Icebreaker or Smart Wool

by **MountaineerWV** » September 8th, 2009

Has anyone had any experience that they would care to share with either brand? Or any other brand of the new line of wool clothing?

I've had a few people rave about both Smart Wool and Icebreaker, but nothing too specific. I'm looking for clothing that is thin, durable, and versatile for a trip through a large variety of climates. This stuff is pretty expensive, so any experience would be helpful.

by **Zuleika** » September 8th, 2009

I agree - those are very expensive - but they probably are the best.

However, because of the price I went for instead The North Face LS Flight series thermals, long sleeves and long johns. These are made of Polypropylene. They were very good. Lightweight. Kept me nice and warm - I was in lapland and the temperature was -18 degrees.
They do have medium weight and heavy weight too, depending on what you want.
Much cheaper too!

by **MountaineerWV** » September 10th, 2009

Thanks, I'll have to check out the North Face website.

The polypro would be a good option if I didn't already have thermals in the form of motorcycle gear. I was looking at the Smart Wool or Icebreaker as something to wear when just hanging out and not on the bike or clothes to wear as a base layer under my protective gear.

Plus...I want something that is a little fashionably acceptable. Synthetic everything and the zip off pants are so dorky looking. The first rule of life...Always look cool.

by **gojonesgo** » September 10th, 2009

I've worn both brands. From a quality standpoint, they're both top notch. Icebreaker tends to fit slimmer (which is nice if you're thin) and also comes in a wider range of weights, colors and styles (e.g. polo shirts, etc.) - so in that sense, they're more versatile.

On the downside, Icebreaker tops also usually have that hideous logo on the chest. The Smartwool logo is much groovier and is located on the cuff where it's a lot more subtle and out of the way.

p.s. Couldn't agree more about zip-off pants.

by **namehere** » September 12th, 2009

i've worn both before and am currently traveling with all icebreaker, mostly because they seem to hold up better... as long as you take care of them by hand-washing and line drying them instead of putting them through the wash. during light to moderate activity periods, you can go a few weeks to a month without them smelling too funky. i have a few pieces of non-wool clothing as well, but they tend to get stinky after only a day or two so i don't wear them as often.

by WT » September 18th, 2009

Well we have only tried smart wool socks & hats but are major fans! We are on our 4th year of an open ended world tour, 30 countries, 4 continents, over 150,000 miles (most overland) with few clothes, many climates, much walking & biking.

We have all worn just 1 pair of smart wool socks to death...still wearing them!

Says it all, eh?

by **Papaya** » October 1st, 2009

My husband an I have been on the road for 8 months, both with BOTH Icebreaker and Smartwool. I'd say we both prefer Smartwool. I find it's softer (although this probably has to do with the fact that I've worn my Smartwool long-sleeved shirt about 75% of the time,) and I agree about the whole logo thing being nice and discreet.

Hubby says if he had to buy another one, currently he's got a black long sleeve shirt, he'd definitely get a lighter colored shirt. The black is too hot to wear as a single layer sometimes, whereas a light color would be a little bit cooler.

To see how often we wear our Smartwool, check out our flickr page, we both have long-sleeved black shirts: http://www.flickr.com/photos/34372448@N04/

by **davegsomething** » October 6th, 2009

I like the polycotton blend of Exofficio. Unfortunately when went shopping for my trip I didn't encounter it until I spent $100 on stupid looking athletic shirts.

Papaya: Yeah, thats the problem with packing light.. Just the background changes, your appearance stays exactly the same. I went to a motorcyclist meetup where a guy recognized me immediately because I was wearing the same shit that I had in my many blog posts.

Question for ya'll: Are the wool shirts as easy to wash, dry, and keep stink free as the polyblend shirts?

by **Traveler_2007** » October 25th, 2009

I like both Smartwool and Icebreaker for cold wether travel. For hot weather I would not, and I do not, use anything but ExOfficio.

See below

Traveler_2007 wrote:As I was saying above, I started testing Icebreaker gear for travel in cold weather. Specifically I have tested their underwear, the long sleeve undergarment, short sleeve T shirt, a sort of sweater, quite elegant actually, socks and long johns. Truth being told, the LJs did not really get a fair trial, over the two weeks test period, as it was not that cold in my test routine. Nevertheless, I would say I have a good feel for their capability.

All products were the 200 category from Icebreaker. By luck, I also came across a Smartwool long sleeve undergarment. Smartwool and Icebreaker are very similar.
During the test period the temperature ranged from -3C to +10C while outdoors and around +20C for the most part while indoors. As I go through my day, I take one, two or three showers a day, depending on schedule, travel, and how many times I go to the gym.

Executive Summary: both brands are outstanding!

Why?

Pros

Let’s go back to purpose: Long term travel in cold weather, 1 – 3 stars hotel accommodation (higher is OK…. no worries ….), requiring you to wash and dry your clothing; Also try to travel carry on, for a lllllllllllong while.

That being said all the garments tested were very light, so they fit the carry on criterion. One thing I am not very proud of, but was required for testing and will likely happen while in some destinations, was to wear the products without washing them for a while. In my case, I did not wash them for 8 days and wore them for many many hours, each day during the test. There was some sweating during the day, but nothing out of the ordinary; I work in an office, drive, shop, travel….….

At no point, any of the garments came anywhere close to stinking (not even close). Now, that is good because Icebreaker advertises “No stink” as one of the characteristics of their products. Their product delivers on this promise! All of the items tested!

Both brands were extremely comfortable, and as temperature changed during the day offered very good temperature control.

The T shirt, long sleeve undergarment and definitely the “sweater” or whatever is called, looked very good on their own. While that may not be a big concern for some, it does make a difference as when travelling for a long time with limited luggage, there is nothing wrong in looking sharp, at least once in a while, if at all possible.

Cons

Cost; This stuff is expensive, and by the way, I am not faulting any of the brands. If I am crazy enough to shell that kind of cash for a T shirt, pair of underwear or socks….good for them. However! I picked up some of this stuff at TJ MAXX, Nordstrom Rack and a sale at an online retailer (no is not EBAY…a specialty store with a web site)

Dry time; Like you would expect with wool, it will take a while to dry. If you really want to wash the stuff, better think of drying them out!!!! In humid or cold destination, or when you do not stop for long enough, that can become a huge issue! Especially if you will not likely have the ability to spin the wet garments after washing, as you do when at home. Let’s not forget, this is wool and if not dried properly it will stink!!

The other thing that could happen, if not washed with cold water or dried incorrectly, it will shrink… That is a big problem if that is one of your only two items you carry for a few months!

Shaving: If you shave on a regular basis, and try to keep both brands look great, you will have to shave every day! This is wool, after all, and your beard, unless is long or absent will mess the neck sections of T shirts or shirts, as you go through your day. Unless of course, that is not a concern.

Looks; if looks are important to you and you shop by looking at websites, both brands have done a great job in presenting their products. However if you are not exactly fit, these products will not help…. Word of advise hit the gym first,…….. for a few months if necessary, before returning any of this gear…

In summary, Icebreaker and Smartwool are great brands and they perform unbelievably well. They also fit very well, feel amazing and serve the purpose of carry on travel.

Good company, a nice destination, layering, good footwear and other gear still required to complete a perfect trip

Happy travels