There it sat on our doorstep. A bright yellow package sent directly from Australia. Inside, was an array of garments from I/O Merino’s Altitude Baselayer Collection. Along with the shipment, a message unlike any other we’ve received: …Thrash it, rub dirt in it, wear it day in day out, don’t wash it- whatever you need to prove that it is the best, then tell people about it!
On Performance and Design…
To take I/O Merino up on their challenge we went a few steps further than usual. We wore the Altitude shirts as an undershirt, a casual shirt, a travel shirt, a run shirt heck… we even used it as a towel on more than a few occassions. We stalked summits, rambled through deserts, and toured China in these garments (and that includes wearing them on the 12 hour flight to Beijing).
Then we came back, mixed in more summits, more deserts, more miles and then jumped on another plane to Hawaii and back. Now you know why we asked I/O for a little extra time to put the Altitude collection through the paces.
The results? To a person, each of our team members raved about the next to skin comfort offered by I/O Merino. Form fit lies right on your skin so there isn’t any extra bulk to get in the way of your adventure, and the buttery soft merino offers an uncanny ability to keep you comfortable in a range of conditions whether you wear it alone or layered under other garments.
When it comes to performance, the I/O Merino delivers on what Merino does best. On warm weather adventures the Merino transfers moisture quickly, before it builds up against your skin, so every adventure occurs in comfort no matter how hard you’re running, hiking, climbing, or what-evering.
As old man winter starts to settle in, the I/O Merino offers serious heat-trapping warmth so you can get outside and make mayhem in the cold. The interior face not only locks in your body heat, but it also wicks and breathes so the sweat you’re generating while climbing the summit or slashing through powder doesn’t hang around and chill you down when you take a breather.
With all that being said, it’s right about now you may be asking the question… “But don’t all Merino fabrics have the natural benefits Merino is famous for?” In short the answer is yes. But the reality is that not all Merino fabrics are created equal. The I/O Merino difference stems from their patented MicroMerino®, a pure, 18.5 micron Merino which falls into the ‘superfine’ classification.
Moreover, I/O Merino prides themselves on an attention to detail that starts with the original wool, and lasts through the entire process manufacturing process until the final product arrives at your doorstep. Anyone can make Merino, but getting it right every step of the way to create the perfect combination of softness, durability and comfort really is a science and an art form.
Notes from the Field…
As a baselayer, the Altitude series will often been worn under other garments and likely tucked in. However, the versatility of these shirts means that you’ll also spend a lot of time wearing them solo and that’s where our primary critique centers. When wearing the shirts as a stand alone, every one of them seemed determined to roll up from the base of the shirt while in use. That can be especially problematic for taller athletes who need the added torso coverage, or athletes who simply don’t like to be bothered by quirky garment issues while on the trail.
Overall, if you’re not one to shy away from a form fitting layer, the Altitude lives up to the hype, offering a tremendous piece for high aerobic endeavors in any condition. With a price point that is now lower than similarly weighted baselayers from other Merino brands, you have yet another reason to give the I/O apparel line a try.
Bottom Line…
Rough, tough and ready to rumble, the I/O Merino Altitude series is a worthy addition to your base layer repertoire.
*Gumption Gear Review received the product samples featured in this review from I/O Merino at no cost, and receives no monetary compensation for this or any related review. The item featured was provided solely in return for our honest views and opinions.