Ridge Merino Inversion Heavyweight Merino Leggings - Women's Review

The Ridge Inversion Leggings are a heavyweight base layer that offers superior warmth and comfort at an affordable price point. One of the warmest and thickest layers that we tested, these long johns are designed with winter outdoor activities in mind. These leggings feature an excellent high-waisted fit and a full-length pant that extends to the ankle. A brushed, stretchy waistband increases comfort without being distracting, and the flatlock seams are minimal to prevent chafing.

Performance Comparison

Warmth

Finally, a long underwear garment that lives up to its advertised weight — the Inversion Heavyweight Merino Leggings are exactly that, a heavyweight garment built for the coldest of winter adventures. These are hands down one of the warmest pairs of long underwear we've tested, thanks in part to the high rise of the waist for added warmth in addition to the 270 g/m² of thick and heavyweight Merino wool.

During our fall testing period, when the temperatures dropped, we remained warm and cozy while camping in the cold and dark. The smooth Merino wool of the Inversion Leggings increases their layering ability when paired with other pants over the top for added insulation. These leggings quickly became one of our go-to's for extra warmth around the campfire or for long trail runs in the shade. They are perfect for backcountry ski adventures when layered below your bibs, whether riding the lift or earning your turns in the backcountry during the coldest conditions.

Breathability

While the Ridge Inversion Leggings breathe decently for a heavyweight 100% Merino wool pair of long johns, they do not breathe as well as other light and midweight options tested in this review. The simple, stripped-down design also does not feature any ventilation panels for moisture to escape, except through the thick and tightly woven wool material. These leggings are designed with winter sports in mind and are far too thick and heavyweight to be considered functional for the entirety of the year. That said, the Merino wool fabric is so soft and cozy that they are perfect for those crisp fall evenings when you need a little extra insulation.

While the fit of this layer is neither super tight nor loose, it still allows air to flow through the fabric, thereby wicking moisture away from the skin to prevent any clamminess. Still, our testers noticed that the thick waistband often collected sweat that was difficult to release with other layers over the top. While not the highest performer in this metric, the Ridge Inversion offers effective moisture management in the colder conditions for which it is designed.

Comfort and Fit

Premium, 18.5-micron fibers in this 100% Merino wool fabric create next-level softness and increase next-to-skin comfort, making these leggings a great choice for rest days, cold nights in the tent, or pushing yourself in the mountains. The flatlock seams reduce chafing and prevent discomfort, while the brushed elastic waistband lays flat against your skin. Removable labels also enhance comfort, and the Merino wool design didn't itch or cause any irritation.

The fit of the Inversion is slim enough to retain body heat but loose enough to allow for a full range of motion, even when layered below your ski or puffy pants. The high-rise waist increases warmth and offers coverage around the waist with full-length pant legs extending just below the ankle. These leggings easily accommodate athletic calves without any constrictions. Our testers were impressed by the overall comfort and fit offered by these affordable Merino wool leggings, whether layered below an outer layer or worn on their own during a mellow rest day at home.

Durability

We're happy to report that after many weeks of rigorous testing, we noticed only minor fabric piling. These long johns held up rather nicely after many trail runs through sharp manzanita forests and cold fall camp nights. The 100% Merino wool fabric is naturally odor-free, even after many uses between washes.

The fabric is thick enough to be worn on its own, though if you purchase these in a light color, they will, unsurprisingly, stain more easily. The lighter colors can also pick up bits of darker fabrics worn over the top, often changing the color, if ever so subtle. Aesthetics aside, the Inversion Leggings are ready for cold outdoor pursuits, thanks to reinforced flatlock seams and the 270-gram Merino wool heavyweight fabric.

Drying Speed

To properly test this metric, we simulated washing and drying each layer in the backcountry for a multi-day adventure. We soaked each bottom in a local stream, wrung each pair out, tossed every one on a line to dry, and started our stopwatch. Unfortunately, the Inversion offered the slowest drying speed at 78 minutes, but they are also the thickest and considered the only true heavyweight fabric in our lineup.

After working up a sweat, we noticed that the lack of breathability in these thick and heavyweight bottoms also prevented a fast drying speed, requiring one hour to dry on the body post-ski. We don't recommend drying this layer in the dryer, which can often damage Merino wool due to high heat; rather, we recommend allowing it to dry fully overnight after washing in a machine.

Layering Ability

Though one might suspect that the Inversion leggings would be difficult to layer due to their fabric thickness, our testing team couldn't help but notice the smooth interface of these leggings when paired beneath rain or puffy pants and our ski bibs. As long as the layer over the top isn't too slim-fitting, these leggings should easily layer underneath.

It's worth considering the thicker fabric of these heavyweight leggings based on the activity you select for the day. If your ski bibs run a little snug, the Inversion may not be the best choice and may prevent full range of motion due to limited space. If you're out winter camping and your puffy pants fit snugly around the waist, the Inversion may limit overall comfort, even with a waistband that sits above the natural waistline. That being said, these are great if layered within a system that leaves a little extra space for the 270 g/m² Merino wool fabric.

Should You Buy the Ridge Merino Inversion Leggings?

If you're looking for affordable, 100% Merino wool long underwear that doesn't sacrifice performance or comfort, the Inversion Leggings are a great option. Ultra-fine Merino wool traps heat and sheds moisture, keeping you warm and dry during the coldest months of the year. A naturally odor-free and durable design makes these worth much more than their modest price tag suggests.

What Other Long Underwear Should You Consider?