Smartwool

Merino 250 Baselayer 1/4-Zip - Men's

It’s nice (obvi) but gray is NOT gray

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Just a heads up- if you order charcoal heather it is NOT gray. It looks nothing like the picture they show, it is DARK and looks almost Navy/Black but not even close to what it shows so just FYI. I was bummed because I wanted a gray one

Perfect ski base layer

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

This was a replacement for a smartwool baselayer I'd been using for the last 5 years. Happy to have found the exact replacement. Perfect.

Comfort and function

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Very soft, conforming fabric with a little more heat than an Ortovox 185. Love the quarter zip for easy on off.

Built for the mountain

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

I took this out on the slopes on several days. Some days warmer than others. It is light weight but extremely comfortable. The zipper allows you to regulate the heat. I wore it two days in a row with no stink. Highly recommend.

Fantastic Baselayer

Great baselayer . Just the right warmth for Fairbanks Alaska. This top makes all the difference. Soft on the skin, isn’t irritating. Excellent investment

My go to

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

My girlfriend bought me this - my first wool shirt that I thought would be itchy - so I was hesitant. I now wear it for everything; an under layer, a workout shirt, a hang out shirt, whatever and whenever. Keeps me cool, keeps me warm, it doesn’t smell or stink and it’s wash and wear. I had her get me another one.

Merino 250 Baselayer 1/4-Zip Men's

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

This is a lightweight shirt that effectively improves cold weather comfort. It fits true to size (Medium for 6' 1" height, 160 lb. weight.) It works very well for active or athletic movements. Recommended laundry care is cold water wash, no bleach, on gentle setting, lay flat to dry.

Fantastic top base-layer

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

I mainly use these as top base-layer for snowboarding. I have many Patagonia Capilene in different weights and Arc?teryx Rho LT/AR. But I always reach for Smartwool 250 Zip first now. I?ve used it from -10 to 45 degree Fahrenheit with Arc?teryx Rush shell jacket with/without Proton LT mid-layer jacket. Smartwool 250 is nice fitting, warm, and stays dry. Just match with breathable Gore-Tex shell jacket and mid-layer jacket, you will stay warm and dry. Recommend 1/4-zip rather than crew-neck. Zip really helps to dump extra heat as needed and keeps you dry.

I adore this top

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

It just looks cool as hell with the two-tone coloring. I normally don?t go for the quarter zip but it prevents this from always being a mock turtle neck which is a massive bonus. No hood which is perfect for skiing as there?s nothing to get in the way. The fit is great. Fully zipped is really, really cozy. Prevents need for a neck gaiter (my beard takes care of the rest). It?s well made. Stitching is great. It feels lighter than 250 weight but it could just be a more compact construction. No issues with warmth. I?m always amazed at how little I need to vent my shell on the chairlift as the merino is just generally excellent at regulating temp. And yes, I wear it several times between washes as it never smells unless I feel it needs to be the first layer (I usually use a 150 weight base layer purely to keep this mid layer fresh for multiple uses). I use it for more than skiing. Really good looking, versatile layer.

a nice midweight top

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

The SW 250 1/4 zip fits well on me (Large). I didn't find any restrictive areas. The sleeve length and torso length fit well. Would prefe the collar to come up a little higher, but that's a person preference. It zips low enough when I want to get some extra ventilation. Would also prefer some thumb loops. Otherwise, I was very comfortable with just this and a light windstopper on my windy 40F day hike.