Long a fan of Smartwool socks and a fan of wool layers in general I was pretty excited to get a chance to test the Intraknit Merino 250 Thermals, top and bottom. John (LoneStranger) enjoys both solo adventures and family escapades on the trails and waters of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Up To 30% Off Backcountry MTB Apparel .css-1081t4c{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}Shop Now, Basecamp Under The Stars Shop Coolers, Camp Furniture & More. For now I'm comfortable giving this comfortable wool layer a pretty high rating. 
Given the amount of use and several washings I don't find this wear to be unexpected. Given the chance to experiment over the last four months I've really come to appreciate the versatility of this 250 base layer. 
Here is that same area under normal lighting. Slim Fit is designed to follow the body's natural contours. Given the Smartwool sizing chart I requested the XL size to accommodate my 47" chest.
For premier service, selection, and shipping, visit Zappos.com your one-stop shop for the latest in Shoes, Sandals, Dresses, Jeans and more! One other feature I noticed and appreciated was the slight articulation of the elbow on the sleeves.
Men's-specific mesh ventilation zones provide additional breathability and comfort, This heavier, soft, 100% Merino wool fabric offers breathable warmth, moves sweat away from the body, and provides next-to-skin comfort in colder conditions, Men's Intraknit Merino 250 Thermal 1/4 Zip, Pinewood Derby, Raingutter Regatta, Space Derby, Women's Intraknit Merino 250 Thermal 1/4 Zip (2020), Men's Intraknit Merino 250 Thermal Bottom, Men's Intraknit 250 Thermal Colorblock Crew, Women's Intraknit Merino 250 Thermal Pattern 1/4 Zip, Men's Merino Sport 150 Long Sleeve Button Down, Men's Merino 150 Base Layer Micro Stripe Short Sleeve, 100% Merino yarn provides the full power of Merino with unparalleled moisture management, insulation, thermoregulation, and odor control, Engineered construction uses knit structures to enhance performance with a sophisticated finish, Insulating terry loops are seamlessly paired with mesh ventilation in gender-specific zones designed to balance warmth and breathability, 3D mapping results in near custom fit and freedom of movement while ribbed elbows provide added durability, Knit-in reflective elements enhance visibility in low light conditions. This not only added comfort to the shirt, but added protection to an area that is often one of the first to wear out in a wool base layer. Oh and a few nights of back yard testing in the hammock too because sometimes you just have to sleep outside. Coleman C300 Performance gas canister Review, Hummingbird Hammocks Starling Inflatable Pillow Review. The arms, torso and waist show no signs of stretching. Depending on how you are viewing you may want to look at that picture in full screen mode to see the multiple sections and how they are joined into a shaped section of fabric. The Smartwool Intraknit Merino 250 Thermal 1/4 Zip is comfortable thermal layer that offers insulation, flex zones, convenient ventilation, and comfortable merino fabrication.
Day hikes, snowshoeing, bus stop trips with my daughter and just sitting around the house were frequent activities.
Debit and credit card payments can be unsuccessful for a number of reasons. At rest or working hard heading up a snow covered mountain, this shirt felt like it belonged on my body. The joined material remains soft and flexible so there is no sense of binding or resistance to motion. This shirt works as a base, mid, outer and only layer depending on conditions, activity and the wearer's temperament. Normally I'd wait until later in my review to discuss the materials and construction, but I think it is important to understand what Smartwool has done with their new Intraknit process. Since ancient times, wool has beenno I said I wasn't going to do that. The flatlock stitching was well done throughout the garment. The shirts just sort of melted into one another and went unnoticed. Add your own review (Sample for testing and review provided by Smartwool). I really think this little bit of tailoring is a big part of why this shirt layers so well. IntraKnit Merino 250 Thermal 1/4-Zip Top - Men's, Backcountry Advocate ProgramBreaking Trail, Baselayer top offers for active pursuits in cold weather, Midweight insulation for wintery weather layering, Knit articulation builds range-of-motion into the body, Materials insulate yet dry quickly for high-intensity workouts, Merino wool naturally resists odors to preserve freshness, Mesh ventilation prevents overheating as you approach the summit.
