Review: icebreaker's merino wool OASIS LS CREW
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
table of contents
Before I knew it, I had been wearing it from icebreaker merino wool
It may be a lot of stuff to say, but I love the icebreaker merino wool base layer (underwear and innerwear). In 2014, after trying out a lot of base layers, I ended up wearing the icebreaker for the longest time. It's just too comfortable and the design is sophisticated. So, of course, I still wear it on the mountains, and even now that I'm writing this. So, below is a detailed review of icebreaker's Merino wool base layer, which we recommend to everyone who survives the winter, whether climbing the mountains or living in the city.
We also recommend this article about base layers.
- I want to get it wisely! How to choose the best base layer throughout the year
- Comparison test: We compared the base layer (underwear) of merino wool that we are interested in
Detailed review
Item name (price)
icebreaker Oasis Long Sleeve Crew (Reference price: 10,584 yen)
Main Specifications and ratings
Please see this review to compare it with other items.
| item | Specifications and ratings |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 200g jersey (100% wool (merino wool)) |
| Size | XS, S, M, L |
| country of origin | China |
| weight | 150／200／260 *This review is 200 |
| Fit (10 points) | 9 |
| Feel and comfort (10 points) | 9 |
| Mobility (10 points) | 7 |
| Temperature adjustment performance (20 points) | 18 |
| Quick drying (20 points) | 14 |
| Durability (10 points) | 8 |
| Form design (10 items) | 9 |
| Price (10 items) | 5 |
| Overall score | 79 |
This is amazing!
I believe that the best thing about icebreaker's merino wool that it has plenty of functionality, but it also offers the most stylish form and design Outdoor wear with excellent functionality tends to look and feel secondary. Among these, the stylish, comfortable shape, like this cut-and-sew, and sophisticated color scheme are available. It doesn't look strange at all when I wear it on a daily basis, or rather, I want to wear it.
Of course, there are many notable features that are worth noting not only in terms of appearance but also in terms of functionality. First of all, unlike most of the merino wool we compared, it feels nice on the skin . The fabric has a fine texture and is firm and stretchy and firm, which also has the same characteristics as SmartWool's merino wool, but this one felt smoother (close to cotton?) on the skin.
It also clearly felt that it was especially clear during the cold winter season, but it has "heating, breathing, and quick-drying" properties, making it ideal for cold seasons . I've tried it a few times, and to put it simply, in winter, the merino wool base layer was relatively comfortable compared to synthetic fibers. This is thought to be due to the fact that it dries less quickly when compared to a synthetic fiber base layer of the same weight, but has high heat retention. In other words, quick-drying is more important for comfort than heat retention in the midsummer activity, but in winter, temperature control (heat retention) is more important for comfort than quick-drying, so the characteristics of merino wool become more useful.
the drop tail hem that does not lift the hem even when it moves, the seam structure that prevents the backpack from rubbing (right image). By the way, it's easy to care for, just run the washing machine with regular neutral detergent. I put it in the net to prevent it from growing or getting hurt.
This is not good
I'd have to say that, but the color variations of those that don't have striped patterns are a shame.
The one in solid colors is a bit unfortunate, but the combination of the two colors is one of the worst colours I've ever seen lol. Just because it was a few hundred yen cheaper, I just couldn't help but choose this one. I hope they will increase the number of variations in the border area.
Summary: What kind of activities do you recommend?
It fits perfectly with any outdoor sports, including hiking and climbing, as well as cycling, kayaking, skiing, and more. As mentioned earlier, its characteristics come into play in colder seasons than in hot summers. Furthermore, it can be used in a wide range of situations where you can't read the weather when traveling abroad, and can be worn hygienically even when it is difficult to wash, making it extremely convenient.
Certainly there are many even cheaper merino wool. However, I think it's definitely worth it because I have one icebreaker that is highly efficient and can be used for mountain climbing so much, and is also very useful in everyday life. Regarding which of the three weights you choose, we recommend a model with a weight of 200 to fully enjoy the all-purpose and versatile look that we have mentioned so far.
