Base/Mid-layers: Merino vs Outlast
- Thread starter LankyRider
- Start date
Thanks all, I'll give the merino a try then, probably either Rukka or Icebreaker, but will definitely be avoiding ^^^those^^^ pants! 
i have a pair of merino socks from mountain warehouse.
They are just like the day i purchased them although they have been sat in the original packaging for the last 7 years not used
They are just like the day i purchased them although they have been sat in the original packaging for the last 7 years not used
GS2022
Registered user
Halvarssons offers several base layers made from Merino and Outlast combined (e.g., their Comfort and Light Wool ranges). I highly recommend them from first-hand experience. Good stuff!
That is the truth!
No one has mentioned Edz stuff. I have a few items (long sleeved top, neck warmer, leggings) and my wife, son and daughter all do too. We love the stuff. But never tried Icebreaker, to be fair. Edz do sales every now and again. Wait & stock up then, is my advice
I like Icebreaker Merino base layers for the winter.
But for the summer, Mountain Warehouse have the excellent "Isocool" t-shirts which can be had for under a tenner. You really can't go wrong with them.
But for the summer, Mountain Warehouse have the excellent "Isocool" t-shirts which can be had for under a tenner. You really can't go wrong with them.
Just done a 100 odd mile ride. Wore Proskins base layers, worked really well. Still warm, but not uncomfortable. Great for summer riding.
Does anyone have insight in how baselayers combining outlast and merino compare to 100% merino baselayers?
Have you perhaps also experience with 100% merino baselayers like Icebreaker and how they compare?
Outlast never worked for me. Prefer layers of merino wool, Warn ‘n Safe electric stuff for really cold rides.
Merino wool as a base layer. Usually Icebreaker or Rohan. The 150gsm or 200gsm t-shirts can be worn doubled up if it gets unexpectedly cool on holiday and work well on their own in hot weather (dry easily, no sweat pong, wear for a week).
I have a synthetic down jacket (Rohan) that packs down small and can be layered with the merino. I also have a mid weight merino full zip jacket that works well as a mid layer and is casual enough to wear on its own in the cooler evenings.
I had a Rohan Outlast fleece probably 20 years ago. A good mid layer over a merino base. Fleece sadly now outgrown due to my expanding girth.
Not sure of the benefits of combining merino with Outlast as Halvarrsons seem to do. Laying merino or using the down jacket fits my temperature regulating needs from minus 5 to 30+ degrees.
I have a synthetic down jacket (Rohan) that packs down small and can be layered with the merino. I also have a mid weight merino full zip jacket that works well as a mid layer and is casual enough to wear on its own in the cooler evenings.
I had a Rohan Outlast fleece probably 20 years ago. A good mid layer over a merino base. Fleece sadly now outgrown due to my expanding girth.
Not sure of the benefits of combining merino with Outlast as Halvarrsons seem to do. Laying merino or using the down jacket fits my temperature regulating needs from minus 5 to 30+ degrees.
Another vote for merino. I like Icebreaker but also buy Isobaa from Sport Pursuit. You have to register with them but there are some good deals to be had. They also sell Ice Breaker and Supernatural merino stuff from tie to time
I have suffered with feeling the cold since being a kid and have reynauds so I have spent a lot of time, effort and money in trying different systems. During winter I'm in thermals most days.
I have outlast stuff in various bits of kit Including Halvarsons (Mora jacket liner and winter gloves) and I'm not convinced it's better than any other synthetic insulation and I certainly wouldn't use it in summer. It's not breathable.
Merino on the other hand........ Wool is the ultimate performance fabric. I have some Icebreaker stuff that is around 15 years old and still going strong (400 weight tops) plus some ulfrotte woolpower kit which is also superb for winter and very hard wearing. I use the Ullfrotte as secondary base layer over a thin merino top if its really, really cold or a light weight mid layer.
I have quite alot of synthetic stuff as it's easier to care for and arguably better in really shitty outdoor environments (dirty and wet). I find the Helly Hansen Lifa stuff performs well and lasts for years even with daily washing. I've not tried the EDZ stuff though.
I'm slowly swapping mid layers to wool and have discovered some great nordic kit that isn't merino but is still very comfortable and non itchy, just like merino. Like most things you get what you pay for for the most part but now and again you get some bargains (|Charles tyritt merino stuff can sometimes be had at bargain prices as can M&S).
If buying premium synthetic versus premium merino I would compare as:
Synthetic - hardwearing, can be washed daily with minimum impact so better in dirty environments, performs well and is comfortable when wet. Gets smelly after a couple of days and needs washing to kill the bugs.
Wool - Really comfortable, warmer and more breathable than synthetic. Naturally anti bacterial so anti odour so can be worn for long periods without smelling like a bin. Doesn't perform as well when wet, needs a bit more care when washing.
