Merino Thermal Vests

[penguinni]

I was in Marks and Spencers today and noticed they are doing Merino long and short sleeved thermal vests for £15.

That looks like pretty good value!

[ryan]

They're doing thermal vests for £15. They're also doing merino ones for nearer £40 (I think). Mind you, I've a few of the thermal ones and they're the mutts nuts.

[penguinni]

The "ordinary" ones are a tenner and are great value too.

The Merino ones contain 30% Merino and are £15. Only available in "off-white" though.

And there are tights to match :-)

[Jonnyc]

Fish net?

[penguinni]

We can live in hope! :-)

[Bowdie]

Not keen on Merino for sporty activites ok for fashion. They need a 'special treatment' setting in pure soap if you want them to last more than a season, plus take forever to dry! Lotta hype about Merino as the new 'green' clothing - tosh. I bought North Cape Modal and Chlorofibre 20 years ago and I'm still wearing them! Wear them straight outta the washing machine and relly trash them and still wear well.
Best watch out in TKMax, two winters ago got great ski thermals for a snip, look good and vent and manage sweat well.

[ryan]

Hmmm. Dunno Bowdie. I've been wearing Icebreaker on the daily commute for the last two years with no special wash and it's all still grand.

[rochey]

What type of base layer would you wear at this time of year, wheb the weather doesn't know whats it doing?

[Darran@BOMB]

I'm told Merino base layers smell like a wet dog if you sweat in them. A good base layer is essential outdoor kit, i have a canterbury one i got in TKmaxx and its great.

15% merino in the marks and sparks one? That will be a cotton tshirt with a little merino to help them sell!!!!

[ryan]

On the contrary, pure 100% merino shouldnt smell at all. I try to avoid that wet Labrador honk when I get into work.

[Bowdie]

Hmmm. Dunno Bowdie. I've been wearing Icebreaker on the daily commute for the last two years with no special wash and it's all still grand.

I've three Icebreaker jumpers I wear on casual days in work, luv them fashion wise but active - na. Icebreaker had a special helpline for advice on washing and care - not exactly Wash&Go! My Modals where worn 5 days straight backpacking without change, had to scrape them off witha razor blade, washed them in the sea and straight back on! Try doing that with Marino. Marino is just fine wool and smells like a Spanials dog basket after a few hours of areobic. Much much better out there if u want something that works outside off a visit to the pub.
Swiss Scholier fabric [check spelling] anti-microbial treated, teflon coated, mosture/sweat management [wicking] treated, venting panels .... £15 in TKMax - £99 in a ski shop.

[Jonnyc]

I have a couple of Icebreaker tops (250 weight) and I have worn them both continually for weeks, with no wiff.

Plus they are mighty warm

Just wash and drip dry, easy does it

[Bowdie]

I have a couple of Icebreaker tops (250 weight) and I have worn them both continually for weeks, with no wiff.

Plus they are mighty warm

Just wash and drip dry, easy does it

Drip dry - that takes me back - I prefer modern fabrics that u take outta the washing machine and put straight on ...

[PaulG]

I have a couple of Icebreaker tops (250 weight) and I have worn them both continually for weeks, with no wiff.

Plus they are mighty warm

Just wash and drip dry, easy does it

Found exactly the same. Lowe Alpine and Helly Hansen tops are stinking after 1 use!

[Bowdie]

Found exactly the same. Lowe Alpine and Helly Hansen tops are stinking after 1 use!

Lowe and HH use cheap nylon, for those who don't know any better [i.e. first time ski'ers] - we're talking 'Halfords does outdoors' here ;)

[AndyL]

My cheap and cheerful merino thermal layer is worn for weeks at a time without smelling. All the other man made base layers I wear are stinking after a day.

[Donncha]

I agree with Andy - been wearing merino base layers for a few years now; wear well and no smell at all!

[Bowdie]

Having both I like Marino but prefer quality man made technical fabrics

[JAC]

Another vote for Merino. Got a 180 weight Icebreaker few months back & no regrets at all. No stink after 2 or 3 days wear unlike my Berghaus which needs to be washed soon as you get home.

