Rating: | 8.8 / 10 |
Durability | 1.8 / 2 |
Versatility | 1.7 / 2 |
Weight | 1.7 / 2 |
Comfort | 1.8 / 2 |
Value for Money | 1.8 / 2 |
I hadn’t really thought about this until I started to write this review but I wear singlets – a lot! Not just when I’m hiking but pretty any occasion when it’s warranted. So my bizarre claim to fame is that I am a self taught expert on singlets! I have an impressive pile in my drawer ranging from super fine and silky ones for under office clothes through to active wear and then of course super fine wool ones for hiking. I even have a Bonds Bluey – don’t ask!
So why do I wear them? For modesty with day wear – seriously no one needs to see anyone’s bra. An extra layer of warmth particular for outdoor activities. A minimalist layer to which you can strip down when its really hot. When worn under any clothes they protect the next layer from getting too sweaty. We tend not to worry about how sweaty our hiking gear gets but on a week long hike, the difference a singlet makes to the next layer is amazing. Think of a singlet as the clothing version of the silk sleeping bag liner!
The Wilderness Wear COOL MERINO Tencel 155 Women’s Singlet combines 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 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 neutralising, and temperature and moisture regulating. I wore this singlet every night for full 14 days on the Hume and Hovell Track as well as during most days and I wasn’t disappointed.
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 merino hiking singlets. 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. This singlet is so light (only 91 grams) it is suitable as a standalone for the hottest days.
The fit is ‘slim’ which is also enhanced by the double sewn flat seams. This singlet feels great against your skin. And despite sweating heavily as I climb steep hills and mountains, it doesn’t get smelly – a great bonus also for your fellow hikers.
The COOL MERINO Tencel 155 Singlet comes in two colours – Black and Blue. I’m not usually a blue fan (you would struggle to find any blue garments in my wardrobe) but this blue has quite a pretty hue. The singlet 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 singlet 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 singlet 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 singlet is priced at AUD $100.00 RRP which sounds pricey but is comparable to merino hiking singlets.
It will need to be really hot for you to see a photo of me wearing the Wilderness Wear COOL MERINO Tencel 155 Singlet as a standalone but trust me it will be there in my kit and always keeping my comfy while I’m sleeping.
Wilderness Wear COOL MERINO Tencel 155 Singlet front view
Wilderness Wear COOL MERINO Tencel 155 Singlet – side view
Wilderness Wear COOL MERINO Tencel 155 Singlet – close up of body panels
Wilderness Wear COOL MERINO Tencel 155 Singlet – rear view
Close up of flat lock stitch seam
Women’s Cool Merino 155 Singlet Top Red Maple Colour
As a standalone layer in hot weather or as a base layer in your layering system
You can purchase the Wilderness Wear COOL MERINO Tencel 155 Singlet from Wilderness Wear
Disclosure: We may earn a small commission, at no additional expense to you, if you click through and make a purchase. Please note that our affiliations do not influence, in any way, the independence of our reviews. If we don’t like a product, you’ll hear about it from us!
AUD $100.00 RRP
If you’re looking for a top for hot weather, try the Wilderness Wear COOL MERINO Tencel 155 Short Sleeve Scoop Tee in Black or Blue.
Wilderness Wear also produces a large range of tops for women and men in both short and long sleeves, as well as thin to thick materials. Depending on your tolerance for cold and your layering system there is a garment to suit your needs
This review was done with product provided by Wilderness Wear
23/12/2023