Smartwool socks and other modern wools are not scratchy. Soft, breathable, overall awesome. Meanwhile, inside the cabin it was a balmy +15°C except for my top bunk, which was at least double that. Outdoor Fun . Wool is more expensive and more finicky about washing than cotton or most synthetics. Suitable Heating Mechanism - The Smartwool 150 is often used as Next-to-Skin Base Layers. 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. Smartwool makes plenty of merino wool socks of different heights and thicknesses. Never, not once, did I feel uncomfortable. No wonder they chose this name – sturdy, heavyweight clothes that are insulation masters. They’re still to catch up with the reputation of Icebreaker, Smartwool or Minus33. Now, the two brands both have incredibly large and loyal followings who stand by their products. He is the editor of Kootenay Mountain Culture Magazine and online editor for the Mountain Culture Group. All about tinkering around, trying fun tools and projects, and giving my opinion on industry brands! For mid-layers or extreme weather gear – Minus33 should be your go-to merino choice. Aside from the comfort and warmth my favourite part about wearing the base layers for a week was that they didn’t stink. Despite being asked to wear Smartwool base layers 24/7 during a week-long backcountry ski trip, I couldn’t do it. And I stayed comfortably warm on the way down. Are you a newcomer to the merino world? But I did wear them at all other times. 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. This doesn’t apply that much to some of their accessories. Smartwool PhDs are unrivaled in the merino wool socks world. The company makes eponymous products primarily from treated merino wool. Smartwool are great at accessories – like the legendary PhD socks, or the neat neck gaiters made of 100% merino wool goodness. Both are great material for climbing, Alpining, and most rough activities. The Endurance tees (men) or Addie tees (women) are both good examples. For a base/mid layer hybrid, the Explorer long sleeve is 100% midweight merino that is perfect for both autumn and winter. Best midweight for its price. Expect them to be your best buddy for some seriously insane outdoor adventures in the freezing cold. Icebreaker combine quality with excitement. It’s so fine, actually, that when it brushes up against skin, it bends out of the way. The most important takeaway here is clothing yourself in merino wool goodness! “The Mystery Mountain Project” Documentary Is Out Now. The situation is somewhat similar with accessories like underwear or socks. Phone: 250-352-5024 Shop Smartwool Merino wool socks, clothing and accessories. Smartwool vs. Icebreaker vs. Wooly seems to be the best choices as far as I can tell, but which one? The author gets comfy while shredding pow in Smartwool base layers. Note Minus33 have a lot of women apparel, perhaps the most out of all merino brands! Smartwool Merino 150 hoody Men’s and Women’s. Comfortable, breathable, odor resistant. 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. 100% Guarantee. Both in terms of comfort/sturdiness and choice of designs. 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! 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. 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. … Being born in 2014, Woolx is the youngest brother in the merino family – considering the others were established almost 20 years ago. While Merino wool is usually thought of as a base layer, it also works well as a mid layer. Best for merino wool tops, t-shirts, pants, boxers, and socks. It’s practical for climbing and cold weather sports, too. Well, I admit it makes some sense. FREE SHIPPING with $50 minimum purchase. Smartwool also has better seams that lie flat and are more comfortable. Fax: 250-352-5009, Copyright © 2021 Mountain Culture Group | Privacy Policy, Website Design and Development by Simon de la Salle. Being born in 2014, Woolx is the youngest brother in the merino family – considering the others were established almost 20 years ago. (Merino 150 means there are 150 grams of merino wool for every square metre of fabric.) Because it’s lighter, the Patagonia is better for minimalist hiking. But I was interested to see how they’d perform in variable weather. 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. The New Zealand merino they use is like silk on your skin (and fingers). Brands like icebreaker and Smartwool specialize in Merino and are making more mid layers than ever. Since that trip a month ago I’ve also worn them rock climbing and couch potatoing. And never ever put it in the dryer. The same applies for sturdy mid layers you want to wear in harsher weather conditions. V1L 5E6 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. 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. If yes, I envy you. Grooming Tools 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. 