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:

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

Thanks Icebreaker!