Kuiu Merino Wool 185 zip-t Baselayer shirt review "Editors Choice"

KUIU Merino Wool 185 zip-t Base layer shirt review

Editor: John

Basic Description of item:

Merino Wool, zip front pull over shirt, base layer

Just the Facts:

• 9.6 ounces
• 185 gram, 17.5 Micron, Interlock 100% Merino Wool from The Merino Company
• Zero Itch
• Moisture-wicking
• Flatlock stitching
• Breathable
• Quick-drying

Story:

Merino is excellent at regulating body temperature, especially when worn against the skin. The wool provides some warmth, without overheating the wearer. It draws moisture (sweat) away from the skin, a phenomenon known as wicking. The fabric is slightly moisture repellent (keratin fibers are hydrophobic at one end and hydropholic at the other), allowing the user to avoid the feeling of wetness.Like cotton, wool absorbs water (up to 1/3 its weight), but, unlike cotton, wool retains warmth when wet helping wearers avoid hypothermia after strenuous workouts (climbs) or weather events. Like most wools, merino contains lanolin which has antibacterial properties. (this reduces odor) Merino is one of the softest types of wool available, due to finer fibers and smaller scales. (no itching)

Merino has an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio compared to other wools, in part because the smaller fibers have microscopic cortices of dead air, trapping body heat similar to the way a sleeping bag warms its occupant.

Ok, enough about Merino Wool, how is the KUIU Merino Wool base layer shirt?

In short OUTSTANDING!

I have been wearing the lighter version of their shirt, the 185 weight. I also own the heavier shirt, the 250 weight.

I have primarily been using it in classic early spring Utah weather, temperatures of around 30-50 degrees, and on STEEP hikes. I keep it as my base layer, and put a light jacket over it. When the sweat starts to come, I simply take off the jacket, and let that wool WICK.

The shirt performs just like all Merino Wool does, it kept me warm, it wicked, and it was very comfortable.

The KUIU brand separates itself from other manufacurers with their HIGH level of attention to detail. The stitching is perfect and strong and the zippers are outstanding.

Summary:

KUIU again knocks it out of the park with this shirt.

It is flawless in its seaming, and fit. The shirt is made of HIGH grade material, and should last a life time.

If you are going into the woods, whether in cold of winter, or the heat of summer, this shirt should be in your clothing arsanal.

Nothing else will perform like Merino wool, and nothing is as fine as KUIU.

What they could do better:

Eventually offer some more camo patterns