To help not feel cold I have been in pursuit of something decent to wear as the mercury has been plummeting and as such already have in my not very sweaty mits two Icebreaker tops, one a short sleeved Tech T Lite in Bodyfit150 in a pink 'Fiesta' colour, and the other a long sleeved Oasis Crewe in noticeably different Bodyfit200 in black. Gareth at Webtogs asked if I'd like to review some kit for them, and to be honest I am quite happy to do so as long as it doesn't cramp my style (and my readers patience) and the integrity of my blog is maintained. Which means that I have pretty much free rein to praise or criticise as I experience my use of kit. I have also experienced a fair amount of frustration at the lack of reviews of women's kit; something I may address through my blog too to some extent if there is something I want to say.
So, 6 weeks ago Gareth sent me an Icebreaker Atlas Long Sleeved Bodyfit150 top in 'Icicle'.
With all Icebreaker kit, including this, you get the usual User Manual, and the BAAcode (geddit?) where you can lookup on the Icebreaker website to link to the sheep stations where the wool you are wearing came from; a nice little gimmick. I had four stations listed for this, whereas in the past I've been able to see the individual sheep!
The Atlas tops are all crewe necks with raglan sleeves and flatlocked stitching to prevent chafing from seams. They have a diamond shaped gusset under the arms (which this rather stern lady is demonstrating, rather better than my attempts to photograph myself in the same pose!) which in turn lead down to seams that are set slightly forward to aid movement, although with fabric this lightweight there isn't much resistance to movement, but it does mean the shape is maintained. The gusset is slightly different to the other two tops I have, where the Tech T is a basic T-shirt shape and the Oasis long sleeved top has a gusset but with the insert panel running all the way down the sides, rather than joining to form the bottom of a diamond.I've used this top all over the place; on overnight trips where the temperature reached approx -6C, to just as a normal long sleeved T Shirt. I've worn it for several days constantly, to no smelly detriment, and I've washed it (no fabric softener) and it dries fast, still maintaining a new appearance. It's a nice colour (the pic below of the wrist area is more true to type) and I would wear this like any other top which is something I appreciate for economy's sake!
The main comment I have on this top is that, given the snow we've experienced, a top of this weight just isn't quite warm enough for me. For someone who runs hotter this may not be an issue. When the weather has been milder I've been happier with the performance. It might be worth noting I have also used it double layered with the Tech T and that was fine, giving in effect a 300 weight Bodyfit over my torso and a flexible approach.
Material
Bodyfit150 Merino wool
Weight
170g
Size
XL (16)
Pros
Washes really well, dries quickly, packs down small but still looks presentable. As we'd expect with Merino, it wicks away any sweat efficiently and without leaving any nasty smells even after a few days wear. Great arm length!
Cons
I would prefer something warmer for colder months and I think the fit is pretty generous; if you are between sizes I'd order one down.
Summary
A top I would happily use when the weather isn't as severe as we've experienced in November/December; I personally would use this in Autumn and Spring, depending on how our chaotic weather pans out!
At the time of writing, Webtogs sell this at £44.95 with free UK delivery
Nice review. I have a lot of icebreaker stuff. I like the Atlas as a light base layer. It could use some thumb holes though. Also the lighter icebreaker pieces wear down much easier than polypro.
ReplyDeleteGreat review. Once it starts to get a bit warmer, I have a similar problem - the merino tops I have are all too heavy! Need to look for some lighter ones by the springtime, and definitely tempted by Icebreaker. I think the fabric feels nicer quality than the Trek Mates merino tops I've been using.
ReplyDeleteGood review. I like a 150 baselayer and the 260 on top in winter. I find the 150 is easily damaged - I put a hole in mine with a finger when it was almost new. As cooperhill says, durability of the lighter stuff is questionable. I do like Icebreaker though.
ReplyDeleteTookie, nice area, know it pretty well after spending a week around there about 3 years ago. I hope you get your Missus sorted :-)
ReplyDeleteChris, ah, thumbloops, now they would be great. Maybe a hood too... I've used this top now quite regularly so it will be interesting to see how it fares.
JC Thanks, I've not tried the Trekmates yet, but this is certainly something I'd wear in the swing / shoulder seasons.
Afootinthehills, Mine seems pretty robust (I've just been having a bit of a poke :-) Great to hear how you wear yours with the 260; may give that a go; I like the flexibility of a thin layer next to the skin with something more substantial over it.
I love my Icebreaker 320 top, (can't remember which style, but it's RED!) it's great on it's own and if it's really cold, I pop my Smartwool baselayer underneath and my Montane Dynamo on top and I'm snug. In fact, I have been known to be too snug, which is very unusual for me, I feel the cold. I've a pair of 150 leggings too which work well under my Marmot Screepants or my old waterproofs. And then there's the pants, a girl's got to have comfy pants for walking!
ReplyDeleteI could go on, but I'll stop now. I love Icebreaker! (Could you tell?!)
I like to sleep in these, not the womens version I hasten to add (I could get a reputation). I always feel cold in a bag unless I'm wearing something and these are great. With the added benfit that you can wear them night after night without a pong building up.
ReplyDeleteThat's the biggest benefit for me too John. I'm just too smelly by half, any wild camp now and it has to be icebreaker all the way, if not just for my benefit, then certainly my camping companions!
ReplyDeleteLouise, thanks for the comment (I'm slow to catch up on these for some reason). A 320 sounds ace! I was contemplating a Woolpower 400 for a while but likely be too hot. It's great to read other women's thoughts on kit though so I appreciate you dropping a line :o)
ReplyDeleteLaura, it's a toughie isn't it! My Mum is 5 ft 2 so I know from her experience all the arms and bodies are way too long for tops, and leg length too long for bottoms. The occasional manufacturer takes leg length into account, but pretty rare really.
There's also the pear shape / square etc etc conundrum too; my waist is small compare to me 'ahem' hips!
John, Glad you clarified that! I must say I've never had an issue with any kind of smelliness factor!
Gareth, I can't comment on your general smelliness as I've not yet had the fortune to meet you, but I wish icebreaker was used on a much more wide spread basis than for just walking; I use mine as daily wear. (I do wash, I'd like to point out!)
I love my Icebreaker 320 top, (can't remember which style, but it's RED!) it's great on it's own and if it's really cold, I pop my Smartwool baselayer underneath and my Montane Dynamo on top and I'm snug. In fact, I have been known to be too snug, which is very unusual for me, I feel the cold. I've a pair of 150 leggings too which work well under my Marmot Screepants or my old waterproofs. And then there's the pants, a girl's got to have comfy pants for walking!
ReplyDeleteI could go on, but I'll stop now. I love Icebreaker! (Could you tell?!)
I like to sleep in these, not the womens version I hasten to add (I could get a reputation). I always feel cold in a bag unless I'm wearing something and these are great. With the added benfit that you can wear them night after night without a pong building up.
ReplyDelete