My Favorite Merino Wool Pieces: Ibex, Smartwool, Icebreaker

I am a huge fan of merino wool.  It is warm, soft, comfortable, and stylish.  Not only that, but it is environmentally friendly! Only downside is the relatively high cost.  I think all considered it is worth it, especially if you are careful to shop during sale times!

First item is my Smartwool, gray stripe s/s 

This is a great, versatile piece and I am very happy with it, need to get more short sleeves for the slightly warmer months.

Ibex Zepher Zip - Ibex' thickest base layer.  Very soft! pretty warm and stylish, although it is a little bit big for me as it is a size large.  Certainly not a deal breaker.  Purchased on Black Friday from the Ibex store on Newbury St, Boston.

Icebreaker Mondo Zip Tee - Bright red, a favorite of my wife.  A very slim fitting piece, I think this has to do with the provenance of Icebreaker, people not from North America are just smaller!

Ibex Woolies - Thinner than the Zepher and more appropriate for wearing as a layering piece.  I like the black and white stripe design.  This is also the piece I sleep in most often!

Ibex Shak - given to me by my wife, its one of ATL Essential: Winter Edition because it is such a great piece!  Much thicker, not a base layer in any but the most outlandish locations.  This is an amazing mid layer and can even be worn as an outer layer on milder days.  I tend to pair this with my Smartwool short sleeve.

I sometimes wear synthetics too. Patagonia Capilene 3 and a Regulator Zip fleece mid layer.   Not as warm and tend to get stinky, but I got them awhile ago.

ATL Essentials 2012 Winter Edition

Let me begin by pointing out the new ATL Essentials page on the top of the blog.  These posts are some of my favorite on the site, and I really hope that people who read my blog will chime in with comments.

1) Merino Wool.  My favorite brand is Ibex, but I also like Smartwool and Icebreaker.  Merino wool is the best material you can buy.  It is good for the planet, sustainable, great for performance, and looks great too.  I stay warm in a variety of base and mid-layers.  My favorite piece is the Ibex Shak.

2) LL Bean Boots of varying size and color.  Great for slushy weather, and they look cool.

3) Arc'teryx Goretex Shells.  The best piece of outerwear money can buy.  Also, some of the most expensive.  Alpha SV is the highest end, and is on top of my wish list right now.  I would settle for an Alpha LT though!

4) Bloody Marys.  Use sriracha. I also like eggnog, and if you are going to drink craft beers, avoid the winter warmers and pick a nice stout or porter.  I don't have a problem, honest!

5) Reading.  I always love to read, but this is the best season to read indoors, by the fire, with a drink in hand.  I really don't have a problem.

6) Salmon.  Wild. Sockeye.  Here is How I Cook Salmon.

That's all til Spring folks.  Check out the other ATL Essentials post from Summer and Autumn!