Good wear too, had a couple of spills in it and no marks apart from dirt. Plan to get another couple before winter.

[trailfox]

I thought you's were against lycra? Trying to substitute it now with tight fitting thermals and matching tights?? hmm..

[Scally]

Hype driven overpriced woolie jumpers for the middle classes with too much money!

[Michael]

Merino is a much better technical fabric. Wool holds a stack more water before it 'feels' wet compared to MM polymer fabrics. Those scales on the hair shaft warding of the nasty smelly blighters. The polymers do dry quickly and are cheap, they may be easier to wash but are not without their own care difficulties. Wool also has the climatic change capability.

[JAC]

... the middle classes with too much money!

You don't know me at all then :)
http://www.ukgameshows.com/atoz/people/r/rogers_ted/tedrogers.jpg

[Bowdie]

Wool also has the climatic change capability. Whats that?

[Michael]

Keeps you cool when it's warm/warm when it's cool.

[Bowdie]

Keeps you cool when it's warm/warm when it's cool.

Who told you that?

[Michael]

Oops is it supposed to be a secret?(Society of Dyers and Colourists told me but keep it hush hush) Nike are trying to copy with their heat activated pore opening fabric. What polymers are considered technical for clothing?

[penguinni]

Marks and Spencers socks are pretty good too

[Bowdie]

Oops is it supposed to be a secret?(Society of Dyers and Colourists told me but keep it hush hush) Nike are trying to copy with their heat activated pore opening fabric. What polymers are considered technical for clothing?

It mentions it on the Icebreaker site but I see no scientific evidence for it, after a brief search on google, sounds like a bit of sales talk to me.

[Michael]

Fine merino, cotton or polyester/ethene/propylene ones? ;)

[Michael]

Well, after a brief search on google, man made polymers are good for garden furniture and disposable shopping bags.

[monty]

Oops is it supposed to be a secret?(Society of Dyers and Colourists told me but keep it hush hush) Nike are trying to copy with their heat activated pore opening fabric. What polymers are considered technical for clothing?

I'm pretty convinced my Nike Compression Pro base layer does that! :) Seems to be pretty good at slowing down/directing sweat aswell, makes life alot more comfortable!
Although I've got another one (although the aforementioned has no sleeves, this one has short sleeves), a Nike Pro Ultimate (or some stupid, fancy, 'i am the best' concoction of words similar to that) and although it cost more, it's just mad warm no-matter what! doesn't seem to have the 'cold when it's hot, hot when its cold' jazz.
I find my nike base layers alot better than the canterbury ones though. It could be that they just fit me better.. i dont know, but I like em far better! :)

[Bowdie]

Well you still haven't substanciated your claims for Marino with any evidence, I'd be interested to know how it works

[Aul Han]

When I hear the term "Polymers," you may as well use the word "particle," or indeed "stuff," because it covers so much. Anyhow...

Merino all the way for me. I have a black Long sleeve merino top that I can wear all Summer and Winter no matter what the weather here. I have other base layers too however this one is by far my No.1 choice. In the cold or rain I wear an Altura jacket over the top. Simples.

[Michael]

Marino near Cultra ;)

You come up with the 'technical' polymer list and I'll do the sheep bit.

(Be quick Holby is coming on Mrs Beecham is waiting to see me)

[VictorHerbert]

With the demise of the traditional wool industry by 'plastics', the wool industry setup bodies to 'promote' wool. Some of the Americian quango's went a bit over board with their claims, as Americians can and often do. J Moon cashed in on the back of that and some of the 'sales blurb' he uses is associated with the Americian sheep Industry Association. But they fell out as he claimed traditional wool was inferior to Merino, so the "warm when cold, cool when warm" is marketing for traditional wool. Not scientifically proved as for most of the ASIA claims.
----------------------------
Jeremy Moon, CEO and Founder

"As a marketing major, I invested heavily in graphic design and brand identity – the cornerstone I had defined in my business plan. "

So Marino as stated above is fine wool marketed heavily and given 'special properties' to help market it. If you like it wear it but read through the sales blurb - you owe it to yourself!

