Last year we tested the
Migrate
Baselayer from UK based company Embers Merino who supply good quality New
Zealand Merino wool base layers.
This year we have tested their new Chase Base layer and the Chase Zip
Base layer and also had a look at their Women's One Leggings.
New Zealand merino is regarded as the finest, softest and purest merino in
the world. This is down to two factors, natural evolution and a pure and
pristine growing environment. Merino wool enables merino sheep to live
comfortably through the snowy winters and scorching summers of New Zealand's
Southern Alps. Unlike synthetics, merino has superb temperature regulating
qualities thanks to the responsive microclimate it creates against the skin.
No matter what the season, activity or location, merino's active
breathability keeps your body temperature comfortably regulated.
Firstly, you can definitely recognize that these base layers are 100% merino!
Get them wet and you smell like a drenched sheep. Although not over-powering, it is a distinct "sheep" smell, however that could be the farm-girl coming out in me. Just be
aware that when you do that mad dash to the car in the rain, you will smell.
As for their performance, these garments are the smick for warmth! They are
the toastiest base layer I have tested, yep, even over the Helly Hansen
Freeze Prowool 1/2 Zip Turtle. Having tested the Chase Base layer in the peak district with an average of minus 5 and a chill factor I
have never experienced before, it certainly kept my torso warm and dry. They have also dawned the ski slopes of Tignes, in the French Alps and stood the week long test of ski slope/toasty pub. I have not worn a garment that has been able to keep me warm, dry and cool, all in the same day and almost at the same time!
They are super comfy with a great feel against the skin and work brilliantly
to wick moisture away from the skin. The cut is such that both of the tops are
great worn on their own as they are not too tight to make you feel self conscious
and there are some great designs.
The tights are made of the same great feel and of the same performance as the
tops, however the cut is more suited to being a general outdoor "long john".
They are great on the slopes or hiking, even for a spot of fishing. When on the
bike the back is not high enough leaving that dredded gap between your jersey
and shorts. I used them to put on in between track sessions and they were great
at preventing a chill.
A word of warning... Merino will look after you if you look after it! As with
all technical fabrics, always check care label and DO NOT wash in biological
detergents, bleach or fabric softeners.
Anything from this range would make the perfect gift and designs
are available for both men and women - just leave this browser open for a subtle
hint! What really sets these apart is the attention to detail and the superb
quality of the material and design. The only downside is that you won't want to
use them as base layers as they look so good as outer wear!
Specs:
Price: From £45 (Chase basic & leggings) to £55 (Chase zip with pattern)
Contact: http://www.embersmerino.com/
Sizes: 8, 10, 12, 14
Colours: Chase - Frog/Ash, Chase Zip - Sea/Sky, Leggings - Midnight/sky
Amazing ability to keep you warm! Well made, great cut and stylish.
A little pricy, however, you get what you pay for and well worth the investment!
