Merino or Chill Out?

**Pogo2** · 12th April 2011, 19:57

Now that I have a bike without a fairing I guess I am going to be exposed to the elements a bit more. I have a good jacket but at times I like to be a bit warmer than I am currently.

Looking for something that is not too heavy and have used polypropelene in the past. But its time for a replacement.

So what so you think is better as a mid-layer? Was thinking either merino (Icebreaker?) or something like Chill Out. Will be looking at both top and pants set.

What are your preferences.

Cheers for the advice that will no doubt flow!

**ckai** · 12th April 2011, 20:16

I'm an merino man myself (icebreaker) as everyone I read with knows

I haven't had a decent look at the chill out stuff so can't comment but what I like about the icebreaker is the thickness, or lack of. It means I can have a long thermal top and jersey and it still fit under my leather jacket.

The anti-smell voodoo that merino has is another big bonus. Don't buy retail though. Icebreaker is good but not arm-and-leg good. Go to the outlet stores and you can generally pick up decent stuff for "well worth it" prices.

I'd be interested to know how the chill out stuff compares to those that have tried both. Although I still wouldn't change

**steve_t** · 12th April 2011, 20:24

Ckai, what weight icebreaker gear do you wear?

**blackdog** · 12th April 2011, 20:26

i just got an icebreaker top, the missus has already pinched it, and i'll never get to wear it :boo:

**Quasi** · 12th April 2011, 20:31

I wear both, but my merinos are probably lighter weight then Icebreaker. Cant say a word against the Chillout. They are warm, light, keep the wind and cold air away. Winter riding suddenly became pleasurable. Just need the heated hand grips and will be completely satisfied

**ckai** · 12th April 2011, 21:58

Originally Posted by steve_t

Ckai, what weight icebreaker gear do you wear?

what weight don't I wear? haha. During the colder times I pretty much always wear the Bodyfit (I think that's what they call) 260. If it's colder I have a couple of sports jersey ones (tighter fitting) that are 320. Wearing both I've never felt cold in the upper body even when riding in below 0. In fact it has to be bloody cold to get me to put on both. Generally I just throw the 320 jersey's on.

Pants I have a 200 and 260. The 260 does well in mid-winter chill.

The only weight I don't have is the 150 which I've been told is actually really good for summer riding. Dunno about that but can't say much since I haven't tried it.

Having a base layer of 260 and a 320 jersey will pretty much tie you over for winter.

As you can see, I'm pretty pro-Icebreaker

All started with a beanie... But any merino is pretty impressive.

**steve_t** · 12th April 2011, 22:20

I've just started wearing some lightweight, cheaper merino stuff. It's already a million times better than my polyprop tops. Polyprop tends to pill after a while and defo retains smells. The merino is brilliant for no smell!! I think I'll have to try some Icebreaker heavier merino gears - prob 260. I'm sure I'll get some kind of Sale notification from Bivouac at some stage soon :niceonce:

**BMWST?** · 12th April 2011, 22:49

Originally Posted by blackdog

i just got an icebreaker top, the missus has already pinched it, and i'll never get to wear it :boo:

next time you in Tawa go to gordons outlent shop at dressmart and buy her her own.....

**blackdog** · 13th April 2011, 06:31

Originally Posted by BMWST?

next time you in Tawa go to gordons outlent shop at dressmart and buy her her own.....

and then she has got two!

**Maha** · 13th April 2011, 07:20

Originally Posted by BMWST?

next time you in Tawa go to gordons outlent shop at dressmart and buy her her own.....

So not Bendon where blackdog got his then?...

**wysper** · 13th April 2011, 07:27

merino makes me itch so it is chill out for me.
I have found it pretty good.

**khabel** · 13th April 2011, 08:36

The Katmandu sale currently on has their merino at half price

**HenryDorsetCase** · 13th April 2011, 08:40

I'm a merino guy also. Its magic too: you can wear it for two or three days befoe it gets stinky. Unlike any artificial product I've tried. They all reek after one day.

**slofox** · 13th April 2011, 08:42

Originally Posted by steve_t

Ckai, what weight icebreaker gear do you wear?

I wear the Icebreaker 260 weight as a midlayer. If it's really cold I wear an extra layer underneath that - usually the Finespun stuff you can get from Farmers.

BUT: The Finespun stuff shrinks. Icebreaker doesn't. So buy Finespun oversize if you go down that road. Icebreaker is of much higher quality than Finespun.