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Icebreaker 260 Midweight LS Crewe

rated 4.5 of 5 stars
photo: Icebreaker 260 Midweight LS Crewe base layer top

Great winter weight shirt! Nice heavy weight, but not too hot when worn in warm weather!

Men's M fits great (slim fit) for 5'10"/160lbs.

Pros

  • Warm/breathable
  • Low odor
  • Good craftsmanship

Cons

  • $$$
  • Longer dry time

This shirt continues to wear well after owning for about a year. I always handwash/wash gentle cycle and air dry. A nice slim fit, I typically wear a synthetic long sleeve underneath for my winter layering system, then a highly breathable mid-layer, and eVent shell. Waist and sleeve length are perfect.

I've never had a concern with itching; great wicking as a standalone, or when layering. Very breathable when weather permits no coats! This merino wool shirt does a great job against STINKY B. O. I've always found sufficient warmth with this 260 series, never getting overheated either.

I'm careful with abrasion, as any wool will snag... manufacturing appears to be great, looks like it will be several years at minimum before retiring. 

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $50

This shirt is the best base layer I've found yet! Warm in cold weather but not too hot in warmer environs. Soft, non-itchy and really nice shaped garment.

Pros

  • Warm
  • Comfortable
  • Breathable
  • Great fit
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Pricey - but worth it

I bought a lot of base layer shirts before finally spending the $ for wool. I've never looked back and have now found my new gear addiction. Wool is all that they say it is.

Do a test for yourself. Do a workout or hike in a synthetic then the same one next time in the wool shirt and see the difference. It is the best insulator, has the beautiful softness and nothing beats the body odor like it. And it is soft — not rough or itchy. 

Other wonderful brands I've found are:  SmartWool and Stoic. I have several layering pieces from head to toe.  Your investment really lasts too. Just do the  smart shopping up front and find clearance leftovers. Summer seems to have the most available variety on sale. 

Enough said, you know I really love it!!!!

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $55

There is no doubt that Icebreaker merino wool is supersoft and warm, but its durability has been very disappointing. I purchased 3 different merino shirts of different weights and had the same problem with all of them. After just one washing it had already started to pill up, and in less than a year of owning, they developed small holes that quickly got bigger with wear and washing (no moths in the house!). So a little disappointed with the quality for the price.

Fabric: merino wool
Price Paid: $55

Yes, they are very warm but wearing any kind of wool on your bear skin will always be itchy. I'v had mine for about 12 weeks and just couldn't handle it on my skin so I now wear a Helly Hanson dry baselayer under it, which is perfect.

Fabric: marino wool
Price Paid: £70

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Specs

Men's
Price MSRP: $100.00
Historic Range: $20.95-$99.95
Reviewers Paid: $50.00-$55.00
Women's
Price MSRP: $100.00
Historic Range: $20.99-$89.95
Reviewers Paid: $55.00
Boys'
Price Historic Range: $17.99-$59.95
Girls'
Price Historic Range: $17.99-$23.98
Product Details from Icebreaker »

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