Hi, me! I'm a big fan of Icebreaker and Mons Royale, and my ski socks are all Smartwool. Must be a NZ thing.
Hi, me! I'm a big fan of Icebreaker and Mons Royale, and my ski socks are all Smartwool. Must be a NZ thing.
My favorite too. I have the non-hoody version. I love merino wool as a base layer. Icebreaker probably makes a good one as well but I also have and love the Mons.My new favorite baselayer top is the Mons Royale Temple Tech Hoody.
I have or still own: various: Patagonia, Helly Hansen, Icebreaker, Smartwool, REI, Craft, Oslo, RAB, I/O Merino, Mtn Hardwear and Brynje.
The reasons I find the Temple Tech the best allround baselayer I have tried:
- Quick drying: Thin fabric combined with synthetic core, means very little moisture absorption.
- Good odor resistance. unlike some merino hybrids, especially HH, which is all polypropylene next to skin.
- Mesh back panel: your back is always less exposed to wind, and often covered by a pack, so I always look for less warmth/more venting in the backpanel.
- great fit and stretchy fabric. Long arms. Trim, but not skin tight. Long arms allow you to size down for slimmer fit.
- The best baselayer hood I Have tried, if you want a hood. Of course it’s available without a hood too.
Hmm, I am not sure I agree, both from personal experience and reading tests and reviews.Smartwool... just hang dry and 'gentle' wash if there's any worry about durability.
Hmm, I am not sure I agree, both from personal experience and reading tests and reviews.
Wool simply is not a strong fiber.
Because of that, I would not recommend a wool baselayer to anyone who is “worried about durability”.
I personally find adequate durability for my needs with wool, but anyone who knows they are tough on their shirts (bushwacking, crack climbing, lots of heavy backpacks), should be prepared for their wool shirts not to last long.
Yes, proper care can help, as can selecting heavier fabrics or blends with polyester or nylon, but there still is no wool baselayer that excels in durability. Pretty much any synthetic on the other hand is fairly bombproof.
I love the Mons Royale "First on Last Off" base layers. I've worn them every day for the last two seasons.