You can easily go from one season to the next and wear the same old baselayer.
Before you know it, 10 years has passed and you realise you’re well overdue a replacement. If this is you (because I know it’s me) then you might like to take a look at icebreaker’s latest offerings – the 15.5 and the Sonebula baselayers.
icebreaker 15.5 baselayer
First up, the 15.5 baselayer (top costs £170, leggings cost £150) gets its name from the 15.5 micron thickness of its merino wool fibres (note that icebreaker’s fibre thickness varies from this up to 24 micron). The result is a 300 heavyweight baselayer that will really keep you warm.
Mens 15.5 top and leggings
A further sign that this baselayer means business is the built in neck warmer/rolltop that you can unravel up over your neck and face, negating the need for a separate face-warmer or scarf. It’s certainly an interesting addition to the design of a baselayer. Purists might prefer to have a crew neck, but icebreaker has plenty of those designs to consider if the 15.5 doesn’t appeal to you.
The roll neck on the ‘15.5’
The sleeves extend over the wrist and there are thumb loops so they remain in place when you’re active. There’s a drop tail hem on the back to cover a bit more of your back and to stop that base layer riding up when you’re hiking or skiing. Furthermore there are flatlock seams to prevent friction. Customer reviews are already appearing on icebreaker’s website with an average of 4.6 out of 5 and one comment saying ‘The extra-ultrafine 15.5-micron merino fibres will redefine what you feel about wool. It is so smooth and comfortable’.
Womens 15.5 baselayers in black and espresso
Mens top available here, bottoms here, both in black or espresso colour. Womens top here and bottoms here.
icebreaker Sonebula baselayer
The second new base layer is the Sonebula which is a 200 lightweight designation. Again, made from 100% merino wool. It also has a slightly higher neckline than a crew necked top and the underarms are gusseted for extra movement. Icebreaker describes it as ‘not too heavy, not too light and a midweight base layer that provides ample warmth whatever the activity’. Both the mens and womens have the coloured stripe detail to make the design more interesting and identify it as an icebreaker products. Tops are £85 and leggings £85, making them great value for money considering the superb quality.
Mens Sonebula baselayer
Mens Sonebula baselayer
Womens Sonebula baselayer
Mens Sonebula top available here, bottoms here. Womens top here and bottoms here.
