Rating: | 9.2 / 10 |
Durability | 1.9 / 2 |
Versatility | 1.8 / 2 |
Weight | 1.8 / 2 |
Comfort | 1.9 / 2 |
Value for Money | 1.8 / 2 |
I had the opportunity to test out the Wilderness Wear COOL MERINO Tencel 155 Short Sleeve Scoop Women’s Tee for a full 14 days on the Hume and Hovell Track. And pretty much everywhere else since.
First, lets get the technical stuff out of the way. COOL MERINO Tencel 155 achieves the best fibre blend by combining two natural fibres; 70% Merino wool and 30% sustainable Tencel®. Tencel® is made from eucalyptus wood that has high basic fibre humidity, great evaporative coolness and a flat fibre surface. These features combine to create a fibre that is cool on its own – without the need for any additional chemicals. Tencel® products are also long-lasting. Now, using fine merino wool means this garment is also easy to care for, super soft on the skin, odour neutralizing, and temperature and moisture regulating.
The combo of merino and Tencel® is why Wilderness Wear says ‘100% nature equips you for your outdoor adventures’. Of course, I knew that!
Wilderness Wear is an Australian company that has been producing technical outdoor clothing since 1989 at its base in Preston, Victoria. The team prides itself in its ‘exceptional and dynamic range of clothing, conceptualised and brought to reality for its wearers to make the most of being in the big, wonderful and sometimes challenging outdoors’. The Wilderness Wear Q3 Lab focuses on materials, design and technology to produce the highest quality outdoor gear.
This is another great product from Wilderness Wear which has now replaced my other hiking Tee’s. It is very soft, fits really well and the tailoring is very flattering thanks to the body hugging panels. The COOL MERINO Tencel 155 is designed for all outdoor activity and given its super wicking properties, it will keep you cool without the ‘sweaty’ feel when you get hot and as a base layer in your layering system, it will also keep you warm when you need to ‘layer up’ as the temperatures drop. The Tee is so light (only 95 grams) I thought it would would only be suitable for the hottest days but it is suitable for a wide range of temperatures.
The fit is ‘slim’ which is also enhanced by the double sewn flat seams. This Tee feels great against your skin. And despite sweating heavily as I climb steep hills and mountains, this Tee doesn’t get smelly – a great bonus also for your fellow hikers.
The COOL MERINO Tencel 155 Tee comes in two colours – black and Creme de Menthe. Black is always safe and the colour alternatives vary from year to year. The top is available in women’s sizes 8 to 16. I am wearing a size 10 which gives me room to move without compromising the flattering fit. The length of the Tee is generous but not so long that you’re drowning in fabric.
The COOL MERINO Tencel 155 washes up very well. In my house garments need to survive the clothes drier and yes, I put this Tee in the drier (despite it being 70% wool and guidance that says don’t!) and it handled the experience very well! I probably won’t push my luck by repeating the ‘drier test’!
This top is priced at AUD $120.00 RRP which is comparable to merino hiking Tee’s of this quality and is worth every cent.
In the warmer days ahead you will see me wearing the Wilderness Wear COOL MERINO Tencel 155 Short Sleeve Scoop Women’s Tee …. often!
Wilderness Wear COOL MERINO Tencel 155 Short Sleeve Scoop Tee in black
Wilderness Wear COOL MERINO Tencel 155 Short Sleeve Scoop Tee – side view
Wilderness Wear COOL MERINO Tencel 155 Short Sleeve Scoop Tee – Close up of body panels
Wilderness Wear COOL MERINO Tencel 155 Short Sleeve Scoop Tee – Rear view
Wilderness Wear COOL MERINO Tencel 155 Short Sleeve Scoop Women’s Tee Black colour
Wilderness Wear COOL MERINO Tencel 155 Short Sleeve Scoop Women’s Tee Creme de Menthe colour
As a standalone layer in warm weather or as a base layer in your layering system
You can purchase the Wilderness Wear COOL MERINO Tencel 155 Short Sleeve Scoop Tee from Wilderness Wear
Please note that our affiliations do not influence, in any way, the independence of our gear reviews
AUD $120.00 RRP
This review was done with product provided by Wilderness Wear
2 June 2024