T-Shirts
RAB Merino + 120 .
After trying several merino t-shirts over the years , I prefer a Merino / synthetic blend - they dry faster and importantly , they last longer . We both opted for RAB ’ s Merino + 120 short sleeve t-shirts , a new model replacing the excellent MeCo Merino t-shirts which I ’ ve used a lot . The Merino 120 + seems similar to the MeCo , but with a less sporty styling which I prefer for general use . They are cut slim , ( the Size 8 fitted Pau very well ) and the lightweight material will be very versatile across a wide range of temperatures - though don ’ t expect it to me very warm .
EDZ ’ s Merino T-Shirt .
As a second t-shirt , I packed one of EDZ ’ s short-sleeve Merino t-shirts . EDZ use 200 weight Merino ; it is thicker with notably better insulating properties , but would still work fine as a t-shirt in warm weather . It ’ s also available in long and short sleeve ; in future I ’ d be inclined to take a long-sleeve version and use it for cooler conditions .
Underwear
Icebreaker ’ s Anatomica Briefs / Boxers
Merino pants are well worth the extra cash - you can get away wearing them for several days at a time . To that end , I want a pair which hold their shape and support between washes . Pure Merino tend to stretch and go baggy quickly , so again I opt for Merino / synthetic mixes . The Anatomica brief and boxer contain both Nylon and Lycra which help them keep their shape . I normally favour briefs which keep everything in place better , but the Anatomica boxers performed well in the ‘ 4-day nonstop ’ test , with very little stretching . And being 150 weight , they are great for very warm conditions and dry fast . Girls get a choice of four styles in 150 weight wool ; Pau opted for the Spite Hot Pant .
EDZ Boxer and Brief .
EDZ also do underwear in their 200 weight wool . I used a pair of their briefs , which match Icebreaker in quality and will probably last longer due to the thicker material - and are only two-thirds the price .
EDZ Merino Leggings .
Pau used a pair of EDZ ’ s 200 weight leggings . They are excellent quality , warm and like all EDZ Merino products , very good value . In general , we found EDZ gear to be more functional than fashionable , but the quality seemed just as good as brands like Icebreaker but at a better price . They have a good range of base layers , from vests to long-sleeved zip necks .