Merino-synthetic blend teeshirt suggestions,?

[Enzed]

Hello fellow pilgrims and travellers...

It'll be awhile before my next carry on backpack adventure, but here goes anyhow.

I do like my icebreaker gear, but the finer 100% merino tees are not the most durable fabrics available.
I do however have a Macpac merino blend polo tee which is camino friendly and has aged well, my favourite walking top.

So, if anybody knows any good suggestions for a plain blended tee, in nice colours, for my next camino? Available in the southern hemisphere ideally.

Not necessarily for walking, but as something to pair with plain black trousers or a skirt, so I can look a bit "nicer" off the path.

Thanks

 

[woody66]

do like my icebreaker gear, but the finer 100% merino tees are not the most durable fabrics available.

Yeah very comfy brought two new lightweight t shirts a fortnight before i left mid May this year!
Four weeks of wash and wear on Camino (hand wash) both have holes you can put finger through;not good!!! I think i paid nearly £60 each not cheap ;my slightly heavier EDZ and mega Cheap Decathlon tops have lasted more than two years !!!!
Sorry i know that does not properly answer your question but the quality is relevant when spending shedloads for one

 

[Anhalter]

For my first Camino i got 2x the "Ortovox 120 Cool Tec" t-shirt. They were quite expensive, but have been one of the lightest merino shirt i was able to find. They are a mix of synthetic and merino.

I did not treat the as well as they deserved. They seen their fair share of camino washing machines with god knows what kind of detergent. They even seen a dryer or three.
After using them for 3 caminos and quite a few hikes back home, i guess they seen something close to 3000km of use between the two.

They do not look brand new anymore. But still wearable. No holes, nothing. Honestly, i am impressed.
No idea if they are available at your location however.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Hi @Enzed. I haven't had the issues that @woody66 has, but I agree the blends do appear to be more durable. Which is what my research has also shown. From what I've read anything above a 75% Merino wool / nylon blend appears to combine the best of both worlds.

One of my t-shirts is a 86/12/2 Merino/ polyamide/ spandex blend, it is definitely harder wearing and appears more comfortable (cooler) on really hot days than my pure Merino.

That said whilst polyamide is cheaper, nylon blends are better still according to all of my research. Supposedly a 85/15 Merino/ nylon blend is good.

For my first Camino i got 2x the "Ortovox 120 Cool Tec" t-shirt. They were quite expensive, but have been one of the lightest merino shirt i was able to find. They are a mix of synthetic and merino.

I did not treat the as well as they deserved. They seen their fair share of camino washing machines with god knows what kind of detergent. They even seen a dryer or three.
After using them for 3 caminos and quite a few hikes back home, i guess they seen something close to 3000km of use between the two.

They do not look brand new anymore. But still wearable. No holes, nothing. Honestly, i am impressed.
No idea if they are available at your location however.

At 52% Wolle, 33% Lyocell, 15% Polyamid, your experience certainly bears out the higher % synthetic components, the more durability it will have

It totally depends on what you're looking for from your clothing of course - the more durable you want it, the more nylon etc you require but then the less antimicrobial properties it has. Not to mention that it will not keep you as warm once wet.

As to Brands, there are so many available. Why not just go into your local Kathmandu, Rebel/Stirling sports etc, find what you want and then wait for the next sale.
I would stay with quality brands because they're likely to be using a higher grade (quality) Merino wool than say The Warehouse homebrand for example. It's a Catch 22: Broad merino wool (23-24.5 microns) is by far the strongest and most durable, but we all demand fine or super fine (18.6-19.5/ 15 - 18.5).

Still, comfort is King right!

 

[Enzed]

Yeah very comfy brought two new lightweight t shirts a fortnight before i left mid May this year!
Four weeks of wash and wear on Camino (hand wash) both have holes you can put finger through;not good!!! I think i paid nearly £60 each not cheap ;my slightly heavier EDZ and mega Cheap Decathlon tops have lasted mor than two years !!!!
Sorry i know that does not properly answer your question but the quality is relevant when spending shedloads for one

If there was a decathlon locally, I definitely would!
Alas, kiwi land lacks that. It's Kathmandu and Macpac country here. Not bad stuff, just not want I'm after.

What i need is a smaller brand with good quality blended merino tees, not necessarily hiking shop stuff, that'll be cool.
Back to the hunt.....

 

[Enzed]

Hi @Enzed. I haven't had the issues that @woody66 has, but I agree the blends do appear to be more durable. Which is what my research has also shown. From what I've read anything above a 75% Merino wool / nylon blend appears to combine the best of both worlds.

One of my t-shirts is a 86/12/2 Merino/ polyamide/ spandex blend, it is definitely harder wearing and appears more comfortable (cooler) on really hot days than my pure Merino.

That said whilst polyamide is cheaper, nylon blends are better still according to all of my research. Supposedly a 85/15 Merino/ nylon blend is good.


