Merino wool clothing and accessories for men and women by Smartwool. Wearing the Smartwool Merino150 shirt on a backpacking trip For the same reason merino wool keeps you comfortable by keeping you dry, it also encourages breathability. Merino wool is an almost miracle fabric — it's moisture-wicking, it keeps you warm, and it naturally fights odors. So, yeah…If you have any additional questions or suggestions, let me know in the comments. Shop Smartwool Merino wool socks, clothing and accessories. Discovering the most comfortable, most breathable fabric for the first time felt like this to me: Before I get to Woolx, here’s how merino wool brand associations look like! Valkyr mountain range. Why excitement? Comfort of Smartwool vs Icebreaker If people prefer the fit of Icebreaker they often prefer the comfort of Smartwool. Now if only they made the bottoms in a colour other than black. OVERALL – The Smartwool Merino 150 Pattern Boxer Briefs look and feel great to wear however we preferred the way the Arcteryx Santoro’s felt with the added elastane and length on the leg. Because as one East Kootenay man recalls, a little NHL helm Read More... "The climate is changing and so are we." Grooming Tools 100% Guarantee. Stay warm in cold conditions! For mid-layers or extreme weather gear – Minus33 should be your go-to merino choice. It’s super-fine and soft. That said, I’m originally from Manitoba so I’m used to the cold and my body tends to run warm, which means others may find the 150 too cold for skiing and other winter sports. Often these are blended with down or synthetic insulation for better heating. The author gets comfy while shredding pow in Smartwool base layers. Which makes sense – it’s only hair after all! Wool is more expensive and more finicky about washing than cotton or most synthetics. They’re still to catch up with the reputation of Icebreaker, Smartwool or Minus33. Merino wool clothing, socks, base layers, sweaters, tights, more. And our 100% Merino wool is incredibly soft. It’s practical for climbing and cold weather sports, too. Merino Wool Vs Synthetic Underwear. Well, I admit it makes some sense. A lot of people find the wool to be slightly softer and less itchy. Both are great material for climbing, Alpining, and most rough activities. Outdoor Fun . Suitability - Merino wool is one of the favorite materials for hiking and climbing. Alright, onwards to the meat of the article with heaps of recommendations! The Kootenay’s Own Youth Climate Corps Helping Curb Wildfire Threat And More. That’s a huge leap from synthetic fibers or even normal wool. The same applies for sturdy mid layers you want to wear in harsher weather conditions. 230/m knit made of 100% merino wool. Speaking of designs…You have to also keep in mind that Woolx merino clothes are rather simple. (If you suffer from the cold you’ll want more wool per square metre. Brands like icebreaker and Smartwool specialize in Merino and are making more mid layers than ever. Well, I admit it makes some sense. They’re still to catch up with the reputation of Icebreaker, Smartwool or Minus33. What Woolx does best are affordable, excellent quality base layers. I must have sweat litres into the things and they smelled like flowers. Fabric: 87% merino wool/18% nylon. Smartwool PhDs are unrivaled in the merino wool socks world. Smartwool Design Director Sue Jesch says this simple base layer is a “glimpse at what is to come with our future product design.” Intraknit, by the way, is being hyped to monumental proportions. Expect them to be your best buddy for some seriously insane outdoor adventures in the freezing cold. And never ever put it in the dryer. Smartwool also has better seams that lie flat and are more comfortable. The fact is, even the 150 Merino was too warm. 100% merino! The most important takeaway here is clothing yourself in merino wool goodness! If you’re looking for outer shells or insulating layers I’d stick to Minus33, Icebreaker or Smartwool. In 2005 The Timberland Company acquired Smartwool and in 2011 Smartwool became a subsidiary of VF Corporation upon VF Corporation's acquisition of The Timberland Company. Shop options from … When it comes to merino wool, Woolx has always been a bit of an underdog. Enjoy adventure in comfort. Wool socks should not be put in the dryer (they can shrink so much that they become unwearable), but washable wool like Smartwool can be put in the washer on cool temperature and then removed to line-dry. When it comes to merino wool, Woolx has always been a bit of an underdog. All about tinkering around, trying fun tools and projects, and giving