18-4-2007

Patagonia Wool

Wool has got its advantage

Patagonia Wool 2 Zip Neck

85 Euro. Why should a Patagonia freak buy a technical baselayer that expensive? Breathable, light, well designed, it seems that the Wool 2 Zip Neck has everything to please. But it costs 25 Euros more than the same product in polyester... Knowing that we can ask ourselves why the American brand developed product made with wool next to the Capilene® products made of polyester?

First observation, as its little brother in polyester, it leaves a total freedom of movement much more important than the stretch undergarments who stick to the skin and the cutting allows you to wear it in all circumstances. Not negligible at that price.

For the rest, the answer came after using it a while. Four intense months put an end to my doubts.
First argument, the wool, natural component by excellence, is much softer for the skin. Climbers don?t have the reputation of being tender. This is why its anti-smelling skills are welcome. Wool opposite to polyester prevents the apparition of the smell caused by sweating. You could say: it depends on who is wearing it.
Personally, I sweat. Even more when I run and I can assure that you really smell the difference. By the way, it also avoided me a couple washings...

Reading the documentation of the Wool 2 Zip Neck, I knew it was thinner than the Wool 3 and 4 designed for activities in great colds. Other teaching from my reading: as it is for sheep, wool regulates the temperature of the body by slowing the loss of heat.
The winter season being particularly warm, I decided to wear it for a day of skiing. Place: Switzerland. Average temperature: -3°C. Efforts: intense. Result: excellent but not to use during the winter when you stop too much. In lower altitude, it is very good for the cold evenings of spring, witch makes of it a piece of clothing usable in various temperatures depending on the activity you are doing. A must?

Technical details

Hubert