Frankly I think that the bigger decision is the one you’ve already made, namely to invest a bit more money in a good set of merino layers that will last for a long time, give great wear and be a lot more pleasant after a couple of days out on the trail. I think the choice between Icebreaker vs Smartwool is in fact largely personal, but here’s some pointers (Updated – I’m begining to lean more towards Smartwool having been using their stuff a lot more after almost 5 years of slavish devotion to Icebreaker – and I think that Smartwool may be a bit longer-lasting).
Smartwool and Icebreaker are both expensive
There isn’t much difference between the two on this front. You’ll pay a lot for either of them. Partly this is to do with the fact that they are made from top quality materials. But there is also a fair bit of branding and marketing going on here. You can also buy other good quality merino base layers from small Scandinavian or Swiss manufacturers for about a 30%-50% less than you would pay for Smartwool or Icebreaker. The smaller companies just don’t have the marketing or distribution reach of the big ones but it is not to say their clothes are less good. They will just be less fashionable yet have kept thousands of Swedes, Fins and Norwegians warm over the years. Also remember you will easily be paying twice as much for merino wool as you would for synthetic base layers.
Fit and style
A lot of people prefer the slim fit of Icebreaker merino. Their tops are generally quite close fitting and are also made with an eye to style. Icebreaker has put a lot of money into researching techniques for printing patterns on merino wool and it shows (see the picture above). That said some people don’t like the prominent logo on Icebreaker. It is not all style over substance though. Many tops have good drop tails to tuck in and keep your lower back warm. A lot of people also like the thumb loops on some of their tops. These are great as they help cover the vulnerable wrist and a bit of the back of your hand for warmth.
Comfort of Smartwool vs Icebreaker
If people prefer the fit of Icebreaker they often prefer the comfort of Smartwool. A lot of people find the wool to be slightly softer and less itchy. Smartwool also has better seams that lie flat and are more comfortable.
Durability of Smartwool and Icebreaker merino
I don’t think there is a huge difference here. Both are made of good quality material. You need to remember to be careful when washing them and you need to not make the mistake I made, which is to let moths into the drawer or you’ll find your wool tops a bit holier than before.(Updated – as I mentioned above, my Icebreaker tops and baselayers are looking quite ragged – admittedly they have given good service over many years – but I’ve been using Smartwool baselayers for the past few months and think that I am now a convert as they feel really durable and are also comfortable).
Mark says
A note about durability: I took one smartwool and one icebreaker shirt with me traveling for 4 months in Nepal and India. They both got about the same amount of wear (*a lot*). At the end of the trip my smartwool shirt looked like new while the icebreaker was stained, threadbare and practically shredded. The icebreaker was in such poor shape that I could only really wear it under another shirt.
Anonymous says
Talk about sitting on the fence!
Rachel says
I purchased an icebreaker 200 weight and it did not last even a year before it developed holes in the wrist area and then they started forming everywhere, when I contacted the company and sent it in they refused to do anything about it. I am very disappointed in the performance of this garment I have decided to switch to Smartwool simply because of it. Hopefully they can back their product a bit better.
Jon says
Hi
I’m really sorry to hear that you had such a bad experience and that the company didn’t do more about it. If other readers had the same problems please post them here and perhaps we can get a petition or something going to the company.
Matthew says
Same experience with Icebreaker. Initially, very impressed, spent alot of money getting a range of their kit. But it simply is not built to last, random holes have popped up in all of the thinner kit within months and in a pair of the undies as I put them on for the first time ever! Very disappointing, companies should not sell at such premium prices without the quality backing it up.
john says
to those complaining about holes: you should read this: http://knitting.about.com/od/yarn/f/store_wool.htm
when not in use, protect all wool clothing because insects eat it. and insects don’t care if it is icebreaker or else.
Snowie says
Hey John I know this is a very old post, but I’m hoping that you still get notifications. Could you by any chance name a few of the swiss and canadian brands that you referenced in the article? I own a bunch of smartwool, icebreaker, and some ibex, and i like all of them, but sometimes the price is just too much. Thank you in advance!