Hi
As there appears yet more "severe" weather on the way, I am in the process of sourcing a mid weight merino top to help with the merino layering.
I've not come across that many mid layer tops, but wondered if anyone had any experience with this top, or with Lab-Gear merino kit in general?
[url=http://www.lab-gear.com/catalogue/everyday/mid][/url]
Thanks in advance for any help on this matter 
Looks very good for the price
Below is worth a look as its a little lighter
or this
Icebreaker 360 weight, warmer than fleece, stylier by far and odour proof.
got one 4 years back it comes out every winter and still looks the biz
IceBreaker is the answer. Layer up
I'm the anti-merino fanboy; I think it performs less well than synthetics because it doesn't wick as well and stays wetter longer. I think more layers will mean you getting wetter...
...and yes, I've got merino baselayers...
Swobo long sleeved top is heavier wieght merino - superb quality item. I bought mine fron Stif the sole uk importer. I believe they are on offer at the moment too, still not cheap though, but they are excellent IMO.
Hi All
Thanks for your advice regarding the heavier weight merino kit. I had a look at various Icebreaker/Swobo options, but decided to take a punt on the Lab-Gear top.
I spotted that some of the mid weight tops are available as shipping freepost from the UK (as opposed to shipping from Australia like most of their kit seems to), so with a little luck I might have it for the weekend [center]
I'll report back!!!
Thanks again
I think you're right crikey, but merino is warmer than synthetics, either wet or dry and it doesn't stink after 4 hours or hold the nasty odour, even after washing.
Only the most expensive synthetics can match that kind of performance, and for that price, you may as well get merino.
I take warm over dry any day.
The Rapha crew neck base layer is thicker than their normal merino offering, I've just bought one and it does the job very well.
From experience, I'd always go for lightweight merino as a base layer and then stick a micro fleece over the top and layer from there. Heavyweight merino gets bogged down with sweat and isn't pleasant.
Merino is a marketing dept's wet dream.
Enjoy
Merino is a marketing dept's wet dream.
the anti pong factor and warmth when wet are hard to beat. I have synthetic tops which have stunk the room out fresh from the washing machine, yet my merino baselayers can go all winter unwashed and still smell fine - though they wash normally in the machine too without any special treatment. But falling full length in a river in December and being warm 2 minutes later despite being soaked from head to foot was the decider for me
In the cold weather (between -12 and -1) I have mostly been wearing an icebreaker merino baselayer topped with a heavy weight 100% wool roll neck jumper a bit like this one.
Its warm enough to wear without shell layer on top so it is breathable as you could ever want.
Big plus point is you get to look like a fisherman
I'll second the anti-pong. My Hellys reek to a point where the wife won't let me in the door.
Davina, can't go wrong with Lab-Gear, nice people, good service, great quality gear.
As for Merino, I got an Icebreaker very cheap off the classifieds and I'd wear it all the time if I could. Its so good at regulating temperature, always comfortable. (and for £15 )
Jimmy makes a very good point.
I should clarify that I only have one mid merino layer and its mostly for casual wear. These days I wouldn't wear anything but merino for a base layer though.
Smartwool is fantastic - we have always had good feedback about it and I've tested it alongside Icebreaker and Craft baselayers. Smartwool was preferred for colder weather (they do a lightweight and midweight) and the Craft, while synthetic, was also deeply impressive. Icebreaker was good but didn't have it for me, plus they're generally more expensive.
Webtogs often do good internet deals for icebreaker stuff.
Another vote for Smartwool kit being ace, especially when it's half price via Cotswolds Outdoor.
Worth every penny just for the lack-of-niffyness factor.
Agree about Lab Gear, I have lots of their kit. All great and well made. My wife bought be the mid-merino for Christmas and it's excellent over a thin layer for warmth.
Also checkout ground effect's Baked Alaska
Really good quality, and toasty warm 
i didnt realise merino love was so split, i much prefer my merino kit for both cold and warm. i sweat like a monster and never found a synthetic top that worked that well, coupled with the lack of smell ( i wore my thin merino wool tee constantly in India) make it a total winner for me but i guess for other folks its not so clear cut.
this hasnt answered your question in any way. 
Even on the coldest day/enight on the bike, a midwight merino and outerlayer is anough for me (as long as I am on the move of course) - I must overheat a bit becuse I think the heaviest Icebreakers would be too warm for me - great for walking though I would imagine!
Just back from 3 hours surfing. Wore merino socks under my boots. Feet wet, but toes actually WARM. In the sea, in January. Believe the hype.
Ulfrotte
Dale of Norway
This topic has been closed to new replies.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
