Icebreaker Merino Bodyfit 200 Base Layer Review
Icebreaker from New Zealand is a pioneer in using merino in their apparel. I transitioned to the Icebreaker Merino Bodyfit 200 weight base layer top and bottom over two years ago and use them while hiking, mountain biking, and snowboarding.
4 Reasons to Love Icebreaker Bodyfit 200 Base Layers
- Merino is a natural fiber
- Naturally odor-free
- Maintains warmth properties if wet
- Thermo-regulating
Available At:
– Amazon
– REI
– Backcountry
Icebreaker Merino Bodyfit 200 Review
I choose the Icebreaker Merino Bodyfit 200 top and bottom for my base layer for a couple of reasons.
First, merino wool is a natural fiber that comes from sheep and is renewable. A sheep’s coat of wool can be sheared many times, whereas oil can only be drilled from the earth once.
Second, it’s naturally odor-free. In contrast, synthetic base layers absorb oils (sweat) and become stinky after one use. Who wants to show up smelly to the pub for aprés? Not me!
Third, it maintains its warmth properties if it becomes wet unlike cotton that is cold and clammy when wet.
Fourth, the Icebreaker Bodyfit 200 base layer is thermo-regulating. The fabric panels are designed to trap heat where it’s needed and release it during high outputs.
Icebreaker Merino Bodyfit 200 Fabric
Icebreaker designed the Bodyfit base layer top and bottom using thermo-regulating panels. The panels are engineered to trap heat where you need it most. In contrast, they use mesh panels of fabric in high output areas like your back and underarms, or crotch.
The fabric is 96% merino wool and 4% Lycra. As a result, the small amount of Lycra provides just the right amount of added durability and stretch.
Fit and Size
The Icebreaker Merino Bodyfit 200 has flatlock seams to prevent chafing. Also, the raglan sleeves have underarm gussets for maximum mobility.
At 6’2,” tall, I have long arms. I wear the XL top, and the sleeves are a great length. I especially like the thumb holes. Often, brands will create thumb holes in the sleeves for added protection, but they keep the sleeve the same length. That is not the case with the Icebreaker Merino Bodyfit 200 sleeves. They are just the right length.
The torso of the base layer top is slim. I have a chest size of 41 inches, and it fits perfectly. It hugs my body but isn’t too tight.
For the bottoms, I have a 35” waist and wear size XL. It fits fine, but if you prefer a snugger fit, a large would probably be your go-to size.
I like the 200 weight merino base layers because it’s warm enough on cold days and not too hot on warmer days.
Dislikes
The only dislike I have is that merino is less durable than synthetic base layers. I’ve been wearing my Bodyfit 200 base layers for two winters, and they have come to the end of their life-span. In contrast, synthetic base layers might last longer, but they are made from petroleum and can stink.
Who are the Icebreaker Merino Bodyfit 200 Base Layers for?
- Someone looking for thermo-regulating base layers for high-output exercise
- Anyone who prefers natural fibers over synthetic
- People who need a naturally odor-free base layer
Specs
- Fabric Content: 96% Merino, 4% Lycra
- Fabric Weight: 200
- Care: Machine wash with like colors. Do not tumble dry. Line dry in the shade.
- MSRP: $115.00 (long sleeve crew)
- MSRP: $115.00 (bottoms)
Bottom Line
I’ve been wearing the Icebreaker Merino Bodyfit 200 base layers for the past couple of years and whole-heartedly endorse them. The Bodyfit series has thermo-regulating panels for high-output, is odor-free, and maintains its warmth properties if wet. It’s not as durable as synthetic base layers, but I think it’s far superior. Check it out for yourself.
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