Sustainable Warmth: Merino Jacket An ‘Active Insulator’

Outerwear is a hotbed for innovation in the outdoors. Icebreaker hops in with a new kind of ‘active’ jacket made mostly of wool.

Icebreaker is known for its merino wool and base layers. But the company makes a range of apparel and outerwear, including a jacket unlike almost anything in the outdoors.

How is it different? The Helix Long Sleeve Zip melds the traits of warmth, breathability, comfort, odor-resistance, and sustainability to stand out in a sea of outerwear options.

Here we break down the Helix Long Sleeve Zip.

Product: Icebreaker Helix Long Sleeve Zip

Active Insulation — A trend in outerwear, the term “active insulation” refers to highly-breathable pieces that also offer warmth. The Helix Long Sleeve Zip falls fully in the category. It insulates and protects from wind. But side panels give above-normal breathability.

Stretch Panels — Thin merino-jersey side panels give copious breathability. (See image above.) They are made of a stretchy poly/merino/Lycra blend. The nearly see-through panels help with airflow and regulate body temperature when you’re active.

Natural Fibers — Icebreaker combines sustainable materials with a performance design. The Helix has a 100% recycled polyester face fabric. Its lining is 100% merino wool. Insulating panels also use merino (see next bullet on MerinoLOFT).

MerinoLOFT — Synthetic fill or goose down are common insulators. Icebreaker goes with something different. Its MerinoLOFT insulation is made of merino wool placed under a water-repellent shell fabric. The result is a high warmth-to-weight ratio from a natural and sustainable material source.

Adaptable Jacket — Icebreaker made the Helix to serve as an alpine mid-layer (for cold, high-output days while climbing and skiing). Or wear it alone when you’re running, XC skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking in the cold.

Aesthetic Focus — This jacket has a unique look. It will stand out in a crowd of outerwear with its “Fraser Peaks” pattern, a grey heather that gives a modern look with organic undertones.

–See details on Icebreaker.com, where the jacket — full name: MerinoLOFT Helix Long Sleeve Zip Hood Fraser Peaks 250 Midweight — has an msrp of $270 and is on sale now for $189.

This article is sponsored by Icebreaker. Check out the brand’s line of merino wool products here.