Baked Alaska (2025)

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.
• Weight: 290 gm.
• Designed & made by us in Aotearoa | New Zealand.

+Tech

 

+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.

+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™ front & back  &  Thermostat™ sides	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.
• As a rule of thumb, a laundry 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.
• 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 wool wash destroy the water repellent finish on waterproof fabrics, and can also cause colours to run.
• Most Ground Effect gear dries super-fast, so hanging on the line or draped over the bedpost is generally the best option.
• High heat can damage some fabrics so if you do take your threads for a spin in the dryer, set the device on 'medium' or 'warm' rather than hot.
  

• 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.