[penguinni]

15 quid for a nice thermal vest is still hard to beat though. Isnt it? :-)

[Aul Han]

It is no surprise that this guy Moon is claiming that his merino wool is way better than traditional wool, because thats his job to protect his business. The fact may well be that there is naff all difference between merino wool and any other breed of sheep. Its just that merino sheep are more economical with their higher yield. Its basic business sense surely.

[Michael]

Man made yarns free from over hyped sales blurb then?

Mrs Beecham was not waiting to see me - heh women!

[VictorHerbert]

15 quid for a nice thermal vest is still hard to beat though. Isnt it? :-)

Depends on what you mean by nice ;) LOL - must check them out now that you have reminded me I need a couple pair of black socks for work

[AndyL]

Hype driven overpriced woolie jumpers for the middle classes with too much money!

I'll have you know I'm upper class you uninformed undervaluing classless cheap oik! Lol...

(Anyone for some more sweeping generalisations?;) )

[AndyL]

And evidence for merino's claims:

My observations from wearing my £15 pure merino thermal layer on call in mid winter. Any other top gets pongy and needs washed after 3-4 days, the merino layer easily does a full week on call without needing washed. My Nike, Helly Hansen, Cantebury and others base layers, well, I wouldn't risk them two days in a row, they honk.

Sounds like others on here have had sinilar experiences. Try one yourself and discover the wooly loveliness.

Have the "hyped up" claims come from the properties or vice versa?

[barry_kellett99]

It is no surprise that this guy Moon is claiming that his merino wool is way better than traditional wool, because thats his job to protect his business. The fact may well be that there is naff all difference between merino wool and any other breed of sheep. Its just that merino sheep are more economical with their higher yield. Its basic business sense surely.

This man knows his sheep. Ask him anything about the wooly little blighters and he will know it.


15 quid for a nice thermal vest is still hard to beat though. Isnt it? :-)

Sush, there's an argument going on here ffs!



Personally - I have several Merino baselayers, initially I was sceptical and expected it to be harsh on the skin, itchy, and to feel like wearing a big wet towel.

Two Icebreakers long sleeved jobbies for proper winter riding, very warm, never smell.
Cheap Aldi 100% merino Tshirt baselayer for cool mornings or warm winter days. It gets worn the most. Its a lot lighter than the thicker Icebreakers i have. It never smells, and I would but a pet on it that I put more sweat through my baselayers than many on here, bar maybe Andy - you sweaty ball sack! ;)


Fact is, they keep you warm, and they dont stink after repeated wears with no washing for a week... or three. They feel nice on the skin, and the ones I have are all well cut. The fine one is washed, spun and tumble dried a lot. Its as good as the day i got it. The Ice breakers get worn less as its only cold enough for them about 10% of the year. I dont care what the science is about them or others or what the myths are. I deal firmly in first hand experiences!

[ryan]

+1

I also big up Rapha's Merino hat, socks, baselayer and winter collar, but then I would say that.

[kenny]

Easy there Ryan, we're arguing about Merino here (only on the internet could an argument about thermal vests happen, including some class war).

Don't bring Rapha into it, or that will generate a complete new argument as well. £250 for a jacket, to get wet on a bike, are you mad ;) Although their merino base-layers are cheaper than a lot of "rad/freeride/stoked" brands like Howies, but I don't like to admit that.

All I know, skiing (yes a skier, not boarder, put that in your counter arguemnet as well), hiking up mountains, sweating buckets, then skiing down, 6 days on the trot, an icebreaker base and an icebreaker mid layer don't smell. Unlike an Under Armour baselayer which honks after a day, although the compression part of it is good.

[jimjam]

You should all be ashamed of yourselves.

[suspectmonkey]

I have some man-made fibre base layers. They stink after wearing them once, end up having to wash them after every activity. Other than that they are cheap and do the job, but once they are done I will be trying out some merino baselayers.

I was of the opinion that the science bit went like this: Man-made fibre base layers smell bad quickly because the way the fibres are woven creates tiny pockets which hold on to your sweat etc. Merino layers do not have these pockets because of the way a natural fibre is constructed. Presumably a field of sheep sporting merino wool dont stink like a gym locker room... although I must confess that I have no experience of standing in a field of sheep so perhaps someone better informed could back that up with some more substantial evidence ;)

[barry_kellett99]

Sweat by itself doesn't smell at all. It's the bacteria that live on your skin that mix with the sweat and give it a stinky smell

.....

