The Sportwool experiment

I have been testing the magical odour reducing powers of the Merino 23% / Polyester 77% mix used in my Montane Terra Long Sleeve T-shirt.
We plan to use the Montane Terra and Bionic base layers on our C2C hike in June and I wanted to be sure that I could wear it for three or four days in a row without offending Alan, any passing walkers or anyone else that comes within a few feet of me.
I have hiked about 40 miles in it over the past 10 days and managed to squeeze in a sweaty 20 mile bike ride too. All without a trip to the washing machine.
I am very impressed – sure, you can tell it has been worn if you get close enough to it, but it does not have that rancid odour that synthetic base layers manage to achieve after only a few hours on your back.
The garments are incredibly light and quick drying, so a quick swill and a couple of hours hanging from the rucksack should sort out the laundry. I have Smartwool Light Hiker socks for about a year now and these are great too – no hint of odour after a couple of days use, just the gentle aroma of Bob’s footcream!
Andy Howell has just written a good piece on baselayers that is well worth a read.

I have a couple of pairs of Icebreaker merino boxers on order. If they work too, I’m gonna be the best smelling hiker in Wales.