About Smartwool
We’re still in the thick of the winter cold. If you’re finding that it’s getting the better of you, layering closer to your body with the right kind of winter wear may well be the antidote to fight back. I came to know that Smartwool was the optimal way to do this when I first reviewed their Next-to-Skin Baselayers (Mid 250 Pattern Crew Top and Bottoms). Whenever there’s been a day when I knew that cold would bite to the bone, I’ve relied on my Smartwool base layers for toasty insulation. The bottoms have always been soft and have always provided just the right amount of warmth when the temperatures have warranted wearing them. With the top, it’s always been the warmest option in my armory, but since cyclable weather doesn’t quite reach the bitter temps before the infamous Northern Utah inversion hits, it sometimes may do the job a bit too well when I’m working up a sweat.
Overview of smartwool
Luckily for me, Smartwool offers a wide range of thermal wear with varying degrees of thickness and warmth. For those in-between days when I was finding a balance between the temperature drop and the heat from blood flow, I needed a milder top that was also a bit less woollike in its texture—something that let me forget that I was wearing it, even. The Merino 250 Baselayer Crew found its way to me, and it’s an impeccably comfortable base on which to build in a handful of effective ways.
Just wearing this base layer is, well, comforting in and of itself. I realize that I feel cozy if I think about how it feels to chill in this shirt. When it comes to putting it into action, it performs well. When autumnal mornings are crisp and I’m workbound on my bike, pairing theMerino 250 Baselayer Crew with my Adidas windbreaker makes for a comfortable combination. Riding fast and facing the winds in late October with this kind of pairing feels measured for the commute at hand. Returning home in the evening with these garments on gets a bit warmer (I usually ride back up a couple hills), but it’s still a solid way to maintain the balance of cold protection while not overheating.
Fast-forward to this time of year and the months leading up to the frozen zone, and theMerino 250 Baselayer Crew insulates with equilibrium, still, when paired with my Black Diamond Cold Forge Down Hoody. By and large, the thermal base keeps me warm—the primary function of any base layer. As the sun shines and my circulation increases, however, I don’t feel like I’m risking a hypothermia-inducing sweat while on the hill or cycling. This is due to the 100-percent merino wool, which breathes, and the shirt’s sweat-wicking properties. Basically, you won’t regret overdressing if you build up from theMerino 250 Baselayer Crew. I mean, we’re not in a wind-chill area of the country, let alone in the climes of the arctic or anything like that.
As far as theMerino 250 Baselayer Crew’s look, its design is sleek. It’s easily something to wear on a lazy Saturday to the bar. Its seam-free shoulder panels help to create a long, lean look, which can appear like a smart basics shirt for men. It doesn’t retain much stink from use, so owning just one is practical investment for practical living if you exist in cold weather. From dressing down to all the way up to combat the weather, it’s an all-around fantastic staple. –Alexander Ortega
SMARTWOOL SMARTLOFT REVIEW
Iceland is known for many things. OK, just kidding. But what it should be known for is ski touring – holy moly does it have amazing ski touring. And where there’s touring, there’s cold weather with extreme and variable conditions. That’s where Smartwool’s Smartloft jackets and vests come into play.
I flew out to Dalvik, a tiny fishing village in the Troll peninsula in the northwest of Iceland, to spend some time with Smartwool and truly test their products. As you may or may not know, they are renowned for their base layers and socks, but what really struck me as a priceless piece of gear in my ski touring apparel quiver was Smartloft.
A little background: Smartloft is made from 80% merino cutoffs gathered from 250 weight base layers and 20% polyester. To reduce waste, Smartwool is basically recycling little leftover bits from the factory to make an alternative to down insulation. Similar options can be found from Icebreaker’s MerinoLoft as well as Helly Hansen’s brand new Lifaloft. You’re getting a compressible, lightweight insulation that breaths incredibly well.
Having the insulation is one thing, but does Smartwool use it intelligently to create useful products? I flew to Iceland to find out, but for those with short attention spans: yes. Yes, they do.
Once at base camp in Dalvik I quickly realized that weather in the Troll peninsula is all over the place. Mornings are below zero and midday can reach well over 10 to 15 degrees. Tough conditions for skiing but also for choosing clothing.
We learned fast because our guide (his middle name really was Thor) didn’t hold back. Snow-capped peaks abound around Dalvik and we didn’t have to go far to begin long journeys in endless valleys. As mentioned, mornings were brisk, so we all wore Smartloft 60 or 120 jackets or hoodies until the sun heated us up.
What I love about the collection is that they created numerous hybrid pieces, meaning you can choose the ‘intensity’ of warmth you want. I used a vest that was insulated only in the front of the chest, a jacket with chest but not arms or back insulation, and a hoody that was insulated in the front and the back with an insulated hood. All these pieces had panels of stretchy thin fleece (High Five fabric) to increase breathability during aerobic activities.
This variety lets you have a jacket that fits with your level of activity and temperature of your surrounding environment. If you run in the winter and needs less insulation, then a vest with minimal Smartloft might be in order; but if you snowshoe in the North of Quebec then you might want the 120 Hoody with more insulation.
Another thing I enjoyed was layering options, and I did not feel bulky when lunch came around. Instead of removing the vest I had on, I simply threw the jacket over top. It fit like Russian dolls, and for someone who is picky about fit, I love that.
One feature I liked found in all the Smartloft pieces is a locking zipper. Pull it up or down, but once the tab is flat on the zipper teeth it is not going to move. In windy conditions where you don’t want to be constantly adjusting your zipper, this is surprisingly important.