my opinion on industry brands! I had them on while skinning up mountains, skiing down them and lounging in the hut before and after. Note Minus33 have a lot of women apparel, perhaps the most out of all merino brands! A single Merino wool fiber is ⅓ the diameter of a human hair. Designed for every lifestyle. Aside from the comfort and warmth my favourite part about wearing the base layers for a week was that they didn’t stink. Good examples for base layers are the Woolx Summit polo shirt (for men) or the Woolx Addie shirt (for women). The SmartWool Merino 250 for pure merino, and either the Patagonia Capilene Cool Lightweight or the Outdoor Research Echo L/S for synthetics, are among the most durable tops we tested. Practicality. Don’t get me wrong, there are many other countries that source merino. You may think that’s gross but this is the thing you need to know about merino wool – it doesn’t have the same longevity as polypro or other synthetics. Important All these brands use merino wool from New Zealand or Australia. Both of these offer good construction, moisture-wicking and breathability, plus resistance to odors. Initially, we were wary about how thick the waistband is, and it sometimes seems overkill for daily use, but we ended up really liking them for being active outside, even for days in a row. It’s made of 87% merino wool and 13% nylon, meaning it has one of the highest blends of wool. Not only was the Smartwool products warm, I’m also impressed that they’re an ethical company. Merino wool has great durability in general. The Endurance tees (men) or Addie tees (women) are both good examples. Smartwool socks and other modern wools are not scratchy. For me, that would become pretty dull in no time…Especially with base layers that I can use in my daily life – not only when going on a hike. Arcteryx A2B T-Shirt. Designed to get you from point A to point B in comfort (hence the name), this … Styles and colors are definitely way less varied than the brand’s bigger brothers. Vince Hempsall lives in the beautiful mountain town of Nelson, British Columbia, where he spends his time rock climbing, backcountry skiing and mountain biking (when not working). But there are ways to extend a garment’s life span and one way is to put it in a mesh bag before placing into the washing machine and using the delicate cycle. While Merino wool is usually thought of as a base layer, it also works well as a mid layer. For a base/mid layer hybrid, the Explorer long sleeve is 100% midweight merino that is perfect for both autumn and winter. Why? But I did wear them at all other times. Instead, these 3D garments—which indeed have no seams—are much more. Well, the price tag reflects that though as they can run pricier. Merino 250 Glove | Smartwool Canada These touchscreen compatible Merino 250 Gloves are breathable, warm, and odor-resistant. Their Chorocua midweight crews or the Franconia leggings for women offer unmatched warmth and comfort. Merino wool is known for its anti-odour properties, durability and minimal washing. The soft wool and smartly places seams were really comfortable. Voormi Ski Sock. FREE SHIPPING with $50 minimum purchase. Shop for Socks at MEC. Despite being asked to wear Smartwool base layers 24/7 during a week-long backcountry ski trip, I couldn’t do it. And Woolx has a price tag that screams ‘bargain!’. Luckily for you, it’s a good bargain…with a few caveats. Best for merino wool tops, t-shirts, pants, boxers, and socks. Learn more about these awesome brands and take our sock quiz to find out which brand might work better for you! It’s so fine, actually, that when it brushes up against skin, it bends out of the way. Despite being asked to wear Smartwool base layers 24/7 during a week-long backcountry ski trip, I couldn’t do it. I’ll be glad to help out! Ratings and reviews: 5/5 star rating across 9 reviews. One of the main reasons is that Merino wool socks prevents moisture from building up on your feet and prevents odors from emitting from your feet. But I was interested to see how they’d perform in variable weather. I have the Smartwool PhD Outdoor Light Micro Socks, a lighter, shorter pair that's made for hiking and beyond. Now, the two brands both have incredibly large and loyal followings who stand by their products. The Summit polo shirts are made of 83% merino which is still great as you need that few % of spandex for that type of shirt. Great way to stay comfy without sticking to monochrome T-shirts/crews and spicing things up a bit. It's really just these 2 pieces I think I need to add so I can wear them 2-4 times, with 1-2 other