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. Never too cold. ), 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″). Merino 250 Glove | Smartwool Canada These touchscreen compatible Merino 250 Gloves are breathable, warm, and odor-resistant. Insulation Weight: Lightweight. It’s made of 87% merino wool and 13% nylon, meaning it has one of the highest blends of wool. Get inspired gear, informed advice, 100s of brands – all backed by our Rocksolid Guarantee. 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. 100% merino! Luckily for you, it’s a good bargain…with a few caveats. Discovered the joy of DIY projects during my 2nd year in college. Do they have a good attitude? Let’s not lie to ourselves: as consumers, we’re always looking for a deal. It can’t be prickly like other wool fibers because it can’t … 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. When it comes to merino wool, Woolx has always been a bit of an underdog. The women's socks have 67% merino wool, 32% nylon, and 1% … A single Merino wool fiber is ⅓ the diameter of a human hair. They’re still to catch up with the reputation of Icebreaker, Smartwool or Minus33. The fact is, even the 150 Merino was too warm. Fit: Loose. As for Icebreaker – they mix quality and quirkiness in their colorful, unorthodox designs. Merino wool is known for its anti-odour properties, durability and minimal washing. 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. Valkyr mountain range. Snuggly warm and 100% merino wool. Speaking of designs…You have to also keep in mind that Woolx merino clothes are rather simple. Which makes sense – it’s only hair after all! GEAR OF THE YEAR: Smartwool Intraknit Merino Baselayers The Smartwool Intraknit Merino 250 Baselayer Top. (Merino 150 means there are 150 grams of merino wool for every square metre of fabric.) Good examples for base layers are the Woolx Summit polo shirt (for men) or the Woolx Addie shirt (for women). The soft wool and smartly places seams were really comfortable. This is a big 50/50. Why? Since that trip I’ve worn them multi-pitch rock climbing on a particular chilly day and stayed perfectly warm and comfortable. Enjoy adventure in comfort. Merino wool clothing and accessories for men and women by Smartwool. Read Read More... Let’s give thanks no one wears equipment like this anymore. (If you suffer from the cold you’ll want more wool per square metre. A lot of people find the wool to be slightly softer and less itchy. Despite being asked to wear Smartwool base layers 24/7 during a week-long backcountry ski trip, I couldn’t do it. (As mentioned above though, I had to take them off to sleep.). Designed to get you from point A to point B in comfort (hence the name), this … Instead, these 3D garments—which indeed have no seams—are much more. Styles and colors are definitely way less varied than the brand’s bigger brothers. Alright, onwards to the meat of the article with heaps of recommendations! Smartwool claims that this proprietary treatment makes its products itch-free and resistant to shrinking. When it comes to merino wool, Woolx has always been a bit of an underdog. I never once felt clammy like I do when I’m wearing polypro or some other synthetic. Ok, not that fragrant. 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. What is Merino wool better at than traditional wool? A variety of enchanting colors to express yourself and stay cozy. If you’re looking for outer shells or insulating layers I’d stick to Minus33, Icebreaker or Smartwool. Because they easily have the best designs out of all merino brands. So, yeah…If you have any additional questions or suggestions, let me know in the comments. Merino Wool is Durable. Photo courtesy of Smartwool. Inside I wore the Smartwool base layers while eating, stretching, lounging and pouring over topos. Because as one East Kootenay man recalls, a little NHL helm Read More... "The climate is changing and so are we." That’s a huge leap from synthetic fibers or even normal wool. It’s super-fine and soft. DIY & Home Improvement Tools More like wool. Attitude Skis are the latest offering by the Fels brothers and engineer David Horsefield. Their Chorocua midweight crews or the Franconia leggings for women offer unmatched warmth and comfort. The above garments are also available in women-specific sizing. 313 Innes Street, Fabric: 87% merino wool/18% nylon. Voormi Ski Sock. Both of these offer good construction, moisture-wicking and breathability, plus resistance to odors. Civic. 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. Merino wool wicks moisture and regulates temperature, so this toque shines in both mild and cold weather. 100% Guarantee Great way to stay comfy without sticking to monochrome T-shirts/crews and spicing things up a bit. I’m not sure how they achieve that, but lord is their material fine. Woolx have very good base layers and so-so mid layers. Contact Us Soft, well-fitting and elegant. Also, I’ve only washed them once! Wool can be a bit harder to care for however (tumble dry on low) and is … Personal favorite: Chorocua midweight crew for men, for women the Ossipee crew. 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. I have the Smartwool PhD Outdoor Light Micro Socks, a lighter, shorter pair that's made for hiking and beyond. 