Icebreaker Tech Lite
The Icebreaker Tech Lite is an odor-free, comfortable, and lightweight Merino wool t-shirt. Terrific for hiking, backpacking, camping, running, trekking, traveling, and the gym, this insulating garment works well in a layering system of clothing for cooler temperatures. It comes to the waist, has short sleeves and a crew neck, and extra sewing in the shoulder section.
This t-shirt can be worn for days; meaning that you do not need to wash it due to its core-spun fabric. Additionally, the sweat dries quickly either on or off the body, and there is no smell. To accommodate backpacks without rubbing the material, the shoulder seams are offset.
Also, the Icebreaker Tech Lite that protects from ultraviolet rays with a UPF rating of 30. Snags from thick brush or wooded areas is not a problem with this shirt. Start building your collection of the Icebreaker shirt today! It comes in a fantastic set of solid colors to blend in with any wardrobe style.
If this raised your interest make sure you keep reading! This detailed review will give you an outline of the best features and reasons why to buy or not to buy this cloth ware. And, if you want to check other options out there on the list of the best hiking shirts, check this guide.
Comfortable, odor-resistant, and lightweight
Perfect for hot and warm weather
Made of merino wool
Holds up well to snags in thick brush
Can be worn without washing for days
Washing does not shrink the fabric much
Good for the gym and long workouts
Dries quickly on you; nice athletic look
For trekking, running, hiking, backpacking, and traveling
Can be machine washed; true to size
Knockoffs are being sold to people
The high price is a deterrent to purchasing
Key Features
-Quality is almost indestructible
-Seams on the shoulder are offset for a backpack
-Core spun 13% nylon and 87% merino wool Jersey Wool
-Antimicrobial to keep smells down
-Sun protective with UPF rating is 30
-Sweat dries quickly without a smell
-No odor stains in the armpits
-Wicks and insulates
-Waist in length; crew neck; short sleeves
Color
One issue that is sensitive to men is whether or not the material is so thin that it is see-through. Several users commented about this online and said that this is not an issue with this t-shirt. The fabric is thin but not overly thin.
A few people stated that the colors could fade easily. This did not appear to be widespread with a majority of the customers. Therefore, it should not be much of an issue.
Comfort
If you are hiking these summer days make sure you read our blog Hiking in Hot Weather and learn more about the essentials of these hikes and if looking for some practical clothing items click here for the guide on hiking clothes for hot weather.
The soft wool Merino fibers encase the nylon core to provide great comfort. When dry, the shirt feels like cotton, and when it is wet, it feels like synthetic. With the extra stitching on the shoulders, the shirt has a beautiful athletic appearance.
A few wearers claimed that the fabric was itchy and not very breathable, especially when the user becomes warm. The wool material is very different on the skin than the synthetic of regular t-shirts that you may be used to wearing.
Durability
A few people said that their shirts acquired holes fast after wearing a few times. There is extra sewing in the shoulder area. Plus, the seams on the shoulder are offset to be more comfortable for a backpack to not rub on the material. Long-lasting and durable, this Tech Lite garment is not see-through as some similar t-shirts can be.
Price
Some people bought this item on sale at prices too reasonable to be accurate and were sent cotton t-shirts instead. You must be careful that you are ordering the Merino Wool shirts when placing your order to get the authentic Tech Lite product.
Protection
A couple of buyers did not like the smell of the fabric after wearing it for a short period. The wool had an unpleasant odor to them. One person tested the ability of the shirt to go without washing for a time. The salt build-up from sweat made the shirt stiff, but it did not smell. You can combine it well while running or walking with one of the best workout headbands.
Washing it made it soft again. This ability to be worn so long without smelling and washing make it perfect for those who are traveling light and want to bring one or two shirts along with them.
Responsiveness
There are no worries of odor stains in the pits of the shirts as is usual practice with nylon t-shirts. In the winter or colder regions, you can depend on the Icebreaker Tech Lite to insulate you too. When worn as part of a layering system, it will do its share in keeping you warm. Some of the selection of the best mid-layers can be seen here.
Several customers who have worn this shirt model for years stated that the material used to be 100% wool and thicker than what is being sold now. One buyer commented that it wicks good but gets very moist with just minimal exertions. Even so, many people are delighted with this product and continue to add different colors of them to their wardrobe collections.
Size
This is a waist-length garment. Sizes are a problem with most clothing items sold online, so it is to be expected that not everyone will be pleased with the extent they receive. The fit of the shirt was too big and loose for some and too small for others.
Since it only comes to the waist, several tall people found that the Tech Lite is not long enough to tuck into the hiking pants. It has a regular fit, so it should not fit on you tightly or too loose. In the online photos, it looks form-fitting.
However, customers say that it is not that snug on the body in real. If you put it in the dryer, which is not recommended, then it will shrink some. A good bit of stretching will be needed to get it back to the original size if you do that.
Style
Icebreaker Tech Lite can be used alone in warmer weather or with other garments to keep the body warm in colder climates. Check our choice on some other winter gear here! There are so many times and instances when such a shirt is perfect for wearing because of its odor-resistant abilities. The wool fabric makes it much more comfortable than regular t-shirts so that many guys are swapping them out for the Tech Lite that they prefer.
Use
It is terrific for wearing to the gym for long workouts and particularly for hiking because it dries so quickly on the body. Just put it in the gym backpack and you are ready to go! It also makes it ideal and reliable for running and traveling in the mountains and hill country. Almost anywhere and any circumstance that you need a thin shirt to wear that is comfortable wicking, and odor-free is the best time to wear this short-sleeved garment.
Ease of Use
Caring for the Icebreaker is not hard since it can be machine washed. The extra care comes when drying it. This product needs to be air-dried for the best longevity, so hanging it up after washing is your best bet. Regular t-shirts must be washed daily to prevent odors and sweat stain build-up, but this garment does not. Proper washing is enough just once in a while to maintain its excellent form and material properties.
Bottom Line
One good way to tell if you are ordering the real thing or the fake is to check the price. The fake item costs much less than the real one. this issue has caused the rating of the Icebreaker to be lower than it should. The high price is the other concern.
The going rate is much more than one would pay for a regular t-shirt, but you have to realize that this is not an ordinary t-shirt. The extra stitching in the shoulders and the placement of the seams to work well with backpacks is terrific for the backpacker and hiker. The wool fabric is moisture-wicking and odor-resistant, so it does not have to be washed for days at a time if it is not possible.
Most people purchase the Icebreaker Tech Lite for this single reason, as it is ideal for those that are out of range of any kind of washing facilities. Help friends and family who travel and adventure outdoors a lot build their wardrobe collection of the Icebreaker Tech Lite and get them one or two for Christmas or a birthday present. They will love you so much for the thoughtful gift.