This is a review of EDZ merino wool base layers: the long sleeve zip-neck top, long sleeve crew-neck top and leggings. All three are 200gsm superfine merino wool and have been used on numerous hikes and wild-camping trips over the last few years. Read my 5-day hiking and wild camping in Cumbria in the snow using these base layers and a number of other EDZ clothing items. I’ve also found them ideal on my Striding Edge narrow boat holidays.
I think EDZ merino wool base layers are very good value for money. They last well and are cheaper than many other merino wool products. I’m still using the EDZ merino wool base layers and underwear purchased over 4 years ago and there’s still no noticeable signs of wear.
I have been using these EDZ base layers for a couple of years now and they’re still in near perfect condition. The high merino wool content of these three items is a real benefit, as they stay warm when they’re wet. They also don’t smell too bad on long distance backpacking trips. This is essential when I’m unable to wash them very often or I’m likely to be wet to the skin for long periods. I’ve found these perfect base layers for wearing under my Paramo clothing.
EDZ is an independent specialist clothing brand based in Cumbria, and they’ve been making outdoor clothing since 1995. I have reviewed all my other EDZ clothing items here.
Long sleeve crew-neck top
My medium size weighs 235g (8.3oz) and is available in various colours.
EDZ’s long sleeve crew top is made from 100% superfine merino wool. It’s soft next to the skin and comfortable to wear. The crew neck top fits me very slightly looser than the Icebreaker 200gsm top. It’s a good base-layer for colder weather and could be used as a mid layer with a thin T-shirt underneath. The arm length is perfect, a little long which allows for using the thumb loops.
I think the EDZ crew neck top is good value for money for merino wool and it’s a great hiking or everyday base layer in the winter. I normally use this to sleep in while wild camping, mainly to protect my down sleeping bag from sweat and to provide extra warmth.
The current EDZ website price link here.
Long sleeve zip-neck top
My medium size weighs 254g (9oz) and is available in various colours.
EDZ’s long sleeve zip-neck is 100% merino wool for natural climate control and warmth. It’s suitable for hot and cold conditions, warmer than synthetics, and has awesome anti-odour properties. The top is a slim fit with flat seams, dropped back and thumb slits in the cuffs. It is machine washable, durable, fast drying and wicks moisture.
Just like the crew top, the zip-neck top fits me very slightly looser than the Icebreaker 200gsm top. The neck is a good snug fit when fully zipped up and again the arm length is perfect, even when using the thumb loops. It’s a good base layer or could be used as a mid layer with a thin T-shirt underneath.
I think this EDZ merino wool zip neck top is good value for merino wool. It’s great for hiking in but could easily be used everyday too. I wear it most of the year, but I find it too warm as a base layer in mid-summer because of its 200gsm weight. However, it could be worth having in your pack in the summer as a mid-layer. It worked really well with a thin baselayer under it, on my 5 days wild-camping in the Lake District trip. This combination worked perfectly with my Paramo Bentu fleece and Bentu windproof, which I’ve reviewed here.
The current EDZ website price link here.
Leggings
The medium size weigh 215g (7.6oz) and are available in various colours.
The EDZ superfine 200gsm merino base layer leggings are 100% wool. They have flat seams, a high back rise on the waist to keep lower back covered and include a fly opening. The fit is correct for the size and is a nice close fitting, neither overly tight or loose.
I think these are ideal for very cold weather and good value for money.
They are very comfortable to walk in and sleep in during cold weather but are too warm for UK summer use. I normally use these to sleep in while wild camping, mainly to protect my down sleeping bag from sweat and to provide extra warmth.
The current EDZ website price link here.
Comparison: EDZ vs Icebreaker
In my opinion, EDZ merino base layers provide a cost-effective alternative to the higher-priced Icebreaker merino base layers.
The Icebreaker items have less prominent seams and the merino wool is possibly a bit softer, but I honestly can’t tell much of a difference while wearing them.
When you factor in the price difference between EDZ and Icebreaker, I would recommend EDZ clothing for value for money. I’m still using the EDZ merino wool base layers and underwear purchased over 6 years ago.
Washing merino wool clothing
Remember to read the care labels on all merino wool clothing. It needs to be looked after differently to synthetic clothing. I wash mine in soap flakes at 30 degrees C, on an easy care cycle in the washing machine. When I’m on a long-distance hike, I hand wash them in rivers. I also try to keep them out of full sun when I hang them out to dry, as merino clothing can sometimes discolour over time.
Further reading:
EDZ Merino wool fabric-care guide
Read my EDZ fingerless gloves review here.
My EDZ merino wool Plaid Flannel Shirt review
Chris Townsends review of the EDZ zip neck top
3 days wild camping in Cumbria – testing EDZ clothing
5 days wild-camping in the snow – using EDZ clothing
Gear list for my 200-mile walk around Norfolk – using EDZ clothing
My Inov8 Roclite Mid boots review
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Disclosure: Some of the products reviewed here were donated to me by EDZ with no obligation or financial incentive to promote positively.