First Look: Icebreaker 150 Zone Long-Sleeve Crew Shirt

150 Zone Icebreaker Long Sleeve 

Materials: Body: 83% Merino Wool, 12% Nylon, 5% LYCRA® Eyelet: 85% Merino Wool, 14% Nylon, 1% LYCRA®
Weight: 170 g / 5.99 oz (W’s Medium)
Price: $63 or $90, depending on clearance color
Best Features: Warm, comfortable, not too itchy, slim fitting, odorless.
Room for Improvement: May want to size up if you prefer a looser fit.

This may be one of the most comfortable and practical tops to add to your running drawer this season. The 150 Zone crew (men’s here) is a simple yet fitted design; the shirt completely hugs the body. The arms are plenty long and feature thumb holes and the flatlock seams are not noticeable. The front and back drop for a little extra coverage.

The merino-mesh panels flank the sides, underarms and upper back area to ensure breathability. The airflow in these areas is especially important when wearing a hydration vest, and this top stood up to the test.

The magic of merino shines with this shirt and how comfortable, non-itching and non-odorous it is. When soaking wet, it was left out overnight in a crumpled heap on the floor (testing for accuracy, here) and the next morning it was dry and didn’t smell at all. Points! This does have a “baselayer” look, so it doesn’t as easily fit into the post-run beer wardrobe, yet it has become a regular part of my winter running kit.

—Megan Janssen is the Associate Editor at Trail Runner magazine.