At 52% Wolle, 33% Lyocell, 15% Polyamid, your experience certainly bears out the higher % synthetic components, the more durability it will have

It totally depends on what you're looking for from your clothing of course - the more durable you want it, the more nylon etc you require but then the less antimicrobial properties it has. Not to mention that it will not keep you as warm once wet.

As to Brands, there are so many available. Why not just go into your local Kathmandu, Rebel/Stirling sports etc, find what you want and then wait for the next sale.
I would stay with quality brands because they're likely to be using a higher grade (quality) Merino wool than say The Warehouse homebrand for example. It's a Catch 22: Broad merino wool (23-24.5 microns) is by far the strongest and most durable, but we all demand fine or super fine (18.6-19.5/ 15 - 18.5).

Still, comfort is King right!

Good advise, thanks.
No luck with Kathmandu or Mac pac or mountain design.
The warehouse "where everyone gets a bargain" or Postie plus, looks too much like thermals.
Ultimately I'm after city clothes not hiking clothes, because a camino is not a traditional hike/tramp, it's more of a long stroll between towns and cities.

 

[henrythedog]

‘We’ always tend to default to brands aimed at the walking/hiking/climbing market, which is natural enough.

I’ve a couple of very tough ‘no brand’ merino tops bought from motorcycle clothing retailers. They’re only generally available in black.

 

[Enzed]

‘We’ always tend to default to brands aimed at the walking/hiking/climbing market, which is natural enough.

I’ve a couple of very tough ‘no brand’ merino tops bought from motorcycle clothing retailers. They’re only generally available in black.

Blacks boring though. Why not more fashionable tees, in variety of colours to match your personal style. There must be a market for it...

I'll keep hunting...

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Ultimately I'm after city clothes not hiking clothes, because a camino is not a traditional hike/tramp, it's more of a long stroll between towns and cities.

I couldn't agree more!

It's 6 years since I left NZ so definitely no recent experience, I do recall that my wife had no difficulty finding Merino base layers (undergarments) in the likes of Farmers etc, however other than that typically it was sportswear.

So really you are after Merino fashion wear as I understand it?

Redirect Notice

I should have chosen a different image this one's black! Don't worry they've got other colours too

 

[Enzed]

I couldn't agree more!

It's 6 years since I left NZ so definitely no recent experience, I do recall that my wife had no difficulty finding Merino base layers (undergarments) in the likes of Farmers etc, however other than that typically it was sportswear.

So really you are after Merino fashion wear as I understand it?

Redirect Notice

I should have chosen a different image this one's black! Don't worry they've got other colours too

Now you're on the right idea!
Who says you cant look good when good when traveling/camino.? Especially if you end up the same clothes all the time, no harm in choosing carefully. And a dress would make a great after walking outfit.

if only I had more faith in the sturdiness of fine 100% Merino, I wouldn't have to ask this question.

Buen Camino.

 

[PiesIrlandeses]

I found that my Patagonia Capilene Cool Merino long sleeved shirt held its shape much better than my Smartwool Ultralite, which got a bit saggy.

 

[trecile]

And a dress would make a great after walking outfit.

It also makes a great walking outfit.

 

[Enzed]

It also makes a great walking outfit.

View attachment 173503

Good to know.
I'm on the seemingly eternal hunt for the perfect travel dress. One day I'll find it.

 

[Hilly]

Good to know.
I'm on the seemingly eternal hunt for the perfect travel dress. One day I'll find it.

Try Unbound Meriono. Expensive but fab.

 

[Enzed]

Try Unbound Meriono. Expensive but fab.

Looks good, but based in north America alas. I'm sure others would like it though,.

 

[trecile]

Looks good, but based in north America alas. I'm sure others would like it though,.

Where are you located? It would help with making suggestions.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Where are you located? It would help with making suggestions.

Oh dear that's something that neither @Enzed or I thought of : enzed (when you speak it out loud) literally sounds out as NZ - ie, New Zealand!

Hence why the local shops are Macpac or Katmandu

 

[Hilly]

Looks good, but based in north America alas. I'm sure others would like it though,.

I'm uk based, they post worldwide.

 

[NicolaWyke]

Good advise, thanks.
No luck with Kathmandu or Mac pac or mountain design.
The warehouse "where everyone gets a bargain" or Postie plus, looks too much like thermals.
Ultimately I'm after city clothes not hiking clothes, because a camino is not a traditional hike/tramp, it's more of a long stroll between towns and cities.

Have you looked at https://www.thewoolcompany.co.nz/clothing/womenswear - they have wool blend t-shirts with wool and bamboo. They have a range of colours and styles it looks like.

 

[Geebee]

Hello fellow pilgrims and travellers...

It'll be awhile before my next carry on backpack adventure, but here goes anyhow.

I do like my icebreaker gear, but the finer 100% merino tees are not the most durable fabrics available.
I do however have a Macpac merino blend polo tee which is camino friendly and has aged well, my favourite walking top.

