Review: icebreaker Merino Wool Base Layer Zone Series The latest Merino Wool is not just about "warm!"
When it was founded in 1995, it was not even considered because it was wool.
Thanks to the high-quality ultra-fine fibers, it does not tingle and shrink, making it easy to wash in a home washing machine, and has high moisture absorption and heat retention, making it highly suitable for icebreaker merino wool, which overturns the previous concept of wool, has gradually gained citizenship, and has now become a wide range of athletes, from mountaineers to hikers, runners, and climbers. Now, thanks to its easy maintenance and high deodorizing effect, it has expanded from businessmen to everyday wear for travelers.
In recent years, not only is its comfort, but its properties such as less washing (saving water), resistance to heat and cold, and flame retardant (even if it burns, it does not easily adhere to the skin) have been reconsidered as useful in disasters.
we have actually used the new lineup of Icebreaker's Merino wool base layers, the the Zone Series
In recent years, a wide variety of base layers have been introduced for a wide variety of activities. From people who already use Merino wool to those who have never worn it yet, we'll take a look at what makes this latest model so appealing, unlike before.
table of contents
Let's review the characteristics of merino wool
The icebreaker merino wool is made from raw sheep wool grown at an altitude of 1800m in New Zealand. Sheep's wool, grown in harsh climates with a large temperature difference of 35°C in the summer and -20°C in the winter, has natural protection as listed below. These features allow you to enjoy your activities in a variety of harsh environments, from winter to summer heat.
Moisture absorption and humidity control
Unlike synthetic fibers, merino wool is moisture-absorbing, so even without sweating, it always absorbs moisture and evaporates water vapor emitted from humans. When you exercise and start sweating, it absorbs more actively than capillary action, so the skin surface always remains dry.
Merino, which has high moisture absorption properties in the fibers themselves, absorbs water vapor emitted by the body from the stage before sweating, and lets it into the atmosphere. Also, sweat from exercise is sucked up and vaporized by capillary action, so your skin is always dry and comfortable. Moreover, wool, which accumulates moisture, does not dry out the skin until it is light like synthetic fibers, and it gives it a moderate dry feel that is typical of natural materials.
Temperature control
In cold winter months, the adsorbing heat and body temperature that absorbs sweat and absorbs the air pockets created by ultra-fine merino wool fibers, keeping the temperature inside the clothing appropriately. Conversely, in the hot summer, moderate breathability and gentle moisture absorption and evaporation promote naturalization and cooling.
Antibacterial and odor-resistant
The cause of unpleasant smells is that the fat and salt contained in sweat adhere to the fibers. This causes bacteria to grow and produce unpleasant odors. Merino wool is less likely to be attached to bacteria that cause this, so it is less likely to cause odors and can be kept unpleasant for days without washing.
It also has other features that you wouldn't expect from regular wool products, such as UV protection, pill-resistant, and home washing machine use. Unlike synthetic fibers, Icebreaker's products made from high-quality merino wool are made from nature without using oil, so they can be recycled, and the spirit of sustainability (sustainable society) that modern society should aim for is one of our corporate philosophy.
About the icebreaker base layer
Icebreaker now offers a wide range of clothing and accessories, but since its founding, the lineup of base layers, which has been synonymous with the brand, is particularly extensive. You can choose the right model according to the season, purpose and purpose, and the 2019 season will offer the following lineup depending on the mixing ratio, amount (thickness), and knitting method of merino wool.
- "Zone" series
- "Tech" series
- "Oasis" series
- Anatomica series
Each base layer will have a value of 260, 200, and 150 depending on the weight (thickness) of the wool fabric used. These numbers represent the weight per m2, and if 260 means that 260 g of merino wool is used per m2. Therefore, the larger this number, the thicker the fabric and the higher the heat retention.
Zone Series
The Zone Series is a base layer designed to blend merino wool with synthetic fibers, adding stretch to the original advantages of merino wool, improving the fit and making it comfortable to use in activities with high activity. A major feature is that mesh fabric is mapped to areas where sweating is high. Thin mesh fabric on the back, armpits, and trunk sides makes it even more breathable and quick-drying.
The fabric is 260, 200, and 150 thicknesses, and each has a different proportion of merino wool. The 150 is for activities with a higher momentum, with a lower proportion of merino wool and a higher amount of differentiated fibers are used to adjust its quick drying, heat retention, and durability. As the numbers increase to 200 and 260, the proportion of merino wool will increase, with better heat retention and lower the intensity of exercise.
