Merino Base Layer

orangepip

I'm after a long sleeve merino baselayer. I've looked at Rapha and icebreaker but was wondering if anyone could recommend anywhere else? I feel the Rapha and Icebreaker stuff is quite expensive though undoubtedly excellent.

ugo.santalucia

I've had my DHB for 4 years now... still going strong... one has even been attacked by moths, still going strong!

menthel

I am going to get some of the Torm ones. Not tried a base yet but their LS merino tops are great.

meursault

ugo.santalucia wrote:

I've had my DHB for 4 years now... still going strong... one has even been attacked by moths, still going strong!

This +1, had mine for a year, does the job very well.

MichaelW

If you want the original NZ-made superfine merino, like what icebreaker used to be, look up chocholatefish.

on-yer-bike

Plant X / OnOne sell them very cheap. Not the quality of Rapha but a fraction of the price

deswahriff

...my second winter with the Planet X/On-one long sleeve one...its not as soft and supple as my shortsleeve Icebreaker, but more than adequate, comfy enough, handy short front zip, no quality issues so far and great value for money....

bigpikle

I have Rapha and DHB ones and frankly, the DHB are every bit as good and you have more choice of different weight merinos and zip or normal neck etc....and of course there is the price.....

mercia_man

MichaelW wrote:

If you want the original NZ-made superfine merino, like what icebreaker used to be, look up chocholatefish.

Totally agree. Chocolate Fish genuine superfine NZ-made merino is noticeably better than the rest. So soft, non-scratchy and comfortable next to your skin. Much so-called merino is made in China from inferior wool.

RAB MeCo, a mix of merino and man made fibre from coconut husks, is good. It's not so soft as Chocolate Fish but is very fine, wicks away sweat well and dries as quickly as a lightweight polyester undervest.

littledove44

I have the On-One base layer and also their merino jersey. Excellent value, excellent performance. Wore it today. Never cold.

mattyarse

DHB long sleeve here, and have been very impressed with it.

duckson

http://shop.hellyhansen.com/gb/item/hhw ... t_type=cat

Use code NHSVIP50 for 50% off, also free delivery. Ordered one in the link above and a short sleeve.

herzog

Another vote for the DHB ones - 3 years and counting.

Grill

duckson wrote:

http://shop.hellyhansen.com/gb/item/hhwarm-ice-crew-48877/?t_type=src&COLOR=536 RACER BLUE / EVENING BLUE&t_type=cat

Use code NHSVIP50 for 50% off, also free delivery. Ordered one in the link above and a short sleeve.

These are rubbish, stick to the real thing.

Icebreaker is of course good, as is Smartwool. Check out I/O Merino or Stoic for slightly more budget options. I'm also a huge fan of Mons Royale, but the fit is quite baggy.

duckson

Grill wrote:

duckson wrote:

http://shop.hellyhansen.com/gb/item/hhwarm-ice-crew-48877/?t_type=src&COLOR=536 RACER BLUE / EVENING BLUE&t_type=cat

Use code NHSVIP50 for 50% off, also free delivery. Ordered one in the link above and a short sleeve.

These are rubbish, stick to the real thing.

Icebreaker is of course good, as is Smartwool. Check out I/O Merino or Stoic for slightly more budget options. I'm also a huge fan of Mons Royale, but the fit is quite baggy.

Reviews are good; http://www.amazon.co.uk/Helly-Hansen-Me ... B001CS69RC

Dandelionclock30

I've got a icebreaker merino baselayer and in my opinion its too hot and itchy. I wore it today for my ride ad was contemplating taking it off and just wearing my jacket and tights. It was really expensive as well.
Thats twice this week in 2 different sports I've been too hot with it on.
For me its not very good but others like them. I would advise anyone though with a sensitive skin to be cautious before buying.

gethinceri

Baa Baa. Epic.

Canny Jock

Baa baa is pretty good, Rapha is excellent, expensive but feels fantastic and lasts very well.

Grill

Dandelionclock30 wrote:

I've got a icebreaker merino baselayer and in my opinion its too hot and itchy. I wore it today for my ride ad was contemplating taking it off and just wearing my jacket and tights. It was really expensive as well.
Thats twice this week in 2 different sports I've been too hot with it on.
For me its not very good but others like them. I would advise anyone though with a sensitive skin to be cautious before buying.

You were probably riding with weight that was way too heavy. For these sort of temps stick to 150 and 200 is only really necessary below zero. In all my years in the Alps I never needed more than a 150 weight. In terms of the itchiness this is easily rectified by using a wool-specific detergent and air drying outside. If the itching persists then add a bit of odorless vinegar in your wash during the rinse cycle.

@duckson- HH is like North Face. They survive off mediocre product due to name recognition. Adding a polypropylene mix with merino just negates the positive attributes of merino. Plus HH employs the worst seamstresses in Asia. They could learn a thing or two from Nike in regards to cheap quality labour...

ugo.santalucia

Anyone has ever tried the Ortovox? I am after a 240 g/m one for those cold days and it seems to be the only one I can find.

And any feedback for Dave Noble's online shop? It seems to slash the price by a good 40%

simon_e

I find wool itchy so didn't try merino until recently. Howies NBL Light is superfine 160 gsm (but a little fragile so handle with care) but very soft on the skin. Standard NBL is a little heavier weight. I also have an Endura Baabaa for when it's colder. If you want a warm one then the Ground Effect Submerino is toasty and the polyester outer makes it more robust.