Merino Wool — Breathable. Lightweight. Warm
Wool has been part of the adventurer’s layering kit for a very long time. So long, in fact, it’s sometimes associated with an old-school vibe. It turns out that wool’s natural temperature-regulating, sweat-wicking, and odor-fighting qualities are difficult to match by modern synthetics. Add the naturally soft and resilient nature of merino, and you’ve got the makings for an excellent adventure layer.
Over many years of mountain adventures, I’ve come to appreciate merino wool most for biking. Its combination of breathability, warmth and sweat-wicking just suits cycling really well. And the Showers Pass Basecamp Merino Wool Hoodie is a great example.
Layer up
While the Basecamp Merino Wool Hoodie is not a snug-fitting tailored-for-cycling jersey, it’s a great layering piece for casual rides and mountain biking. The merino wool blend is incredibly soft. It’s also proving to be super durable and washable, with no notable shrinkage or shape loss over the couple of months it’s been in use. It’s been through numerous wash cycles and tossed in the dryer. I can report the 95% wool and 5% polyamide blend washes easily and maintains its form.
If anything, it’s a little too nice for most of my spring bike adventures. It’s been a wet, muddy spring here in the PNW, and it just seems a shame to get such a nice hoodie all dirty!
Daily Commute. Coffee Runs. Mountain Biking
Number one, the Basecamp Merino Wool Hoodie is a super comfy top. Merino is generally soft, and the blend Showers Pass uses is ultra-soft. You can wear this hoodie almost anywhere. But don’t let its soft touch fool ya. It’s totally capable as a riding layer. It wicks sweat, lets your body breathe and naturally beats the stink that grows in almost every synthetic layer I’ve ever pushed into regular cycling duty. The Showers Pass Basecamp Hoodie walks the line between bike commuting layer and casual office wear like a total pro.
You can walk into a meeting without looking like you just stepped off your bike. And you can hop on your bike without looking like you just spent the day at the office. Conveniently, you can roll straight to the pub after a post-work hot lap without changing. The merino elevates its wearability off the bike while also making it great for riding.
The overall design is clean and practical. It’s cut a little long for bike coverage, and it has a traditional kangaroo pocket across the front (with a zip closure). There are no back pockets like on a proper bike jersey, which makes it more versatile and less bike-jersey-like. Thumbloop cuffs would be a nice addition to this otherwise super functional and versatile layer.
Merino rules. It’s the original, all-natural, sustainable and long-wearing fiber. Do yourself a favor and wear more merino. I recommend starting with the Showers Pass Basecamp hoodie.
Showers Pass Basecamp Merino Wool Hoodie $135
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