"Tech & Oasis" series
Both Tech and Oasis are long-selling classic series made from 100% merino wool fabric. The difference between the two models is the thickness of the fabric, with Tech being 260g/m2 and Oasis being 200g/m2. Crew neck and half zip models are available. Compared to the tight fit zone, the design and shape are more basic. Even with the same weight, the heat retention is high, making it a versatile model that can be used in everyday life, such as layering in activities with low momentum or as a cut-and-sew in the cold season.
Anatomica series
Unlike Zone, Tech, and Oasis, Anatomica is developed with more of an everyday wear, underwear, or underwear in mind. Therefore, while keeping the fabric thin and light, it contains core spun yarn with a structure in which wool yarn is wrapped around a more durable nylon core to prevent deterioration due to washing. The wide range of products, from long sleeves to short sleeves, tank tops and boxer shorts, is also a sign of this concept. The fabric is thin at 150g/m2 so that it can be used all year round, making it very useful not only for everyday use, but also for travel.
Comparison of icebreaker base layer lineup
If you find it difficult to see the table because it is lightweight for smartphones, click here
| item | 260 Zone | 200 Zones | 150 Zone | 260 Tech | 200 Oasis | Anatomica |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| material | Main body part Merino wool 97% Lycra®3% Mesh part: insert part | Main body part: Mesh part:
| Main body part: Mesh part: | 100% Merino wool | 100% Merino wool | Merino wool 83% nylon 12% lycra ®5% |
| Fabric thickness | 260g/m2 | 200g/m2 | 150g/m2 | 260g/m2 | 200g/m2 | 150g/m2 |
| Variations |
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|
|
|
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| Comfort | ★★★★★ | – | ★★★★☆ | – | – | – |
| Breathable | ★★★★☆ | – | ★★★☆☆ | – | – | – |
| Quick drying | ★★★★☆ | – | ★★★☆☆ | – | – | – |
| Sweat-absorbent | ★★★★☆ | – | ★★★★★ | – | – | – |
| Durability | ★★★☆☆ | – | ★★★★☆ | – | – | – |
| Thermal insulation | ★★★☆☆ | – | ★★★★★ | – | – | – |
Detailed review
we have actually used and reviewed the base layers developed by ibraker, which are 260 and 150 zones Each of the 260 is a long sleeve half zipper, and the 150 is a long sleeve crew neck.
260 Zone Long Sleeve Half Zip
The 260 zone is the thickest of the icebreaker base layer, with a fabric thickness of 260/m2, and the merino wool ratio is also high at 97%. It is made by blending 3% Lycra to enhance its stretchability. To further enhance comfort, we use body mapping technology to place different fabrics in place. Mesh fabric is placed on the back, which sweats a lot, and on the sides of the armpits and trunk to improve breathability, and thick waffle weave fabric is placed around the waist and under the elbows, which often wears and is required for durability.
Mesh panels are placed on the back, sides, and trunk sides to improve breathability. Thick waffle fabric is placed on the sleeves.
The fit is slim fit and does not overlap. However, this does not interfere with the operation, so there is no stress. I wonder if it's just a few percent lycra blending makes it so different. It makes you think that. The shoulder movements are also good thanks to the raglan sleeves. The sleeves are slightly longer, but considering the thumb holes, they are so long that you wouldn't notice. The thumb hole part has double fabric for improved durability.
The thumbhole part (light gray part) has double fabric for improved durability.
As expected from the thickest fabric, it has a great warmth and heat retention. Even if you sweat, the merino wool will quickly absorb it, so if you use it in the cold season, you won't be bothered by sweat. The absorbed sweat evaporates slowly than synthetic fibers, so radiant cooling will not bring the body's heat all at once. Synthetic fibers do not retain the sweat they have absorbed and will quickly evaporate, so they can get colder, especially during cold seasons, but with merino wool you don't have to worry about this.
When running with high activity, it's quite warm while you're running, and with just one piece you can do running even in the winter. However, when the wind blows, you inevitably feel cold, so when you go to the mountains such as trail running, you can simply put on a windproof jacket over it, which can be used in a wide range of ways. However, as mentioned above, it is quite warm, so it may be too warm to use for running when it's really cold or outside of snowy regions. Rather, the characteristics of this model can be utilized in activities such as winter mountain climbing, backcountry skiing and snowboarding, climbing, and ice climbing, and other activities that are prone to differences in temperature and temperature, with a clear contrast between movement and stillness.
