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Looking at clothing and saw icebreaker merino clothing has anyone used this brand and any thoughts on wool for wicking capability.
In reply to tomcf:
I havent used icebreaker, but Ive had one of aldi's cheapo versions (sixth of the price, and I think the same stuff, merino wool anyway), and its great. Wicks decently and warmer than my other base layers, and dries very quick too if you get wet.
I havent used icebreaker, but Ive had one of aldi's cheapo versions (sixth of the price, and I think the same stuff, merino wool anyway), and its great. Wicks decently and warmer than my other base layers, and dries very quick too if you get wet.
In reply to tomcf:
I use Icebreaker (base, top layer, balaclava and neck warmer) and love it.
The balaclava protects my head when cycling in -25 degree C and I can still wear my helmet. The neck warmer I use for sleeping in and in place of a scarf. Its soft and warm.
The tops are stylish enough to wear for a night out but still perform in the hills (or for the walk home from the boozer!)
I have not noticed any rotten smells after extended use from the clothing.
The only problem was when I just wore the base layer in the rain. It went a bit saggy and didnt dry as quickly as my synthetic base layers. I did not feel cold, it also smelt of (unsurprisingly) damp wool.
I would guess merino garments will wear out faster than synthetic but I have not noticed any wear yet.
John
I use Icebreaker (base, top layer, balaclava and neck warmer) and love it.
The balaclava protects my head when cycling in -25 degree C and I can still wear my helmet. The neck warmer I use for sleeping in and in place of a scarf. Its soft and warm.
The tops are stylish enough to wear for a night out but still perform in the hills (or for the walk home from the boozer!)
I have not noticed any rotten smells after extended use from the clothing.
The only problem was when I just wore the base layer in the rain. It went a bit saggy and didnt dry as quickly as my synthetic base layers. I did not feel cold, it also smelt of (unsurprisingly) damp wool.
I would guess merino garments will wear out faster than synthetic but I have not noticed any wear yet.
John
In reply to tomcf:
I've not worn modern merino wools, but have a vintage clothing collection which includes a job lot of 1930s woolen combinations.
At a living history event one January, I wore them under a wool suit and was surprised that I was warmer than everyone in modern clothing, including some people wearing technical gear.
Admittedly not a scientific test, but it has made me well disposed towards the idea of wool as a base layer. Incidentally it is very soft, wicked well (although I was not exerting myself to it wasn't much of a challenge on that score) and did not feel itchy.
> Looking at clothing and saw icebreaker merino clothing has anyone used this brand and any thoughts on wool for wicking capability.
I've not worn modern merino wools, but have a vintage clothing collection which includes a job lot of 1930s woolen combinations.
At a living history event one January, I wore them under a wool suit and was surprised that I was warmer than everyone in modern clothing, including some people wearing technical gear.
Admittedly not a scientific test, but it has made me well disposed towards the idea of wool as a base layer. Incidentally it is very soft, wicked well (although I was not exerting myself to it wasn't much of a challenge on that score) and did not feel itchy.
In reply to tomcf:
the best buy I have made is Merino boxers !!! And the best thing about wool is that is doesn't stink like polypro. You will get good life out of Merino boxers on a trip without getting smelly and will be much more comfortable
the best buy I have made is Merino boxers !!! And the best thing about wool is that is doesn't stink like polypro. You will get good life out of Merino boxers on a trip without getting smelly and will be much more comfortable
In reply to tomcf:
Since discovering Icebreaker in NZ have never gone back to synthetic. Expensive, but I live in mine, and t-shirt still going strong after 4 years.
There is alledgedly different grades of merino, depending on the micron circumference of the fibres, but this just may be Icebreaker/Smartwools attempt at justifying the price.
Also like Howies stuff.
Since discovering Icebreaker in NZ have never gone back to synthetic. Expensive, but I live in mine, and t-shirt still going strong after 4 years.
There is alledgedly different grades of merino, depending on the micron circumference of the fibres, but this just may be Icebreaker/Smartwools attempt at justifying the price.
Also like Howies stuff.
In reply to tomcf: howies sell merino base layers - they also have a sale on at the moment - it may be worth checking it out. www.howies.co.uk
In reply to tomcf: Another thumbs up for Icebreaker. Have worn the boxers & t-short for about 7 days nonstop and still had friends. Wicking is excellent on them, only thing i found was that when first putting the t-shirts on that they made my back itch, but once moving that went away. Have heard the smartwool ones are a little bit softer, so might go for those next time.
