New for review, merino wool base layer and mid layer tops from Smartwool.
Smartwool is probably best known for its excellent merino wool socks in the UK, but the brand also produces clothing, again in merino wool, and we've just got two examples, in different weights, in for review.
Merino works slightly differently from conventional baselayer fabrics in that rather than wicking, the material absorbs moisture readily and then holds it comfortably away from your skin. It also does the neat trick of feeling cool in summer and warm in winter, has awesome multi-day, pong-resistant properties, making it a great choice for extended treks and is soft and comfortable against the skin.
The Smartwool Men's Sport NTS Zip Tee is made from 220g/m2 merino wool, quite a light weight fabric and has all the features you'd expect in a technical baselayer including flatlock seams and a zip-neck and collar – the zip is a generous 12 inches making it a handy venting option. It's cut for a close fit and an inner wrist touch test suggests that it's going to be very soft and comfortable against the skin.
Weight is 250g and at £59.95, it's top-end stuff, but it feels lovely and should be right up there with Icebreaker in the quality stakes.
Also new in is a Smartwool TML – Thermal Mid Layer – Light SportKnit Pull Zip top, the lightest version of Smartwool's mid-layer fabrics and intended for 'aerobic mountain sports' in cold conditions – think a merino equivalent of 100-weight microfleece and you won't go far wrong.
It's a simple, full-zip jacket design with added thumb loops and – it says here – an iPod port, just in case you take your music along on the hill with you. The fabric is a 300g/m merino with 4% nylon and 1% elastane and cut is looser than the NTS Sport top. The idea is that you can layer it over an NTS baselayer to give more insulation, but without cooking yourself when moving fast. It's not as warm, for example, as Icebreaker's rather nice new Realfleece fabric.
Weight is 470g and the fabric itself feels incredibly soft and luxurious, though thicker merino does always bear a passing resemblance to more casual woollens, so you could argue that this is a highly technical wool cardigan... Price details to follow.
We're quite interested to see how the two work in combination, review to follow. More Smartwool information at www.smartwool.com
