EDZ are a Cumbria based company producing high quality 100% Merino wool base layers at an affordable price and over the last few months we've been putting them to the test. The advantages of Merino are well known, particularly its wicking ability and natural odour resistance, but it's also associated with high prices. With a combined price of £120, however, the EDZ Thermal Leggings and Zip Neck Top cost around the same as just one of these from some of the more recognised brands.

What EDZ say:

Men’s Merino Wool 200g Base Layer Zip Neck Top -

Men's Merino base-layer zip neck top 200gsm EDZ merino base layer long sleeve zip neck  is 100% wool for natural climate control and warmth. Suitable for hot and cold conditions, warmer than synthetics with awesome anti odour properties. Slim fit with flat seams, dropped back, and thumb slits in the cuffs.

• 100% superfine merino wool
• Machine washable and durable
• Fast drying, wicks moisture
• 200g fabric weight

Use for; hiking, cycling, running, motorcycling, skiing, sailing, climbing, keeping warm Material Composition - 100% merino wool Washing - machine wash 30C

Merino Base-Layer Thermal Leggings

Merino base layer leggings 200g, 100% wool for natural climate control and warmth. Featuring a high back rise on the waist to keep lower back covered.  Suitable for all types of outdoor activities, skiing, motorcycling, sailing, hiking, riding, cycling, camping, polar expeditions and as everyday thermal long johns

• With fly opening
• Superfine merino wool
• 200g fabric weight
• Flat seams
• Boxer style flat waist band
• Durable

Material Composition - 100% Merino wool Washing - machine wash 30C Also available in a heavier 260g weight

EDZ Merino Base-Layer Thermal Leggings and Men’s Merino Wool 200g Base Layer Zip Neck Top Reviewed: 

Base layers are the invisible essential of a layering system, rarely seen but possibly the most important layer in the outdoors. To function properly a layering system needs a base layer that will shift moisture away from the body to the mid layer. This wicking prevents a build up of moisture next to the skin which can at best be uncomfortable and at worst it can leave you wet and cold, irrespective of how good and how expensive your mid and outer layers are. The options for base layers are essentially synthetic or natural, and the natural solutions are predominantly either Merino or a combination of Merino and an addition component from bamboo to Yak wool. EDZ have elected to go with pure Merino.

The big advantage Merino has over other wool is its fine and ultra-fine yarn which eliminates one of the biggest issues of wool - its feel against the skin. Both the leggings and the zip-top are soft and comfortable against the skin and don't have the "wool itch" of many of the cheaper, blended, alternatives at a similar price. The other downside normally associated with Merino is durability, but after 3 months of almost daily winter use the EDZ base layers have held up well. This is no-doubt due in part to the ability of Merino to remain odour free for prolonged periods; the reduced need for washing reduces the wear and tear on what is in reality a thin fabric.

Talking of washing, the EDZ base layers doesn't dry as fast as a synthetic alternative but that's one of the compromises you make in choosing natural fabrics and the leggings and zip top both air-dry in 2 or 3 hours. Washed at 30°C, or less, these base layers add lower cost washing to a list of environmental benefits that includes being both renewable and biodegradable. EDZ have also chosen to use Merino from Australia and New Zealand that's produced using high animal welfare standards. 

In terms of fit and features there's really not that much you can take away from a base layer; there's no pockets, hoods, hem adjusters or anything like that, what you get is a product that sits close to the skin with just enough stretch to move with your body and limbs. The zip-top comes with an extended back, which is a real bonus as it prevents cold spots caused by fabric riding upwards while moving. The arms are long to allow for the inclusion of thumb loops or to be rolled back to the wrist. 

Complementing the zip-neck the EDZ thermal leggins also pay special attention to preventing cold spots with a high back and an efficient elasticated waist. The combination means you're free to scramble and climb without the leggings and top seperating. Vitally it also means the base layers are comfortable just sitting around camp doing nothing as the sun drops. Flat seams and the elasticated waist help keep the leggings free of rub points, which is particularly important if you're wearing them continuously for several days. 

The final advantage of merino baselayers is its insulating properties. Put simply the EDZ thermal leggings and zip-top have handled everything this winter has thrown at them from walking to spending countless hours sat by a lake waiting for a fish to bite. They make a very noticeable difference in warmth, but have the wicking capacity to make them a useful base layer from mid autumn to mid spring - though probably a little bit too warm for summer use. That's pretty impressive for such a fine and thi fabric.

Conclusions: 

The EDZ base layers tick all the boxes for a modern base layer. They're produced to the highest ethical standards of animal care, they're bio-degradable and come from a renewable source. Requiring low temperature and less frequent washing they save both energy and water use and they're proving surprisingly durable if you take care of them. Add into the equation a price level that's substantially lower than you'd expect from a 100% Merino product and there's no doubt that the EDZ Merino Base-Layer Thermal Leggings and Men’s Merino Wool 200g Base Layer Zip Neck should be amongst your outdoor essentials.

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