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Merino.tech 250 Crew - Women's Review

A durable crew for those who are willing to sacrifice degrees of softness and comfort for a Merino option that can be picked up at a budget price
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Merino.tech 250 Crew - Women's Review
Credit: Trish Matheny
Price:  $60 List
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Manufacturer:   Merino.tech
By Trish Matheny ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Nov 13, 2024
65
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#15 of 21
  • Warmth - 25% 7.5
  • Breathability - 20% 5.0
  • Comfort and Fit - 20% 7.0
  • Durability - 15% 6.0
  • Drying Speed - 10% 5.0
  • Layering Ability - 10% 8.0

Our Verdict

If budget is your top priority and you can afford to skimp on performance features other more expensive base layer designs possess, you are in the right place. The Merino.tech 250 Crew is a comfortable, inexpensive, and warm option for loungey days by the fire or occasional ski trips with friends. It isn't the layer we'd pick when outfitting our kit for a full ski season or stowing in a backpack for the next challenging summit push, but it's got all the makings of a great layer for budget shoppers and occasional weekend warriors. The layer features a 100% Merino wool construction that is naturally odor-free. The midweight crew features a relaxed fit that's true to size, and the 17.5-micron fibers get softer with every wash. Although there are some drawbacks when it comes to breathability, comfort, and drying speed, this inexpensive layer is perfect for the occasional low-output cold weather activity. If affordability is your top priority, the MMerino.tech 250 Crew is a great option for you to consider.
REASONS TO BUY
Affordable
Great pattern
Relaxed fit
Flatlock seams
Easy to layer
Durable
Odor-resistant
REASONS TO AVOID
Decorative seams detract from comfort
Longer drying speed

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Best Buy Award
Best Merino on a Tight Budget
 Best Buy Award
Best Synthetic Bang for Your Buck
Best Buy Award
Best Value for Merino
 
Price $60 List
$59.99 at Amazon
$75 List$55 List
Check Price at REI
$66.73 at REI
Compare at 4 sellers
$19.00 List
$13.00 at Amazon
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Bottom Line A reasonably comfortable 100% Merino wool crew at a very affordable priceA versatile and lightweight Merino wool base layer at an affordable priceA slim fitting and durable synthetic base layer with a modest price tagThe perfect Merino wool base layer crew when worn on its own in cool temperatures or layered beneath your cold weather kit for the coldest months of the yearThis highly affordable base layer acts more like a sun shirt due to its lightweight and breathable design and is better suited to providing protection on hot summer days than layered warmth
Rating Categories Merino.tech 250 Cre... Ridge Merino Aspect... REI Co-op Midweight... Smartwool Classic A... Hanes Cool Dri Perf...
Warmth (25%)
7.5
6.0
7.0
5.0
2.0
Breathability (20%)
5.0
8.0
6.0
8.0
8.0
Comfort and Fit (20%)
7.0
9.0
8.0
8.0
4.0
Durability (15%)
6.0
7.0
8.0
7.0
3.0
Drying Speed (10%)
5.0
8.0
7.0
8.0
6.0
Layering Ability (10%)
8.0
8.0
7.0
9.0
8.0
Specs Merino.tech 250 Cre... Ridge Merino Aspect... REI Co-op Midweight... Smartwool Classic A... Hanes Cool Dri Perf...
Measured Weight (Size Small Unless Noted) 6.5 oz 6.0 oz 7.4 oz 4.5 oz 3.84 oz
Material 100% Merino wool (m)Force technology: 84% Merino wool, 16% nylon 92% recycled polyester, 8% spandex Merino jersey: 88% Merino wool, 12% nylon core 100% polyester
Weight Class Midweight Lightweight Midweight Lightweight Lightweight
Fit (Tester Verified) True to size Slim fit Regular fit Regular fit True to size
Torso Length Medium Long Medium Medium Long
Thumb Loops No Yes No No No
Odor Control Fabric Naturally odor resistant Naturally odor resistant None Naturally odor resistant Advanced odor protection technology
UPF Sun Protection 50+ 50+ 50+ None listed None listed
Flat-lock Seams Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Avaliable Cuts 1/4 zip Crew, 1/4 zip Crew, 1/2 zip neck Crew Crew, v-neck.
t-shirt, polo

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Merino.tech 250 Crew is a midweight, 100% Merino wool base layer that supplies solid performance at a very budget-friendly price. The stripped-down layer features a relaxed fit as well as a midweight construction that's perfect for year-round use. Though not without a few caveats, this layer is a great option for those seeking the performance of Merino wool without breaking the bank.