Sports pursuit sell a brand called Isobaa and it's very good value for money. Not as good as Icebreaker or DEVOLD but it's a fraction of the price if you want some cheaper bits to hammer in tough environments. I'm now using the some of this kit where I would use synthetic stuff (at work) as it's more comfortable but if it gets drenched in diesel or covered in oil it's not the end of the world.
I have outlast stuff in various bits of kit Including Halvarsons (Mora jacket liner and winter gloves) and I'm not convinced it's better than any other synthetic insulation and I certainly wouldn't use it in summer. It's not breathable.
Merino on the other hand........ Wool is the ultimate performance fabric. I have some Icebreaker stuff that is around 15 years old and still going strong (400 weight tops) plus some ulfrotte woolpower kit which is also superb for winter and very hard wearing. I use the Ullfrotte as secondary base layer over a thin merino top if its really, really cold or a light weight mid layer.
I have quite alot of synthetic stuff as it's easier to care for and arguably better in really shitty outdoor environments (dirty and wet). I find the Helly Hansen Lifa stuff performs well and lasts for years even with daily washing. I've not tried the EDZ stuff though.
I'm slowly swapping mid layers to wool and have discovered some great nordic kit that isn't merino but is still very comfortable and non itchy, just like merino. Like most things you get what you pay for for the most part but now and again you get some bargains (|Charles tyritt merino stuff can sometimes be had at bargain prices as can M&S).
If buying premium synthetic versus premium merino I would compare as:
Synthetic - hardwearing, can be washed daily with minimum impact so better in dirty environments, performs well and is comfortable when wet. Gets smelly after a couple of days and needs washing to kill the bugs.
Wool - Really comfortable, warmer and more breathable than synthetic. Naturally anti bacterial so anti odour so can be worn for long periods without smelling like a bin. Doesn't perform as well when wet, needs a bit more care when washing.
Sports pursuit sell a brand called Isobaa and it's very good value for money. Not as good as Icebreaker or DEVOLD but it's a fraction of the price if you want some cheaper bits to hammer in tough environments. I'm now using the some of this kit where I would use synthetic stuff (at work) as it's more comfortable but if it gets drenched in diesel or covered in oil it's not the end of the world.
I do feel the cold
My latest keep warm item is in effect a string vest worn under an Icebreaker merino base layer. ( i wear a nice thick norwegian fishermans jumper over that and a down parka ) i am comfortable then at very cold temps
I picked up this tip from some cold weather special forces bloke on You tube so gave it a try.
I daresay there will be similar available cheaper but this is the one recommended, like merino it goes a week without stinking
one of these
www.nordiclife.co.uk
My latest keep warm item is in effect a string vest worn under an Icebreaker merino base layer. ( i wear a nice thick norwegian fishermans jumper over that and a down parka ) i am comfortable then at very cold temps
I picked up this tip from some cold weather special forces bloke on You tube so gave it a try.
I daresay there will be similar available cheaper but this is the one recommended, like merino it goes a week without stinking
one of these
Brynje Super Thermo T-shirt (inlay)
Brynje Super Thermo mesh T-Shirt with 1/2 sleeves. Solid inlay fabric on shoulders for protection when using medium to heavy backpack.
www.nordiclife.co.uk
I really didn’t feel any benefit with Outlast but I’m a total devotee of Merino. I bought several of Mountain Warehouse merino tops, socks, and long johns, not magnificent quality but my go-to for the comfort and warmth combination. I have a couple of Icebreaker base layers that I bought in NZ and they do the job, but a bit too warm on occasion?
I do feel the cold
My latest keep warm item is in effect a string vest worn under an Icebreaker merino base layer. ( i wear a nice thick norwegian fishermans jumper over that and a down parka ) i am comfortable then at very cold temps
I picked up this tip from some cold weather special forces bloke on You tube so gave it a try.
I daresay there will be similar available cheaper but this is the one recommended, like merino it goes a week without stinking
one of these
Brynje Super Thermo T-shirt (inlay)
Brynje Super Thermo mesh T-Shirt with 1/2 sleeves. Solid inlay fabric on shoulders for protection when using medium to heavy backpack.
I've looked at Brynje kit a few times on Ray Mears site. They make some interesting looking clothing with the polypropylene mesh being their USP. I believe Hillary and Tenzing used Brynje kit on Everest.
I might try one of those for high intensity activities.
All I can say is that the mesh stuff makes a noticeable difference
Despite not actually noticing that one is wearing it physically
Gold Top have a sale on at the moment and their 23GSM Merino base layers look very good value at a snidge under £60.
I have had a few bits from Gold top, gloves etc, and the quality has been superb so im having a punt
goldtop.co.uk
I have had a few bits from Gold top, gloves etc, and the quality has been superb so im having a punt
100% Merino Wool Zip Up Base Layer
100% Merino wool (230gsm) base layer Temperature regulating, moisture wicking, breathable 1/4 Zip neck design with thumbhole in cuffs for extra coverage Machine washable at 30 degrees
goldtop.co.uk
