Icebreaker Merino Blend 300 RealFleece™ Descender Long Sleeve Zip Jacket

Lightweight mid layer in men’s and women’s sizes

I’m always happy to reduce bulky mid layers when skiing, but I also need to stay warm. When I first saw Icebreaker’s Merino Blend 300 RealFleece™ Descender Long Sleeve Zip Jacket I wondered if it was too soft, lightweight, and attractive for my skiing and bushwhacking outings in the Eastern Sierra’s mix of pine, creosote bush, and Rocky Mountain juniper. But I was wrong to doubt it. 

Warmth & Breathability

The Icebreaker Merino Blend 300 RealFleece™ Descender Long Sleeve Zip Jacket has been an ideal mid layer, replacing my thin insulation vest during these unseasonably warmer temperatures. The jacket features torso-long gussets under each sleeve, providing plenty of room for shoulder and arm movement. All of the seams are flat locked, and the shoulder seams are offset, so the jacket is extremely comfortable even when I’m wearing pack. 

I’ve really enjoyed wearing this slim-fitting, lightweight, versatile mid-layer for track skiing, hiking, and ski coaching. While many of my ski coaching partners are wearing an assortment of hooded sweatshirts, I’ve been very happy to benefit from the Icebreaker Merino Blend 300 RealFleece™ Descender Long Sleeve Zip Jacket’s breathability and temperature regulation.

Most often I wear it under a GORE-TEX shell for alpine ski coaching in the morning while the mountain is under shadow. I have also worn the jacket over a base layer while cross country skiing in the afternoon sun. The jacket has the requisite thumb loops, so I can keep my hands warm in cool weather or just have some protection for those moments where a task requires removing my mittens.

I have been impressed with the jacket’s quick-drying and odor-resistant fabric. I can head straight to dinner after playing in the mountains all day without changing my top. 

High Performing Fabric

Icebreaker’s Merino Blend 300 RealFleece™ Descender Long Sleeve Zip Jacket is made out of a 40% merino wool and 60% TENCEL™ Lyocell blend, with the side gussets, inner collar, and pocket linings made out of 100% merino wool. 

TENCEL™ Lyocell is a fiber made from wood pulp. It’s soft, sustainable, and adds durability to the garment. I wasn’t sure how wool’s ability to manage moisture, regulate temperature, and resist odors would be impacted by blending wool with TENCEL™, but I have been very happy with the fabric’s performance. 

The Icebreaker’s Merino Blend 300 RealFleece™ Descender Long Sleeve Zip Jacket’s fabric, design, and construction all contribute to helping this lightweight layer outperform heavier, bulkier jackets while still looking sleek and stylish. 

I recommend washing in cold water on gentle cycles. The garment’s instructions caution against using bleach or softeners and line drying out of direct sunlight. 

Details

The men’s jacket is available in sizes XS-XXL in Black and in combos, Topaz/Atlantis and Peridot/Seaglass. The women’s jacket is available in sizes XS-XL in Black, Summit/Blush, and Atlantis. The Descender line includes a hoodie, a half/zip top, and a vest. Read our review of Icebreaker’s Merino 200 Oasis Leggings and Crewe Top.

Brand: icebreaker.com

$230 available at Icebreaker. Also available on Amazon

images from Icebreaker’s website