Layering with Icebreaker

Icebreaker Oasis baselayer
Icebreaker Oasis baselayer
Knowing that I was headed out on my adventure to the Channel Islands, Icebreaker provided me with some free samples of their high quality merino wool clothing layers to take with me!

As we have discussed here on HikingLady.com, the most crucial way to stay comfortable on your hikes and outdoor adventures is by layering your apparel.

Icebreaker has developed a fantastic infographic to help all of us understand how three layers, a Base Layer, Mid Layer, and an Outer Layer, can keep us warm and comfortable when we hike! Check it out below:
Icebreakers_HowtoLayer

What is this brand, “Icebreaker”?

For those of you who haven’t read my reviews of Icebreaker products (my first one several years ago of the Women’s Icebreaker Atlas Tee and the more recent review of the Icebreaker Tech T Lite t-shirt), you may not be aware of the soft and odor resistant fabrics from Icebreaker.

Icebreaker products are made of Merino Wool, sourced from New Zealand. They are machine washable, and the best part is that their apparel does an excellent job of reducing odor. So after a sweaty hike or a multiple day backpacking trip, you will be the least smelly of all your friends! Wohoo!

How Icebreaker’s apparel works for Hiking Lady

Technical hiking apparel tends to be much more comfortable and more practical than our everyday clothing. That’s because companies like Icebreaker get it right. They understand that bulky layers don’t keep us warm, but rather the right layers.

Icebreaker makes it really simple. All of their layers are numbered, the smaller the number, the lighter the weight. The Oasis is a 200 weight, which was perfect for my adventure on Santa Cruz Island.

Icebreaker makes it simple! Lower the number, lighter the baselayer.
Icebreaker makes it simple! Lower the number, lighter the baselayer.

Crossing the channel from Ventura to Santa Cruz Island, windy conditions made the otherwise warm day quite chilly. Therefore, I simply put on a hardshell jacket over my Icebreaker Oasis Long Sleeve top.
Crossing the channel to Santa Cruz Island; put on an outer shell over my Icebreaker Oasis baselayer
Crossing the channel to Santa Cruz Island

As I began hiking in a wind protected canyon, the shell came off and the baselayer was just enough to keep me warm as I enjoyed the beautiful views!
Layered up in the Icebreaker Oasis Long Sleeve Half Zip Hood
Layered up in the Icebreaker Oasis Long Sleeve Half Zip

Enjoying beautiful views on Santa Cruz Island wearing only my Icebreaker Oasis baselayer
Enjoying beautiful views on Santa Cruz Island wearing only my Icebreaker Oasis baselayer

The weather on day two of my Santa Cruz Island hiking adventure was similar – hot in the sun, very cool in the shade (low 50s), and windy along ridges. I knew that called for another base layer that would hug my skin and keep me warm, but not too hot. It was a simple decision to wear the Icebreaker Dart Long Sleeve Half Zip.
Exploring Santa Cruz Island wearing Icebreaker Dart Long Sleeve
Exploring Santa Cruz Island wearing Icebreaker Dart Long Sleeve

At the top of El Montanan Ridge; windy conditions but the Icebreaker Dart baselayer kept me warm
At the top of El Montanon Ridge; conditions were windy but the Icebreaker Dart baselayer kept me warm!

Bottom line: layering with Icebreaker is simple, comfortable, and a great way to dress for hiking.

Thanks Icebreaker!

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