Review: Montbell's Merino Wool Super Merino Wool is amazing!
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
table of contents
Testing the power of Super Merino wool, a popular everyday garment
At Outdoor Gearzine, we've tried on and compared quite a few base layers (underwear). While there the Icebreaker the Smartwool with its warmth , that fully demonstrate the benefits of merino wool, something that synthetic base layers just can't, we wondered how Montbell Super Merino Wool, Japan's best-selling product, fared. It's reasonably priced, and there are already many rave reviews online, so we're excited to share our thoughts on it with you as an OG.
Detailed Review
Item name (price)
Main specifications and evaluation
Comparisons with other items are reported on this page
| item | Specifications and reviews |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 139g (L size) Super Merino wool 92% + nylon 8% *The breakdown varies depending on the weight. |
| Color | Black (BK) / Silver (SV) |
| Size | XS / S / M / L / XL |
| country of origin | China |
| weight | Light / Middle / Expedition *Lightweight in this review |
| Fit (10 points) | 8 |
| Feel and comfort (10 points) | 8 |
| Mobility (10 points) | 8 |
| Temperature adjustment performance (20 points) | 16 |
| Quick drying (20 points) | 14 |
| Durability (10 points) | 6 |
| Form Design (10 points) | 5 |
| Price (10 points) | 9 |
| Overall score | 74 |
This is amazing!
I'll be blunt here, but after comparing it with other high-priced merino wool base layers, I've come to realize that the amazing thing about this garment is, simply put, its cost-effectiveness . While many reviews point out its warmth, sweat-resistance, non-itchy feel, and odorless qualities, these are fundamental characteristics of any merino wool base layer. This isn't to say that it's superior to other manufacturers' merino wool base layers; rather, it's a comparison with cotton underwear and Uniqlo's Heattech. In terms of comfort, I felt that SmartWool and Icebreaker were better, and in terms of warmth, SmartWool was superior. Overall, however, none of the flaws are significant enough to warrant its use. Despite its price , the only subtle differences compared to garments costing more than twice as much make it a compelling choice.
thin and light compared to other products in the same class . The actual measurements were 139g for the large size, while the SmartWool NTS Micro 150 Crew weighed 149g for the small size (Montbell's lightweight model contains 8% nylon for durability) .
Spiral Slantec® cuffs for stretch and comfort
Another thing I like about this jacket is the fit, especially around the arms . The stretchy stitching and the spiral slan-tech cuffs give it an ideal feel— not too tight, not too loose, and easy to move in . It also has no odor resistance issues, and like other merino wools, it's machine washable.
Well, I've said a lot, but in any case, the fact that it has all these sufficient functions and is available at such a low price is a true testament to Japanese quality.
This is not so good
As can be said for many Montbell products, the overall silhouette...and the variety of colors and patterns are lacking. The neck is a little loose and the waist is too roomy, so when you wear it, the silhouette inevitably looks like "underwear" (though the fit is fine). Of course, there are subjective aspects such as body shape and preferences, and I can understand that I may not be in the main target market at the moment. However, it's disappointing that there seems to be no attention paid to the design every time. It may be too much to expect at this price, but considering the excellent functionality, it would be great if they could cater to the needs of a wider range of age groups
Summary: What activities is it recommended for?
Its affordable price makes it the perfect first mountain underwear for outdoor beginners. It's not too late to consider durability and design as you get more involved. Its thinness, lightness, and warmth make it ideal for all outdoor activities across three seasons (spring through fall). While it's suitable for relatively mild winter sports like hiking in low mountains, snowshoeing, and skiing, you'll want to consider layering and using a mid-weight garment if you plan on using it in more severe environments
Lightweight model
Middle weight model
Supplement: Criteria for choosing lightweight or middleweight
I've worn it several times on winter mountain trips and in my daily life, and I find the lightweight jacket a little lacking in mid-winter, so if you plan to use it heavily on mountain trips in the harsh winter, you might be happier if you bought a mid-weight model from the start. I actually tried out the mid-weight model at the same time, and roughly speaking, my impressions of the warmth are (although this may vary from person to person)
Super Merino Wool LW < Super Merino Wool MW = SmartWool NTS Micro 150 Crew = Icebreaker Oasis Long Sleeve Crew
That's about it. If it's lightweight, you can just layer up, and if you want to use it in the middle of summer, I don't think there's a mid-weight option, so I think it's best to choose based on which one you want to use as your base
Review: SmartWool Merino Wool NTS Micro 150 Crew
Review: icebreaker Merino Wool OASIS LS CREW
Comparison Review: Trying out different merino wool base layers (underwear)
Comparison Review: What I Learned After Trying Over 20 Merino Wool Base Layers