SmartWool Men's Merino 250 Baselayer 1/4 Zip

This is a very versatile mid-weight top that I wear hiking for temps from about 35 - 55. Or, if stationary, up to about 70 degrees. For me, the temperature regulation of merino is much better than any synthetic. Everybody knows wool can still stay warm when wet or damp. I find that this means it stays comfortable at both lower temps and higher temps than an identical synthetic garment. The quarter zip neck allows easy venting when needed, or neck warming when zipped. The fabric is stretchy enough that the sleeves can be moved up to the elbow. It can work well as a single layer, but most often I'll wear a tight fitting wicking synthetic shirt underneath. That adds a little extra warmth, the t-shirt can be switched out at the summit for a dry one, AND it means I can wear the merino 1/4 zip quite a few times before needing to be washed. Smartwool is owned by VF Corporation, who also also owns North Face and Icebreaker brands. Icebreaker also makes a similar item, but it costs about $50 more. The quality looks similar to me. If money is not an object for you, Icebreaker does offer more features: full zip, extended armlength with thumbholes, and hood, if desired. But if you live in a place like the pacific northwest, this LS 1/4 zip will probably be the most versatile and useful top in your wardrobe.

This is the second Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer that I have purchased. Great feel, great fit, washed according to directions and came out great. There is only problem that I have with this purchase from Amazon; the description clearly states that it was made in USA. The two that I have bought were made in Vietnam. While not a deal breaker for me, be aware of advertising that might not be truthful.

I made this purchase last minute. I was heading out on a backpacking trip and the weather reports weren’t looking good. I knew I needed something warmer for sleep and evenings. Our first night out it got down to 19 degrees. Between my 3 weather sleeping bag and this shirt I stayed very warm. It was worth the money and I will use it for more backpacking trips along with hunting and fishing trips. I was very happy and impressed with it. It’s heavier than I like to pack for backpacking but it’s worth the weight when the temp drops below 30.

This is a great mid weight base layer and looks nice as a comfortable outer layer as well.

Tight fit… as intended. Good product! Great product, if you can get it on sale.

My husband has only worn this 2-3x skiing and it already seems like it’s piling in the underarms. Just wish it wasn’t so pricy.

Wore this for a rainy 50k (45°) and it performed incredible well! Never felt soggy or water logged and kept me warm. Very impressed.

Stitching is done well and is quite comfortable. 250 is supposed to not be as comfortable as 150 but it feels fine wearing this over a t shirt for me. Fabric seems a bit thin; feels very much like a base layer as advertised, rather than a thin jacket. Material has a degree of stretch to help keep tight. Very good.