As a long-time follower of travel forums and blogs, I’ve learned so much about packing and travel gear. Inspired by countless tips, I decided to test out merino wool t-shirts for both everyday wear in Colorado and for a trip to Portugal. Unexpectedly, Portugal turned out to be much hotter than anticipated, providing an excellent testing ground for these shirts in warm weather. Here’s my experience with a few different merino wool tee options.
Merino.tech: Lightweight and Midweight Merino Tees
From Merino.tech, I purchased both lightweight (165gsm) and midweight (250gsm) merino wool t-shirts in various sleeve lengths. Both are advertised as 100% merino wool, and they certainly feel like it.
165gsm Lightweight Merino
This lightweight merino fabric is incredibly soft and comfortable against the skin, with absolutely no itch. I’ve been wearing the long-sleeve versions constantly during the colder months in Colorado. The fit is slim but not restrictive, and true to size. For home laundering, I use a delicate bag or wash them inside out in cold water and hang them to dry. So far, I haven’t experienced any pilling or shrinkage.
During my Portugal trip, this tee was perfect for cooler evenings or early mornings. However, it proved to be too warm for wear during the hotter parts of the day. I didn’t have a chance to sink-wash this particular shirt while traveling, so I can’t comment on its washability and drying time in a travel setting yet.
250gsm Midweight Merino
The 250gsm midweight merino has a noticeably heavier feel, more like a light sweater than a t-shirt. The fabric maintains that wonderful softness and buttery texture, also without any itch. However, I’ve noticed some minor pilling with this weight, and it does shrink slightly after washing. I’ve been able to stretch and reshape it while it’s damp after washing, which helps, but it doesn’t seem quite as resilient as the 165gsm version. Despite this, the 250gsm tee is incredibly cozy and warm – perfect for cold days.
One thing to note about Merino.tech is to examine their color options closely online. Most colors are great, but one heathered color I ordered had an odd mix of threads that didn’t blend well together, so I returned it. It’s worth zooming in on their product photos to get a true sense of the fabric’s appearance.
Smartwool Active Ultralight Tee: Merino Blend for Hot Weather
The Smartwool Active Ultralight tee is a merino and Tencel blend. The material is soft and comfortable, and importantly, not itchy. It’s very lightweight, almost to the point of being slightly see-through, so consider your undergarments accordingly! This tee is excellent for hot weather travel due to its breathability and light feel. It washes beautifully in a sink and dries quickly. I haven’t observed any shrinkage or pilling with this Smartwool tee.
Icebreaker Tech Lite II Tee: Durable Merino for Travel
The Icebreaker Tech Lite II tee is advertised as 100% merino wool, but in comparison to the other merino tees, it feels less soft and slightly itchier. The fabric also feels a bit heavier, making it less ideal for very warm weather. I find the weight and slight itchiness to be noticeable, not severely uncomfortable, but it’s never my first choice when other options are available. Unfortunately, this tee also experienced some shrinkage around the neck and armpits after washing, affecting the overall fit.
I recently noticed that Icebreaker is having a sale on past season tees, which might be worth checking out if you are interested in trying their clothing. I even ordered a Sphere tee myself, hoping it will be an improvement over the Tech Lite II in terms of softness and warm-weather comfort.
Choosing the right Merino Wool Travel Clothing can significantly enhance your travel experience. Hopefully, these reviews help you make an informed decision for your next adventure. Let me know in the comments what merino wool travel clothing you prefer!