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. Is This The Worst Hockey Helmet In Canada? The Smartwool men's socks use 69% merino wool, 30% nylon, and 1% elastane. Your email address will not be published. I said “Sure,” even though there was no way in hell I’d have them on in the sauna. Comfortable, durable for running, hiking, cycling, daily use. Seamless is nothing new, so to say Smartwool’s innovative baselayers are seamless would be passé—and only part of the story. Nor did I wear the base layers in the real sauna. Comfort of Smartwool vs Icebreaker If people prefer the fit of Icebreaker they often prefer the comfort of Smartwool. And Woolx has a price tag that screams ‘bargain!’. The men’s and women’s Smartwool Merino 150 hoody is the lightest weight base layer we tested at 150 g/m weight. The fact is, even the 150 Merino was too warm. Shop for Socks at MEC. Founder of ToolingFun. 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. 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. While the Smartwool 250 is capable its weight and girth could be considered a hinderance. Practicality. Well, the price tag reflects that though as they can run pricier. Photo by Will Slater. 230/m knit made of 100% merino wool. Like. These socks also have a reinforced toe and heel, with Achilles support and a breathe zone for better ventilation. The Kootenay’s Own Youth Climate Corps Helping Curb Wildfire Threat And More. Try on our best Merino socks this 2021, and gear up in style. Suitability - Merino wool is one of the favorite materials for hiking and climbing. I’ll talk about them too, shortly. The Smartwool Merino 150 Boxer Briefs is a classic that stands the test of time. 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. And, honestly, they still don’t stink. Before your Merino product is made, it’s being put to the ultimate field test. Not only was the Smartwool products warm, I’m also impressed that they’re an ethical company. I must have sweat litres into the things and they smelled like flowers. Merino wool is an almost miracle fabric — it's moisture-wicking, it keeps you warm, and it naturally fights odors. Stunning designs, adds a stylish twist to usual merino wear. Watch It. Has merino wool travel clothes … Merino wool clothing, socks, base layers, sweaters, tights, more. And our 100% Merino wool is incredibly soft. 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. 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. 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. They work with your body temperature to help with the heating and … I had them on while skinning up mountains, skiing down them and lounging in the hut before and after. 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). 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. Arcteryx A2B T-Shirt. Kootenay youth band together to help bring down emissions and build resilience. Now if only they made the bottoms in a colour other than black. I sweat in them on the long skin tracks up and was impressed with how much they wicked the moisture away from my skin. What Woolx does best are affordable, excellent quality base layers. Shop options from … Washing in a mesh bag and drying on a laundry line will ensure you don’t chew through the fabric super fast. Important All these brands use merino wool from New Zealand or Australia. I’ll be glad to help out! As mentioned above I wore the Smartwool base layers for an entire week during a backcountry ski trip. Merino wool has great durability in general. Merino Wool Vs Synthetic Underwear. 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. 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. Skill development courses, panel discussions, and film screenings are a few of the offerings Arc'teryx will showcase during t Read More... KMC Magazine Merino 250 Cuffed Beanie: A low-profile option to keep your head warm. Seriously. Couldn't even change a lightbulb in my teenage years. Designed for every lifestyle. Often these are blended with down or synthetic insulation for better heating. Well, I admit it makes some sense. Car Maintenance & Tools Well, that’s where I’d put the stop to Woolx as I pointed out in the beginning of my review. Nelson, BC 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. 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. Fabric: Fine-micron merino … 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. Why excitement? Addie is made of 100% merino wool. 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. Unbelievably soft. Stay warm in cold conditions! 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. Never too hot. Don’t get me wrong, there are many other countries that source merino. (If that’s the case, consider the 200 or 250 Merino.) Some people are perfectly OK with sticking to classic colors – black, grey or at most some navy blue here and there. Overall, I love my Smartwool base layers. Learn more about these awesome brands and take our sock quiz to find out which brand might work better for you! Ratings and reviews: 5/5 star rating across 9 reviews. Not even a little! 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