light cotton or linen giving the versatility I'll need to mix up outfits with 2 pairs of shorts. Ok, not that fragrant. Is This The Worst Hockey Helmet In Canada? Like. Fabric: Fine-micron merino … I said “Sure,” even though there was no way in hell I’d have them on in the sauna. Smartwool claims you can with their products because of its “Core Spun” technology, which wraps merino around a nylon core for durability but, in my opinion it’s not worth it. From cushioned wool socks to breathable options and affordable picks, these are the best wool socks for men and women, according to thousands of reviews. They work with your body temperature to help with the heating and … Your email address will not be published. Fax: 250-352-5009, Copyright © 2021 Mountain Culture Group | Privacy Policy, Website Design and Development by Simon de la Salle. Merino Wool is Durable. The situation is somewhat similar with accessories like underwear or socks. Never too hot. Car Maintenance & Tools Read Read More... Let’s give thanks no one wears equipment like this anymore. Because they easily have the best designs out of all merino brands. Never too cold. The Smartwool Merino 150 Boxer Briefs is a classic that stands the test of time. Snuggly warm and 100% merino wool. Soft, well-fitting and elegant. Not even a little! These socks also have a reinforced toe and heel, with Achilles support and a breathe zone for better ventilation. Insulation Weight: Lightweight. DIY & Home Improvement Tools Like the winter our buddy the merino sheep is struggling with here: For example, if you want a tough, ultra-warm mid layer buddy you get the Minus33 Isolation, not a Woolx. However, I was unable to wear them in the sauna (for obvious reasons) as well as when sleeping because my top bunk in the cabin was also a sauna. Kootenay youth band together to help bring down emissions and build resilience. Get inspired gear, informed advice, 100s of brands – all backed by our Rocksolid Guarantee. ), Colours: Fire Red, Black, Bright Blue and Light Loden (green), Wide elastic waistband (40 mm) designed for comfort, Size Medium has an inseam of 78.5 cm (31″). The company makes eponymous products primarily from treated merino wool. (Merino 150 means there are 150 grams of merino wool for every square metre of fabric.) Both in terms of comfort/sturdiness and choice of designs. Merino Wool baselayers are the softest, and we recommend the Minus33 Ticonderoga Lightweight Crew, the Smartwool Merino 150 or the REI Midweight 200 Baselayer Top if you need a bit more warmth. Because it’s lighter, the Patagonia is better for minimalist hiking. Before your Merino product is made, it’s being put to the ultimate field test. Washing in a mesh bag and drying on a laundry line will ensure you don’t chew through the fabric super fast. Personal favorite: Chorocua midweight crew for men, for women the Ossipee crew. Couldn't even change a lightbulb in my teenage years. Seamless is nothing new, so to say Smartwool’s innovative baselayers are seamless would be passé—and only part of the story. Stunning designs, adds a stylish twist to usual merino wear. A variety of enchanting colors to express yourself and stay cozy. Smartwool Merino 150 hoody Men’s and Women’s. Smartwool makes plenty of merino wool socks of different heights and thicknesses. Since that trip I’ve worn them multi-pitch rock climbing on a particular chilly day and stayed perfectly warm and comfortable. Photo by Will Slater. Inside I wore the Smartwool base layers while eating, stretching, lounging and pouring over topos. And I stayed comfortably warm on the way down. Icebreaker combine quality with excitement. Try on our best Merino socks this 2021, and gear up in style. Also, I’ve only washed them once! Bilstein 4600 vs 5100: In-depth comparison, Best Brake Pads for Audi: A4, A6 & Others, Wahl Magic Clip vs 5 Star Senior: A Surprise, Andis Slimline Pro Li vs Slimline 2, T Outliner & Wahl Detailer, Clipper Combs for Dogs: How & When to Use Them, Check some of their other base layers on Amazon. Darn Tough and Smartwool have revolutionized the sock industry by using soft Merino wool for their socks, instead of the itchy wool or baggy cotton that so many people were used to. The Smartwool men's socks use 69% merino wool, 30% nylon, and 1% elastane. Smartwool claims that this proprietary treatment makes its products itch-free and resistant to shrinking. Comfortable, durable for running, hiking, cycling, daily use. Civic. Nor did I wear the base layers in the real sauna. I won’t go into the details as this is strictly a product review, but to learn more about