Icebreaker Oasis and Sphere Tops Tested + Reviewed

Summary

This video review covers two Icebreaker products: the Oasis Long-Sleeve Crew and the Sphere Long-Sleeve Hoodie, both made from merino wool. The Oasis is a lightweight, odor-resistant base layer perfect for outdoor activities, offering features like flat stitching and moisture-wicking properties. The Sphere, a mix of merino wool, tencel, and nylon, is a lifestyle piece ideal for summer, offering breathability, SPF 30+ protection, and quick drying. Both garments impress with their comfort, odor resistance, and lightweight design, making them excellent for travel and outdoor wear.

Takeaways

• 😀 The review covers two Icebreaker New Zealand clothing items: the Oasis Long-Sleeve Crew and the Sphere Long-Sleeve Hoodie.
• 🧶 Icebreaker started in 1994 and uses merino wool from sheep for its garments due to its excellent properties.
• 🧥 The Oasis Long-Sleeve Crew is made from 100% pure merino wool, rated at 200, and is ideal as a lightweight base layer for cool to warm conditions.
• 💨 The Oasis features flat stitching to avoid chafing, offset shoulders for comfort while carrying a pack, and a longer back to keep the body warm.
• 👌 Merino wool is breathable, moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, and non-itchy. The reviewer confirms the odor resistance after a week of use.
• 🧢 The Sphere Long-Sleeve Hoodie is made from Icebreaker's Cool-Lite fabric, combining merino wool, Tencel (from eucalyptus plants), and nylon for stretch.
• 🌞 The Sphere is ultra-lightweight with a 135 rating, ideal for summer hikes due to its faster wicking, 40% cooler properties, and SPF 30+ protection.
• ✈️ The reviewer finds the Sphere perfect for travel, wearing it on long trips without it developing odors.
• 🎨 The hood on the Sphere is more of a fashion piece, although it can block some wind.
• 👍 Overall, the reviewer is impressed with Icebreaker’s products, highlighting their lightweight, odor resistance, and performance as advertised.

Q & A

What are the two Icebreaker products being reviewed?

The two Icebreaker products being reviewed are the Oasis Long Sleeve Crew and the Sphere Long Sleeve Hoodie.

What material is the Oasis Long Sleeve Crew made of?

The Oasis Long Sleeve Crew is made of 100% pure merino wool.

What is the rating of the Oasis Long Sleeve Crew, and what conditions is it suitable for?

The Oasis Long Sleeve Crew has a 200 rating, making it suitable for cool to warm conditions. It's considered lightweight.

What design features help the Oasis Long Sleeve Crew prevent chafing?

The Oasis Long Sleeve Crew features flat stitching and offset shoulders, ensuring no chafing even when carrying a pack.

What are the key benefits of merino wool, as highlighted in the review?

The key benefits of merino wool include wicking, non-itchiness, breathability, and excellent odor resistance.

What is the Sphere Long Sleeve Hoodie made of, and what are its key features?

The Sphere Long Sleeve Hoodie is made of 60% merino wool, 20% Tencel (derived from eucalyptus plants), and 15% nylon. It is lightweight, wicks three times faster than other layers, and has cooling properties.

What is the fabric rating of the Sphere Long Sleeve Hoodie, and what activities is it best suited for?

The Sphere Long Sleeve Hoodie has a fabric rating of 135, making it a featherweight piece best suited for hiking during summer months.

What makes the Sphere Long Sleeve Hoodie a good option for travel?

The Sphere Long Sleeve Hoodie is lightweight, odor-resistant, and doesn't develop bad odors even after being worn for several days, making it ideal for travel.

How does the hood of the Sphere Long Sleeve Hoodie function according to the reviewer?

The hood of the Sphere Long Sleeve Hoodie is roomy and can block some wind, but the reviewer sees it more as a fashion piece than a functional one.

What overall impression does the reviewer have of Icebreaker products?

The reviewer is highly impressed with Icebreaker products, finding that they perform exactly as advertised, are lightweight, and are especially good for travel and active use.