In reply to tomcf:
I find my icebreaker top does not dry as quickly as my Lowe Alpine dry-flo (I can produce a lot of sweat when walking)
I find my icebreaker top does not dry as quickly as my Lowe Alpine dry-flo (I can produce a lot of sweat when walking)
In reply to tomcf:
I'm using Icebreaker long sleeve tops and long johns for winter. They are warm, cosier than synthetics, wick brilliantly. They wear out quicker than synthetics but then you can wear Merino wool for days without it going stinky. The Aldi ones are an excellent buy, if you can get any.
Synthetics are tougher, but if you want to travel light, long and hard Merino wool is my choice.
If you're a sweater when moving get a zipped T/long sleeve version, otherwise you'll turn into a walking sauna.
I'm using Icebreaker long sleeve tops and long johns for winter. They are warm, cosier than synthetics, wick brilliantly. They wear out quicker than synthetics but then you can wear Merino wool for days without it going stinky. The Aldi ones are an excellent buy, if you can get any.
Synthetics are tougher, but if you want to travel light, long and hard Merino wool is my choice.
If you're a sweater when moving get a zipped T/long sleeve version, otherwise you'll turn into a walking sauna.
In reply to nz Cragrat:
Will they really? Whenever I've tried wool next to my skin I find it unbearably irritating (scratchy or itchy).
> (In reply to tomcf)
>
> .... and will be much more comfortable
>
> .... and will be much more comfortable
Will they really? Whenever I've tried wool next to my skin I find it unbearably irritating (scratchy or itchy).
In reply to Rob Naylor:
I found that with the icebreaker on the first time I wore it, but after that it was fine, unlike my old Smelly Helly polypro stuff which became coarser with age.
I like the Icebreaker stuff a lot, bought a load in NZ back in 2002, and haven't had the misfortune of shelling out for any over in the UK, although I've worn out my boxers now and just can't justify £28 for a new pair.
> Will they really? Whenever I've tried wool next to my skin I find it unbearably irritating (scratchy or itchy).
I found that with the icebreaker on the first time I wore it, but after that it was fine, unlike my old Smelly Helly polypro stuff which became coarser with age.
I like the Icebreaker stuff a lot, bought a load in NZ back in 2002, and haven't had the misfortune of shelling out for any over in the UK, although I've worn out my boxers now and just can't justify £28 for a new pair.
In reply to tomcf: Yes, i used in climbing in himalayas and wool is also a issue as if you use pure sheep wool, it is slightly irritating against skin. So better use it over some cotton layer. It is very warm, dry easily but only negative is slightly heavy.
If you use mixture of wool or some synthetic wool, then it is light in wt., less warm and is not easily getting dry of sweat or water.
If you use mixture of wool or some synthetic wool, then it is light in wt., less warm and is not easily getting dry of sweat or water.
In reply to tomcf:
Well, this thread just goes to show there is never one answer for everybody.
I've got several wool baselayers and think they're OK, but maybe overrated. I find they don't wick as well as new polypro/Capilene and definitely take longer to dry than any synth. But of course this depends on your exertion level and then how much sweat, or not.
On the plus side they don't get smelly like synths - so good for long xpds or travel - and they are more hardwearing. I've used one Icebreaker 260 weight top a lot for 2yrs and it looks like new. My polyrpos and similar look ratty after 6mnths or less of real use. Irritation to skin, or lack thereof, will always vary with people, but most of the modern garments are fine for most people.
BTW - 'wool' in this sense is a wool/lycra mix as used in all these modern garments. NOT 100% wool, as that does not wick as well, can be scratchy and takes longer to dry.
D
Well, this thread just goes to show there is never one answer for everybody.
I've got several wool baselayers and think they're OK, but maybe overrated. I find they don't wick as well as new polypro/Capilene and definitely take longer to dry than any synth. But of course this depends on your exertion level and then how much sweat, or not.
On the plus side they don't get smelly like synths - so good for long xpds or travel - and they are more hardwearing. I've used one Icebreaker 260 weight top a lot for 2yrs and it looks like new. My polyrpos and similar look ratty after 6mnths or less of real use. Irritation to skin, or lack thereof, will always vary with people, but most of the modern garments are fine for most people.
BTW - 'wool' in this sense is a wool/lycra mix as used in all these modern garments. NOT 100% wool, as that does not wick as well, can be scratchy and takes longer to dry.
D
In reply to tomcf: Used Icebreaker top and longjohns 260 weight for spantik. Wore / slept in for 7 days Base Camp to Summit and back and very comfortable. Didnt smell, but 6000m+ not much does. Design good with long body, long neck and thumb holes on sleeves. Quite heavy. Better than Polypro. Expensive.
In reply to tomcf:
I use M&S merino base layer. Very good, much warmer than poly pro, no problems to report and cheap to boot!.
Wool does get a little heavy when wet, but it stays warm and drys quickly.
