- Material: Merino Wool/Polyester blend
- Colour: Black, Pink and Navy (top) and Black and Navy (Bottom)
- Sizes: S/M/L/XL
- Price: $120 (top) & $120 (bottom)
A year ago, the outdoor enthusiasts couldn’t wait to get their hands on Smartwool’s new Intraknit merino blend base layers. In a nutshell, the gender-specific 3D-mapping merino / polyester-blend fabric targets key zones to improve ventilation, insulation, and articulation where it counts.
What makes the Intraknit fabric stand out is that it has fewer seams and a more articulated performance, body-mapped fit to increase ventilation and cut down the bulk whilst also allowing for better movement. In other words, the guys behind this techy fabric have spent shit loads of time down in the lab.
“By using a 3D knitting machine to produce the Intraknit base layers, Smartwool avoids excess waste”
The merino / polyester blend allows for more warmth and better odour resistance, while simultaneously giving the base layer its wicking abilities. By placing gender-specific ventilation on the base layer, Smartwool maximizes thermoregulation and breathability which makes it easier for the fabric to manage sweat and movement. This also makes the fabric more forgiving, as it allows for the fabric to nicely wrap around the joints.
However, as the fabric is slightly heavier, it may take a while for the wool to heat up which can potentially make the layer feel slightly uncomfortable at first. So, give it some time before you judge the fabric on its comfort.
By using a 3D knitting machine to produce the Intraknit base layers, Smartwool avoids excess waste. The technology also allows them to transition from insulation to ventilation zones without using fabric panels.
All in all, Smartwool’s Intraknit base layer performs very well, especially considering its weight to breathability ratio. The fabric is breathable and warm, and allows for a wide range of movement.
[monetizer101 search=’Smartwool Women’s Intraknit Merino 200 Crew’]
The model in the photo is 5’4” (165cm) tall and wearing size S.
