Gear of the week | Icebreaker Midlayer Merinoloft Helix Long Sleeve Zip

My personal development in terms of midlayers ranges from Odlo longsleeves and classic fleece jackets to thin down jackets and thin, quilted merino jackets. This means that my history coincides in key respects with the general trend in the outdoor industry, which is increasingly focusing on natural products and ideally on recycled materials. The Helix Long Sleeve Zip from Icebreaker fulfills both criteria. The insulation is MerinoLoft made from merino wool, while the outer material is made from recycled polyester.

Regardless of these aspects, the jacket has probably become my most-used item of clothing over the past year, as it has earned top marks in various areas.

Firstly, its material mix (stretch at the sides and under the arms) ensures a good climate over a fairly wide temperature range. It warms where it should, while at the same time water vapor can easily escape from the body during increased activity. It is also much more wind-repellent than a normal fleece, but still allows sufficient air exchange thanks to the stretch materials. The reduced odor development thanks to merino wool is another add-on of this garment.

Finally, the really good manufacturing quality should be mentioned. As mentioned, the midlayer has been used excessively over the past year in everyday life and also outdoors. So far, there have been no relevant signs of wear. No seams have come undone and no colors have faded. That's how it should always be.

PS: Size S is just right for people up to 1.75 and of slim build.

(1) The onion principle is the idea of coordinating several layers (baselayer; midlayer, outerlayer) in such a way that warmth and breathability are in a sensible balance. It is also possible to simply remove one layer of the onion if it is too warm. This idea, which makes sense in principle, has led to an almost unmanageable micro-differentiation of layers, which poses a number of questions for the consumer. Whereas in the past there were underwear, insulation and outer layers, today there are many differentiations within these areas, which makes it difficult to choose the "right" item of clothing in each case.