The SmartWool TML Mid Half Zip
Could the traditional fleece, long the staple gear choice of hillwalkers and outdoor enthusiasts, be on its way out?
It’s a question posed by the upcoming launch of a range of clothing by SmartWool, which combines a nylon outer with a merino wool lining which, the company says, offers a less bulky alternative to fleece.
The firm is best known for its socks, with merino wool offering better odour control than many synthetic fabrics. Its SmartWool HyFi will appear in a range of clothing hitting the shops in autumn and offers the same benefits, while the outer fabric gives better abrasion resistance.
“SmartWool HyFi [is] a bi-component fabric that puts the extraordinary comfort of merino wool next to the skin and a smart nylon facing next to rocks, trees and bushes,” the blurb says. “Inside it works naturally with the body managing moisture, fighting odours, and aiding breathability. Outside it’s more durable and ready to perform.”
SmartWool HyFi contains a combination of 64 per cent merino wool and 36 per cent nylon.
The TML Full Zip Hoody
It will appear in the men’s and women’s TML Full Zip Hoody which provides maximum warmth with minimum bulk.
“This articulated, simple hoody design features all the outstanding benefits of SmartWool HyFi,” according to the Colorado-based firm, which is part of the Timberland company.
The tops will have secure zip chest pockets with Durawelt finishes, articulated elbows, engineered thumbholes surrounded by NTS Lightweight material for comfort and clean finish binding at sleeve opening.
Other designs which feature the new fabric include the men’s and women’s TML Mid Vest and the TML Mid Half Zip.
The products are due in the shops in early autumn.
Blake Nielsen
22 July 2011Can't wait to see this line hit the stores. Hopefully marino wool will be less pilly and less of a dust attractor than fleece.
David Cartwright
23 July 2011There is no indication of the weight for a similar pair of products. For those of us that might be temped to change products this will be an impotant metric. Please give this in the data in future to help us make a rational choice.
David Cartwright
Windermere Cumbria
Bryan
23 July 2011Last season I picked up an Icebreaker Realfleece made of NZ merino and loved it, much better than petro fleece.
Paul Hesp
26 July 2011Helly Hansen has similar stuff (merino + man-made fibre). For the bulk of a heavy T-shirt you get the insulation of a light-medium woollen sweater. Durable too: my first lasted 16 years.
Bob
27 July 2011David, Smartwool has supplied the following information about weights of the garments:
Men's TML Mid Full-Zip Hoody
garment Weight - 620g / 21.87oz
Men's TML Mid Vest
Garment weight - 380g /13.40oz
Men's TML Half Zip
Garment Weight - 510g / 17.98oz
Bob Smith
Editorial Director
susan Irvine
30 August 2011Icebreaker base layers are great and groundeffectz in nz also do a lot of merino wool cycling jerseys /sweaters that you can wear for walking, lovely and light and toasty!