PEARL iZUMi has teamed up with The Woolmark Company to create a line of cycling apparel and accessories featuring innovative Merino wool technology designed to keep riders comfortable in cold and wet conditions. Merino wool creates insulating micro pockets that provide thermal-regulation, helping maintain a comfortable micro-climate, even when wet.
PRO Merino Thermal Jersey
When it comes to riding in cold and damp conditions, it’s hard to beat the thermal regulation properties of natural Merino wool.
The jersey utilizes a 60/40 blend of responsibly sourced Merino wool and Nylon fabric. The wool offers comfort, odor control, and natural body-temperature management, while the nylon keeps it from getting stretched out of shape and provides durability. The main body is made from 57% merino wool and 43% nylon, while the pockets are 100% polyester, and other sections are 46% nylon, 38% polyester, and 16% LYCRA elastane.
It has hand-stitched design lines on the chest panel for added visual interest, while the full-length Vislon zipper offers ventilation adjustment and ease of use. It features BioViz reflective elements for low-light visibility, and three back pockets and a single zippered back pocket for securing valuables. With a forgiving standard fit, it provides more comfort and layering attributes.
It comes in the Teal and Phantom colors, S-XXL sizes, and retails for $195.
Impressions
The Pro Merino Thermal Jersey is an ideal piece of apparel for cooler weather, and it’s become my go-to upper body coverage when the temps drop. It can be used alone for moderately chilly days, or under a windbreaker or heavier jacket in the full-fledged wind and cold. The fabric is comfortable and stretchy, and the cut is relaxed enough not to feel too restricting, yet not overly baggy. The material has a tight enough weave that it provides some blockage during windy days, so you don’t get chilled to the bone. It has a dropped rear for additional coverage and features an elastic hem at the back with silicone grippers to keep it in place. I liked the full front zipper as it makes it easy to take on and off, and offers a precise method for temperature adjustment and ventilation by moving the position of the zipper. The 3-inch neck cuff provides additional warmth and protection when fully zipped, and it features a softly brushed plush interior fabric hem for comfort against the skin. The arms are long enough for full coverage when you’re stretched out over the bike’s handlebars, and the doubled over cuffs offer warmth and keep away errant air infiltration. I rarely utilized the rear pockets, but they were handy when I needed them, though they were mostly superfluous for me since I tend always to wear a pack.
The PEARL iZUMi Pro Merino Thermal Jersey, with its 60/40 blend Merino wool and nylon blend, offers excellent thermal temperature regulation, odor control, comfort, and durability, making it ideal for chillier days of the year.
Merino Long Sleeve Baselayer
This highly technical base layer delivers truly sustainable performance.
The Transfer Merino fabric combines fine 18.5-micron Merino wool for superior comfort and recycled Repreve XS Polyester technical fibers made from recycled plastic water bottles for sustainable technical performance (58% recycled polyester, 42% merino wool). Their unique plated fabric construction places polyester next to skin and merino on the exterior for superior moisture transfer and thermal regulation.
It comes in the Hydro and Phantom colors, S-XL sizes, and retails for $90.
Photo courtesy of PEARL iZUMi
Impressions
The Merino Long Sleeve Baselayer is excellent as the initial layer under other gear, such as their Pro Merino Thermal Jersey, or under other cold-weather apparel. I’ve used it as a base for bike riding and downhill skiing, making it functional across many outdoor cold-weather sports. It offers warmth, comfort and wicks moisture away from your skin to prevent premature chilling. The plated 60/40 fabric blend has the plush and comfortable polyester layer against the skin, while the outer Merino wool layer offers excellent thermal regulation and breathability. The polyester wicks the moisture away from the skin while the wool provides effective evaporative properties and insulation. It does require a somewhat unflattering tight fit for it to work efficiently. I do wish the base layer had a more extended cut since it crept upwards and didn’t stay tucked into my short/chamois.
The PEARL iZUMi Merino Long Sleeve Baselayer keeps you dry on cold days due to it’s highly functionally plated dual-layered Merino wool and polyester blend.
Merino Wool Hat
Sustainable technology and fine Merino wool elevate this cool-weather staple.
The Transfer Merino fabric combines fine 18.5-micron Merino wool for superior comfort and recycled Repreve XS Polyester technical fibers made from recycled plastic water bottles for sustainable technical performance. Their unique plated fabric construction places polyester next to skin and merino on the exterior for superior moisture transfer and thermal regulation. It features a close-fitting design that easily fits under helmets with BioViz reflective elements for low-light visibility.
It comes in the Phantom color, one size, and retails for $30.
Impressions
The Merino wool skull cap is warm and comfy and drapes just enough over the ears to provide coverage from the cold and wind. The thin and form-fitting design means it fits perfect under helmets without any pinch spots or bulkiness along the seams. The polyester layer feels plush and comfortable against the skin, while the outer Merino wool layer offers tons of warmth without feeling overly hot. It’s perfect for those crisp days or when the wind kicks up, keeping your head and the rest of your body warm. When you get too toasty during a ride, take it off and put it in your pocket until it’s needed once again. I found it ideal for wearing at the beginning of a ride when the body was still warming up, or when the temps drop, and the wind kicks up.
The PEARL iZUMi Merino Wool Hat is a highly functional skull cap, and it’s wool/polyester blend offers comfort against the skin and excellent thermal regulation when dealing with cooler temperatures.
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