Fabric is very important when working hard in the mountains, and I appreciated that against my skin was the merino wool. The polyester was found on the exterior of the jackets for increased durability.
And finally someone figured it out: thumb loops that actually work. The sleeves in the Smartloft collection are a perfect length where people like myself (built like apes) can actually use them without tearing the seam out of the shoulder.
If you are looking for alternatives to down, then Smartwool has a great option with Smartloft. Their motto is, ‘Go Far. Feel Good.’ You can start doing that with this collection of well thought-out products.
What is Smartwool?
Socks are in Smartwool’s blood — they were the first company to introduce skiing oriented merino wool socks to the market. After Smartwool revolutionized the performance ski sock industry, they branched out to include sport-specific socks for a wide variety of activities. Smartwool’s hiking socks benefit from the company’s motto of going farther and exploring more in that they are designed to be as comfortable as possible. Smartwool provides significantly more information and transparency surrounding their supply chain than most companies in addition to partnering with, and donating to numerous environmental organizations. When you get a pair of Smartwool hiking socks you can rest assured that you are getting a pair of high-quality, sustainably manufactured socks.
Women’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottom Plus
100% Merino. 100% capable. Our Women’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottom is always ready for what’s ahead and what’s next. With a fit updated to improve functionality while enhancing aesthetics for a range of body shapes and a flatlock seam construction designed to minimize chafing, comfort is never in question. Get yourself a pair or two of our best base layer pants and conquer the cold with more confidence than ever.
- Rise: Mid Rise – Sits at or just below Belly Button
- Slim Fit
- 100% Merino wool fabric made with an interlock knit for enhanced comfort, breathability, thermoregulation,
- and odor resistance
- Merino-covered elastic waistband
- Flatlock seam construction designed to minimize chafing
- Fit updated to improve functionality while enhancing aesthetics for a range of body shapes
- Size M inseam: 30.5″ (77.5 cm)
- Knit in Vietnam: 100% Merino Wool
- Style: SW000656
Women’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew Plus
You’ll never want to take off the Women’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew. Whether you have a weekend full of relaxation ahead of you or you’re hitting your local trails, this 100% Merino wool base layer made with interlock knit for enhanced comfort, breathability, and odor resistance will not disappoint.
You’ll never want to take off the Women’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew. Whether you have a weekend full of relaxation ahead of you or you’re hitting your local trails, this 100% Merino wool base layer made with interlock knit for enhanced comfort, breathability, and odor resistance will not disappoint.
You’ll never want to take off the Women’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew. Whether you have a weekend full of relaxation ahead of you or you’re hitting your local trails, this 100% Merino wool base layer made with interlock knit for enhanced comfort, breathability, and odor resistance will not disappoint.
- Women’s Merino Sport Ultralite V-Neck Short Sleeve
Nothing says breezy summertime fun like an easygoing V-neck tee. And this one may look unassuming, but it’s loaded with lots of feel-good design features, like a blend of responsibly sourced Merino wool and Tencel™ performance fabric to help keep you cool if you work up a sweat. And its lightweight softness will feel great from the minute you put it on, whether you’re using it as a standalone top or as your first layer of performance. For anything from trail hikes to studio yoga, this top will help you keep you motivated to keep on going. - Fit: Regular
- Our regular fit is intended to give you room to move, without additional bulk
- This ultra-lightweight, super-soft, blended Merino and Tencel™ performance fabric is designed to help you
- stay cool and comfortable when you work up a sweat
- Odor-resistant
- Knit in Vietnam: 53% Wool, 47% Lyocell
- Style: SW016539
Women’s Merino Sport Tank
We combined the natural benefits of ZQ-certified Merino wool (moisture management, temperature regulation, and odor control) with the quick dry times of polyester to create Sport 150 fabric, which is perfect for high-sweat, high-energy activities. On our Women’s Merino Sport Tank, we’ve added mesh in strategic areas to improve breathability and designed the top for freedom of movement and comfort. For anything from a HIIT workout to a training run, this tank can help you feel good.
Fabric combines the moisture management, temperature regulation, and odor resistance of Merino with the durability and quick dry time of polyester
Women’s Merino Short Sleeve Tee
Want a Smartwool® tee that looks good, but plays better? Our Merino Short Sleeve Tee works well for any adventure. This short sleeve tee features Core Spun technology—which features Merino wrapped around a nylon core for added durability while still keeping the comfort of ultra-soft, responsibly sourced Merino next to skin. With smooth merrow stitching and raglan sleeves, you can stay comfortable in your clothes and confident in your look.
Women’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottom Plus
100% Merino. 100% capable. Our Women’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottom is always ready for what’s ahead and what’s next. With a fit updated to improve functionality while enhancing aesthetics for a range of body shapes and a flatlock seam construction designed to minimize chafing, comfort is never in question. Get yourself a pair or two of our best base layer pants and conquer the cold with more confidence than ever.
- Rise: Mid Rise – Sits at or just below Belly Button
- Slim Fit
- 100% Merino wool fabric made with an interlock knit for enhanced comfort, breathability, thermoregulation,
- and odor resistance
- Merino-covered elastic waistband
- Flatlock seam construction designed to minimize chafing
- Fit updated to improve functionality while enhancing aesthetics for a range of body shapes
- Size M inseam: 30.5″ (77.5 cm)
- Knit in Vietnam: 100% Merino Wool
