Smartwool 150 vs Icebreaker 175

Interesting notes on the diff weights and abrasion issues. Are they both 100% Merino? Thanks for sharing!

They are both 100% Merino. I was surprised at the weight of the Icebreaker. Given that it’s a 175 I expected it to be heavier in ounces. I was pretty excited when I saw a 175 weighed less than a 150, however in my current tests it doesn’t feel as warm.

I’m not sure what can be known from this visually, because of the color difference, but the Icebreaker feels the way it looks in the pic. It feels…flimsier, looser, more open. It doesn’t seem to have the quality. Running them each between your fingers, the Icebreaker is scratchy, and feeling like it could readily tear. The Smartwool is smooth and soft. I just wish the stitching was inside, like on the Icebreaker.

The position of the stitch is higher on the Icebreaker. My pack has load lifters, so this puts it up and away from the pack strap, and not rubbing. On the Smartwool it’s in front, and readily abrades against the front of my pack strap.

I have Smartwool 150 top and bottom and have found nothing I would want to replace them with.  I used to own Icebreaker 175 and 200, and another brand I can’t recall, and got rid of them as soon as I tried the Smartwool.  The 175 seemed no warmer, and both it and the 200 were somehow stiffer and definitely not as comfortable.  Bummer about the SW seam wear…I have never worn either piece as outerwear.

Also looks like we have the same MH synthetic shirt.  Agree that it is awesome and damn near indestructible.