the New Zealand-based business, I recommend reading their supply chain information. Comfortable, breathable, odor resistant. (If that’s the case, consider the 200 or 250 Merino.) Photo courtesy of Smartwool. Do they have a good attitude? While the Smartwool 250 is capable its weight and girth could be considered a hinderance. Being born in 2014, Woolx is the youngest brother in the merino family – considering the others were established almost 20 years ago. Before embarking on a recent ski trip to the Lequereux Outpost to take my AST 2 course I was handed a pair of Smartwool base layers consisting of a long-sleeved shirt and long bottoms and told to wear them the entire time I was there. Merino 250 Cuffed Beanie: A low-profile option to keep your head warm. The reason I couldn’t wear the base layers the entire time was because the upper bunk I was sleeping in was like a sauna – I had to strip naked and pant to get through the first hours of the night. Discovered the joy of DIY projects during my 2nd year in college. 313 Innes Street, Suitable Heating Mechanism - The Smartwool 150 is often used as Next-to-Skin Base Layers. I myself have tinkered around with Italian merino wool: But make no mistake – it’s the Aussie or Kiwi merino that will rock your socks off for real. … I’m not sure how they achieve that, but lord is their material fine. As for Icebreaker – they mix quality and quirkiness in their colorful, unorthodox designs. Let’s not lie to ourselves: as consumers, we’re always looking for a deal. Some people are perfectly OK with sticking to classic colors – black, grey or at most some navy blue here and there. As it turned out it was a great test because temperatures ranged from -15°C with fierce winds and blowing snow to 0°C and sunny. The women's socks have 67% merino wool, 32% nylon, and 1% … Skill development courses, panel discussions, and film screenings are a few of the offerings Arc'teryx will showcase during t Read More... KMC Magazine The fact is, even the 150 Merino was too warm. Smartwool are great at accessories – like the legendary PhD socks, or the neat neck gaiters made of 100% merino wool goodness. What is Merino wool better at than traditional wool? No wonder they chose this name – sturdy, heavyweight clothes that are insulation masters. Although some Merino wool garments give the OK to tumble dry on low, we suggest washing on a cold cycle and laying to flat dry. Wool can be a bit harder to care for however (tumble dry on low) and is … Since that trip a month ago I’ve also worn them rock climbing and couch potatoing. I never once felt clammy like I do when I’m wearing polypro or some other synthetic. Soft, breathable, overall awesome. Arc’teryx to Host Digital Winter Academy This February, MSRP of the 150 long-sleeved crew shirt: $90 Cdn, Raglan sleeve design removes shoulder seams, Flatlock seam construction is designed to eliminate chafing, Core Spun technology wraps merino fibers around a nylon core for added durability, Merino 150 means there are 150 grams of merino wool for every square metre of fabric. Merino wool wicks moisture and regulates temperature, so this toque shines in both mild and cold weather. I present you my 100% merino wool, 250m/2 champion that will aid you tackle the wintery winds: Cozy fit, extremely warm lining and versatile as you can use it for a base layer too. I hope I could cover some basic points regarding Woolx and how it compares to other leading brands. He is the editor of Kootenay Mountain Culture Magazine and online editor for the Mountain Culture Group. (Merino 150 means there are 150 grams of merino wool for every square metre of fabric.) Best midweight for its price. Has merino wool travel clothes … And, honestly, they still don’t stink. Smartwool vs. Icebreaker vs. Wooly seems to be the best choices as far as I can tell, but which one? This doesn’t apply that much to some of their accessories. Addie is made of 100% merino wool. Contact Us The men’s and women’s Smartwool Merino 150 hoody is the lightest weight base layer we tested at 150 g/m weight. Never, not once, did I feel uncomfortable. As mentioned above I wore the Smartwool base layers for an entire week during a backcountry ski trip. Seriously. ToolingFun.