The reason the numbers don't have more specific meaning is that weave plays a big role in how a wool fabric will perform as well. This bulk-free, 100% Merino wool thermal layer brings a new dimension to active winter wear. The cuffs were close enough to keep snow out when the shirt was worn alone, but loose enough that I could push them up to my elbows when things got steamy. Bondcliff facing into a sub zero windchill breeze. I really liked the long waist on the Intraknit Merino 250Thermal 1/4 Zip. Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the page, Hiking, Backpacking, & Mountaineering Boots, Baselayer top offers for active pursuits in cold weather, Midweight insulation for wintery weather layering, Knit articulation builds range-of-motion into the body, Materials insulate yet dry quickly for high-intensity workouts, Merino wool naturally resists odors to preserve freshness, Mesh ventilation prevents overheating as you approach the summit. All Rights Reserved. Hours for selected store in Central Standard Time, https://www.scheels.com/p/mens-smartwool-intraknit-merino-250-thermal-1%2F4-zip/19339263949.html, Earn 750 Points on this item with SCHEELS Visa Rewards. This innovation allows them to seamlessly weave different fabrics together. 100% pure Merino wool is incredibly insulating, breathable and odor-resistant, with a combination of 3D mapped zones and mesh ventilation panels for a premium baselayer that is durable, free-flowing and comfortable. This product is available for purchase in select store locations only. I really like layers that play well with one another and this shirt really did that for me. On the left the tighter weave has been enhanced with terry loops which transitions seamlessly to the weave without terry and then on to a more open mesh weave on the right. REVIEWCORPS That was actually an advantage when it came to tucking the shirt in so I had no issues there.
The 250 weight Intraknit Merino definitely was more of a barrier to air movement than the 150 weight of the Houdini Desoli Zip or the 135 weight of the WoolPro Skylark Ultralight Crew.
+13,063 Paired with the Smartwool Smartloft-X 60 Hoodie, which I recently reviewed, temperature and wind resistance comfort ranges could really be extended. You can see the how the fabric transitions from zone to zone smoothly. This item is Out of Stock in our Stores but more is on its way. Both the shoulders and elbows are points where layers are at risk of binding and I had no problems like that at all.
In the picture above you can see the exterior of an arm seam at the top and the interior of a torso seam below. A ribbed crew neck, quarter-zip placket, long sleeves with ribbed cuffs, and allover 3D mapping for a comfortable wear.
While Smartwool uses blended fabric in some of their items such as the Intraknit Merino 200 line which uses a wool poly blend, the Intraknit Merino 250 Thermal Quarter Zip is 100% Merino wool. The fact that I wore this shirt as my only layer while carrying a 57lb winter pack certainly explains a lot of this wear. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures.
SCHEELS uses cookies to provide a better shopping experience. Most of my experience has been with lighter weaves, around the 150g point or heavier wool sweater type garments. Versatile enough to handle a wide variety of cold weather activities. Get the latest updates on new products and upcoming sales, Smartwool Men's Intraknit Merino 250 Thermal 1/4 Zip, Smartwool Men's Intraknit Merino 200 Colorblock 1/4 Zip, Smartwool Men's Intraknit Merino 200 Bottom, Smartwool Men's Merino 250 Base Layer Crew, Mountain Hardwear Men's Canyon Long Sleeve Shirt, Arc'Teryx Men's Gamma Quick Dry Short 11", 100% Merino yarn provides the full power of Merino with unparalleled moisture management, insulation, thermoregulation and odor control, Engineered construction uses knit structures to enhance performance with a sophisticated finish, Insulating terry loops are seamlessly paired with mesh ventilation in gender-specific zones designed to balance warmth and breathability, 3D mapping results in near custom fit and freedom of movement while ribbed elbows provide added durability, Knit-in reflective elements enhance visibility in low light conditions.
W. Baldpate summit after a single digit climb that benefited from several layers of Smartwool. That zip reached past the end of my sternum, exposing even more area for venting. Note the ice on my face as evidence that I was pumping out some moisture heh. Despite that additional material there was noticeable airflow while active. It didn't get in the way of action and never created any sense of friction or abrasion. And with perfectly articulated flex zones, this Smartwool base layer will help you move as gracefully as ever while you're skiing, hiking, or running through the season. I appreciated what I was able to do with this shirt. IntraKnit Merino 250 Thermal 1/4-Zip Top - Men's. In the modern era, wool is prized for outdoor activities because it naturally has qualities that make it useful on trails, mountains, boats and pretty much anywhere. Easy to reach expert advice. Even if you work it hard enough to make it stinky, which isn't easy, it recovers with some time to air out. With some light shining through it you can see an example of three different weaves from the shoulder yoke area. The 250 Intraknit Thermal line is among Smartwool's warmest base layer options, but cold weather comfort is all about layering. Pure wool can't be beat for taking sweaty abuse and staying functional.