I use M&S merino base layer. Very good, much warmer than poly pro, no problems to report and cheap to boot!.
Wool does get a little heavy when wet, but it stays warm and drys quickly.
Love the icebreaker thermals (got top and long johns[which are ace])
No smells even after seven day treks (tongararo crossing and french alps) and stay nice and warm even if damp with sweat. I've been experimenting with wearing a poly layer against my skin and the wool layer ontop. This seems to wick the sweat away even better and then the wool keeps me nice a toasty.
They come in two weights. The difference between the lighter and heavier density clothing is considerable even though the material is not that much thicker. The thinner tpye would be ideal for spring/summer user, the thicker stuff for winter. The thick stuff is too hot for summer....
Good luck
No smells even after seven day treks (tongararo crossing and french alps) and stay nice and warm even if damp with sweat. I've been experimenting with wearing a poly layer against my skin and the wool layer ontop. This seems to wick the sweat away even better and then the wool keeps me nice a toasty.
They come in two weights. The difference between the lighter and heavier density clothing is considerable even though the material is not that much thicker. The thinner tpye would be ideal for spring/summer user, the thicker stuff for winter. The thick stuff is too hot for summer....
Good luck
In reply to tomcf:
i've found using a mixture of different base layers provided the best results, on a recent cycling tour we use polypro (patagonia cappline(sp?) actualy but it's pretty much the same) for when we were on the move and icebreaker wool gear for at night and on days off, this let us wash our wiffy polypro gear at nigh so we didn't end up with it stinking, i think we went 3 weeks without washing the icebreak gear..
i also found the wool slightly itchy to start with but after the first wash it 'wore in' a bit and was much nicer ever since.
i've found using a mixture of different base layers provided the best results, on a recent cycling tour we use polypro (patagonia cappline(sp?) actualy but it's pretty much the same) for when we were on the move and icebreaker wool gear for at night and on days off, this let us wash our wiffy polypro gear at nigh so we didn't end up with it stinking, i think we went 3 weeks without washing the icebreak gear..
i also found the wool slightly itchy to start with but after the first wash it 'wore in' a bit and was much nicer ever since.
In reply to tomcf: I strongly recommend the Icebreaker merino ones. I wore a long sleeve top and longjohns for a week's ski touring in the alps last year. We went light - no spares, prepared to be a little bit smelly.Despite working hard skinning up hill for hours, and getting sopping wet in a storm, they were awesome, wicked away like it was going out of fashion, kept me dry, didn't smell. Brilliant, worth the price.
In reply to tomcf:
Bought BF a Helly Hansen which has a Merino wool mix - he absolutley loves it for winter climbing. He says it is far more comfortable to wear than normal smelly hellies and gives him the right level of warmth/wicking performance. I would find it too warm personally. Fancy something in the Falke range myself. Anyway just look at how 'technical' woolen socks have become. They have changed the weave, mix, style and weight around different areas of the foot to aid cooling, wicking and support. Why not for clothing too?
Bought BF a Helly Hansen which has a Merino wool mix - he absolutley loves it for winter climbing. He says it is far more comfortable to wear than normal smelly hellies and gives him the right level of warmth/wicking performance. I would find it too warm personally. Fancy something in the Falke range myself. Anyway just look at how 'technical' woolen socks have become. They have changed the weave, mix, style and weight around different areas of the foot to aid cooling, wicking and support. Why not for clothing too?
In reply to tomcf:
The thing I particularly like about it is that merino (and any wool) is much warmer when wet than synthetic fibre. This is a huge advantage, especially in Scottish winter climbing.
The thing I particularly like about it is that merino (and any wool) is much warmer when wet than synthetic fibre. This is a huge advantage, especially in Scottish winter climbing.
In reply to Solaris:
wool is actually an all round more suitable material to winter climbing(Climbing where heat needs to be kept in and moisture generated.) This is likely to be winter or alpine route. High intensity activety creating exsessive sweet. Wool helps prevent "going cold after a pumpy winter lead once at the belay"
Ice breaker has done well with branding themselves and wool as the NEW base layer of baselayers. But there are other firms making wool products that are not as expensive. Ice Breaker is far more expensive and I am sure alternatives that perform as well are available at reasonable prices.
wool is actually an all round more suitable material to winter climbing(Climbing where heat needs to be kept in and moisture generated.) This is likely to be winter or alpine route. High intensity activety creating exsessive sweet. Wool helps prevent "going cold after a pumpy winter lead once at the belay"
Ice breaker has done well with branding themselves and wool as the NEW base layer of baselayers. But there are other firms making wool products that are not as expensive. Ice Breaker is far more expensive and I am sure alternatives that perform as well are available at reasonable prices.
