Australian Hiker

Rating

Wilderness Wear Merino Mid 195 Long Sleeved Crew Neck Top Review

I know that for many people who are in the older age bracket, merino wool has a stigma associated with an itchy scratchy, jumper that grandma knitted for you and you felt obligated to wear. For this reason alone I think many people shy away from choosing wool as a garment option. If this is you, you’re missing out.

The Wilderness Wear Merino Mid 195 Long Sleeved Crew Neck Top is made from 18.5 micron superfine Australian wool which provides one of the softest wearing tops I have worn. In no way is it itchy against the skin unlike the cheaper options you may find. In addition to this high grade material, Wilderness Wear use flat locked stitching to construct their garments and in this particular model, seperate underarm panels that contribute to the comfort of this garment. One of the features I love with all of the Wilderness Wear garments is the excellent sleeve and body length which if you are slightly on the taller side, you’ll greatly appreciate.

This top is designed to be a mid layer or in cooler weather as a standalone top. I found that in using this as a single layer at 0° Celcius I was initially cool but once I started walking it was very comfortable and worked well for me. However, be advised I have a high tolerance to cold. One of the main reasons I prefer merino wool tops is that even when they are sopping wet they still maintain a high degree of warmth. Not so much of an issue if you are only hiking in warm conditions but as someone who hikes year round including in sub zero temperatures, it’s the only way to go.

Wilderness Wear also promote the fact that they use Australian grown wool in their products, manufacture in Australia and are also Australian owned. The garment packaging plays on this by promoting ‘200% Australian Made-Owned’. I do try to support Australian companies where I can but only if they have good products with features I want. Wilderness Wear does this in spades with this top.

Now for the downsides. This top is only available in one colour, black which if you aren’t fashion conscious won’t be an issue but if you are then tough luck. The big negative for many people is going to be the price which comes in at AUD$140 RRP. While not cheap it does represent good value for money and will provide you with a long lasting durable garment. I’ve had mine for 3 years and it juts keeps on going. The reputation of merino being scratchy comes from companies that use cheap wool which reduces the price but also greatly reduces the comfort and creates that uncomfortable scratchy feel. In other words, you pay for what you get.

I use other Wilderness Wear garments as part of my layering system preferring to work with a combination of different weight garments. But I do love this top as a standalone item for when I walk in the cooler months of the year. Many people will appreciate the level of warmth that it provides.

Wilderness Wear Merino Mid 195 Long Sleeved Crew Neck Top

Wilderness Wear Merino Mid 195 Long Sleeved Crew Neck Top, side view. The length of the sleeves and the garment body are longer in the Wilderness Wear brand than in many others

Wilderness Wear Merino Mid 195 Long Sleeved Crew Neck Top, rear view. This top is very generous in the body length so it doesn’t come untucked which is great for those of us with a bit of extra height

Wilderness Wear Merino Mid 195 Long Sleeved Crew Neck Top. This image shows the underarm panel which is offset so ensure a comfortable fit under the arm

Close up of sticthing

We Like

• Australian wool, Australian owned, Australian Made
• Mid weight, high quality soft feel fabric which is great for use as a single layer in colder weather
• Double sewn flat seams prevents chaffing and keeps this garment comfortable no matter how heavy the pack or how many layers you wear
• Excellent length in both the body of the garment as well as the sleeves which is great for those of us with a bit of extra height
• Slim fit hugs the body without being tight

We Don't Like

• As with most high quality merino garments this top is not cheap.
• Limited colour range – black only

Best Uses

As a standalone layer in cool weather or as part of your layering system

Buy One

You can purchase the Wilderness Wear Merino Mid 195 Long Sleeved Crew Neck Top from Wilderness Wear or from Wild Earth

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 $140.00 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 provided by Wilderness Wear

Last updated

5/12/2023

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