Reader Reviews

Rating: 5 / 5

I own two, in red and zinc colors. These two shirts have proven to be astounding, do-everything tees, with all the non-stink and sustainable-farming properties we're undoubtably aware of. I opted for these after having been impressed with Patagonia's Wool 2 zip-neck long-sleeve...despite differing wool densities, they really are quite similar in fabric weight and feel, although the Icebreaker Superfine 140 admittedly feels more bombproof...and, in my subjective opinion, looks a fair sight better.

I find that when the shirt wets out with sweat, it becomes unevenly heavy, but this has little effect on actual performance. When I soak the front through on big pushes uphill in high temperatures (70's through the 90's), it winds up drying almost completely on the downhill as long as I am facing the sun. I have yet to have one to succumb to the "wool grinder" that is Velcro, despite their light weight. I've gotten some pilling here and there, but nothing short of my two cats' claws, willfully used, can cause these shirts to lose performance or aesthetic value.

I have a decade of synthetic shirts that I am noe eyeing with suspicion and disdain because of these shirts. Highly, highly recommended (as are the Mako Zip from their Skin200 line, or the Slalom Zip from their BodyFit260 line).

Rating: 5 / 5

I totally agree with Nathan, these shirts are amazing. I have worn them running in temps up to 90 degrees with no more discomfort than a regular synthetic T. I have also been impressed with their drying times over regular wool garments that I own. While not nearly as fast drying as the best synthetic garments, it will dry within a few hours if enough body heat is provided. In trying to streamline a kit that has as many 4 season items as realistically possible, this is def a keeper

Rating: 5 / 5

This is my first Merino T-Shirt (though I have a couple other manufacturers). Wore it a few days straight in super-hot/humid Boy Scout Summer Camp... little to no smell... way comfortable... man I like this shirt...

Note, these have developed a couple small holes down near the waist. I suspect it may be due to the thinness of the fabric (and the fact that I wear it a lot) rather than any manufacturing quality issues.

Edited by jdmitch on 01/02/2008 07:34:18 MST.

Rating: 5 / 5

Last night Was out in 19 degree F with 30 MPH wind I wore these, what I believe are: 190 weight long sleeves and bottoms kept me comfortable as well as any "long underwear" I've tried in 25 years.

Today outside temp 25 degrees warmer, 5 mile walk got some steam going and also very comfortable. Shirt got quite damp into the sun... dried out on the way back to the car and I wore same shirt to meet people indoors for lunch. Amazing quality. Where have these been my whole life? I have more on order.

I'm sorely tempted to throw out 80% of my shirts... I went back today to get the icebreaker beanie for under my bicycle helmut.

Edited by drshuster on 12/22/2007 21:37:58 MST.

Rating: 5 / 5

I tried one of the superfine 140 Tees on a backpack in Canada's Kootenai Natl Park last August. The weather was everything from cold, wet and windy to humid and warm. I wore the shirt constantly for 3 days during which time the shirt was always comfortable. With heavy perspiration, there is a bit of wool odor, but does not affect the comfort. After 3 days, I didn't smell particularly good, but the shirt was unaffected. After a shower, I simply put the shirt right back on (no odor) and went to dinner!

Rating: 5 / 5

I am completely sold on Icebreaker's Tech T Lite 140 gm/m2. This shirt is pure comfort on 90+ degree, hard vertical hiking trips! I've tried poly, nylon including Columbia, Railriders, etc. All nice shirts but they cannot compare to the comfort and especially to the smell. These Icebreakers simply do not smell.

They wick but they don't dry so quickly to produce "flash off" nor do they feel wet when indeed they really are!

They fit like a regular tee shirt, not tight like a bike shirt.

Now that they come with some printed designs, I think I will wear these exclusively for leisure wear whether I'm hiking or not!

The 140 weight seems to me to be the thinnest practical for hot days and still be considered durable.

I'd give them a '6' if I could.

Rating: 5 / 5

My favourite, I could wear it the whole time. Best comfort in summer and winter. And you only need one for a 2-week-trip.

Try to hang it in the wind instead of washing, and when you wash, wash inside-out and with the softest settings you can (no spin-dry, max 40°C better 30°C or less and so on... don't hang it to dry, better lay it down).

Buy it!

Rating: 5 / 5

Awesome shirt as evidenced by some night forest creatures who ate it. Now my shirt comes with cool hole design all over it that some people think came "as is" from the manufacturer...

so don't leave your shirt overnight outside to dry, or it will be eaten! a better approach is to put it inside your sleeping bag and it will be dry the next morning.

Also, i wouldn't wash it in the agitator type of washers as they can damage the fine material.

Rating: 5 / 5

I splurged and bought one of these over a synth shirt. Man was this a great choice, the shirt is soft, durable and it just breaths and breathes. I don't stink at the end of the day either. I loved it so much I bought my 12 year old son one for hiking.

Rating: 5 / 5

Own two pairs. Wore them skiing with Patagonia R2 over them. Wear them backpacking and hiking during spring/summer. After 2 years of use one of them has some holes from wear on the side of the sleeve. The other still looks good with just a little wear near the bottom.

Great t-shirts : comfortable, warm in cool weather and wick very well in hot weather. Slightly heavier than equivalent synthetic shirts, but make up for that in comfort.

(FWIW, I tried the heavier weight icebreakers but ended up returning them all. The 140 weight works best for me.)