In addition to the half zippers we reviewed this time, this 260 comes in three types: crew neck and half zip hoods. Personally, I think half zip or half zip hood is a good choice for this 260. The zipper is quite long, and it is roughly around the pigeon tail. When you open it to the bottom, it releases heat all at once, making it very convenient.
The zipper is long and can be lowered to the pigeon tail. This allows you to release heat in a flash.
In addition, the zip model has fabric up to the neck, so if you raise the zipper, it can also be used as a neck warmer, making it very easy to use. Originally, the fabric is thick and has high heat retention, so having the adjustable function like this will make it even more usable.
150 Zone Long Sleeve Crew
The 150 zone is 150g/m2 fabric thickness, making it the thinnest of icebreaker's base layer. The proportion of merino wool is also low at 83%, which is due to the use of core spun yarn. Core spun yarn is wrapped around nylon yarn and has the advantage that it is highly durable and can be used for a long time without sagging even after more washings. Similarly, the Lycra ratio is slightly higher, increasing quick-drying and stretchability without compromising the benefits of merino wool, making it suitable for more exercise-intensive activities such as running.
Like the 260 zone, mesh fabric is placed on the upper back, underarms and trunk sides, which are prone to sweat, to improve breathability. This is quite effective, especially in the armpits, but it tends to accumulate sweat, but it releases moderately, making it comfortable. No matter how much it is a model for running, if the air permeability is increased too much, it will become unusable when the wind blows or when the temperature drops, but like the back, mesh is not placed around the chest, where sweating is high, maintaining moderate heat retention.
There is a large mesh panel on the back.
When you see the mesh fabric, you can clearly see that there are holes.
Thanks to its moderate stretchability, it also meets the necessary conditions for the base layer, which is "can operate without stress." As well as running movements, even dynamic movements like climbing your arms do not feel harsh. In particular, the sleeves are made with raglan, so movement around the shoulders is stress-free.
The panels are arranged so that your arms can be easily raised, making it easy to move around without any stress.
The cuffs are made of thumb holes to prevent cold air from being blown in, so the ends are also perfect for preventing cold.
It has a thumb hole to prevent cold air from entering through the cuffs and also prevents your hands from getting cold.
The stitching is also carefully finished, and the back is seamless, making it smooth on the skin.
The back side that touches the skin is seamlessly sewn together to avoid stress.
The review I reviewed this time was a cool neck with a long sleeve, but you can also choose a cool neck with a short sleeve and a half zip with a long sleeve. The short sleeves are thin at 150g/m2, which combines the deodorizing effect of merino wool, making them easy to use without discomfort even when you drive all day, even in the summer. It seems to be quite comfortable to use, especially when going on trails with different elevations. The advantage of half zippers is that they provide greater ventilation. Once moisture has arrived, lower the zipper, which is even up to Hatoo, to ventilate it all at once, making it very convenient. However, the half zip model has fabric up to the neck, so some people may be interested. It's convenient because it can be used as a replacement for a neck warmer, but I'm sure I'll bring a jacket with me when it's cold, so personally I thought that using that would make the base layer more versatile.
summary
an overview of the base layers that icebreaker deploys, as well as a review of actually using the Zone Series Tech and Oasis from 100% Merino wool, the Zone Series has a high fit and mobility due to its synthetic fibers, and it also deals with sweat properly, making it a base layer that is very suitable for running, trail running, fast packing, climbing, etc. that involves a lot of exercise. For those who are active, the Zone Series is easier to control the climate inside clothing, and will always be able to concentrate on activities without any discomfort, rather than the base layer made of 100% merino wool.
In particular, among the Zone series The mesh panels further improve breathability, allowing you to perform well in high-performance activities such as running, trail running, and fast packing, where you are constantly sweating. However, it is still light, so if you stay away for a while, you will feel cold in the winter. For such activities, mountain climbing and ice climbing, select 260, so even if there is a lot of stop-and-go, it has a high heat retention ability so that it will keep your body temperature firmly even when it is stopped. The half zip adjustment function in particular is only available with this 260.
merino wool doesn't smell bad , but for people who don't use it, it's quite difficult to believe. However, even if you sweat a lot, if you leave it as it is, you can continue to use it the next day without any smell as if nothing happened. I was quite surprised at first. This feature should be very useful as it helps reduce luggage when traveling or traversing. I myself am helped by icebreaker boxer shorts while traveling. Rather than just using it for activities such as mountain climbing or trail running, try incorporating merino wool into your everyday life, you will be captivated by the feel and comfort of wearing it, and your underwear for clothing cases will be completely revamped.
For product information on icebreaker, please visit this official website .
