Beatrice from SingleTrack magazine starts with some simple criteria when evaluating her women's merino base layer, but the ultimate test is how well it washes. Happily we find that the Alpkit Kepler merino baselayer stood out from the pack.
This base layer is astonishingly good value. It’s great on, light enough to stash in your pack just in case an extra layer is in order and nice enough to hang out in at the end of your ride.
Starting with its appearance, Beatrice finds the fabric, 100% merino wool from New Zealand, offers the advantage of being anti-bacterial and can hold moisture without feeling damp. Functionality-wise, she emphasises its fit, noting the "nice long length", raglan sleeve, and a neckline that's flattering and ideal for casual settings. The sleeves fit her longer-than-average arms well, and she is delighted with the inclusion of thumbholes.
As for its technical performance, Beatrice praises the Kepler merino wool for its temperature control, especially its capability to provide warmth without overheating and its suitability for layering. When it gets wet, the fabric doesn't create discomfort like some other materials, and it even dries while being worn.
Beatrice noted the an impressive benefit of merino base layer is its ability to resist odor even after multiple uses, meaning it could be worn for several times without feeling the need to wash it. Careful to follow the merino washing instructions she found it neither shrank nor pilled. Phew, it passed the test.
Find out how our Merino wool baselayer kept Beatrice warm and comfortable in her Alpkit Baselayer review.