Merino Activewear? icebreaker’s Natural Alternative in a Synthetic Space

The new range from icebreaker melds function with comfort while minimising plastic. It looks pretty mint too, just ask Tim!

If you’ve been following We Are Explorers for a while, you might know that I’m a bit of an icebreaker fanboy. I got my first pair of thermal leggings in 2014 (and still wear them) and more recently have been branching out into their tees and shirts for hiking missions. I find that they regulate temperature well and are incredibly stank resistant.

But as a diehard trail runner, I’ve always tended toward synthetics for my runs. That is, until now. A recent training block for the Buffalo Stampede Marathon (which involved many a morning run as Sydney’s weather started to crack crispy cold) was the perfect chance to give icebreaker’s running kit another crack when they offered. And I’m impressed.

Let’s start with the tee, and I apologise in advance for their names.

icebreaker Merino Running Range

Men’s Merino Blend 75 Cool-Lite™ Featherlight™ Short Sleeve T-Shirt

Sizes: S – XXL (performance fit, size up for regular fit)
Fabric: 80% TENCEL, 20% merino wool
Weight: Medium = 69g
Price: $149.99 AUD

You’ll see numbers in all of the icebreaker product names. That’s the grams-per-metre of the fabric, and basically, the bigger the number, the thicker and more insulating it’ll be.

Most icebreaker running tees come in at 125 for that all-rounder thickness, but this Featherlight tee comes down to 75. They achieved this lightness with eyelet mesh that’s borderline see-through and a breathable TENCEL™ Lyocell (natural wood fibre) and merino wool blend.

It’s seriously light. You can feel the wind through it and there’s barely any material, so it dries quickly too.

The seams are even thoughtfully placed to avoid your running vest’s shoulder straps. It’s rad to see icebreaker pushing into the performance space without a skerrick of plastic to be seen. In fact, the brand just hit 98.7% plastic free in its product lineup, not far off their 100% goal!

It’s definitely a performance fit though. I’m normally a large, and in large this top had the rig on full display. Go up a size if you prefer things a little bit flowy.

Merino 125 Cool-Lite Active 7” Shorts

Sizes: S – XXL
Fabric: 60-80% TENCEL, 20-40% merino wool
Weight: Medium = 120g
Price: $139.99 AUD

I’ve got a pet peeve with running shorts, want to know what it is? It’s pockets. Or rather, a lack thereof. For some reason, every brand under the sun thinks that a left and right pocket are safe to ditch for running shorts.

Homies, we’re not running a marathon every day. Give me somewhere to stash my keys and phone for the post-run coffee stroll, or to just, you know, use the shorts for activities that aren’t running?

All this to say that the icebreaker Cool-Lite Active shorts do have pockets. Two juicy ones.

Sure, I need to use a running belt or vest to carry my paraphernalia on runs, but these comfy shorts have become an almost daily wear. They could only be improved by a small zippered pocket somewhere.

The nice thick waistband, lightweight Cool-lite fabric, and soft-everything make them a joy to wear on and off the trail. Simple and functional. Other brands, take note.

Merino 260 Waffle Knit Wander LS Half Zip

Sizes: S – XXL
Fabric: 40% TENCEL, 60% merino wool
Weight: Medium = 387g
Price: $279.99 AUD

Speaking of daily wears, I’m writing this article on the train right now and I’m wearing the Merino 260 Waffle Knit Wander jumper. Seriously I don’t know if I’ve ever owned something so comfy. The waffle knit traps just enough heat and stretches and breathes with you. The collar could even make a better-looking bloke handsome.

On the running front, this stretchy merino snug-piece is the perfect item to throw on for the journey to the trailhead, easy runs or warm ups, and the post-run brews (are we sensing a theme?).

As it’s merino and doesn’t smell, you’ll get multiple uses out of the Waffle Knit Wander before you really need to wash it, which saves time and helps reduce your carbon footprint whilst maximising your muddy ones.

200 Oasis Flexi Chute

Sizes: One size
Fabric: 100% merino wool
Weight: Medium = 66g
Price: $44.99 AUD

Neck gaiter, headband, facemask, just don’t call it a buff and you’re good. Seriously though, something like the Flexi Chute is essential for trail runners as the weather cools down. Wearing it on your neck has an outsized warmth benefit and you can easily whip it off and wrap it around your wrist to control your temperature.

Being merino, it’s easy to breathe through in really cold conditions without getting gross like a piece of synthetic fabric would in about two minutes. I like the orange colour here. It pops and makes me look a little bit French – and they’re famously good at trail running.

Move to Natural?

Safe to say, I’m impressed. icebreaker has clearly put in the R&D work with its trail running apparel to make it more functional whilst sticking to the brand’s goal of using low-impact and sustainable natural fibres. You can check out the whole process in their 2025 Transparency Report which dropped on Earth Day last month. Unlike most brands, you really know what you’re getting.

But I also love how the clothes look. From the trail to the cafe to the office, I’m able to wear this kit day in and day out. Ok, maybe a few more trips to the gym before I wear the top to the office.

Photos by @eandrewsphoto