Merino Wool

[addyb]

Okay, I hate to admit it, but I broke down and bought a zip-neck merino wool shirt.

To be honest, I'm a tad disappointed, but also a tad impressed. On one hand, it's not as soft as I expected it to be. I was thinking it would be as soft as my Polartec or my Lifa.

On the other hand, it IS still quite soft, and without a doubt, a helluva lot softer than "real wool". I plan on wearing it today, when I go to campus for Psychology. So only time will tell.....

Adam

 

[Rod]

You won't regret it it the longer run. It's great in colder weather, especially if you are prone to sweat heavily. I find a thinner polartec/swanndri over the top of it make a great combo with a windshell to keep the chill off.

 

[gregorach]

It'll probably soften up a little more after a couple of washes...

 

[Rod]

It'll probably soften up a little more after a couple of washes...

and if that don't work ... beat it with a stick...baaaa

 

[Neil1]

I have a Swanndri merino wool base layer and I was a little dissapointed for the same reasons, but with time it has proven its worth. On the other hand I paid £6 for a wool base layer from Endicotts (army surplus) and after several boil washes and a bit of fabric conditioner its the most comfortable top I have ( I know I set the deal up , but its not a plug - just a statement of fact), I have been genuinely impressed and just goes to show you don't always have to shell out loads of cash to get the best kit.
Neil

 

[monkey_pork]

I bought a top a while ago as a kinda experiment, being as I needed new base-layers anyway ... and to be honest I've not looked back. In fact I've been that impressed that I've bought more of it since as it suits me so much better than synthetics.

Stick with it, I've found that it works [better] when it's pushed, there is no way I'd have had any previous top work as well as my merino did last weekend. Classic testing conditions really - Lots of heat and sweat (hmm, nice) under my bag whilst climbing up the hills to deal with, followed by long periods of having to provide insulation whilst I was standing still in the cold wind (I was out filming). I have to say that even wet, it never once felt cold or clammy ...

I did wonder what the fuss was about initially just wearing mine for knocking about in, but I've long stopped wondering now.

 

[pierre girard]

I don't know what maerino wool is, but I have noticed a big difference between "virgin" wool and the reworked stuff (much scratchier).

I make my own winter clothing. On a winter trek I have wool long johns, wool pants, a wool under vest, a wool shirt, a gilet (over vest), a capote, and a canvas anorek (to cut the wind). Any of the inner layers can be removed should it be necessary.

PG