The New Zealand brand Icebreaker – pioneer in merino wool outdoor wear – has reimagined its hunting and fishing apparel line for Fall/Winter 2015. The collection was created to offer an alternative to hunters, who after many hours or days outdoors need high performance wear that is both breathable and technical, just like any other outdoor athlete.
In the collection, Icebreaker set out to expand new styles and camouflage patterns while staying loyal to its ethos of using natural fibers. A combination of merino wool and a partnership with RealTree led to the new collection, which revolves around a detailed layering system designed to control body temperature during drastic swings in activity level. The collection draws its main source of inspiration from merino wool.
The layering system also accounts for the hassle of packing for a hunt, and was created so wearers can go longer with less changing. Icebreaker’s merino fiber blend encourages moisture to evaporate before it becomes sweat. The blend also has no added chemicals and is naturally odor-resistant.
Classic Icebreaker styles inspired the new hunt/fish line in an update to old favorites. New IKA active base layers, offered in plain and RealTree prints, are made with 100-percent merino wool and offered in tops and bottoms.
Men’s Real Tree Stratus LS Zip
Icebreaker also updated its MerinoLoft outerwear with the Icebreaker Stratus LS Zip, featuring fabric-woven 100-percent recycled polyester body with Icebreaker MerinoLoft insulation (body 180gm/sleeves 100gm). All MerinoLoft styles are water repellent, machine washable and include recycled merino insulation.
However, the biggest renovations were made to the mid-layer. The process of re-vamping the mid-layer fleece involved a new process of treating the fabric weave, where merino wool is wrapped around a nylon core. The weave is then brushed to create millions of extra air pockets, nearly doubling the warmth while keeping garments thin, lightweight and low bulk. Icebreaker replaced traditional fleece synthetics with RealFleece, made entirely of merino. Like the MerinoLoft Jacket, the improved temperature-regulating weave of ReelFleece is made with recycled fabrics.
Men’s Lodge LS Flannel Shirt
Men’s Hunt + Fish Heavy Mid-Calf Sock
Other notable pieces in Icebreaker’s Fall/Winter 2015 collection include the Men’s Lodge LS Shirt, a heavier weight woven shirt; and anatomically sculpted and densely cushioned Hunt + Fish Mid-Calf Heavy Cushion Sock.
