Merino- All Bahhh Humbug?

[Earthling]

Ive just come back from a 6 day 30c plus (last two days 35c, humidity 28%) trip wearing an Icebreaker Tech-t 150 top.
I developed prickly heat under both armpits.
The only time I had prickly heat before was years ago whilst working up in Dawin for a couple of years. Same spot, armpits.
The top was moist for most of the day, but not excessively so...except for the back...Golites Pinnacle pack doesnt have much in the way of airiness. Pack did not contact the armpits, and their was some space for breathing between the pack and the armpits. My back had no prickly heat/rash.
After much deliberation all I can track it to is the fact that high humidity and my armpits dont mix.
Its a shame the wool tops dont evaporate the moisture so well as other tops.
Im happy the girlfriend has a sewing machine...time for some vents in the tech-t to be installed

[Nuts]

The lightweight stuff is nice and ive kept buying it but really... Ive come to the conclusion that it is pretty much 'throw away' stuff...

Its just not durable! I bought several of each layer back then and its all be replaced. The undies especially seem to last 2/3 months before they just fall apart. Heres a pair that are like tissue, not just the crotch either.... (and no, I dont have flatulence problems (from that end anyhow )):

warning... graphic image of (clean) undies:

P1260008.jpg (125.4 KiB) Viewed 7934 times

[blacksheep]

so...looks like some serious rubbing and abrasion. How did you get your nick name?

[Jellybean]

so...looks like some serious rubbing and abrasion. How did you get your nick name?

LOL! Thanks for the laugh Cam.

Seriously though, what make is that? I've tried Kathmandu and Icebreaker merino undies. (Sorry Cam, haven't tried Macpac as yet but like your merino t's and long sleeve zip tops - finally a merino top to fit my long torso!).

Both have lasted well, although the elastic waist in Kathmandu ones (now a few years old - I don't wear them every day) is starting to go, the wool part is still perfect.

Cheers,

JB

[Nuts]

They obviously aren't macpac...

These ones are smartwool JB, they actually outlasted the icebreakers i bought at the same time.

Cam, your Merino Hoody (380?) size XL weighs 640g.. in case you want to put the info on your site...

[Liamy77]

i have some longsleeve 240g/m2 wilderness wear tops and leggings that i love!!
hardly ever touch my polypro gear anymore!

..... might need some more soonish.... any of you manufacturing types want your car washed a heap??

[Nuts]

I think that must be midweight stuff Liamy? Iv'e been looking around for a mid weight hoody, they dont say much about the fabric but something like this: http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin ... hoody.html I tried the Wilderness Wear adventure merino zip top, dont know if it was the wool or wash or something but it was maximum itchy. The prices are up there, especially locally, found this thin one from Smittern : http://www.smittenmerino.com/shop/movem ... crew-hoody

[Liamy77]

yeah the smitten stuff sounds like it would be worth a try - been following them too, i do use a softener and wool wash ... i noticed some itch at first but not anymore.... dunno why really..