoil™ or HydroFoil™ shell in winter.
+UPF 50
UPF 50+ rating extends your no-burn time by 50 times over bare skin. Designs with a stand-up collar and long sleeves maximise protection from the sun's UV rays. Yank 'em up if it gets too stifling.

+WindFoil™
WindFoil™ combines the insulative benefits of a polyester micro-fleece liner with a smooth, water resistant, softshell exterior. A totally windproof, yet highly breathable membrane is sandwiched between the inner and outer fabrics providing effective protection in cold, dry conditions.
  • Composition: 100% polyester with PU membrane.
  • 100% windproof.
  • Water repellent finish on face fabric.
  • Breathability: 4000gm per sq.m per 24hr.

+Hazard!™
Night travel is a spooky experience. Many Ground Effect garments feature our Hazard!™ reflective logo and piping to help remind traffic that we're on the road too.

+Composite Tops
For short trips in stable weather conditions, a Ground Effect composite top lets you travel light and fast with just a single thermal layer. These designs combine a WindFoil™ softshell fleece front with a breathable Thermostat™ fleece or Lightwave™ Merino back. Some designs have a long front zip for ventilation - allowing you to manage your body temperature through a wide range of conditions. Apparently you can have your cake and eat it too.

+WhaleTail™
Ground Effect tops are cut with extra length in the back... and in the sleeves too. So when you stretch out in search of the perfect downhill position, neither your shirttail or sleeves will ride-up to expose your back or wrists to the elements.

+FAQ
▸ Why is Lightwave™ Merino so comfortable next-to-skin?
  • Lightwave™ Merino combines the comfort, warmth and low-odour properties of merino wool with the durability of polyester. Merino wool absorbs more moisture than synthetic fibres like polyester or polypropylene. This makes it very effective in dealing with excess sweat - it is absorbed into the fabric rather than settling (and cooling) on your skin. The polyester component repels moisture which avoids total saturation of the fabric - helping it to dry faster. The strength of the polyester also maintains the shape of the garment and minimises wear 'n' tear and pilling.
  • The Baked Alaska, Popsicle and Hot Toddy are intended to be used as a stand alone cycle top in cool, as opposed to cold, conditions.
  • The Thermos, Isotherm, Ristretto, Submerino and Inferno are all base layers - best worn directly against your skin.
  • The Berglar, Flying Nun, Median Strip, Hula, Neopolitan and Lozenge are riding jerseys, with additional features including rear or hipster pockets. For use in both hot and cold climes and versatile enough to wear as an insulation layer in winter.
+Compare

  Draft Dodger Hoodwink Frosty Boy
Windproof Full Full Front & sleeves
Fabric WindFoil™ front & back 
&  Thermostat™ sides
WindFoil™
WindFoil™ front &  Thermostat™ back
Front Zip Full length + 2 forearm vents Full length Full length
Pockets 2 hand plus large rear Single at chest 3 rear plus single at chest
  Baked Alaska Astro
Windproof Front only Front only
Fabric
WindFoil™ front &  Lightwave™ Merino back
WindFoil™ front & Lightwave™ Merino back
Front Zip 3/4 length None
Pockets
3 rear
Single at chest

+Washing

  • All Ground Effect clothing enjoys a warm 40ºC machine wash. Try to avoid cold-water detergents and those with bleach, 'oxygen whitener' or fabric softener.
    • The cold-water varieties have little enzymes that are super-charged to brave the cold but can damage technical fabrics and cause skin irritation.
    • Bleach rots natural fibres like merino, strips the dye, attacks laminates of waterproof fabrics and can also cause skin irritation.
    • Sodium Percarbonate (the main ingredient in oxygen whitener) can make colours run.
    • Fabric softener and stuff containing it like wool wash destroys the water repellent finish on waterproof and water resistant fabrics, and can cause colours to run.
  • As a rule of thumb, a product that is easy on the planet is also easy on your body. Select a mild plant-based soap like Ecostore, Earthwise or Aware.
  • Hand washing is sometimes the only option on tour, but a washing machine rinses more thoroughly and is preferable if you have the choice.
  • Most Ground Effect gear dries super-fast so hanging on the line or drooping over the bedpost is generally the best option. High heat can damage some fabrics so if you do take your threads for a spin, set the device on 'medium' or 'warm' rather than hot. A lap in the dryer is recommended for your rain jacket, after it has dried on the line, as it helps recharge its water repellant finish.

  • Wash colours separately.

+ Shipping
  • Items are generally packed and sent the same day your order is received.
  • Costs $9 by overnight courier within New Zealand.
  • NZ$12 by tracked airmail to Australia.
  • Around NZ$15-25 by tracked airmail to destinations elsewhere in the world - calculated in our shipping cart as you check out. 
    • More shipping and tax details in our FAQ.
    Customer Reviews
    4.8 Based on 297 Reviews
    5 ★
    89% 
    263
    4 ★
    7% 
    22
    3 ★
    1% 
    3
    2 ★
    1% 
    4
    1 ★
    2% 
    5
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    Filter Reviews:
      JS
      15/04/2024
      John S.
      New Zealand

      Baked Alaska

      Very pleased with the top. Good fit and well made product. Service was superb. Order lat in the afternoon and arrived next morning. Thanks Ernie. John Sparrow.

      AB
      23/03/2024
      Andrew B.
      New Zealand New Zealand

      Awesome for late summer bikepacking

      The Baked Alaska is the perfect companion for late summer bikepacking. I've used this everyday on my journey from Picton towards Bluff. It is flexible for airflow via the front zipper section. The extra warmth reinforcing in the chest is awesome when zooming downhill. So happy with my purchase. It really is designed with cycling in mind.

      L
      16/02/2024
      LOGAN
      New Zealand New Zealand

      KIWI-MADE - can we have more?

      Prompt shipping (2-days) - received it yesterday (like the packaging design!) and tested it on a ride in both breezy 27 deg - does not feel warm. Fabric feels great on skin and WindFoil did a good job in evening 20 deg ride. Not intended as a test, but a goofy house-dog had a go at the fabric (twice!) - no tear. Kiwi-quality, surely! As a returning tourist, I look out NZ-made stuff. There are so few now, even fewer for cycling stuff. Good Job, GE team!! Please remain proudly KIWI-made! Hope to see new (up-to-date) design-features (for rain tops - pit-zips, over-helmet-hoods with beaks) and more color choices!

      MF
      05/02/2024
      Mike F.
      New Zealand New Zealand

      Baked Alaska

      First one lasted 10+ years, loved it and worn it to death..... Now onto the new one!

      PF
      24/01/2024
      Patrick F.
      New Zealand New Zealand

      Great Service, Great Shirt

      A fantastic "in between seasons" solution! I love it!