Performance Comparison


When the temperatures drop and its too cold to climb outside, the Merino Tech crew is the perfect midweight layer for training indoors.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Warmth


The Merino.tech 250 Crew is a midweight base layer that offers versatile warmth perfect for a wide range of uses throughout the year. The 100% Merino wool design is constructed from densely woven 250 g/m² wool that helps retain body heat during activity. The thickness of this layer is noticeable among other crews that we tested, making it a perfect option for low-output hikes in the spring and fall when ventilation is less of a concern, as well as a base layer for resort skiing in the winter.


This bargain Merino layer does not offer any additional features to aid in creating and retaining warmth, such as a hood, thumbloops, or a high neckline. However, the midweight fabric is paired with a longer cut, including a hem that runs down at your hips and longer-than-average sleeves, which increase warmth through the additional coverage. Merino wool is also notorious for retaining heat even when wet, and we found this true of the Merino.tech 250 Crew. A heavier-weight version is also available in 320 g/m² if you are looking to upgrade the degree of warmth provided.

merino.tech 250 crew for women - this midweight layer is the perfect stand alone piece for cold...
This midweight layer is the perfect stand alone piece for cold weather training seasons thanks to a thicker construction of 250 g/m² Merino wool.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Breathability


Beyond the natural breathability and moisture-wicking performance of Merino wool, the Merino.tech 250 Crew doesn't integrate any other features to enhance breathability. The thicker midweight construction holds onto sweat, particularly in the double layer at the wrist cuff and lower back. We found the top required about 20 minutes to dry on the body when worn as a stand-alone layer, about average for many thicker base layer tops.


The crew is not as breathable as other Merino wool base layers in our lineup. The affordable design forgoes options like lofted patterning for optimized airflow or a zippered neck to offload heat. We also found the seams at the wrist limited our ability to pull the layer up to the elbows to drop heat. Due to its limited breathability and options to increase ventilation, this is a layer we'd recommend for low to moderate activity as a stand-alone piece versus as a go-to base layer in your cold weather kit for high-intensity efforts.

merino.tech 250 crew for women - we tested base layers during various cold weather activities, and...
We tested base layers during various cold weather activities, and noted that the Merino Tech offered better breathability when worn as a stand alone piece during moderate activity as the thicker fabric can hold onto sweat after high intensity.
Credit: Gus Landefeld

Comfort and Fit


The Merino.tech 250 Crew features a relaxed fit with raglan sleeves that increase comfort while carrying a pack and overall range of motion. The layer is true to size, and the fine 17.5-micron, 100% Merino wool threads feel reasonably soft next to your skin and continue to soften with repeated washing.


One of the larger caveats with this layer is its thick flatlock seams that cause restriction in the wrists and forearms. We couldn't help but notice its limiting effect, reducing our comfort while climbing or on trail runs during moments when we'd like to pull up our sleeves. While the crew is built of Merino wool, it has a more rigid construction than other more refined designs covered in this review, but we did note the material gets softer and softer with every wash.

merino.tech 250 crew for women - this layer features more of a relaxed fit with merino wool fabric...
This layer features more of a relaxed fit with Merino wool fabric that gets softer with every wash. That being said, the aesthetic seams at the wrist can detract from comfort due to their restriction.
Credit: Gus Landefeld

Durability


Our testing team did their best to destroy the Merino.tech 250 Crew, wearing it on long, off-trail approaches, bouldering on the sharp rocks of the Tablelands, and climbing tons of pitches in the Owens River Gorge. Overall, we were impressed with how well this top held up to the abuse, showing no signs of wear and tear, no unraveling at the seams, nor holes in the delicate Merino wool.