[jimjam]

Presumably a field of sheep sporting merino wool dont stink like a gym locker room... although I must confess that I have no experience of standing in a field of sheep so perhaps someone better informed could back that up with some more substantial evidence ;)

Dunno about merinos but an oul texel doesnt smell so great.

[Davey888]

Merino Merino Merino!!

Lifa tops are stinking.

Penguinni, get one from the Endura Baa Baa Range. 1/2 the price of Ice breaker great features and if a Jock company make and test them they must be good in our great climate.

Derek at Cycle Zone Lisburn has them and will match Chain reaction for price.

[enthused]

I bet a nice tweed base layer would be crackin' - far more manly than that merino nonsense.

[Bowdie]

Well as someone said if you like it wear it! I can stink out most clothes, Marino doesn't seem subjectively any better that any others to me, but barring extensive research the jury may be out on that one. Now Tweed ... traditionally soaked in urine ... Mmmm I'll pass on that one!

[barry_kellett99]

Merino Merino Merino!!

Lifa tops are stinking.

Penguinni, get one from the Endura Baa Baa Range. 1/2 the price of Ice breaker great features and if a Jock company make and test them they must be good in our great climate.

Derek at Cycle Zone Lisburn has them and will match Chain reaction for price.

I've a Baa baa jersey as well, nice it is. What weight is their baa baa base layer?
The more expensive Icebreakers are the thicker stuff with a lot more wool gone into them. They do lighter short sleeved baselayers too which i think are cheaper?

I should point out that I got one of my long sleeved thick Ice breakers (260 weight i think?) for less than half price online.

[Aul Han]

I have some man-made fibre base layers. They stink after wearing them once, end up having to wash them after every activity. Other than that they are cheap and do the job, but once they are done I will be trying out some merino baselayers.

I was of the opinion that the science bit went like this: Man-made fibre base layers smell bad quickly because the way the fibres are woven creates tiny pockets which hold on to your sweat etc. Merino layers do not have these pockets because of the way a natural fibre is constructed. Presumably a field of sheep sporting merino wool dont stink like a gym locker room... although I must confess that I have no experience of standing in a field of sheep so perhaps someone better informed could back that up with some more substantial evidence ;)


Dont worry, you dont have to resort to standing in a field of sheep. They do indeed stink pretty bad. The wool gets really greasy. You have my word.



Dunno about merinos but an oul texel doesnt smell so great.

Tastes great though on a Friday night out of your local kebab shop after a few scoops;)

Edit: +1 for the Endura baa baa

[Bowdie]

Sheep do really stink, they ozze a greasy substance called Lanolin and this keeps them water proofed. This is removed in the mill under presure/steaming/soaking in urine. Strangely enough fishermen in Kikeel used to buy Arran jumpers and re-apply Lanolin to stop them soaking up water and waterproof. Maybe Icebreakers/M&S should start a new line of wooly waterproof longjohns, save money on Gore-Tex, just stand well down wind.

[Aul Han]

When in Ireland, Bear grylls sleeps in a "Sheeping bag." Its on You tube for those that missed it. If its good enough for Bear, its good enough for me.

[barry_kellett99]

When in Ireland, Bear grylls sleeps in a "Sheeping bag." Its on You tube for those that missed it. If its good enough for Bear, its good enough for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOl7qbsgmos

Quality TV

[Bowdie]

Bet he smelt sweeeet! not as bad though as when he slept inside a dead camel [chunder]

[Michael]

Probably be a lot better than if he slept in a Lifa top!

[Aul Han]

Id forgot about him eating the heart...

Anyway Penguin let us know what you choose to go for! Its down to either Merino, MM, Arran or Hessian.

[penguinni]

Look. I bought a bloody vest for 15 quid. It looks nice. And if any fecker starts sniffing my armpits........

[Aul Han]

Ill have to get out on a baps run sometime, I promise no jokes about any smells or odours...

[penguinni]

Be there on Sunday!

No sniffin!