Gear Guide: The Best Merino Wool Blends
Modern merino wool blends are getting better and better every year. Here are three of our favourite wool-blend garments for the spring season:
Helly Hansen Warm Ice Crew
($85; hellyhansen.com)
I’ve used and abused this base-layer for more than two years. I wear it on its own while jogging and cycling. I’ve layered it while backcountry skiing in the Arctic and I toss it on under a hard-shell while carving groomers. Last winter, my wife bought one and now it’s her go-to base-layer as well. What’s the secret? With proprietary Lifa synthetic next-to-skin and merino on the exterior, we benefit from both the wicking of hollow-fibre polypropylene and the insulation of natural wool—to create a comfy, warm and utterly useful undergarment for all of our outdoor adventures. 57% merino wool/43% polypropylene
FITS Pro Trail Performance Quarter
($18; fitssock.com)
I was introduced to FITS only a year ago—even though the parent company has been knitting socks in Tennessee for 112 years and counting. I now own four pairs. The Pro Trail Performance Quarter is my top choice for hiking and trail running. The contoured toe, deep heel-pocket and full-contact cuff create a fit that locks onto the foot and stays put. Last winter, I wore this sock inside a brand-new backpacking boot to summit Borneo’s Mount Kinabalu—and arrived at the top blister-free. I changed my socks for the hike down, and subsequently ended up with a blister. (The proof, as they say, is in the pudding.) 58% merino wool/32% nylon/7% polyester/3% spandex
Icebreaker Quantum LS Zip Hood
($210; ca.icebreaker.com)
This mid-weight zip-up hoodie from Icebreaker seems custom-made for spring activity. Eyelet mesh panels, underarm gussets and raglan sleeves conspire to create a breathable garment designed for athletic movement in cool-to-mild conditions. As a mid-layer, this merino-terry top will keep you toasty on the slopes; joggers and cyclists wearing it as an outer layer will appreciate the reflective accents. And thumbholes are always a big win with me. (Women’s pictured.) 98% merino wool/2% Lycra
