In my continuing search for the best travel gear available, my new favourite fabric is merino wool — specifically Icebreaker Merino Wool.
Why Icebreaker Merino Wool?
I discussed Merino Wool previously in my hot weather review (see Icebreaker Merino Wool — A Hot Weather Review)
Here’s a video that explains all about Icebreaker Merino Wool
When it comes to keeping warm, I’m a big fan of layering.
Layers come in handy when you are doing any type of physical activity because you can remove layers as you heat up or add layers as you cool down.
Layers are also your friend when it comes to travel such as when you get cold on an airplane or move from climate to climate on a road trip or around the world cruise.
I was sent 2 items from the Icebreaker Merino Wool Body Fit Zone line to test and review.
“Icebreaker BodyfitZONE™ technology, strategically placed merino mesh for ventilation, anatomical cut for superior fit, flatlock seams prevent chafing, core spun fabric for enhanced durability”
Icebreaker Merino Wool Body Fit Zone Leggings in Cold Weather Action
I wore my Icebreaker Body Fit Zone Leggings for the first time on a trip to Pembroke, Ontario in October and even though it was still the fall, it was cold! We awoke one morning with an icy frost all over the windows of our car.
On that first wear, I instantly loved the leggings. What I really liked was that they didn’t add any extra bulk underneath my jeans like my old-school long underwear / thermal underwear “long johns “did. They were comfy, cosy and warm but I wasn’t overheating in them.
I actually own a pair of jeans that are 1 size larger and a baggier fit to accommodate the thicker waffle fabric of my long johns in the winter.
With the Icebreaker Body Fit Zone Leggings, I can wear my normal skinny jeans.
The leggings can also double as PJ pants and come in 3 lengths – regular leggings, legless (which are basically capris) and shorts.
As with all merino wool clothing; they breathe, don’t hold any sweat or stink and you can wash them in the hotel sink and they’ll be dry by the morning in time for the next day’s wear.
These leggings are my new favourite clothing item and honestly, I’ve been wearing them all winter and they still look brand new.
Icebreaker Body Fit Zone Leggings
2 colours: Black, Aquamarine
Weight: 200 Lightweight
Fabric: Main: 200gm, 96% Merino wool, 4% LYCRA®, Mesh Panels: 120 gm, 85% Merino wool, 14% Nylon, 1% LYCRA® corespun
Icebreaker Merino Wool Body Fit Zone Long Sleeve Half Zip Top in Cold Weather Action
With the Icebreaker Body Fit Zone Long Sleeve Half Zip Top, I found the turtleneck to be a little high but that’s just my personal preference (or maybe I have a short neck? lol).
I would often wear the top with just a vest and found that no one suspected that it was a base layer; even though the stitching is exposed it looks as if it is a sporty design element.
I’ve received a ton of compliments while wearing the top and love the soft fabric feel, and comfy warmth. People are often surprised that it’s wool as they just assume it’s cotton and the next thing you know they are stroking my arm like a cat (embarrassing true story) to feel the fabric!
Icebreaker Body Fit Zone Long Sleeve Half Zip Top
4 colours: Grapefruit, Aquamarine, Vino, Black
Weight: 200 Lightweight
Fabric: Main: 200gm, 96% Merino wool, 4% LYCRA®, Mesh Panels: 120 gm, 85% Merino wool, 14% Nylon, 1% LYCRA® corespun
Icebreaker Body Fit Zone Pro
- Very Warm
- Lots of colour choices
- Back / body of the shirt is longer so that you can tuck it into your pants
- Considered to be a base layer so it is thin enough to wear under other pieces of clothing
- Form fitting
- Shirt has longer sleeves with thumb holes
- Flatlock seams to prevent chaffing
- Thinner merino mesh fabric where warmth isn’t required such as the waistband area of the pants and under the arms of the shirt.
Icebreaker Body Fit Zone Con
- Price point is a bit high but this is a quality item meant for long-term use
Be aware that there are specific care instructions that you should be aware of to ensure long-term performance of your Icebreaker Merino Wool items.
I really love my Icebreaker Merino Wool tops and bottoms and think that they make great clothing for travel at home and abroad. I’ve found that they wash really well when you follow their care instructions and I highly recommend them.
Have you tried wearing merino wool when travelling in cold weather climates? Let us know in the comments below.
I received this item from Icebreaker Merino for review purposes. This had no bearing on my review. As always, all my opinions are my own.
