BPL Merino/general merino questions

I have the Icebreaker 140g/cm, and I wouldn't hesitate to wear it in those temps. At 115g/cm the MerinoUL should be even more comfortable (lighter weight fabric).

I love my Icebreaker stuff because it feels great next to my skin (much more comfortable than Smartwool or Ibex). The lighter weight of the MerinoUL is tempting me, but I'm wondering if anybody has worn it who could compare the feel next to the skin with Icebreaker?

Also will BPL accept returns? I've bought a bunch of gear here, and thankfully I've never had a reason to find out!

A few brief answers:

1. Returns: View the POLICIES/TERMS page (link at the bottom of all website pages) for our return policy.

2. Merino UL in White: We are exploring this for 2009, yes.

3. Wearing these shirts in 80+ degF weather is glorious, and I find them more comfortable than synthetics because of merino's ability to maintain a moist, instead of clammy, fiber surface.

Ryan

I'm a biker, I've started using merino (Icebreaker) base layer shirts last fall and I'm not going back to synthetics, for many reasons. About the temperature range you've inquired about, I can reassure you that wearing a light merino fabric (140/150 g/m²) at 30°C while cycling has not been a problem for me. In fact I like this wool garments so much in hot climate that it has replaced cotton as my summertime fabric of choice in everyday use.

Now if only they could withstand the abrasion from pack straps and the packbag itself………

As is, you need another thin (nylon or polyprop) shirt over the merino baselayer.

Yeah … the only thing that is holding me back is the abrasion resistance … how "bad" is it really??
S.

Is this a signal that the rest of the merino line is going to appear soon? Any updates on the hoody?

Silkweight white merino cloth is almost transparent when damp. I think this is why you don't see it in retail much. I don't think getting black clothing for warm sunny weather is advisable. I still use silkweight capilene in summer.

Thanks Ryan – and while you're here, thank you SO MUCH for what your work has done to bring back a passion for backpacking to me, and to make it more enjoyable for my sons! Your book and this website are priceless!

Can you clarify something for me? When the website says:

BACKPACKING LIGHT DOES NOT WARRANTY OR HONOR RETURNS FOR FABRIC OR MATERIALS FAILURE DUE TO DURABILITY ISSUES. WE ARE HAPPY TO RETURN ITEMS THAT ARE DEFECTIVE OR FAIL DUE TO A MANUFACTURING / ASSEMBLY DEFECT.

Does that mean I could return the Merino if it was uncomfortable to me? I understand that's not any kind of durability issue, but it doesn't seem like that would be considered defective either?

Can anybody compare the comfort next to the skin to other brands – especially Icebreaker?