When it comes to merino wool, Icebreaker comes to mind. The New Zealand company is not the market leader in the sale of merino wool products for nothing. In order to remain so, they develop innovative, new types of clothing such as the "Realfleece" or the "GT-Base-Layer"series. You can find out what this is all about and what else distinguishes the company here in the partner news. You can also win the exclusive products in the competition and try them out for yourself.
The story of Icebreaker reads like a business fairytale. Convinced of his idea, New Zealand founder Jeremy Moon was not discouraged by high hurdles and many setbacks. To make the challenge even greater, he placed great emphasis on sustainability, ethically sound production, transparent supply and manufacturing chains and animal welfare from the very beginning - which is rather unusual in this industry. The philosophy of transparent production and supply chains culminated in the introduction of the so-called Baacodes in September 2008. This is attached to every product manufactured by Icebreaker and can be traced back to the sheep or the farm where the wool was shorn. Quite impressive with over 120 farms on New Zealand's South Island. And each one is presented with its family, history, climatic characteristics of the region and other information on Icebreaker.com. You can find out more about Icebreaker's philosophy, the difference in the function of merino wool compared to synthetic functional underwear and the wondrous story of the most famous merino sheep "Shrek" at in the PowderGuide.com magazine.
The GT-Base Layer - combination of natural and synthetic fiber
One of the innovations introduced by Icebreaker in fall/winter 2010 is the GT base layer series. For the first time, natural merino wool has been combined with synthetic fibers. Although the proportion of synthetic components is kept quite low at only 3%, the effect is surprisingly large. The combination of the finest Icebreaker merino yarn with Lycra in the right places not only increases moisture exchange but also improves the fit and comfort. The fabric dries much faster and remains odorless thanks to the merino wool. This first, highly technical layer is particularly recommended for movement-intensive sports such as running, biking and skiing. Thanks to the combination of the two materials, the close-fitting GT base layers are light, flowing, supple and adapt completely to the body while it is in action. The textiles are available in two different thicknesses: The 200g/sqm fabric is ideal for year-round use in warm to cold temperature ranges. The medium-weight base layers are made of 260g/sqm fabric. These models are designed for activities in very cold temperatures. You have the chance to win a GT base layer top in the competition!
The first 'real' fleece - Icebreaker Realfleece
Until now, there were only synthetic fleece garments on the market. Now there is a natural alternative: the Icebreaker Realfleece. In keeping with the actual translation of fleece (sheepskin), it is of course made from real merino sheep's wool. Like its synthetic counterparts, the inside consists of a puffy terrycloth structure that traps body heat in air pockets. A smooth, air-permeable jersey finish forms the outside. Realfleece garments are particularly suitable for sports in the low aerobic range in very cold temperatures and for warming up and cooling down after intensive sports.
PowderGuide has already been able to convince itself of the qualities in a preliminary test. The result: significantly higher breathability with consistently good thermal performance. The weight alone seems to speak in favor of the synthetic version, although this depends heavily on the thickness of the synthetic fleece garment. In order to test the breathability in extreme situations, the fleece was also worn on sweaty ski tours. Very subjective result: less sweating and still feeling comfortable. The wearing comfort and thermal performance is still pleasant even when damp.
The Realfleece garments will be available from summer/autumn 2011. You can already win a Realfleece here.
Win the exclusive products from Icebreaker
You can already win an Icebreaker Realfleece as the first prize at PowderGuide.com. The second prize is an Icebreaker GT base layer top and the third prize is the Icebreaker classic - a pair of Icebreaker Merino socks. All you have to do to take part is answer the following question and post the answer here in the thread. The prizes will be drawn from all correct entries. The competition runs until Friday, March 25, 2011 and each user may only answer once.
Small print: The first prize (Realfleece) can only be delivered in the summer. But you'll get it before any retailer does!
And here's the winning question:
Which overriding principle of nature does Icebreaker follow to discover the next steps in development?
Please post your answers here in the thread! Good luck from the PG team!