Ultimate Comfort and Warmth with Smartwool Intraknit Merino Fleece Crew

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Smartwool Performance Apparel

After over a decade, we’re back with Smartwool’s latest offerings. Previous WTGR reviews:

go far. feel good.

For this review, we wear tested the Intraknit Merino Fleece Crew. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts, the Smartwool Intraknit Merino Fleece Crew provides warmth, comfort, and flexibility, all in one.

Material & Feel

  • Made mostly of merino wool, with a blend of synthetic materials for durability. Merino wool is known for being soft and not itchy, which many people love compared to regular wool – 59% Merino Wool, 27% Polyester, 13% Nylon, 1% Elastane.
  • Intraknit technology weaves different thicknesses into the fabric to add warmth where you need it and allow ventilation where you don’t, giving a mix of warmth and breathability. It’s like having a light, warm blanket that doesn’t feel bulky.

Fit & Comfort

  • The fit is athletic but not tight, allowing enough room for easy movement without looking oversized. The crew neck design and slight stretch in the fabric make it easy to wear over other clothes.
  • The underarm and elbow areas have thinner fabric panels, which helps prevent overheating and gives better range of motion—ideal for hiking, skiing, or even just running errands on chilly days.

Warmth & Performance

  • This fleece is quite warm without being overly thick. It keeps you comfortable in cold weather and doesn’t weigh you down.
  • Moisture-wicking properties help keep sweat off your skin, which is a big plus for active outdoor use. The wool is naturally odor-resistant, so it doesn’t develop that post-workout smell.

Design & Style

  • The crew has a sleek, minimal look that pairs well with outdoor or casual wear. Its colors are usually neutral or earthy, so it blends well with other pieces and works for various settings, from a day on the trails to a casual lunch out.
  • Some styles may include reflective details, adding a bit of safety for early morning or evening activities.

Durability

  • While it’s not as tough as some synthetic-heavy outdoor gear, merino wool is resilient. However, this is more for moderate outdoor activities than extreme rough-and-tumble use.
  • With proper care, it lasts long, but you must follow their washing instructions as Merino wool tends to shrink if not washed correctly.

Price

  • It’s on the premium side at $220. Smartwool products tend to be pricey because of the quality materials and thoughtful design. For someone who spends a lot of time outdoors or wants a reliable, multi-use piece for cold weather, it’s often worth it. See our post on high performance apparel pricing.

Recommendations

The Smartwool Intraknit Merino Fleece Crew is an investment in warmth, comfort, and style for cool-weather activities, especially if you value quality and don’t mind a higher price. It’s great for layering, excellent at regulating body temperature, and can manage a variety of activities, from light hikes to casual days out.

Available in two colorways: Fern Green, Black.

Shop Smartwool Intraknit Merino Fleece Crew

What Is Smartwool Intraknit™ Technology?

Smartwool’s Intraknit™ technology is a proprietary knitting method designed to enhance the performance of their apparel, particularly for outdoor activities. This technology integrates several key features into the design of the garments:

  1. Seamless Construction: Intraknit uses 3D knitting to reduce seams, which not only improves comfort by reducing friction points but also enhances the fit by contouring to the body more naturally.
  2. Targeted Breathability: It strategically places different knit structures in key areas, such as ventilation zones in areas where you tend to sweat more, like underarms or the back, allowing for optimal breathability and temperature regulation.
  3. Improved Stretch and Mobility: The design allows for better stretching and flexibility, meaning the garments move with you, making them ideal for high-movement activities like running, skiing, or hiking.
  4. Body Mapping: By using body-mapping technology, the garment offers targeted insulation and breathability, optimizing warmth where it’s needed and allowing heat to escape from areas that tend to overheat.

Overall, Intraknit™ technology aims to provide more dynamic, comfortable, and high-performance clothing for outdoor adventurers and athletes. It’s commonly used in Smartwool’s base layers and mid-layers, ensuring a balance of warmth, breathability, and comfort.

Caring for Your Smartwool Apparel

Some tips on how to wash Merino wool from Smartwool.

  1. Turn your socks and clothing inside out.
  2. Machine wash on gentle cycle in warm or cool water.
  3. Use mild soap. Never wash with bleach or fabric softener.
  4. Lay your wool clothes flat to dry and retain its shape. If you prefer the dryer, tumble dry on low.

Specifically, for the Intraknit Merino Fleece Crew, follow their instructions:

  • Machine Wash Cold Gentle Cycle
  • Wash With Like Colors
  • Do Not Bleach
  • Dry Flat
  • Cool Iron As Needed
  • Do Not Iron Decoration
  • Do Not Dry Clean

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