Everything you buy at SCHEELS, on sale or otherwise, is guaranteed satisfactory or your money back. Not really needing the XL sizing for the rest of my body left me with a looser fit.
View our Privacy Policy to learn more. If you take your baselayer game seriously (and you should), the Smartwool Intraknit Merino 250 Thermal 1/4 Zip Baselayer Top is the holographic legendary version. We rely on the IntraKnit Merino 250 Thermal -Zip Top for keeping us warm while chasing powder on the coldest days in the mountains. With seamlessly integrated insulation and ventilation, perfectly articulated flex zones, and Merino comfort, it'll be the first thing you grab when you need a warmer layer for your high-intensity, cold-weather adventures. Smartwool takes a technical leap forward with their newly designed Intraknit Merino 250Thermal 1/4 Zip and I've had the pleasure of extensively testing it over the last four months. The Smartwool Merino 250Thermal did its job and remained relatively dry the whole way up. I think folks who hike colder would really appreciate how it works with other layers.
Hunting Sale EventUp to 50% Off Whitetail & Waterfowl, | My cold weather testing has pretty much wrapped up, though I see it snowing out the window as I write this heh. The merino wool construction traps your body heat on windy lift rides, yet wicks moisture when you're bootpacking or ski-touring to the secret powder stash.
Please note that measurements may vary by size. As a steam engine it is always a challenge to manage heat and moisture in cold weather. I also did several multi-night Winter season backpacking trips in the Mahoosuc and White mountains. Functionally it worked for me on trail.
For me at least it seemed to accommodate my arms natural position when using poles in the snow. If you want to dig into the details further Smartwool has a brief, but more detailed version of the basic facts on their web site: What is Merino Wool? Let's take a really close up look. The flatlock seam used throughout is very low profile keeping abrasion from being an issue. Sign up to be the first to know about promotions, special offers and product releases. or review a different product, LoneStranger
On trail that long tail would be tucked in and preventing any snow from sneaking past causing me shriek which is an avalanche danger heh. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. The 250 IntraknitThermal 1/4 Zip, like other wool shirts I've owned, is a bit contradictory in the way it balances warmth with breathability. Looking closely at the chest panels you can see some pilling and wear. A great base layer for cold weather, this bulk-free, 3D-knit, 100% Merino wool thermal layer brings a new dimension to active winter wear with its seamlessly integrated insulation and ventilation. Smartwool Intraknit Merino 250 Thermal 1/4 Zip, We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. Before we dig into the review I thought it might be useful to go over a few basics about wool. The sleeves did not have a thumb hole or loop, but I didn't have any issues with them climbing up my arms. On his own, John likes to push himself to always think a little bigger, higher, or farther and has hopes to do some longer distance trails. Expert staff, service, events, galleries, demos & more! While a 1/4 zip is the standard for base layers, I just knew a few more inches would have made it even better. There was no sense of friction or binding.
I've used it alone, with layers below, above and both. Worn alone in a 50-60 environment while sitting still it was not enough to be comfortably warm.
If I wanted to be a little unfair I'd gripe about wanting a half zip instead, but this shirt really worked for me.
Opening the 1/4 zip and pushing up the sleeves to keep cool hauling heavy pack up Bond. This product is available for purchase in select store locations or by phone. Using 3D body mapping they cover specific areas with a variety of material. Add a little activity to generate some heat and it was enough for me well below freezing. On occasions when I paired this shirt with a lighter wool base layer I really noticed how it pulled moisture from the inner shirt and passed it into the air without ever feeling damp. Have you used this? Smartwool describes the cut of the Intraknit Merino 250Thermal 1/4 Zip as a Slim Fit. I could go on at length, but all I'd be doing is repeating myself saying that this shirt was a joy to wear alone or with other layers.
I tested the Smartwool Intraknit Merino 250Thermal 1/4 Zip from late November through April in weather that ranged from mid 50F to about -10F. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select.
