Merino wool base and mid layers

[Deleted account rno]

actually yes... higher grade of wool means the fibres are longer and finer/softer. Longer means less fibre ends/ less etch. If you have a problem with the one you have now try washing it 5-6 times with jeans... it should break it in nicely

Thanks for the info

 

[chapsworth]

Icebreaker stuff is great. It doesn't itch at all, doesn't smell unlike synthetics.

I have bought a merino top from a company, whose name I can't remember, based in Derbyshire but although it looked good was a bit itchy.

Pay the extra and go for IB!

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

Just got a T and long sleeve (Icebreaker) - very comfy and not at all itchy. Looking forward to trying it out

Andres

 

[pugster]

Not completely true; Icebreaker uses a higher quality wool fibre - everyone buys wool buy auction -blind as to exactly what qualility level is in the wool bale. Icebreaker broke tradition and have supply contracts direct with the top merino sheep stations to supply a certain micron (fineness) of wool. the only compnay buying higher quality wool is Georgio Armani for his suits and he pays up to USD$1200 a kilo for his wool

Pugster... you can't beat Icebreaker relations. I was in the trade in NZ and was in the first 10 stores to ever sell the stuff. the company is brilliant to deal with and will look after you ( that and they had a habit of hiring rather nice female sales reps )

Trust me...I'm a kiwi we know our sheep

Steve, Spot on about the quality, I'd say Icebreaker is better than anyone and then Slartwool.

Your right about the IB customer relations, my only issue is their minimum order levels in the Uk are a bit rich for me but I think I'll be biting the bullet and going the IB route.

Thanks, Steve

PS Merino is much more versatile than any man made fibre for low intensity activities. Manmade base layers or Merino but never cotton!!!!

 

[skyenet]

Icebreaker stuff is great. It doesn't itch at all, doesn't smell unlike synthetics.

I have bought a merino top from a company, whose name I can't remember, based in Derbyshire but although it looked good was a bit itchy.

Pay the extra and go for IB!

I have merino wool stuff by:

Icebreaker (zip top & long johns)
Merrell (mediumweight s/s T-shirt)
Craighoppers (lightweight l/s T-shirt)
Trekmates (lightweight s/s T-shirt and liner Gloves),
SealSkinz (waterproof socks)
Go-Outdoors (explorer socks)

Icebreaker stuff is the best, but the dearest. Merrell was cheapest but a little itchy and very loose fitting neck. Craighoppers and Trekmates stuff was fine but not quite as comfortable as Icebreaker, but I managed to get them for about half the price at GoOutdoors during a sale.

GoOutdoors Merino Explorer socks are great value at £5 a pair (or less in sales) and have found them warm, comfortable and breathable in a variety of motorcycle boots, including Goretex ones

 

[Cretin]

Edz..................

 

[skyenet]

Aldi have Merino Wool underwear on sale tomorrow

Ladies’ and Men’s Merino Thermal Underwear
£14. 99 each
Body-clinging first layer in 100% natural Merino wool that keeps your body warm in Winter and cool in Summer.

Tops and bottoms sold separately.

Hydrophylic finish
Breathable
Insulating
Long sleeves for ladies and short sleeves for men


http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/2827_12505.htm?WT.mc_id=2009-12-23-15-02

 

[Toad]

Rohan sale started today...............

Starts online on the 28th............

 

[JoeC]

Cotswold have their Smartwool in the sale - at least online anyway.

 

[deerhunter]

I wear a lot of this stuff, never leave the house without a pair of smartwool socks on, I do a fair bit of walking and they do last well. the secret is don,t wash the feckers, Every base layer .I have had has fallen to pieces through time, so don,t buy anything to expensive.
Just been sent some Red head socks from the US half the price of smartwool, will keep you posted. P.S dont wash them with your other halfs black work kit.

 

[skyenet]

I wear a lot of this stuff, never leave the house without a pair of smartwool socks on,

I have quite a few pairs of GO Outdoors Merino Explorer Walking Socks (£5 a pair) and find them really great for walking and on the bike. Wear them a lot with a pair of Goretex MBT trainers and they are superb with them.

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/go-outdoors-merino-explorer-walking-sock/COREBMFCEXPSOCK

A heavyweight walking sock suitable for hill walking and mountaineering.

Merino wool to decrease bacterial build up and improve the wicking of the sock.

Durable and comfortable in all conditions.


Non-grip welt for extra comfort and fit
Fully cushioned padding for extra protection
Elasticated support to prevent movement
Smooth toe seam for protection against abrasions and blisters
Merino wool for added comfort and performance

 

[tonkatoy]

I bought some Icebreaker base layer stuff and tried it out straight out of the box in all the sub zero we've been having recently. I did the same walk at the same temps with the merino and some synthetic base layer stuff that I've used for years and I find the synthetic warmer.

Is there something I'm missing or something that I need to do to activate the Merino base layer, or to make it feel warmer ?

 

[Deleted Member I]

I bought some Icebreaker base layer stuff and tried it out straight out of the box in all the sub zero we've been having recently. I did the same walk at the same temps with the merino and some synthetic base layer stuff that I've used for years and I find the synthetic warmer.

Is there something I'm missing or something that I need to do to activate the Merino base layer, or to make it feel warmer ?

That maybe the case. I bought the icebreaker stuff for their non smelly properties. Saves on washing

Also with Icebreaker they have several grades. I use the 200 as the base layer. You can get 260 as a baselayer as well.

 

[(RIP) Bobble]

Just been reading these posts and thought I've got one of those, then I remembered that when I put in on I felt instantly colder. I've just fetched it out of the wardrobe and put in on again, I now feel cold again, it's an Icebreaker 200, sitting her I now feel cold, have a bought the wrong thing, is this for summer use to cool you down. Confussed

 

[JoeC]

My friend said exactly the same to me and wears his synthetic when it's cold. However, I like merino as you don't have to wash it as frequently as synthetic and as I perspire a lot, that is great for me.
Try wearing you synthetic after a week in the summer without washing it and then try the same with the merion.
Personally, I don't find wool very warm but I like it.

 

[(RIP) Bobble]

Glad it's not just me I've just put one of my RAB base layers on and instantly feel better...

 

[squid]

Glad it's not just me I've just put one of my RAB base layers on and instantly feel better...

Put your heating on you tight wad

I have a 260 Icebreaker which I like. The 200 I have is more like a vest but works very well under another top like a microgrid fleece.

I bought a cheap Aldi short sleeved one the other day. It is very thin but tight and works surprisingly well.

I think the key to them is they have to be a tight fit.

 

[CaptainSlow]

Edz..................

Only one person has mentionedd EDZ to date. I was thinking of buying their merino base layer, which is reasonably priced. Has anyone else had any experience of EDZ merino, or is it a trip to the mainland and Cotswold (amazingly just around the corner from where Iused to live) for me?

 

[The Foolish Fellow]

merino

Bought the Aldi stuff ( for pure convenience as they are local to me ) both the compression synthetic and the merino . The merino certainly does what it says on the tin . It is "unsmelly" and warm . I didn't wear the synth stuff enough to test the smell properties but it didn't seem to provide much warmth either .

 

[davidgibson999]

I'm a big fan of Merino - I use Howies (a welsh company who use the highest quality wool and manufacture ethically) and Finisterre (another British ethical company).
Both companies' products are superb.