Smartwool

Merino 250 Baselayer 1/4-Zip - Men's

My go to

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Weight:

null

My girlfriend bought me this - my first wool shirt that I thought would be itchy - so I was hesitant. I now wear it for everything; an under layer, a workout shirt, a hang out shirt, whatever and whenever. Keeps me cool, keeps me warm, it doesn’t smell or stink and it’s wash and wear. I had her get me another one.

Merino 250 Baselayer 1/4-Zip Men's

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Weight:

null

This is a lightweight shirt that effectively improves cold weather comfort. It fits true to size (Medium for 6' 1" height, 160 lb. weight.) It works very well for active or athletic movements. Recommended laundry care is cold water wash, no bleach, on gentle setting, lay flat to dry.

Fantastic top base-layer

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Weight:

null

I mainly use these as top base-layer for snowboarding. I have many Patagonia Capilene in different weights and Arc?teryx Rho LT/AR. But I always reach for Smartwool 250 Zip first now. I?ve used it from -10 to 45 degree Fahrenheit with Arc?teryx Rush shell jacket with/without Proton LT mid-layer jacket. Smartwool 250 is nice fitting, warm, and stays dry. Just match with breathable Gore-Tex shell jacket and mid-layer jacket, you will stay warm and dry. Recommend 1/4-zip rather than crew-neck. Zip really helps to dump extra heat as needed and keeps you dry.

I adore this top

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Weight:

null

It just looks cool as hell with the two-tone coloring. I normally don?t go for the quarter zip but it prevents this from always being a mock turtle neck which is a massive bonus. No hood which is perfect for skiing as there?s nothing to get in the way. The fit is great. Fully zipped is really, really cozy. Prevents need for a neck gaiter (my beard takes care of the rest). It?s well made. Stitching is great. It feels lighter than 250 weight but it could just be a more compact construction. No issues with warmth. I?m always amazed at how little I need to vent my shell on the chairlift as the merino is just generally excellent at regulating temp. And yes, I wear it several times between washes as it never smells unless I feel it needs to be the first layer (I usually use a 150 weight base layer purely to keep this mid layer fresh for multiple uses). I use it for more than skiing. Really good looking, versatile layer.

a nice midweight top

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Weight:

null

The SW 250 1/4 zip fits well on me (Large). I didn't find any restrictive areas. The sleeve length and torso length fit well. Would prefe the collar to come up a little higher, but that's a person preference. It zips low enough when I want to get some extra ventilation. Would also prefer some thumb loops. Otherwise, I was very comfortable with just this and a light windstopper on my windy 40F day hike.

The fit

I thought it may not fit but they were perfect for a female and I have worn wool for years and even as a summer wedding dress thank you for getting me fitted both top and bottom. I like the longer sleeves to keep me warm. It?s a way women are wearing their sleeves. We are experiencing Covid restrictions so hiking with the group isn?t possible but we hope we?ll hit the trail soon.

Great for skiing

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Weight:

null

This is a great weight for resort skiing. I was getting cold wearing the 150 weight with my shell, and this make a big difference. I?d call it too warm for backcountry/skinning and other more physical activities. The 150 is a good weight for me for those activities. The half zip is great in terms of versatility of fit for both weights.