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GOBIK Merino long sleeve shirt
In this article: review and opinion of the GOBIK Merino long-sleeved first layer base layer.
GOBIK Merino Baselayer is a long-sleeved undershirt made with merino wool fabric, which keeps our skin isolated from moisture and protected from the cold. It is available in a male and female version, in long and short sleeves. In our review we tested the long-sleeved version, perfect as a first thermal layer in the cold winter months.
Base layer
In winter it is essential to retain body heat, but there is something that we must also achieve, just as important or more: stay dry. The first or base layer is the closest to the skin and should act as a «second skin» providing the necessary warmth, but it fulfills a second function, which is to transport sweat and moisture to upper layers to make us feel dry and comfortable. It is important to have a fabric capable of doing this in cycling clothing, since it is a sport where more sweat is produced than usual, especially in winter when we are warmer. If we leave moisture on the skin, we will start to get cold and we can also suffer from chafing.
Merino sheep, merino wool
The merino breed of sheep produce a type of wool highly prized for its properties: merino wool. Do not think that this breed is some genetic cross of the XXI century made in a laboratory, the thing comes from much earlier. Its origins are remote, probably before the Roman Ages, but its root is Spain, more specifically the southern part, where the breed is currently concentrated. But we are going to focus on the reason for its use, if you are more interested in its history, you can read it here.
Surely someone will already be thinking about their bad sports experiences with traditional wool… Well, it is precisely here where merino wool stands out. The fibers that compose it are half as thick as those of the common sheep, and they appear in a wavy structure, with many joints between them and millions of microscopic air pockets inside. This curious arrangement endows merino wool with unique properties, allowing it to be a fabric widely used in the manufacture of high-performance sports equipment for outdoor activities:
- Hygroscopic: it is capable of absorbing water, up to 30% -40% of its weight, which it stores inside and gradually releases, keeping its surface dry to the touch. This allows sweat to evacuate from our skin in an excellent way, keeping us dry and comfortable.
- Weight/Heat Ratio: in addition to being the lightest wool that exists, at the same weight as other fabrics, it provides more heat.
- Insulating: the arrangement of microscopic air pockets inside causes an insulating effect.
- Thermoregulatory: it also works in hot weather, releasing stored moisture keeping the body dry and cool.
- It does not irritate: it does not itch due to the wavy structure of its fiber and its great number of joints, minimizing the points of contact with the skin. That is why it is so soft to the touch.
- Antibacterial: sheep produce protective agents to prevent bacteria from spreading on their fur, you will be curious to see how your sweat does not smell on it.
- Sustainable: it is a fabric of natural material, therefore totally ecological, free of chemical substances and very durable.
I think it is quite clear that we are facing the holy grail of sports fabrics for first layers.
At GOBIK they have selected this raw material as the basis for their winter undershirt, based on its excellent properties, but before knowing its result, let’s take a closer look at its construction and design.
Unboxing
As always, and we will never tire of commenting on it, the care in the presentation and wrapping of the garment is magnificent:
Here we have the Merino Baselayer with that unmistakable feel of merino wool. The first thing that catches our attention is the neck, wide, to optimize the evaporation of sweat inside:
Also the thick bottom hem, which keeps the shirt from riding up and stays in place:
The SkinLab logo appears on the outside of the neck, identifying the garment as a first layer:
The fact that it is an undershirt does not mean that it is not full of the usual details of the brand. We find embroidery everywhere
Now let’s see how it behaves…
On Route
As soon as we put on the garment, the great softness and adaptability it has is clearly perceived. It is of medium thickness, it does not constrict us and it is long enough in the sleeves and body, so as not to be short when we grab the handlebars and to cover the lower back well. We can put it directly on our skin, or use another tighter inner layer if we feel like it. In our case we have tested it in both ways, depending on the temperature.
We have been using the garment in the coldest winter months, even with the arrival of snow squalls. Its behavior is spectacular. Throughout our years as cyclists we have used many, many first layer undershirts, until now all synthetic. With less or more success, they helped evaporate water from the body, but none, we repeat none, has provided us with the sensation of heat, comfort and dry skin that it has achieved.
Without a doubt, this Baselayer Merino is a real discovery. We knew about the use of merino wool in high-end mountain gear, and now we understand why. It is a T-shirt that we have fallen in love with, essential in our wardrobe. By the way, we venture to say that the GOBIK merino wool socks will be a real remedy for those cold feet.
Good route!