In reply to Solaris: ,
not just warm when wet, comfortable too
not just warm when wet, comfortable too
In reply to tomcf: Used ulvan ( norweign version of merino) long johns and top in the arctic for > month last year beneath a wind suit and found them outstanding. Even in -30 required no other layers when sled hauling. I know people say they don't smell as bad as synthetic but believe me after 5 weeks on thre ice we reaked. Brenje was the brand -slightly more expensive than icebreaker and very hard to get hold of in the UK but worth it
In reply to tomcf:
They are great, they keep you warm, they don't smell for a long while and sweat evaporates quickly.
They are great, they keep you warm, they don't smell for a long while and sweat evaporates quickly.
In reply to tomcf:
If you can, try and find somewhere which stocks Smartwool Next to Skin layers. They are priced slightly cheaper than IceBreaker kit (around £5 per item), but are made from the same stuff. They have also put some thought into the design being a bit more attractive, unlike the usual synthetic varieties. IceBreaker works great though, either come highly recommended.
IAin
If you can, try and find somewhere which stocks Smartwool Next to Skin layers. They are priced slightly cheaper than IceBreaker kit (around £5 per item), but are made from the same stuff. They have also put some thought into the design being a bit more attractive, unlike the usual synthetic varieties. IceBreaker works great though, either come highly recommended.
IAin
In reply to tomcf: My experience is that ice breaker etc is wamer than poly... too warm?
In reply to mzuri_2:
Just registered and seen your posts. I've been wearing merino for years. First bought my stuff on a trip to NZ 6 years ago and it's still going strong and looks decent. Seen the Aldi stuff - it's a cheap mix that doesn't feel at all good. Somebody on here said merino needed to be mixed with synthetic. Mine gear is 100 per cent merino and works really well. And wearing cotton underneath just stops the merino working properly.
Just registered and seen your posts. I've been wearing merino for years. First bought my stuff on a trip to NZ 6 years ago and it's still going strong and looks decent. Seen the Aldi stuff - it's a cheap mix that doesn't feel at all good. Somebody on here said merino needed to be mixed with synthetic. Mine gear is 100 per cent merino and works really well. And wearing cotton underneath just stops the merino working properly.
In reply to Ty: If merino is itchy try cashemire. I have some 15-20 year old cashemire tops, leggings, socks, gloves, scarves I am still using, so even if the purchase price might have been steep, it has been well amortised.
In reply to tomcf: i found merino does not wick as well as polyester base layers, i would put it down to the fact that merino fibres absorb a high percentage of moisture before it starts working, therefore in warm/high activity its no good, and i prefer to wear polyester
i have found merino works well as a thermal in winter, warm, comfortable and as long as its cold enough so you are not perspiring lots it works well,
i use polyester for warm or high energy activities and merino for cold low activity
i have not worn icebreaker, but as its NZ merino i am sure its good as i have used other brands which were NZ
i have found merino works well as a thermal in winter, warm, comfortable and as long as its cold enough so you are not perspiring lots it works well,
i use polyester for warm or high energy activities and merino for cold low activity
i have not worn icebreaker, but as its NZ merino i am sure its good as i have used other brands which were NZ
In reply to gear boy:
There are different weaves and weights of Merino (just as there are for polyester). I used to find that I got too warm in high-activity situations with merino, but changing to a lighter weave and weight solved the problem - i.e. it wasn't the material per se that was the problem.
Going back to the person who suggested cashmere; clearly people's experiences vary, but I've found that a bit itchy, but never had problems with merino...
There are different weaves and weights of Merino (just as there are for polyester). I used to find that I got too warm in high-activity situations with merino, but changing to a lighter weave and weight solved the problem - i.e. it wasn't the material per se that was the problem.
Going back to the person who suggested cashmere; clearly people's experiences vary, but I've found that a bit itchy, but never had problems with merino...
In reply to gbuchanan: horses for courses
i used 150 g and it was too warm in a uk summer
i used 150 g and it was too warm in a uk summer
In reply to gbuchanan:
you can get merino/silk as well, should be comfortable enough for the sensitive
you can get merino/silk as well, should be comfortable enough for the sensitive
In reply to tomcf: I lived in my RAB Merino baselayers for three weeks in Alaska and they were the best thing since sliced bread.
Took them about 21/2 weeks before they I even started to notice they might need a wash.
Took them about 21/2 weeks before they I even started to notice they might need a wash.
In reply to Anonymous:
Yes, I know - I've got some, but I don't have any problems with basic merino...
The silk stuff is good, and definitely better when it is very hot...
Yes, I know - I've got some, but I don't have any problems with basic merino...
The silk stuff is good, and definitely better when it is very hot...
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