When your planning to travel through multiple climate zones in just a two week span, you know you can count on Smartwool to have just the right layers to keep you going.  We traveled through Europe during the spring season which meant that some areas were a nice 50ºF and others were still a cold 30ºF.  Packing was our biggest concern.  Smartwool made it easier with their lightweight, yet warm, layering options.  They sent us a handful of pieces to try out, and they really came in handy.  Check out below to see what the favorites were.

Women’s Merino 150 Pattern Tank

Key Features:TANK

  • Regular Fit
  • Back cutout detail with shiny stitching
  • Stretch merrow stitching for comfort and a feminine aesthetic
  • Knit in Vietnam: 87% Merino Wool, 13% Nylon
  • Garment Weight: 94 g = 3.3 oz

This lightweight Merino 150 tank is great for any warmer weather activity, or layered for those slightly chilly days. It is comfortable against the skin and the Merino 150 helps regulate body temperature. Made with stretch stitching so it moves more freely with you. We love this tank for its flattering feminine look without hugging the body. You can feel comfortable and look good at the same time.

Buy Now: $70

Women’s PhD® Seamless Strappy Bra

Key Features:BRA

  • Slim Fit
  • Seamless knit Merino wool interior for ultimate next-to-skin comfort combined with a supportive outer layer
  • Engineered knit cups provide shape and lift
  • Removable padding
  • Knit in Turkey: Shell – 38% Nylon, 30% Merino Wool, 20% Polyester, 12% Elastane; Inner – 68% Merino
  • Wool, 21% Nylon, 11% Elastane
  • Garment Weight: 85 g = 3 oz

The Seamless Strappy bra has gone through many changes over time. The current version is designed with multiple thin straps that cross the back. This adds a little extra support, but for those with a larger chest will still want something stronger with more support. The PhD Seamless Strappy bra is great for low intensity workouts like yoga or long walks. The fabric is soft and stretchy which makes it so comfortable you won’t want to take it off.

Buy Now: $50

Women’s Merino 250 Base Layer Bottom

Key Features:PANTS

  • Slim Fit; Natural Rise
  • Interlock knit
  • Wide fabric-covered elastic waistband for comfort and a flattering fit
  • Flatlock seam construction designed to eliminate chafing
  • Size M – Inseam: 30″ (77 cm)
  • Knit in Vietnam: 100% Merino Wool
  • Garment Weight: 190 g = 6.7 oz

We have a love hate relationship with these Merino 250 Base bottoms. They are super soft, warm and comfortable as a base layer. They work great out skiing or even just out hiking around in the cold weather. The one major issue we have with these pants are that they look great when you first put them on, then stretch out in such a short amount of time. We can’t ever wear them alone because they are so baggy. We love the wide waistband, but the elastic is not attached to the material so it can easily twist around making it a little frustrating to get straightened out. They will always just be a base layer under other pants or for lounging around the house.

Buy Now: $95

Women’s Merino 150 Base Layer Micro Stripe Long Sleeve

Key Features:SHIRT

  • Slim Fit
  • Raglan sleeve design removes shoulder seams
  • Side seams wrap to front for body-enhancing fit
  • Stretch merrow stitching for comfort and a feminine aesthetic
  • Knit in Vietnam: 87% Merino Wool, 13% Nylon Core
  • Garment Weight: 133 g = 4.7 oz

The Merino 150 Base Layer Micro Stripe long sleeve is a go to shirt for any season. Works great as a base layer on cold days and we even love it for hiking trips in the warm seasons. The raglan sleeves don’t have shoulder seams so it reduces uncomfortable rubbing under the pack straps. This long sleeve is soft against the skin and helps keep your body temperature regulated. The style is slightly fitted without hugging and is longer in length. We love this shirt in any weather.

Buy Now: $80

Women’s Corbet 120 Jacket

Key Features:JACKET

  • Regular Fit
  • Sleeves and back of jacket use stretchy knit fabric for ease of movement while putting Merino against skin and nylon/elastane against the elements
  • Merino lined front panel and collar for sweat and odor management
  • 2 secure zip hand pockets and internal secure zip chest pocket with media cord routing; Integrated thumbhole opening for optional additional coverage
  • Center front zipper with draft flap and chin guard
  • Knit in Vietnam: Front Panel – 100% Polyester; Sleeves & Back – 48% Merino Wool, 44% Polyester, 8%
  • Elastane; Lining – 56% Merino Wool, 44% Polyester; Fill – 75% Wool, 25% Polyester

While the Corbet 120 jacket might be made for the Fall, we love it in the spring here in the mid-west. It is a great inbetween jacket for the days you don’t want to go full winter, but still need a little warmth. It has moisture managing merino that is against the skin with added insulation on the front. To make it even better, they finished it off with a DWR-finished nylon facing to protect against the elements. The sleeves and the back are stretchy for easy movement. The sleeves have added thumholes, and the hand pockets are zippered to keep your belongings from falling out. There is even an internal secure zip chest pocket with a media cord routing if you like to use your headphones during your activity. We use this jacket for anything from jogging, to just running out to the store. A great all around piece to have.

Buy Now: $200 (on sale for $100!)

Women’s PhD® Outdoor Medium Pattern Crew Socks

Key Features:SOCK2

  • Sock Height: Crew
  • Virtually Seamles toe
  • 7.5″ overall height
  • Made in USA of Imported Yarns: 61% Merino Wool, 37% Nylon, 2% Elastane

The perfect sock for long hikes. We took these PhD Outdoor Medium Crew socks up and down mountains and our feet stay dry and warm. These socks hug the foot just right with the perfect stretch. They didn’t slip around nor did they cause any uncomfortable rubbing. The breathability is exceptional. After walking through the Irish bog to climb Benbulben Mountain in Ireland, we were expecting our feet to be damp from sweat, but were pleasantly surprised to find that they were completely dry. The medium thickness is great for a little cushion without being over insulated on those warmer days.

Buy Now: $24

Smartwool always works to deliver top quality products and it is noticeable.  Their layer-able items got us around Europe comfortably.  They have clothing and gear suitable for all seasons.

To check out more of their stuff, head over to Smartwool.com.

About The Author

Photographer/Contributor

Photographer, travel enthusiast and outdoor adventurer, Beth has no trouble enjoying life. She is always looking for the next “hidden gem” in the world of travel, the latest in outdoor gear to help her get there, and new and improved photography equipment to help document every moment. With her adventurous spirit and creative eye, Beth makes a great addition to our team.

One Response

  1. Jessica

    Could you tell me what brand of boots the lady in the picture is wearing? Thanks!

    Reply

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