The Distributors Spiel:
Merino Wool – the warmest thermal underwear made of prime quality fibers from merino sheep. Best for extremely low temperature. The base layer is very delicate and pleasant in touch. Comparing to traditional wool it is not scratching the body. Thanks to its bacteriostatic properties merino thermals can be worn for extended period of time without washing – excellent for long term trekking.
High thermo insulating properties
Natural thermolegulation
Transportation of moisture – body remains dry (35% of moisture is absorbed)
Antistatic
Antyallergic
Bacteriostatic (high comfort during long use)
The only thermals that remain its thermal proprieties when wet
Merino base layer is recommended during physical activity where you need to stay warm and you need to save on the weight as much as possible.
BRUBECK ® Merino Wool thermal underwear have been thoroughly tested and recommended by many of sport experts as well as respected by the world’s specialist sports brands.
Composition:
61% Merino Wool
37% Polyamide
2% Elastane
Initial Impressions:
Loved it. I never wear an item before washing it, I wore this for 3 days straight around the house and have developed quite a bond with it
The only compaint I have with the garment is that because the manufacturer wants no tags to maximise comfort their is no specific washing instructions, after contacting Globewalker I received instruction and all is well, a common sense approach is best and I chose a lukewarm handwash.In The Field:
I tested the garment initially at home, walking the dog etc and was very happy with it. Given the warmth it generates I could have safely worn just the top on a frosty morning walk, but this is not what the top is designed for so I recently headed for the Central Plateau.
The first true test came on an overcast early morning jaunt up Liffey Bluff. It was cold and windy but as I headed into the forest I quickly warmed up and stripped off a layer, now with just the Brubeck thermal and a light Mountain Hardwear mid-layer long sleeve top. Upon reaching the bottom of the valley I was very comfortable. The next section of the walk is where all clothing really gets a good work out. A steep 40 minute climb over a large boulder field in a mix of protected forest blustery exposed sections. The steepness of the climb promotes sweat in any garment or conditions but I am yet to walk in a thermal top that performed this well. The sweat pushed away from the body extremely well, the top did not get soggy with it, it stayed light and extremely comfortable. The elasticity of the fit is absolutely fantastic and so comfortable to walk in. I knew it was a good top but I was genuinly surprised as to how it handled this climb.
Upon reaching the plateau I was open to the full force of a 30-40 kph cold wind and it began to drizzle which turned to sleet at times. Ahead of me was another 40-50 minutes of open, exposed plateau walking. I pulled on a Thinsulate beanie and my Ferrino Valdez jacket. This proved to be a perfect setup for the conditions as I remained comfortable throughout despite the conditions at no point was I cold in any way and the top continued to wick moisture away from my body very well.
The remainder of the walk was a reverse of the initial stages except now upon a wet and slimy boulder field requiring far greater concentration and the athletic cut of the Valdez jacket in combination with the Brubeck's great design ensured maximum comfort. Upon returning to the vehicle after removing the shell I was surprised as to how dry the Brubeck was and even more surprised as to how good I smelled
The next walk I did later that day was a 3 hour wander in light snow on the Ben Lomond plateau. I used the same setup as on the previous walk and was warm and comfortable throughout. Although it was snowing the wind was not particularly strong and therefore didn't test things to the fullest but I am more than comfortable that this top could, in combination with smart layering above handle the coldest of cold conditions.
Over the next 3 days I wore the Brubeck all day while working on the west coast of Tasmania, these were 14 hour days where I had to do a lot of standing around with quick flurries of action every so often. Conditions varied from 17 degrees and sunshine down to 0 degrees and still through to 5-10 degrees and strong Southern Ocean winds. I was comfortable throughout.
When sleeping in this garment in cold conditions the comfort factor really comes into it's own. Super!
Summary:
This is an extremely good piece of gear and by far the best thermal top I have owned. I have owned Icebreaker in the past and this outperforms on a couple of fronts but ultimatly it is the build quality that impresses me the most. It looks, feels and wears like a quality piece of gear. I think it will last for a long time and I think I'll be investing in another top and the longjohns. It is good to see Globewalker bringing these into Australia to compete with the traditional thermal options currently available I'd encourage others to consider these rather than paying megabucks for what I consider at best an equivalent item.
Pros:
Comfort, comfort, comfort.
Great insulation
Moisture transportation away from the body
Even I couldn't make this smell after 6 days of constant wear.
Cons:
Washing instructions are pretty poor.
When saturated takes some time to dry.
Weight, can't find the specs and don't have decent scales, perhaps Kasia can help here??? (It feels a little heavier than most)
Sorry for the glowing endorsement I don't expect Globewalker to supply any more gear to me for reviewing this garment in this manner, but I've said it the way I see it.
Thanks to Kasia
P.S. I thought of doing photos/video of this top but the skin tight thing on my barrel like body wouldn't do anything for the review
Or prompted me to write an update, I just felt it was a good time for an update. Look beyond the 'traditional' brands I think you'll be surprised.
