Baselayers - Specifically Icebreaker

KaHn · 27 Mar 2013 at 13:34

Right,

I've been looking at some of the sale stuff for skiing and have been considering buying some icebreaker stuff for a while as I like the styling of it.

My question is, are they worth the price over synthetics? I currently ski in a combination of synth mid layer and a technical shell top and if its really cold an additional cold gear base layer (rugby one) which has seemed to cope with full days at glenshee where the temperature didnt get above -10, so I dont see how much better these can be to warrant the cost of £150 quid for a hoodie for example.

Cheers,

KaHn

[DOD]Asprilla · 27 Mar 2013 at 13:49

Yes they are.

I've tried underarmour and stuff like that and it just doesn't come close. Sportpursuit regularly have Icebreaker sales and I always try to pick one or two up at 50% off.

I wear mine for cycling when it gets below freezing. The combination of a merino base, merino hoody and a goretex shell will keep me happy in anything down to freezing plus windchill.

Begbie · 27 Mar 2013 at 13:59

[DOD]Asprilla;24015416 said:
Yes they are.

I've tried underarmour and stuff like that and it just doesn't come close. Sportpursuit regularly have Icebreaker sales and I always try to pick one or two up at 50% off.

I wear mine for cycling when it gets below freezing. The combination of a merino base, merino hoody and a goretex shell will keep me happy in anything down to freezing plus windchill.

Saying that, I've been out in -6 plus windchill in a cheap baselayer, t-shirt, mountain equipment jacket and shorts.

Was perfectly comfy, expect my fingers, ears and camelbak freezing solid.

[DOD]Asprilla · 27 Mar 2013 at 14:00

Begbie said:
Saying that, I've been out in -6 plus windchill in a cheap baselayer, t-shirt, mountain equipment jacket and shorts.

Was perfectly comfy, expect my fingers, ears and camelbak freezing solid.

Yeah, but you live in Scotland. 20 years in SE England have obviously made me a wuss.

One More Solo · 27 Mar 2013 at 14:14

Merino > *

There are cheaper merino items out there though.

KaHn · 27 Mar 2013 at 14:34

Ok what I currently wear is .........

Shell.

http://www.mammut.ch/en/productDetail/101011080_v_0001_XXL/Gipfelgrat-Jacket-Men.html

Mid

http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/rab-mens-power-stretch-zip-top-15210154?id_colour=124

Base

http://www.canterbury.com/baselayer-cold-long-sleeve-top-navy-p15717

I have various things for goves, kneck etc. so thats not an issue.

What I was looking to change out would be the mid + base for one mid layer and was hoping the icebreaker stuff would do it, might just have to bite the bullet and see.

Cheers for the input guys.

KaHn

Kimi · 27 Mar 2013 at 14:40

merino base for me, mountianwarehouse i think it is has them for £25 at the moment

Begbie · 27 Mar 2013 at 14:41

If what your wearing now feels comfy, why change it?

Though merino tops are meant to be awesome for baselayers.

KaHn · 27 Mar 2013 at 14:43

Begbie said:
If what your wearing now feels comfy, why change it?

Though merino tops are meant to be awesome for baselayers.

Its more for styling reasons and the fact most of the winter stuff is in sale at the moment, just trying to justify it and see other peoples opinions on them.

Will keep an eye out for a good deal on them and then take the dive I think. Going skiing tomorrow so was just looking at them locally.

KaHn

Jokester · 27 Mar 2013 at 19:02

All my base layers are now icebreaker, great stuff.

Can wear them *cough* for several days without smelling.