smart wool vs. icebreaker

[Megapixel]

anyone had any experience with both in relation to their merino wool line, specifically their microweight t-shirts?

[Roland]

Own 'em both. Like 'em both.

The best is the one you can buy at the deepest discount.

[Megapixel]

Own 'em both. Like 'em both.

The best is the one you can buy at the deepest discount.

so to put it another way if i'm gonna buy one with my rei dividend and they are both 60 bucks, take the color i like best, not the brand?

[Roland]

so to put it another way if i'm gonna buy one with my rei dividend and they are both 60 bucks, take the color i like best, not the brand?

Sure, if color is that important to ya.

I've never paid $60 for a lightweight T-shirt. If I were you, I'd shop around. Keep an eye on SAC and eBay. If REI doesn't discount merino T-shirts, use your dividend for something else.

[bigcranky]

Own both, like both. I am partial to Icebreaker for no discernible reason.

[Del Q]

Check out backpacking light - their ultralight merino wool tee shirt I like the best. Less $$$, much lighter.

[Megapixel]

When you've earned points all year and have a dividend to complete the gear list for your thru hike, cash is something better spent on trail, despite the pricing... at least in my situation.

thanks Big Cranky for the 2nd on the fact that they are equal...

thanks Roland for your help... color isn't really important, just an example.

Much help here deciding.

[Roland]

When you've earned points all year and have a dividend to complete the gear list for your thru hike, cash is something better spent on trail, despite the pricing... at least in my situation.

Be warned. You will be spoiled. You'll never want a synthetic T-shirt again.

Enjoy your hike and your stink-free shirt!

[10-K]

I've never met an article of merino wool clothing that I didn't like no matter who made it.

If you can buy it made out of merino wool that's what I have.

[handlebar]

I like the way their "Bodyfit 150" fits me and I like how it feels. I wore it on the CDT last year. I've also worn the lightweight Smartwool, but prefer the Icebreaker.

[bigcranky]

Be warned. You will be spoiled. You'll never want a synthetic T-shirt again.

Exactly. Love merino, won't wear anything else for a base layer.

[HeartFire]

Well I have found that icebreaker is more itchy than smartwool. This was the mid weight long sleeve shirts

[Red Hat]

wore smartwool all year last year (short sleeve and long sleeve) the short sleeve is on its last legs and pretty holey.. but the longsleeve has lots of life left (probably wore the longsleeve less....)

[RWK]

Just saw that Icebreaker has end of season 25% off sale going on.

[rp1790]

I own both and a MacPac, the MacPac (New Zealand brand) is the softest and cheapest by far, otherwise, if it's merino there's no noticeable difference that I can feel.

[adamkrz]

Own Both, I really like the smartwool the best.

[Dogwood]

I have both company's light wt merino wool T shirts. I prefer the Smartwool Micro Wt over the lightest wt icebreaker top based on fit alone - I think the Smartwool is a bit better fit FOR ME - although I think the stitching is better on the Icebreaker which makes it more durable.

One word of caution with the micro wt merino wool tops no matter who manufactures them - THEY REQUIRE A BIT OF EXTRA CARE WHEN WASHING or they can be easily damaged or have a short life expectancy. For example, while in town washing hiking clothing I WILL NOT place my merino micro wt tees in with my heavier non-wool clothing. Too many heavy items in a washer mixed in with light wt merino wool clothing and the merino can stretch or be pulled. I will not wash my merino wool tees with other articles of gear with zippers, snaps, etc because the micro wt merino wool tees tend to get snagged and pulled under that scenario. I also inspect both the inside of the washers and dryers for little nicks, burrs, and sharp spots because these too can catch the merino wool yarns and make your expensive merino wool tee into a rag in the fisrt wash/dry!

[10-K]

One word of caution with the micro wt merino wool tops no matter who manufactures them - THEY REQUIRE A BIT OF EXTRA CARE WHEN WASHING or they can be easily damaged or have a short life expectancy. ]

I carefully washed my merino wool t-shirts at the Stratton Motel and the maid did me a favor and put them in the dryer - on high heat.

They shrunk a bit to say the least....

[Enic]

I prefer my IceBreaker to the smart wool, but also find it a tiny bit scratchy. I love wool for everything, in all its forms, and love big scratchy sweaters and blankets though. They are both soft, and stink free. Even though the Tshirts appear the same, I'd go with Icebreaker.

[liteweight]

Wool is the answer. I just figured it out. With a synthetic I would stink within a mile. I picked up a couple of smartwool long sleeve lightweight on SAC, hiked a couple of days with no stench and the merino wool felt great.