With heavy activity, but no wind, it was enough to hike for hours at temps around 20F. A sweaty speed climb of Puzzle Mtn was a perfect test of venting and breathing. A light shell over the top to block heavier winds completed a pretty versatile layering system.
You don't take chances at SCHEELS ever. Taking a close look at the elbow you can see how Smartwool used their new Intraknit process to both shape and reinforce the elbow. The merino wool construction traps your body heat on windy lift rides, yet wicks moisture when you're bootpacking or ski-touring to the secret powder stash. As a snow season backpacker it is vital to staying out in the cold for days at a time. One thing I really liked about this shirt was how it worked well with other layers, above, below or both.
The 1/4 Zip did not disappoint in the least I have to say if I'm being fair.
Along with their Intraknit Merino 250Thermal Bottom, I've pretty much lived in this shirt over the Winter.
Folks who love to wear wool likely rank its ability to breath and wick moisture high on their reasons why.
I'll be talking about weave in the review as well as we dig into Smartwool's new Intraknit fabric. Need to return an item? Most folks will find this shirt works best with other light layers or a jacket in cool or cold temperatures.
I've long been a fan of using wool layers in all four seasons to help me deal with that challenge.
Layering wasn't just functional, but also very comfortable. While the 250 weight wool retains more warmth compared to lighter, 150 weight shirts, it was still capable of venting through the weave. In camp and especially as sleepwear will be the focus on the update I'll be adding to this review later along with another look at wear. With seamlessly integrated insulation and ventilation, perfectly articulated flex zones, and Merino comfort, itll be the first thing you grab when you need a warmer layer for your high-intensity, cold-weather adventures. When worn as an outer layer, either alone or with a lighter wool layer underneath, both aspects were apparent. I say comfortable twice because I'm wearing the shirt at the moment and it really is. I'm not writing the history of wool here or anything, so don't worry, I'll try to be brief heh.
average rating One other thing to consider when looking at wool garments is the type of wool used and whether it is blended with other natural or synthetic textiles.
He and his family help maintain a section of the Cohos Trail in northern New Hampshire and are seasoned veterans of Maine's Baxter State Park. The picture above was taken from video I shot while making a fast and sweaty push up a 2800' climb. Trailspace's community of gear reviewers has field-tested and rated the top base layer tops. This stitch is very tight, yet lets the material flex freely and as you can see, leaves a low profile that doesn't abrade skin, wet or dry. Whether layered or alone, I found great joy in being able to quickly dump excess heat if a steep pitch got me all fired up. Just click here to chat with the next available agent. That area rides down the spine with the mesh increasing air flow through the fabric there. I will be continuing my testing of the Smartwool Intraknit Merino 250Thermal over the next few months to see how I like it in warmer weather. Find the best base layer for your next outdoor adventure using our independent reviews and ratings. So now that we've talked a bit about wool in general and this new Intraknit thing in specific, I think we're ready to take a look at this shirt. Nike & Under Armour Sale -Up to 50% Off.
Definitely enough testing to give you a comprehensive look at this versatile cold weather shirt along with my thoughts on the subject too. If you meet him on a remote summit you'll recognize him by the Trailspace hat on his head and the cheese and sausage he's stuffing into his smiling face.
It really looks much as it did when it came out of the box other than the chest area and the one arm. I will start out by praising the 8" quarter zip that Smartwool chose to use on this shirt. Screen reader users: the following list provides a visual scale to illustrate the product fit. The Smartwool Intraknit Merino 250 Thermal Quarter Zip brings 100% Merino wool in a comfortable and warm weave.
Again, wearing a base layer as outerwear exposes it to much more damage than when worn under another layer as intended. Smartwool used 100% Merino wool in a 250 weight weave to great effect in this shirt. That generally implies close fitting with the material following the body line. As I mentioned at the start of this review, I have virtually lived in this shirt for the last four months. May 5, 2020 I measure the sleeve seam as roughly 23" from pit to cuff and the torso seam as roughly 21" from pit to the hem at the waist. This bulk-free, 100% Merino wool thermal layer brings a new dimension to active winter wear. | updated May 29, 2020. We can look into this for you! Not everyone has discovered the joy wool brings on trail yet, so it seems fair to bring them up to speed.
