We wrote extensively about the benefits and advantages of Merino Wool earlier this year when we reviewed performance apparel products from Icebreaker and Smart Wool. This time around, we checked out both men’s and women’s running apparel from the FW ’12 Quest Collection: Men’s Quest Long Sleeve Half Zip and Women’s Quest Long Sleeve Crewe.
Quest Long Sleeve Crewe (W)
The Quest Crewe from the Icebreaker GT technical sports collection is made from lightweight and fast-drying GT200 fabric. Ideal for running, mountain biking, adventure racing and other aerobic sports, this long sleeve performance layer features eyelet panels for extra ventilation. A back stash pocket and media cord loophole lets you listen to your MP3 player while you work out.
Icebreaker GT is the technical performance range for running, mountain biking, fitness and other high intensity sports. Made with a little LYCRA for a perfect fit, these styles regulate temperature, breathe to prevent overheating, dry fast and resist odor. Fabric is 97% merino wool, 3% elastane.
MSRP $100.
Quest Long Sleeve Half Zip (M)
The Quest Half Zip from the Icebreaker GT technical sports range is made from stretchy GT200 fabric for running, the gym and other high aerobic activities. This zip-neck workout top has eyelet panels for extra ventilation and raglan sleeves for increased freedom of movement. The back pocket has storage for keys, gels and an MP3 player – there’s also a loophole for the headphones.
Icebreaker GT is the technical performance range for running, mountain biking, fitness and other high intensity sports. Made with a little LYCRA for a perfect fit, these styles regulate temperature, breathe to prevent overheating, dry fast and resist odor. Fabric is 97% merino wool, 3% elastane.
MSRP $120.
So did the Icebreaker running apparel perform?
Both apparel models are best suited for cold weather conditions and we’ve had the chance to test them in the unpredictable Northern California Fall weather where daily temperature swings of 20 degrees Fahrenheit is common.
I tend to hit the trails early in the morning and it is very cold and foggy until I finish – the hot sun comes out but it is open air with no coverings so you’re totally exposed to the rays. The Icebreaker Quest kept us warm and dry during our early run. After the sun came out, it got a little warm (70 degrees) even though breathable and we did not overheat, it is still a little too warm for me. But with the Long Sleeve Half Zip, I’m able to ventilate and cool down faster after unzipping.
While not running, I sometimes wear the Quest Zip T for cold evening walks with my dogs. It is super warm when paired with a Merino Wool base layer like the Everyday Short Sleeve Crewe – you won’t need an additional outer layer or jacket.
You don’t want to feel cold after sweating from running in the cold weather. The Icebreaker Quest collection certainly lived up to its reputation and kept us dry, cool, warm, and still smelling good!
The Quest Long Sleeve Half Zip for Men is available in 4 colorways:
The Quest Long Sleeve Crewe for Women is available in 4 colorways:
The Icebreaker Quest collection is available for purchase at: Icebreaker
*Product provided by Icebreaker. CMP.LY/1 Review
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