Altura Merino Long Sleeve Baselayer

If you've avoided merino because you don't like the typically looser fit, but you don't like the feel (or smell) of some synthetic baselayers, the Altura Merino Wool Base Layer could be what you are looking for.

I don't like to start with a complaint, but I will. Nowhere on the packaging is it made clear that this top, although named 'Merino Wool Base Layer' is only 50% merino. The rest is polyester, as you will learn from one of the garment label (not the one in the neck, though – that also says 'Merino Wool'), and the website. On the side of the box it describes the properties of merino wool ('excellent at regulating body temperature and naturally wicking away moisture') but then refers mysteriously to 'Altura Dry Technology' achieving 'enhanced breathability through technical yarn'. What is this technical yarn of which it speaks? No clues.

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This aside, Altura has achieved pretty much what it has set out to do, which is to 'use the natural function of wool in a sport fit styling'. I like merino, in certain applications. I find it best when worn without anything over the top, such as on bright winter days or even in the summer. Once it's trapped under a waterproof or windproof I find it soon becomes clammy and, in cold conditions, that can be quite unpleasant.

Altura has sought to remedy this by combining wool with synthetics to improve the breathability. In use, I found this still felt more like wool than synthetic when it came to shifting the moisture under a windproof, but it was noticeably better than 100% wool.

The fit is undoubtedly better than any merino baselayers I've tried. In fact, I don't use merino baselayers under road tops because of their tendency to be a sloppy fit. This fabric blend incorporates plenty of stretch and the cut is tight, so you can wear it under anything. I tended to pull a short-sleeved jersey over it, using the long sleeves like arm warmers and this worked similarly well, though a bit cooler on the arms. The low-cut neck also makes for a less insulated fit at the collar, which you may or may not like. In a cold wind I might want something I could zip up. It's not been cold enough yet to pull out my heavyweight winter jerseys but I imagine this will pair very nicely with them, especially on low-pace rides where sweat isn't an issue.

The panelling is simple, the stitching flat and tidy, so this garment was comfortable to wear, though not as soft as any 100% merino top I've worn. Wool doesn't smell like some synthetics can (I once wore the same merino top for nine days between washes, in the furthest flung reaches of the Scandinavian Arctic). Altura has added silver 'microparticles' and this seems to help prevent any lingering build-up of bacteria, which can be hard to deal with in clothes that can only be given a cool wash.

> Check out our guide to the best cycling baselayers

The sizing was wayward, to say the least. Altura has listed this in three 'unisex' sizes: XS-S, M-L and XL-XXL. While my test top came in M-L, it was definitely more medium than large, especially in the sleeve length where I really needed an extra inch. Men in particular will most likely want to size up.

All in all though, this is a well-considered and well-made piece, which combines some of the advantages – and drawbacks – of both wool and man-made fibres.

Verdict

Sheepswool without the sag, synthetics without the smell. Watch out for the small sizing