Good place to buy merino wool base layers?

plug1n

I bought a Helly Hensen merino base layer last winter for £40 and am really happy with it.

I'm thinking of a few more but does anyone know of good quality items at a reasonable price?

Thanks

idaviesmoore

I use Rapha ones. Bit expensive but:

1.They don't lose shape
2. They wick sweat unbelievably well

robbarker

I have a Howies one which is lovely, but I have nothing to compare ti to so couldn't compare it to the Rapha, for example. I would give it a standalone recommendation though - it's fantastic in the winter with a Ventile weatherproof jacket over the top for Audaxy rides. It's not very "racey" though IYSWIM.

GyatsoLa

I think the best value is to order direct from New Zealand.

www.groundeffect.co.nz are long established and have a nice range at good prices (although the quality of the wool in the merino singlet I got from them isn't as good as I've seen in the more expensive brands). Their sizing is a bit on the big and baggy side, so chose a size down from your usual.

Another good NZ company is www.nzoactive.co.nz. I have their basejumper and its a terrific short sleeved baselayer, very comfy and great value. Again, the wool isn't quite as nice quality as the premium brands, but it still works very well.

jimmythecuckoo

GyatsoLa wrote:

I think the best value is to order direct from New Zealand.

www.groundeffect.co.nz are long established and have a nice range at good prices (although the quality of the wool in the merino singlet I got from them isn't as good as I've seen in the more expensive brands). Their sizing is a bit on the big and baggy side, so chose a size down from your usual.

Another good NZ company is www.nzoactive.co.nz. I have their basejumper and its a terrific short sleeved baselayer, very comfy and great value. Again, the wool isn't quite as nice quality as the premium brands, but it still works very well.

Can recommed Ground Effect from personal experience.

MichaelW

My http://www.chocolatefishmerino.co.uk/ Taranaki T shirts are into their 2nd year of daily use. Ive got 2 in the slighly mil-spec looking Olive colour. Very soft, cosy and effective, NZ made. If I need more merino 'Id get the same again.

musto_skiff

I got some IceBreaker gear when I was in NZ; very good stuff ...

plug1n

Cheers all

As a Kiwi passport holder, I'll take the chocolate fish (although as the web site hints, the name is better than the article).

maddog 2

ellis brigham had a sale on the other day. Might be worth a look.

http://www.ellis-brigham.com/

aarw

marks and spencer. no joke. don't hold their colour terribly well but great VFM.

singlespeedexplosif

Can recommed Ground Effect from personal experience.

me too...excellent kit

johncp

MichaelW wrote:

My http://www.chocolatefishmerino.co.uk/ Taranaki T shirts are into their 2nd year of daily use. Ive got 2 in the slighly mil-spec looking Olive colour. Very soft, cosy and effective, NZ made. If I need more merino 'Id get the same again.

From website "It is believed that Meirno's slow release of moisture contributes to Merino's ability to minimise the build-up of lactic acid in the muscles and thereby contribute to the wearer's performance" :? WTF?

Not that I'm doubting the quality of the kit, but why do suppliers have to come out with this kind of BS? :roll:

GyatsoLa

Johncp wrote:

MichaelW wrote:

My http://www.chocolatefishmerino.co.uk/ Taranaki T shirts are into their 2nd year of daily use. Ive got 2 in the slighly mil-spec looking Olive colour. Very soft, cosy and effective, NZ made. If I need more merino 'Id get the same again.

From website "It is believed that Meirno's slow release of moisture contributes to Merino's ability to minimise the build-up of lactic acid in the muscles and thereby contribute to the wearer's performance" :? WTF?

Not that I'm doubting the quality of the kit, but why do suppliers have to come out with this kind of BS? :roll:

C'mon, it must be true. When was the last time you heard a sheep complain about aching legs?

plug1n

C'mon, it must be true. When was the last time you heard a sheep complain about aching legs?

Some damn fine hill climbers too......

a_n_t

robbarker wrote:

I have a Howies one which is lovely.

+1

this is lovely, not strictly a base layer as such but warm as!
http://www.howies.co.uk/product.php/403/16/

spivvy

www.wool-underwear.com

star_rover

Icebreaker or Chocolate Fish are the best I've used. Howies are good too but overpriced (ditto Rapha).
Not sure the Ground Effect stuff is 100% merino?

unclemalc

thermalshop.co.uk

GyatsoLa

I love merino, wear it all the time. I have baselayers from Patagonia, Icebreaker, Howies, Groundeffect and NZO.

The very nicest merino baselayers I've worn are from Patagonia, although they use wool so fine it doesn't last very long. Its also staggeringly expensive (unless you get it from a bargain bucket clearout in the outlet store like I did). My Icebreaker long sleeve top is a real favourite, very nicely made, great quality. Its cleverly strengthened around the neck and sleeves so it should last a long time (in general merino clothes don't last so long because the fibres are quite short). I haven't used it, but the Rapha merino I've seen is very high quality, beautifully made, very pure, although I think their sportswook kit is more practical, it will last a lot longer.