Relative is the key here, as numbers can be used as a rough guide when comparing fabrics. Meet the Men's Intraknit Merino 250 Thermal 1/4 Zip. My only complaint is that I would have preferred them to extend the zipper even further like the Mountain Equipment Eclipse Hooded Zip-T which I reviewed a few years back. When I first put this shirt on I felt both features almost simultaneously. TOP10REVIEWER
Prepare to perform at a high level in our Men's Intraknit Merino 250 Thermal Colorblock 1/4 Zip. I could feel the slight clamminess inside that told me I was sweating, but the base layer never felt truly damp and the Smartwool shirt had no feeling of being moist to the touch. Different methods of putting fabric together result in a variety of qualities which impact how a garment breathes, wicks and ventilates as well as how it retains heat. Product measurements were taken using size MD. So if you've ever wondered why, despite the lower prices many synthetic garments offer, some folks insist on investing in wool, you now understand a few of the reasons. With Smartwool's flatlock seam construction and tailoring with an eye for activity including well shaped shoulder yoke and lightly articulated elbows the Intraknit Merino 250Thermal 1/4 Zip was made to be worn. Take up to a full year! Weekly reviews, exclusive deals, giveaways, and more: 2001-2022 Trailspace. I wore this shirt without other layers a lot on trail and I'm guessing I snagged a tree at some point.
I've been a big fan of wool layers for many years now. Source: received for testing via the Trailspace Review Corps Meet the Men's Intraknit Merino 250 Thermal 1/4 Zip.
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That pairing also worked really well at managing sweat in colder temps. This easy pulling nylon zipper opened up a nice venting window when things got steamy on trail. Your browser's Javascript functionality is turned off. There was an immediate sense of warming, but also a feeling as though the shirt was exhaling heat through its weave. Sign in to see your cart. Please share your experience. When it comes to outdoor gear, gram weight is a common measure of fabrics used in clothing and shelters to give folks a relative idea of the material being talked about. Here in this demonstration pose you can see that even with arm extended over head there is a long tail hanging down.
Other than that there are few signs of wear on this shirt with the exception of these two little holes in one arm. I've mentioned weight and weave already and will be talking about weight in the course of the review, so it might be helpful to talk about what those terms mean. Engineered Construction Uses Knit Structures to Enhance Performance with a Sophisticated Finish, Insulating Terry Loops Are Seamlessly Paired with Mesh Ventilation In Gender-Specific Zones Designed to Balance Warmth and Breathability, 3D Mapping Results In Near Custom Fit and Freedom of Movement. Most often abbreviated with a simple "g", gram weight is generally assumed to be a grams per meter linear measurement when talking about yarn or line and a grams per square meter when talking about fabric.
I would say the sizing is accurate or slightly looser than expected, so those like me may not need to size up to fit an odd dimension. Actually I'm sort of surprised that it has held up this well given the heavy use. Definitely a good day for layering! Have an account? Depending on weight and weave it can keep you warm when wet, it dries rapidly when given a chance, wicks moisture from the skin, breathes well to ventilate when active and best of all, it resists odors and even if it becomes smelly will recover when given a chance. This is the interior of the shoulder yoke area after months of use and despite the zones of varying materials it remains intact with no signs of separation or stretching.
I frequently paired it with a lighter weight wool shirt underneath which I found added a bit more wind resistance.
Please contact, Smartwool products can only be shipped within the United States, 2001-2022 evo - All rights reserved, all wrongs reversed |, Men's Smartwool Backcountry Outerwear & Layers. Please turn it on so that you can experience the full capabilities of this site.
Sorry, we dont currently have any of those types of reviews for this product. Be the first to know about promotions, special offers and product releases.
We rely on the IntraKnit Merino 250 Thermal -Zip Top for keeping us warm while chasing powder on the coldest days in the mountains. Browse Smartwool's top-rated base layers and underwear and more.
This area takes a lot of abuse from pack straps, jacket zippers and hands.
Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures. The only area I really noticed the extra material was the hem falling well below my waist. Sweaty folks like me will appreciate that it is warm enough to wear alone in the cold when active and great wicking ability.
For luxury and designer styles, visit Style Room. The wool pulled the moisture as intended creating a much more comfortable environment than I expect when climbing mountains. Alone or with his wife and daughter the preference is always for places without people where you can hear the breeze or watch a patch of sun slide through camp. Please refer to the heading above for the fit type in text.
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