Merino.tech 250 Crew - Women's Review

The Merino.tech 250 Crew is a midweight, 100% Merino wool base layer that supplies solid performance at a very budget-friendly price. The stripped-down layer features a relaxed fit as well as a midweight construction that's perfect for year-round use. Though not without a few caveats, this layer is a great option for those seeking the performance of Merino wool without breaking the bank.

Performance Comparison

Warmth

The Merino.tech 250 Crew is a midweight base layer that offers versatile warmth perfect for a wide range of uses throughout the year. The 100% Merino wool design is constructed from densely woven 250 g/m² wool that helps retain body heat during activity. The thickness of this layer is noticeable among other crews that we tested, making it a perfect option for low-output hikes in the spring and fall when ventilation is less of a concern, as well as a base layer for resort skiing in the winter.

This bargain Merino layer does not offer any additional features to aid in creating and retaining warmth, such as a hood, thumbloops, or a high neckline. However, the midweight fabric is paired with a longer cut, including a hem that runs down at your hips and longer-than-average sleeves, which increase warmth through the additional coverage. Merino wool is also notorious for retaining heat even when wet, and we found this true of the Merino.tech 250 Crew. A heavier-weight version is also available in 320 g/m² if you are looking to upgrade the degree of warmth provided.

Breathability

Beyond the natural breathability and moisture-wicking performance of Merino wool, the Merino.tech 250 Crew doesn't integrate any other features to enhance breathability. The thicker midweight construction holds onto sweat, particularly in the double layer at the wrist cuff and lower back. We found the top required about 20 minutes to dry on the body when worn as a stand-alone layer, about average for many thicker base layer tops.

The crew is not as breathable as other Merino wool base layers in our lineup. The affordable design forgoes options like lofted patterning for optimized airflow or a zippered neck to offload heat. We also found the seams at the wrist limited our ability to pull the layer up to the elbows to drop heat. Due to its limited breathability and options to increase ventilation, this is a layer we'd recommend for low to moderate activity as a stand-alone piece versus as a go-to base layer in your cold weather kit for high-intensity efforts.

Comfort and Fit

The Merino.tech 250 Crew features a relaxed fit with raglan sleeves that increase comfort while carrying a pack and overall range of motion. The layer is true to size, and the fine 17.5-micron, 100% Merino wool threads feel reasonably soft next to your skin and continue to soften with repeated washing.

One of the larger caveats with this layer is its thick flatlock seams that cause restriction in the wrists and forearms. We couldn't help but notice its limiting effect, reducing our comfort while climbing or on trail runs during moments when we'd like to pull up our sleeves. While the crew is built of Merino wool, it has a more rigid construction than other more refined designs covered in this review, but we did note the material gets softer and softer with every wash.

Durability

Our testing team did their best to destroy the Merino.tech 250 Crew, wearing it on long, off-trail approaches, bouldering on the sharp rocks of the Tablelands, and climbing tons of pitches in the Owens River Gorge. Overall, we were impressed with how well this top held up to the abuse, showing no signs of wear and tear, no unraveling at the seams, nor holes in the delicate Merino wool.

Unlike other 100% Merino wool layers that we've tested, the Merino.tech 250 Crew also held its shape between washes. It also did a great job of resisting body odors, making it a great choice for extended expeditions and adventures.

Drying Speed

Thick, midweight designs like the Merino.tech 250 Crew typically do not dry at the fastest speeds. Merino wool often requires a longer drying time when compared to its synthetic counterparts, and thicker midweight-construction layers (roughly, those beyond 175 g/m²) require even more time, whether that be worn on the body or hung on the line.

We conducted our drying tests in Bishop, California, soaking the layer and then line drying between the hours of 1-2pm at a temperature of 56 degrees, noting low 14% humidity and equally low winds. The Merino.tech Crew required just over an hour to fully dry under these conditions, with the double layer at the cuff requiring the longest stretch to reach that point. We also went for trail runs near the Buttermilks and hoofed it out of the Owens River Gorge so that we could break a sweat and record the time required for the top to dry on the body. After sweat was absorbed into the wrist cuffs, lower back, and chest, we found it ultimately dried in about 20 minutes, about average among the base layers we tested. Although drying speed isn't where the Merino.tech 250 Crew really shines, Merino wool does insulate quite well while wet and makes a great choice on active days in colder climates.

Layering Ability

Although the Merino.tech 250 Crew is midweight and thicker than other options, we still found it easy to layer both underneath and over top. The long cut fits easily below a climbing harness, while the tight wrist cuffs help the top stay in place once you start to move or if you pair it with another layer, like a fleece, a softshell, or a hardshell.

The thick aesthetic seams were noticeable when this layer was at the base of our cold weather kit, detracting from our tester's overall comfort. However, the raglan sleeves were roomy and comfortable under backpack straps and increased our range of motion in the top. While this crew requires a little more space than a lightweight top underneath a secondary layer, it is easy to throw over the top of a tank or sports bra and still fits easily underneath a rain or puffy jacket without bunching.

Should You Buy the Merino.tech 250 Crew?

The Merino.tech 250 Crew is a great option for those seeking the benefits of 100% Merino wool without making a significant investment. The midweight top is versatile enough for year-round use when worn as a stand-alone piece or layered into your cold-weather kit for use on low-output adventures or cozy days by the fire. This crew is naturally odor-resistant, holds its shape between washes, and continues to insulate while wet, which is nice because this thicker layer requires more time to dry on the body and on the clothesline. The budget-friendly construction does sacrifice a little performance when it comes to comfort as well as breathability if you plan to engage in sweat-inducing activities, yet overall, it is the layer we would recommend for those looking to pick up a Merino wool base layer on a tight budget.

What Other Base Layers Should You Consider?

If you want to enjoy the benefits of a 100% Merino wool base layer and are willing to invest in a top-performing crew that offers superior breathability as well as increased comfort with a more flattering fit, check out our favorite Merino crew, the Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Crewe. Our testing team also loves the Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino for its lightweight, highly breathable design with an open neck, making it a perfect three-season layer. Finally, for a comparable synthetic option that dries faster and features thumb loops, the REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Crew is not to be missed.