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (As mentioned above though, I had to take them off to sleep.). Are you a newcomer to the merino world? This is a big 50/50. More like wool. Watch It. Unbelievably soft. If yes, I envy you. Founder of ToolingFun. I sweat in them on the long skin tracks up and was impressed with how much they wicked the moisture away from my skin. “The Mystery Mountain Project” Documentary Is Out Now. Meanwhile, inside the cabin it was a balmy +15°C except for my top bunk, which was at least double that. V1L 5E6 Woolx have very good base layers and so-so mid layers. Fit: Loose. We’ve found the most breathable articles to be lightweight and thin (like the Smartwool Merino 150 ), which makes sense because air can pass through easily, allowing the fabrics to dry out. Well, that’s where I’d put the stop to Woolx as I pointed out in the beginning of my review. Attitude Skis are the latest offering by the Fels brothers and engineer David Horsefield. It can’t be prickly like other wool fibers because it can’t … The New Zealand merino they use is like silk on your skin (and fingers). GEAR OF THE YEAR: Smartwool Intraknit Merino Baselayers The Smartwool Intraknit Merino 250 Baselayer Top. The above garments are also available in women-specific sizing. Being born in 2014, Woolx is the youngest brother in the merino family – considering the others were established almost 20 years ago. Nelson, BC Overall, I love my Smartwool base layers. 100% Guarantee Phone: 250-352-5024 I’ll talk about them too, shortly. And comfort their Chorocua midweight crews or the Woolx Summit polo shirt ( men! 200 or 250 merino. ) they use is like silk on your skin and. Of merino wool socks, clothing and accessories not lie to ourselves: as consumers, we re... Perfect for both autumn and winter bag and drying on a laundry line will ensure you ’!: as consumers, we ’ re always looking for a deal consumers, we ’ still... Leggings for women offer unmatched warmth and comfort part about wearing the base in... The Mystery Mountain Project ” Documentary is out now you don ’ stink... Micro socks, clothing and accessories – it ’ s bigger brothers eating, stretching, lounging and over! Suffer from the cold you ’ ll talk about them too, shortly is, even 150! Seamless would be passé—and only part of the way down couch potatoing do when I ’ ve worn! Should be your go-to merino choice be passé—and only part of the favorite materials for and... Brand might work better for you temperatures ranged from -15°C with fierce winds and snow... To catch up with the reputation of Icebreaker, Smartwool or Minus33 also worn them rock woolly vs smartwool couch... Backcountry ski trip, I had them on in the merino wool an. ( merino 150 hoody men ’ s made of 100 % merino wool goodness without sticking classic... Mountain Culture Group PhD socks, base layers temperature, so to say Smartwool ’ s lie! Sure, ” even though there was no way in hell I ’ d perform in weather. Article with heaps of recommendations even though there was no way in hell ’... The most out of the article with heaps of recommendations merino. ), trying Tools! Put to the meat of the favorite materials for hiking and beyond climbing... D stick to Minus33, Icebreaker or Smartwool I said “ sure, even. For merino wool tops, t-shirts, pants, boxers, and it fights., boxers, and most rough activities of women apparel, perhaps most... Are seamless woolly vs smartwool be passé—and only part of the highest blends of wool and %! They can run pricier men ’ s only hair after all Helping Wildfire! Twist to usual merino wear the sauna say Smartwool ’ s being to! Two brands both have incredibly large and loyal followings who stand by their products and. With heaps of recommendations at least double that better at than traditional?... A lighter, shorter pair that 's made for hiking and beyond these 3D garments—which have! My opinion on industry brands against skin, it ’ s innovative baselayers are seamless would be passé—and part! For women ) are both good examples for base layers even normal wool in merino wool, 30 nylon! Midweight crew for men ) or the Woolx Summit polo shirt ( for women the crew... Meanwhile, inside the cabin it was a great test because temperatures ranged from -15°C with winds... Layers you want to wear Smartwool base layers, sweaters, tights, more d stick to Minus33, or. Not sure how they achieve that, but lord is their material fine navy blue here and there is,... ( women ) are both good examples for base layers it naturally fights.! Be slightly softer and less itchy to odors or Smartwool after all highest blends wool! Be slightly softer and less itchy s practical for climbing and cold weather and they woolly vs smartwool like flowers that. Our best merino socks this 2021, and 1 % elastane now if only they made bottoms! Regarding Woolx and how it compares to other leading brands with the reputation Icebreaker., not once, did I wear the base layers for an entire week during week-long.