My Howies stuff is a mixed bag - I've had a few pieces from them - some were quite poorly designed so they lost their shape quickly, but the merino t-shirt is lovely and very practical. If you keep an eye on their website you can sometimes get good bargains when they do clearouts (thats when I buy mine), but I don't think their full prices are value for money.

I've one Groundeffect piece - the sleeveless vest. its very warm and practical, but their sizing is a bit odd, you won't like it if you are skinny. Its not clear from the labelling, but I don't think its pure merino, it feels a lot rougher than other merino I've had.

The one piece I have from NZO - the short sleeved baselayer - is really good. It fits great and is good quality. its claimed to be pure merino, but it feels to me as if there is some sort of lycra material in it to make it body hugging. But it does everything you want from merino - keeps you warm, it wicks very well and it doesn't pong even after very sweaty rides. Its terrific value compared to the big name brand kit.

One hint about buying merino. If you are a sloppy eater like me,only buy black because it stains very easily and its very difficult to get the stains out.

singlespeedexplosif

Ground Effect stuff is Merino inner and Poly outer (for longevity)

tbreen

"It is believed that Meirno's slow release of moisture contributes to Merino's ability to minimise the build-up of lactic acid in the muscles and thereby contribute to the wearer's performance"

Wondered about this, but Face West say the same - Graz University boffins (the experts in this field apparently) have done the research!

tbreen

"It is believed that Meirno's slow release of moisture contributes to Merino's ability to minimise the build-up of lactic acid in the muscles and thereby contribute to the wearer's performance"

Had a look and it's apparently true! Face West say the same. Research from Graz University (apparently the experts in lactic acid research) have proved it. Something to do with the way wool absorbs then releases slowly.

Sorry - tried to post this earlier and got confused and put it in wrong place. My first post and got confused :?

tbreen

GyatsoLa wrote:

I think the best value is to order direct from New Zealand.

I tried this a while back and got hammered by UK customs duty and vat - and it wasn't just on the value of the goods, they add the shipping cost to the bundle and charge you vat and duty on that as well! Plus, the carrier in the UK (mine came through Parcel Force charge you for doing the customs thing - this added another £8!!!!!!!
I estimate I paid another 40% on top of what I'd already paid. I checked and if the stuff youre bringing in costs more than £17 including postage, youre liable for the duty and charges. . :evil: will stick to buying in the UK thanks.

PS Hope I get this uploaded properly this time :oops:

steve watkin

Ground effect's gear is good, cheapish and long lasting. Highly recommended.
What's nice also is that they have sorted all the potential customs problems so you don't get a nasty surprise when the postman calls !!

tbreen

They must have set up a holding company or something here in the UK to do this (should show their UK company registration number on their website if they are) - but most NZ companies wont be, so when buying from anywhere outside the EU you need to be on your guard.

Have had a look at Ground Work gear myself but don't fancy it. Apart from not liking my merino mixed with nylon and stuff (just makes it stink), whilst I like my biking I go trekking and skiing, so my stuff has to be good for lots of thing not just biking. I'd rather spend my dosh on the activity rather than on the fancy gear.

steve watkin

I can assure you that Ground Effect's mixed merino doesn't "stink" any more than my pure merino garments and it is hard wearing. I like it and it works well for me in all sorts of environments. Don't knock it 'till you've tried it !!
Don't know about the UK company thing but apparently they are here at the Earls Court cycle show so maybe it would be worth asking how they do it.

Woody68

www.ibex.com or ice breaker have worn them for years skiing and mtbing in Colorado US.

marcelino

http://www.finisterreuk.com/technicalsurfapparel/mens/merino-base-layer-p95-c37.html

Finisterre make decent base layers. Very nice group of people as well.

tbreen

steve watkin wrote:

I can assure you that Ground Effect's mixed merino doesn't "stink" any more than my pure merino garments and it is hard wearing "

You're very fortunate. I gave up these mixes ages ago as I found that anything with synthetic in it built up a smell you can't get rid of. It would appear that it's the nature of oil-based synthetics - sweat causes bacteria and stuff to breed on it, unless of course its soaked in chemicals - but they wash out. And as Ive merino gear that I've been wearing now for at least 5 years, I really don't see the need for synthetic in the mix to make it hard-wearing.

There's also the environmental aspect that synthetics in the mix also mean that it isn't fully biodegradable or recyclable, so from the environmental point of view I prefer to avoid synthetics whenever I can.

And as I also said their stuff is far to bike-specific for me. I prefer something more versatile. I ride a bike for commuting, not for it's own sake. In summer I also use my bike for exploring places when I'm not trekking or walking - again not for it's own sake. I don't race or bike over mountains, so if I can wear the same gear for wheel-less activities, so much the better. The synthetics also mean that it isn't fully biodegradable or recyclable, so from the environmental point of view I prefer to avoid synthetics whenever it can.

gunshot

H&M High street store have Merino jerseys V neck for £19.99 (made in china) soft and light good enough at that price.

Chip \'oyler

+1 for Rapha. Well made, warm and wash very well.

And while you're at it, buy a pair of their Winter Socks. They're a superb bit of kit