Product: Merino 250 Top Base Layer 1/4 Zip Long Sleeve – Women’s
Price: $150
Store: Smartwool
Merino wool base layers come in different weights. The Merino 150 is meant for multiple activities, such as hiking and backpacking when it’s warmer outside. In this review, the Merino 250 Top Base Layer, is one of the heaviest layers to wear. It’s slim fitting and meant for colder temperatures for outdoor activities such as cross-country skiing and downhill skiing. The Merino wool also comes in an Intraknit 200 thermal. The purpose of this base layer is for high-intensity workouts in colder temperatures. When it’s freezing, the next level up is their Intraknit 250 thermal heaviest layer, offering maximum warmth.
Table of Contents
How It Was Tested
Our tester used it while cross-country skiing. They found the slim-fitting Merino 250 Top Base Layer allows a skier to move comfortably. It never feels like the top is pulling or inching its way up your arm away from your hand. It always seems to be in the same position with the end of the sleeve lining up with the end of the jacket. The top keeps you warm around the body by staying relatively stable without moving too far up or down. It doesn’t get bunched up with other layers. It stays contoured around the body nicely.
Warmth
The Merino 250 Top Base Layer has a turtle neck caressing her neck and cheeks to keep her warm, as shown in the picture above.
When heading out cross-country skiing, this Merino 250 Top Base Layer extends over the pants with a nice snug fit preventing wind from accessing and cooling off your back! Our tester who has sensitivities to touch, dislikes it when she can feel the zipper distracting her while cross-country skiing. You can’t feel the zipper on your chest if you put this top as a base layer against your skin, which is wonderful. It never feels like the air goes through the top even with cold high winds. It allows air circulation to keep your body at the right temperature without causing you to sweat and feel cold.
The purple Chaos Multi Tubular Headwear around her neck, shown in the picture above, is a great addition to keep her warm while cross-country skiing. It adds an extra layer of protection to keep the wind away from your neck and cheeks. On warmer days, it can also be used as a headband or a light tuque, allowing a ponytail to stick out as an added bonus!
Material
Throughout the cross-country ski trail, this base layer consistently had a cozy feeling next to her skin. It never felt itchy or uncomfortable. It’s made from 100% merino wool, a natural product, as merino sheep grow wool continuously. It features natural wicking making it odour-resistant! Sometimes, it’s necessary to adjust layers and ensure movability for long strides, but not for this Merino 250 Top Base Layer. Once you put it on, you’re set to ski!
Sizes and Colours
The Merino 250 Top Base Layer comes in many different sizes and colours. The one being showcased is Twilight Blue Heather. It can look more of a green colour, depending on the lighting.
Versatility
This Merino 250 Top Base Layer can be used for many cooler activities. When it’s colder weather outside, this base layer allows for warmth during winter activities such as cross-country skiing, downhill skiing or even skating. When the weather is a bit warmer and you’d like to wear fewer layers, this can be a wonderful alternative when hiking.
Overview of the Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer
Pros
- It fits comfortably around the arms and the body.
- The Merino 250 Top Base Layer is long enough ensuring it doesn’t rise and cool off your back.
- It offers many different sizes and colours.
- It’s wonderful for colder temperatures.
- It’s odour-resistant and so cozy!
Cons
- It can be a snug fit for some people and might not fit comfortably.
- There might not be enough colour selection to please everyone.
- The cost might be prohibitive for some people.
Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer is Best for:
- Colder winter activities such as cross-country skiing, downhill skiing or skating.
- Wearing fewer layers while hiking while staying warm.
- Sitting nicely on the body while a skier is moving
Additional Links
- Merino Pant Base Layer for Women
- Happy and Warm X-Country Ski
- XC Skiing Near me
- Best Downhill Ski Day in Lake Louise
- Guide to Downhill Ski in Marmot Jasper
Trip Resources
- Book your flights with Expedia
- Book your hostel through Hostelworld.com
- Book your hotel with Booking.com or Hotels.com
- Book your vacation rental with Vrbo
- Book your experiences through TripAdvisor or Manawa
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