Wilderness Wear Men’s Cool Merino 155 Long Sleeve Zip Neck Top
Men's clothing
Rating
| Rating: | 9.2 / 10 |
| Value for Money | 1.9 / 2 |
| Comfort | 1.9 / 2 |
| Weight | 1.8 / 2 |
| Durability | 1.8 / 2 |
| Versatility | 1.8 / 2 |
Men's Cool Merino 155 Long Sleeve Zip Neck Top Review
I’ve been a big fan of Wilderness Wear garments for over four years now and over this period have seen the evolutionary steps they’ve taken in style, colouring and quality. For me one of their newest tops, the Men’s Cool Merino 155 Long Sleeve Zip Neck Top, is the pinnacle of the range .displacing my favoured Wilderness Wear Men’s Cumulo 150 Long Sleeve Tee Top that I’ve been wearing for the past 3.5 years. Now I know this is a big claim and I also know this top isn’t going to be for everyone for a number of reasons but here’s why I like it.
First up the most obvious thing about this top is the colouring (currently only one) which Wilderness Wear calls ‘Red Maple’ which is a fancy name for very bright reddish orange. I have always been a fan of bright vibrant colours and I love this one. Having said that many people won’t like this top purely due to the colour but if you do like the colour or don’t care, then this top has so much to offer. Neon and black versions are also listed on the website so keep an eye out for availability and if you have more conservative tastes go the black colour.
This top is long sleeved which I appreciate and with rare exceptions, I will always wear a long sleeve top mainly due to sun protection. This top has a collared neck with a zip which provides protection to an area I have problems protecting when hiking in open areas.
The material is a merino based hybrid consisting of 70% superfine Australian merino and 30% tencel 17.5 micron. The sleeve and body length is good and as someone who lifts weights, the neck is generous without being loose. The flat lock stitching, at least on the Red Maple version is very dark grey and adds to the comfort making for a very comfortable material to wear. The blend of this material is also great at minimising odour, at least for the first few days of a bigger hike. Size wise this top is available for a men’s S to 2XL which will fit just about all males. The XL size fits me very well and at the time of test, I weighed in at around 106 kg and size 112 cm chest.
Wilderness Wear is an Aussie company that makes all its gear in Australia from Australian merino wool. We love merino clothing for outdoor activities especially hiking because they are hard wearing, soft to the touch, wick moisture away and are odour resistant.
If you’ve read any of my previous clothing reviews, you’ll know I tend to ignore some garment care instructions when washing. If it doesn’t survive the dryer, it won’t survive in my house. I put this top through the dryer and it survived the experience!
At AUD $20 RRP this top isn’t cheap but represents value for money for what it offers and it will last you well. As mentioned this top will become my go-to top for all but the hottest temperatures in mid summer; I just loved wearing it!
Mens Cool Merino 155 Long Sleeve Zip Neck Top Neon colour
Wilderness Wear Men’s Cool Merino 155 Long Sleeve Zip Neck Top
Wilderness Wear Men’s Cool Merino 155 Long Sleeve Zip Neck Top – Red Amber colour front view
Wilderness Wear Men’s Cool Merino 155 Long Sleeve Zip Neck Top – rear view
Men’s Cool Merino 155 Long Sleeve Zip Neck Top – side view
Wilderness Wear Men’s Cool Merino 155 Long Sleeve Zip Neck Top – side view showing paneling construction and the sleeve length when reaching
Men’s Cool Merino 155 Long Sleeve Zip Neck Top Neck – zipped up
Men’s Cool Merino 155 Long Sleeve Zip Neck Top – zip open
Wilderness Wear Men’s Cool Merino 155 Long Sleeve Zip Neck Top – close up of stitching
We Like
- High quality merino hybrid fabric that is soft and comfortable to wear
- Good garment weight that will suit all but the hottest of temperatures (155 gsm Single jersey)
- Double sewn flat seams prevents chaffing and keeps this garment comfortable no matter how heavy the pack or how many layers you wear
- Good length in both the body of the garment which is great for those of average height
- Firm fit without being tight. The XL size suited me well
- Good garment and sleeve length for taller hikers
- Australian owned, Australian made, Australian wool
- Love, love, love the bright reddish orange colour
We Don't Like
- Bright colours won’t be to everyone’s taste but you can get black
Best Uses
As an under layer in your layering system or as a great standalone top for all but the hottest temperatures
Buy One
You can purchase the Wilderness Wear Men’s Cool Merino 155 Long Sleeve Zip Neck Top 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!
Investment
AUD $120.00 RRP
Other Versions
Wilderness Wear produces a large range of tops 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
Disclaimer
This review was done with product purchased by Australian Hiker
Last updated
25/11/2023