Merino wool is my favorite material for active baselayers, bar none. The odor control, warmth and general soft-against-the-skin feeling makes merino very desirable (and expensive) and Icebreaker has made some of our most-worn wool pieces. At the Outdoor Retailer 2013 Winter Market, Icebreaker showed off some new outerwear and base layers that blend technical features with their natural wool fibers.
My favorite jacket in the new line is the Legend LS Zip. Icebreaker says it’s their warmest-ever mid layer. It uses Icebreaker’s Realfleece construction paired with 200 weight quilt insulation. It also just looks really cool.
Another new technical jacket that stood out is the Cascade+ Hood for women and Sierra+ Hood for men. It also uses brushed Realfleece but has bluesign-accredited nanotechnology and softshell panels for extra protection against nasty weather. Looks like a good jacket for skiing or hiking around in the mountains.
For more active pursuits like winter running or backcountry skiing, Icebreaker has the Dart and Drive LS Half Zips for women and men. It’s a highly versatile top that can be used as a mid layer or even an outer layer worn against the skin like a baselayer when you’re really working up a sweat. They also have nanotechnology to give them moisture-shedding qualities. Throw in thumb loops in the sleeves with a chest pocket and you’ve got a breathable, comfortable layer for tough workouts. I’m especially interested in how it might work while backcountry touring.
Icebreaker has also improved their base layers, especially the Oasis LS Hood because they, well, added a hood. Other new features include offset shoulder seams to prevent your pack from chafing, a longer length for improved fit, and a drop-tail hem to prevent ride-up when you bend over to buckle your ski boots.
All these pieces and more will be available Fall/Winter of 2013.