Icebreaker review The Climber issue 76

Icebreaker Sierra Half-Zip and Eclipse Crewe tops

We were recently sent two Icebreaker products to test from the friendly folk at www.natureshop.co.nz, an environmentally responsible online retailer of premium nature-inspired clothing brands.

First out of the box was the Sierra half-zip, a slim fitting pullover style mid-layer, designed to be worn over a light base-layer and under a shell. For that purpose the cut is ideal—a generous length in the arms and body relative to the aethletic cut of the shoulders and body.

The Sierra is made from Icebreaker’s Realfleece 260 fabric, which sports a smooth knit exterior face combined with a brushed, high-loft inner. Realfleece 260 is of a similar weight and design to Power Stretch, a popular polyester fabric made by Polartec that has set the standard in recent times for high-performance mountain sport mid-layers. I was interested to see how the Realfleece garment stacked up against its synthetic competitors. Firstly, the feel of the fabric against the skin is superior to any synthetic; it’s soft and lush and luxurious, even after wearing it for more than ten days without washing it. The brushed exterior provides a measure of wind resistance, not enough to stop a fresh June breeze on the tops at Arthur’s Pass from cutting through it, but enough to prevent circulation of cold air when moving around in the chill of winter. The Realfleece fabric insulates as well for its weight as its synthetic counterparts but its wicking properties are poor in comparison; the fabric holds moisture and takes a lot longer to dry than polyester.

The well publicised fact that Icebreaker merino doesn’t stink is true. I only have to look at one of my polyester fleeces and any flowers nearby will wilt. Not so for the Sierra top, which is a big plus for extended trips to the hills.

Next up is a more stylish offering, the Eclipse Crewe is a lighter-weight crew cut top made from Icebreaker’s Bodyfit 260 fabric. The Eclipse is a classic design that is versatile enough to wear cragging or skiing and doesn’t look techy or outdoors-dorky. I even got a compliment on it at a café recently from a rival merino clothing label owner, so at least Icebreaker are impressing me and the competition!

I can highly recommend both of these garments for people with an active outdoors lifestyle. Log on to www.natureshop.co.nz and have a look at the other options available too, you’ll probably find something you like.

Icebreaker Sierra Half-Zip RRP $259.95 and Eclipse Crewe RRP $179.95
Available from www.natureshop.co.nz