A couple of years back, both Smartwool and Ibex introduced wool insulation—so you knew it was only a matter of time until Icebreaker followed suit. Found in a variety of technical and lifestyle pieces, Icebreaker’s new MerinoLOFT insulation is created from premium, ethically-sourced wool fibers.
Base Layers
Similar to what Kelty did with the TraiLogic collection, Swedish company Haglöfs put together a base backpacking kit that includes all the basics you need to hit the trail. Designed more for hut-to-hut type hiking adventures (there is no tent-just a sleeping bag), the kit can easily be upgraded to suit a full backpacking trip.
During our trip to Ireland last week, Columbia Sportswear walked us through the highlights of the Spring ’15 line. With a new fabric innovation debuting in the PFG collection, a trickle down innovation making its way into the spring rainwear lineup, and an entire group of both performance and lifestyle Vent Series footwear, next spring is looking great for Columbia.
When you think of merino wool, brands such as Icebreaker, Ibex, and Smartwool immediately come to mind. Two relative newcomers (at least to the US) are trying to challenge theses dominant players with deep offerings that include pieces from urban apparel to standard baselayers. Over the course of the winter, I had the chance to test out some baselayers from both WoolX and Super.Natural.
Patagonia took their popular Capilene 4 expedition weight base layers and made them even better this season by creating a full one piece suit. Extremely warm and comfortable, the onsie will quickly become one of your favorite pieces of gear this winter.
For their Spring 2014 line of RS Base Layers designed for training and racing in…