AliExpress Merino Thermals

[Aushiker]

Hi

Has anyone tried merino thermals from AliExpress such as these? I am over Icebreaker. One too many t-shirts and lighter thermal getting holes in them just from putting them on.

TIA.

[Casparvitch]

Merino is not a durable material, particularly with narrow threads.
If you want durability, go for a yarn blend.

Alternatively, learn to darn. IMO this is one of the benefits of knitted garments like woollens: easy to repair!
You will need: 1 darning mushroom, a set of darning needles, some darning wool and a youtube video.
E.g. see https://www.woollykins.com.au/collections/mending-supplies

Honestly it's the easiest thing in the world, give it a crack.

[Aushiker]

Merino is not a durable material, particularly with narrow threads.
If you want durability, go for a yarn blend.

For t-shirts, bicycle touring and running shirts will likely do this but for sleeping I really prefer Merino. I might give this garment from AliExpress a go; there is not much to lose compared to Icebreaker.

Honestly it's the easiest thing in the world, give it a crack.

I am sure it is but it really not my thing.

[Biggles]

Kathmandu, MacPac, Paddy Pallin have their own thermals in various weights.
Not sure why you would be angling in the pond of AliExpress?
My thermals are from Kathmandu, used layered for cycling and also for sleeping on walks, car tours.
IceBreaker is obscenely expensive for what it is. You'd think that it has a built-in attraction for generating holes at the slightest provocation.

[north-north-west]

I've only ever had one Icebreaker top. It managed to get two holes from being worn for six hours underneath a shirt, while carrying a light daypack, and virtually disintegrated after one year of very light, occasional use. They are not worth a tenth of what you pay for them.
In contrast, my Brubek merino top is something like 15 years old, has been worn on 99% of the nights I've spent in a tent (and a fair few while sleeping in the car before/after a walk), including wandering aroound with the camera in evenings and mornings, and is still hole free. I've had other long-sleeved merino Tshirts that have survived two or even three years of scrub-bashing before the sleeves started to get holes.

The AliExpress is worth trying; at least you won't be much out of pocket if it doesn't last.

[Casparvitch]

> In contrast, my Brubek merino top is something like 15 years old

Obviously I have no idea about your top, but all of the brubek merino tops I can find now have merino/plastic blends. Does yours still have a label?

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[Aushiker]

Kathmandu, MacPac, Paddy Pallin have their own thermals in various weights.
Not sure why you would be angling in the pond of AliExpress?

I was there ... as to Kathmandu, I will pass thanks.

[crollsurf]

Icebreaker were good, but after the company was sold, the quality plummeted. It's not worth considering these days.

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[north-north-west]

> In contrast, my Brubek merino top is something like 15 years old

Obviously I have no idea about your top, but all of the brubek merino tops I can find now have merino/plastic blends. Does yours still have a label?

No tag but it's a merino/elastane blend. Brubek don't do that heavy-duty merino any more.

[Aushiker]

Apparently, Aldi has thermals coming up for sale. I might take a look. I only need a lighter pair for spring/autumn nights here in WA. I am all good with the warmer thermals for winter.

[Eremophila]

Yep Aldi snow gear comes out every year in May. They have synthetic and merino thermals.
If you google you can find catalogues from previous years; also subscribe and keep an eye on their “Special Buys”.

It’s their biggest day of the year. You’ll need to be there at opening time with a planned MO. Be prepared to push and shove

[johnrs]

Aldi merinios are good and cheap but not durable.
Maybe the next tier up is Snowgum online.
John

[Aushiker]

Aldi merinios are good and cheap but not durable.
Maybe the next tier up is Snowgum online.
John

Thanks for the feedback on Aldi Merino thermals. If they price is okay I might give a pair a shot anyway.

I looked at Snowgum, but I would now prefer a blend (as suggested earlier as the better option) if paying more. A quick search last night came up with Mountain Designs Merino blends at Anaconda for $50.