Weight: 142g (m), 106g (w)

Polartec Power Wool combines the softness of a super-fine 16.5µm merino interior with a fast-drying polyester exterior to bring the best of both worlds to this relaxed fit baselayer. 

I walked and slept in this tee for five days of off-track tramping in Fiordland and was impressed with it. In cool and damp autumn weather it maintained consistent comfort, felt cosier than a synthetic top, and the high ratio of polyester vastly improved wicking and drying time compared to 100 per cent merino. This reduced cooling during stops. Although it’s not quite as fast-drying as synthetic alone, the polyester provides more stretch, shape retention and durability than regular merino. The merino component meant that by the end of the trip the tee was still comfortable, without the clamminess and odour of a dirty synthetic baselayer.

Trail thoughts 

The comfort factor and durability of this blended baselayer make it a great choice for multi-day tramps, but it’s less well suited to high intensity or heat than faster drying, cooler synthetics. 

Overall Score: 80%