Cold Weather Layering with Merino Wool: Icebreaker Jackets Review: Sierra Hood and Quantum Hood

Wow, its cold outside! I have really appreciated the middle layer options from Icebreaker, a company specializing in Merino Wool clothing. I have several base layers (long johns and underwear), socks and a sock liner, a glove liner, a neck gaiter and balaclava, tee shirts (long and short sleeve), and they are all great to wear for cycling, running, and, well, anytime or activity. I've been donning lots of them together lately, at the same time I mean, to commute in Kansas City's recent sub-freezing temperatures: each outing with a Merino glove liner, sock liner and sock, long johns, short tee shirt, long tee shirt, mid-layer as discussed below, even a second mid-layer a couple of times when wind chill below 0F (it takes a little planning and time at each end of trip, at least twice a day, but it allows for the pleasure of a ride!).

Merino wool from Icebreaker--or Ibex or Smartwool, its two competitors with which I have experience, and of course the Bosun jacket from Mission Workshop discussed in an earlier post-- feels great, wears nicely, conducts moisture and heat well, etc., etc. One of its attractions for a commuter for sure is that it does not stink even after getting sweaty, and it dries relatively fast, making it great for storing or wearing at work and on the return ride. It is expensive, yes, but so far I have found that it has been worthwhile, allowing for more wears between washings and thus prolonged life and less overall pieces required. It is wrinkle free, there is far less to pack for travel, and it is not bulky compared to cotton, thus the added bonus of smaller luggage. This is well designed apparel that looks great, solves problems like the need for each item in layering to work together but also to be able to stand alone well, and, not without importance, it is fun to wear. Oh, and there is lots of black, my favorite--for all but safety's sake.

Icebreaker's photo of Sierra Long Sleeve Full Zip Hood, 

model is 6'1" wearing medium

I have two jackets with hoods from Icebreaker that are terrific as mid-layers under a windbreaker or rain type jacket. The Sierra Long Sleeve Hood (I see there is an end of season sale offering 30% off as I write; significant for such expensive pieces, no?) is a fabulous piece. It is from their Realfleece collection (hence, RF also on the label), made from midweight 260gm pure merino. The fleece texture feels fabulous, and the garment is really nice and warm (dare I say "cozy"?). It has zipped hand and sleeve pockets, and raglan sleeves to provide freedom of movement. The collar zips up snugly with the fitted hood on or off. I have the full zip; there is a half zip alternative.

Obviously the Sierra Hood is designed to be an outer layer, and it works well that way, for sure. But when it is cold or cool and windy, it is great under a layer designed for those conditions because it fills the need to cover the neck, ears, and head with just one piece. Combined with the pockets and its stand-alone good looks and other apparel benefits it is then also a great outerwear piece after arrival at one's destination.

Since I wear a helmet when I ride, the fit of the hood is good even though it is a bit loose because, well, I have a small head. When I wear it to run I find it is helpful to wear a neck gaiter to make the fit snug enough. I suspect most people will find the fit of the hood is great without such concerns.

I bought a large (as I do with all of their tops) because I like a relaxed fit, which is a little long and also contributes to the fit issue with the hood. If one likes a closer fit on a frame close to mine (5'7" 150lbs), and especially if one has the athletically contoured body for whom it seems that Icebreaker designs its clothes overall (and my major disappointment with the selection offered, solved in part by buying a size larger), then the medium would be a choice worth considering. Oh, and I have to roll up the sleeves on all these pieces, but I do not find that a bother, and it means the garments will fit the taller folks well.

Icebreaker's photo of Quantum Long Sleeve Full Zip Hood,

model is 5'8" wearing a medium

The Quantum Long Sleeve Zip Hood is a little different, offering a few alternatives. I got this piece first, and it is lighter (not fleece-like)--and tighter in fit, but it also offers front-side reflectivity when used as an outer layer. It is designed to perform well for activities such as running and cycling, with several features such as eyelet panels for ventilation and thumb loops. It has a chest zip pocket, and another on the back, centered just above the hemline (approx. 6 3/4 in. sq.), but no hand pockets, creating a slimmer profile. It is a slimmer fit than the Sierra, and I once again chose the Large for that reason, that is, to avoid the look of the body-hugging athletic-fit styling (oh, that I could look good in that style!). One more thing to note: the hood fits well, so that I do not have to worry about wearing a piece to make the fit snug when choosing this as the outer layer to cycle or run. I expect that the stretchability of the textile would provide a good fit for just about any head size.

This garment is also made from midweight 260gm merino (hence, GT260 on label), but it is blended with 2% Lycra for stretchability; it thus has a different feel than the Sierra line, although I do not find the Sierra restrictive in the least. Because it is less bulky than the fleece in the Sierra, it is a better choice as a mid-layer when I am going to wear the ColdAvenger mask and ski goggles for sub-freezing temperatures, because I want a good snug seal all around, and that is a lot to layer under a helmet and strap.

A feature I especially appreciate is the two-way zipper, so that one can unzip the lower half and keep it zipped up at the neck and chest, which is really helpful when one who has asthma gets hot. I can unzip this from the bottom and keep the outer wind/rain shell layer fully zipped. The front zipper is also lined with reflective trim, as is the logo on the upper arm, which is great; however, there is none on the back zipper, which is kind of important for runners and riders; yes?

I really appreciate these pieces, reach for them often, and recommend them without reservation.