I know what you are thinking. #woolinsummer? Am I crazy? I assure you, I am not. In previous blog posts, I have waxed lyrical about the benefits of merino wool. I wear merino socks all year round and merino base layers in the winter. When we went to New Zealand a few years ago, we visited the Ice Breaker outlet four times and stocked up on cycling gear, socks, running tops, and base layers.
Icebreaker recently contacted me about their Cool-lite(TM) range. It helps make their clothes more comfortable and breathable in hot and humid temps (exactly what we have been experiencing in London). Aside from the other benefits of merino (no smell build up and moisture wicking), Cool-lite(TM) also is made from sustainably-sourced eucalyptus. Nearly 100% of the solvent used to make up one of the components of Cool-lite(TM) is recycled too. Sounds good to me!
This long heatwave has given me ample opportunity to put Cool-lite(TM) to the test. I wore the Cool-Lite(TM) Sphere Short Sleeve Low Crewe Cook Reflected shirt (130g for those that know their base layers) a few days when we had some time scheduled outdoors with dog walks and meeting friends in the park. The short sleeves, rather than a vest, were nice as it prevented my shoulders from burning. My husband didn’t report any smell issues by the third day of wear. Although I was warm in the direct sunlight, it wasn’t unbearably hot in my t-shirt. The sizing of the shirt seems a little big. I usually wear a medium in shirts (large if it is a womens cut). The shirt I am wearing is a medium and felt a bit roomy. On the other hand, maybe all of my calorie counting is paying off! If you decide to order one, you might want to double check the sizing guide first.
Based on this trial run, my Icebreaker shirt is already packing in my duffle bag for Love Trails Festival this weekend. It will be perfect for wearing around camp in between runs. It will dry fast on my clothes line and shouldn’t smell too bad by the time I get back to London. I am also bringing:
- Camping clothes lines to dry out wet gear
- Swim suit for run/swim
- Sunscreen
- Bagels and peanut butter for easy portable snack
- Luchodillitos for energy on a run
- Headlamp to pitch tent in the dark
- Mermaid bunting to hang on the outside of my tent to make it easier to find
- Kindle for reading and writing
- Spiky ball for massaging
- Sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Quick drying towel for swimming and 3 min showers
- Flip flops for camp
- Antihistamines and nasal spray
- Solar charger power pack
- Cash and card for food and drink vendors (fingers crossed they stock Diet Coke)
I have never been to Love Trails (or any kind of festival, really) and would appreciate any and all advice you have about what to pack and what to leave at home. I am hoping my packing list for a 24 hour relay race will be a good starting point. The tricky thing will be carrying everything on the Tube to get on the coach to the festival site in Wales. Hopefully my 90L duffel bag from Kilimanjaro can hold everything, including my tent and sleeping bag. We shall soon see.
Thanks to Icebreaker for gifting me this shirt for review. All opinions are honest and my own.
Recent Comments