Merino Clothing (base layers, etc)

Fair enough. I did find the montane fitted well, if a little short in the arms. But I don't have particular small shoulders. The seama are flatlock and its very comfy.

Any experiences of the Decathlon merino boxers? Are the seams compatible with cycling?

Going on a 4 day tour later this month. Actual riding time each day is minimal so was thinking I might get away with some flappy shorts over boxers.

I like raglan for the opposite reason - I have wide shoulders and it's easier to get something that fits. Also you don't end up with a seam sitting on top of the corner of your shoulder.

+1
Raglan all the way. Typically, something that fits me across the shoulders becomes baggy from the armpits and down. A snug stretchy material can compensate a bit, but I'd love for raglan to become the standard of mens clothing.

Montane primino. Merino poly blend so won't wear so quick. Very comfy and thin so not warm.

So, Isobaa sent me a different colour top as the one that I ordered wasnt available (and now showing out of stock). Not massively keen on the unilateral replacement decision approach, however they've offered a discount if I want to keep the one they've sent, which is nice, or (obviously) a free return.

Undecided though, and still waiting on the icebreaker which is showing "your parcel will be with us shortly / no further information at this time" on the Yodel site. Which, given its Yodel, could mean I'm waiting a month or maybe a knock on the door any second.

So, Isobaa sent me a different colour top as the one that I ordered wasnt available (and now showing out of stock). Not massively keen on the unilateral replacement decision approach, however they've offered a discount if I want to keep the one they've sent, which is nice, or (obviously) a free return.

Sounds like a ploy of 'easier to send it and apologise than ask and get the order cancelled'. Most people probably take the discount rather than the hassle of returning. Not really very customer focused, but I can see it making sense from a business perspective.

Isobaa were going pretty cheap on sportpursuit a month or two back. Not sure if much is left in stock.

Dunno about Decathlon, but I've been experimenting with lightweight "trunk" style pants from Tesco and Primark. I'm using the synthetic ones and they are pretty comfortable under baggy shorts. I've been out for up to 6 hours with no problems.
In hot weather they are much cooler and seem to cause less irritation than riding in bibshorts. I suspect I'm getting more fresh air over my nads!
Uniqlo also do trunks which pack down incredibly small.

Message to say that the item I ordered will be back in stock in a couple of days, so going to send back for a swap…

Have to say that isobaa is the nicest fabric and best construction of the three that I’ve seen so far. My old icebreakers are probably on a par though. Be interested to see what the newer stuff is like (mr yodel)

Isobaa were going pretty cheap on sportpursuit a month or two back. Not sure if much is left in stock.

Turns out that Isobaa are owned by sports pursuits (or both are owned by North Lane group, but same thing really)

And the winner is…

Icebreaker. Nicest fabric, well cut (can wear it as a baselayer without any bagginess) only downside is the longer time taken to get it delivered

Anyone tried Airpaka? Swedish brand, 50/50 Alpaca and Merino blend.

Unrelated, but I find adding vinegar to some part of the wash cycle helps to cut down on wax/oil buildup on my base layers. If I don’t do this they seem to not warm as well, even feel chilly when I put them on.

Who's the go to for every day Merino vests these days?

I got a merino Aran sweater for Christmas last year and I'm very happy with it, they do a wide range of styles too.

Thanks I'll take a look.

Smartwool is very good and also see - https://www.rideblackmore.com/collections/jackets-and-gilets/products/mens-ls-merino-jersey

Do any of you have experience with the woolpower baselayers? Itchy / nice? Holding up well / worth the money?

Really trying to find alternatives to Icebreaker - lovely stuff but soo pricey despite being made in China 😕

Edz merino

Thanks for the feedback, I'm not in the UK though so this always gets expensive due to taxes / fees to order directly from there..

Also they're pretty vague when it comes to where they produce their stuff as well -
The wool is processed and spun in either Austria, Czech Republic, Turkey, Italy or China, the fabric is made in Turkey, Italy or China with production taking place in either Czech Republic, Turkey, Bulgaria or China.

Do you want pure merino or happy with a blend? Where are you?

I guess I'm happy with a blend if it feels good and doesn't stink so quickly.
Actually I'm considering moving away from Merino for a change - been running in Patagonia's Capilene stuff for a few months now and that's great; thinking about trying their more heavyweight shirts as baselayers this winter. Also quite pricey but decent quality and recycled / FairTrade etc.
I'm in Germany.

I'm happy with my Dilling stuff, pretty good prices especially considering that they're made in Europe. I've been using a long sleeve for cycling for years now and apart from a small brambles related nick it's still good. We've just ordered two sets of turtleneck long sleeves and long johns for the gas shortage winter.

Montane primino is my go to for of the self active merino blend. I think you'll find local stockist. I much prefer blend stuff for active use.

Thanks for the input @Tijmen - had a Dilling shirt a few years ago which was quite good if I recall correctly

@skinny - will check out Montane, thanks 👍

Merinocountry.com made in Aus.
Also check Varusteleka in Finland, they make their stuff in Latvia? I think.
Both good quality, comfy.

Varusteleka

Haha, yea, Varusteleka are funny guys

All their stuff does look really "army" like though obviously 💁