So, if anybody knows any good suggestions for a plain blended tee, in nice colours, for my next camino? Available in the southern hemisphere ideally.

Not necessarily for walking, but as something to pair with plain black trousers or a skirt, so I can look a bit "nicer" off the path.

Thanks

Check out Aldi - this weekends specials. I wore two Aldi merino blend t-shirts on my Camino last year, they held their shape, and have become my default these days. And as luck would have it they are in the specials aisle this weekend, in Australia, anyway.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Check out Aldi - this weekends specials. I wore two Aldi merino blend t-shirts on my Camino last year, they held their shape, and have become my default these days. And as luck would have it they are in the specials aisle this weekend, in Australia, anyway.

I wonder if @gerardcarey will be hitting that sale this time around.

 

[Geoff Shepherd]

Try XTM Performance - a small Torquay Victoria Australia company specialising in winter clothing. But, their 170 wool/synthetic/eucalyptus blend LS and SS tshirts are great all year round. I have worn them on 3 CFs with all sorts of hand wash/machine wash/hot dryer etc abuse and they still look like new. They are on-line. Cooee Kiwi.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Check out Aldi - this weekends specials. I wore two Aldi merino blend t-shirts on my Camino last year, they held their shape, and have become my default these days. And as luck would have it they are in the specials aisle this weekend, in Australia, anyway.

No Aldi in NZ, we haven't deteriorated that much . .. yet

 

[blueskywa]

Hello fellow pilgrims and travellers...

It'll be awhile before my next carry on backpack adventure, but here goes anyhow.

I do like my icebreaker gear, but the finer 100% merino tees are not the most durable fabrics available.
I do however have a Macpac merino blend polo tee which is camino friendly and has aged well, my favourite walking top.

So, if anybody knows any good suggestions for a plain blended tee, in nice colours, for my next camino? Available in the southern hemisphere ideally.

Not necessarily for walking, but as something to pair with plain black trousers or a skirt, so I can look a bit "nicer" off the path.

Thanks

Have a look at Decathalon Tempe, Sydney website - they ship to NZ hope that helps

 

[brian560]

If there was a decathlon locally, I definitely would!
Alas, kiwi land lacks that. It's Kathmandu and Macpac country here. Not bad stuff, just not want I'm after.

What i need is a smaller brand with good quality blended merino tees, not necessarily hiking shop stuff, that'll be cool.
Back to the hunt.....

Try Aldi. My AUD30 blue SS merino T shirt was worn daily and stomped washed frequently.

 

[Steve57]

Good advise, thanks.
No luck with Kathmandu or Mac pac or mountain design.
The warehouse "where everyone gets a bargain" or Postie plus, looks too much like thermals.
Ultimately I'm after city clothes not hiking clothes, because a camino is not a traditional hike/tramp, it's more of a long stroll between towns and cities.

Have you tried Torpedo 7? There's a great outdoor's shop in Christchurch called Further Faster, look them up online.

 

[PJL]

Hey fellow Kiwi Camino lover.
Icebreaker, now owned by VF Corp who have North Face and SmartWool.
Icebreaker now has various merino and man-made fibre mixes eg Cool-lite, Tech-lite...look online and also at their Outlet stores for deals.
What month and part did u walk in your merino polo?
cheers from north of the Bombay hills

 

[AllisonMarie]

For my first Camino i got 2x the "Ortovox 120 Cool Tec" t-shirt. They were quite expensive, but have been one of the lightest merino shirt i was able to find. They are a mix of synthetic and merino.

I did not treat the as well as they deserved. They seen their fair share of camino washing machines with god knows what kind of detergent. They even seen a dryer or three.
After using them for 3 caminos and quite a few hikes back home, i guess they seen something close to 3000km of use between the two.

They do not look brand new anymore. But still wearable. No holes, nothing. Honestly, i am impressed.
No idea if they are available at your location however.

On my first Camino I had two long sleeve, lightweight tops, one 95% merino, the other, a Meriwool was 100% merino. The Meriwool, which admittedly was just a little heavier gauge held up perfectly. The other not so much. I will likely bring the meriwool on my next CF, this coming spring.

 

[Stivandrer]

First Camino, I used Icebreaker merino, I called it my golf shirt, it had 18 holes when I came home....
Have now switched to Helly Hansen for the merino/ synthetic mix.
This last one I bought is the best weave that they have yet made, and this time around no holes, no threads loosened by belt buckles. Survived two Caminos and still perfect condition..
70% merino, I have in green and blue
They seem to have found a formula where the merino does not separate. I call it a winner.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I call it a winner.

It sounds like your new "golf" shirt is more like a "hole in one"...a definite winner.

 

[P Rat]

Good to know.
I'm on the seemingly eternal hunt for the perfect travel dress. One day I'll find it.

Look up Rip Skirt Hawaï. They now also do dresses.

 

[Sunflowermarg]

Paire is an Australian company that has Merino tencel blend t shirts. Not particularly inspiring colours but very comfy fabric that seems to wear well.