Unlike other 100% Merino wool layers that we've tested, the Merino.tech 250 Crew also held its shape between washes. It also did a great job of resisting body odors, making it a great choice for extended expeditions and adventures.

The construction features thick, durable, and aesthetic flatlock...
The construction features thick, durable, and aesthetic flatlock seams.
The construction features thick, durable, and aesthetic flatlock seams.

Drying Speed


Thick, midweight designs like the Merino.tech 250 Crew typically do not dry at the fastest speeds. Merino wool often requires a longer drying time when compared to its synthetic counterparts, and thicker midweight-construction layers (roughly, those beyond 175 g/m²) require even more time, whether that be worn on the body or hung on the line.


We conducted our drying tests in Bishop, California, soaking the layer and then line drying between the hours of 1-2pm at a temperature of 56 degrees, noting low 14% humidity and equally low winds. The Merino.tech Crew required just over an hour to fully dry under these conditions, with the double layer at the cuff requiring the longest stretch to reach that point. We also went for trail runs near the Buttermilks and hoofed it out of the Owens River Gorge so that we could break a sweat and record the time required for the top to dry on the body. After sweat was absorbed into the wrist cuffs, lower back, and chest, we found it ultimately dried in about 20 minutes, about average among the base layers we tested. Although drying speed isn't where the Merino.tech 250 Crew really shines, Merino wool does insulate quite well while wet and makes a great choice on active days in colder climates.

Although this crew did not offer a fast drying speed, this is due to the densely-woven 100% Merino wool construction.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Layering Ability


Although the Merino.tech 250 Crew is midweight and thicker than other options, we still found it easy to layer both underneath and over top. The long cut fits easily below a climbing harness, while the tight wrist cuffs help the top stay in place once you start to move or if you pair it with another layer, like a fleece, a softshell, or a hardshell.


The thick aesthetic seams were noticeable when this layer was at the base of our cold weather kit, detracting from our tester's overall comfort. However, the raglan sleeves were roomy and comfortable under backpack straps and increased our range of motion in the top. While this crew requires a little more space than a lightweight top underneath a secondary layer, it is easy to throw over the top of a tank or sports bra and still fits easily underneath a rain or puffy jacket without bunching.

merino.tech 250 crew for women - though less of a trim and snug fit, the merino tech crew easily...
Though less of a trim and snug fit, the Merino Tech crew easily layers below a climbing harness and is the perfect base for your cold weather kit.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Should You Buy the Merino.tech 250 Crew?


The Merino.tech 250 Crew is a great option for those seeking the benefits of 100% Merino wool without making a significant investment. The midweight top is versatile enough for year-round use when worn as a stand-alone piece or layered into your cold-weather kit for use on low-output adventures or cozy days by the fire. This crew is naturally odor-resistant, holds its shape between washes, and continues to insulate while wet, which is nice because this thicker layer requires more time to dry on the body and on the clothesline. The budget-friendly construction does sacrifice a little performance when it comes to comfort as well as breathability if you plan to engage in sweat-inducing activities, yet overall, it is the layer we would recommend for those looking to pick up a Merino wool base layer on a tight budget.

merino.tech 250 crew for women - the merino tech crew is a great option for those seeking merino wool...
The Merino Tech crew is a great option for those seeking Merino wool performance while sticking to a tight budget.
Credit: Trish Matheny

What Other Base Layers Should You Consider?


If you want to enjoy the benefits of a 100% Merino wool base layer and are willing to invest in a top-performing crew that offers superior breathability as well as increased comfort with a more flattering fit, check out our favorite Merino crew, the Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Crewe. Our testing team also loves the Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino for its lightweight, highly breathable design with an open neck, making it a perfect three-season layer. Finally, for a comparable synthetic option that dries faster and features thumb loops, the REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Crew is not to be missed.

merino.tech 250 crew for women - whether you're training indoors, climbing outside, trail running, or...
Whether you're training indoors, climbing outside, trail running, or skiing, the Merino Tech crew is versatile enough for year round use.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Trish Matheny