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Icebreaker 200 Oasis Leggings - Women's Review

This is one of the most durable merino wool contenders out there
Icebreaker 200 Oasis Leggings - Women's
Photo: Icebreaker
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Price:  $95 List | $95.00 at Backcountry
Compare prices at 3 resellers
Pros:  Durable, wide range of thermoregulation, comfortable, cute colors.
Cons:  Not super duper warm
Manufacturer:   Icebreaker
By Amber King ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Nov 20, 2019
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80
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#3 of 10
  • Warmth - 30% 8
  • Breathability - 30% 8
  • Comfort and Fit - 30% 8
  • Durability - 10% 8

Our Verdict

Seeking a durable merino wool bottom? The Icebreaker Oasis 200 Leggings offer exceptional performance in all areas of cold weather. Don't be illuded by its thinner fabrics as 200-grams are packed into all corners of this high-quality performer. Thermoregulation is impeccable, offering warmth while you build your snow forts and then go to sleep in them. The stretchy fit is versatile for a plethora of shapes and sizes while the cute colors make it so that you could wear it on its own or underneath a pair of pants. If you've been searching for a high-quality merino wool bottom that is more durable than the rest, you've found it right here.

Compare to Similar Products

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Awards  Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award Top Pick Award Best Buy Award 
Price $95.00 at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers		$88.00 at Amazon
Compare at 2 sellers		$71.20 at Backcountry$110 List$59.00 at REI
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Pros Durable, wide range of thermoregulation, comfortable, cute colorsAll season wear, breathable, will keep you dry, warm, improved fitFleece lining is comfortable, elastic fit, amazing value, cute style, very durable, wicking abilityWarm for the weight, great breathability, cute colors and style, sustainable company model, dries quicklyAmazing breathability, comfortable on the skin, great fit, good warmth, affordable, cute colors and designs
Cons Not super duper warmLacks durability when worn aloneHigh water absorptionExpensiveLess durable than previous version
Bottom Line Great durability and great performance all the way aroundA top performer offering comfort and breathability for all activitiesVersatile performance and cozy design, we can't stop reaching for this modelWarm but lightweight, this super cute base layer performs through the seasonsA favorite synthetic base layer bottom for its amazing value and performance
Rating Categories 200 Oasis Leggings Merino 250 Bottoms Rho LT Bottoms Rock'N'Wool Pant Capilene Midweight Bottoms
Warmth (30%)
8
9
8
7
8
Breathability (30%)
8
7
7
9
8
Comfort And Fit (30%)
8
9
9
8
7
Durability (10%)
8
7
9
7
9
Specs 200 Oasis Leggings Merino 250 Bottoms Rho LT Bottoms Rock'N'Wool Pant Capilene Midweight...
Material 100% merino wool 100% merino wool Torrent fleece (84% polyester/16% elastane) 100% merino wool 100% recycled polyester
Fabric weight (g/m²) 200 g/m² 250 g/m² 150 g/m² 185 g/m² N/A
Our weight class assessment Light to midweight Midweight Midweight Lightweight Midweight
Measured Weight (size medium) 5.7 oz 7.3 oz 5.8 oz 6.0 oz 5.6 oz
Cuts avaliable 3/4 length, full length 3/4 length, full length, onsie (full body w/ hood) Full length Full length, boot length Full length
Smelly over time? No No No No Yes
Odor control fabric Naturally odor resistant Naturally odor resistant Polygiene anti-odor finish Naturally odor resistant HeiQ Fresh

Our Analysis and Test Results

This high-quality product offers a wide range of thermoregulation in addition to exceptional durability for a 100 percent merino wool contender. It also sports cute colors and a great style that many of our testers love.

Performance Comparison


The Icebreaker Oasis is a thin, yet warm baselayer bottom. The 100%...
The Icebreaker Oasis is a thin, yet warm baselayer bottom. The 100% merino is high quality, offering a great level of durability and thermoregulation for whatever you do this season.
Photo: Edward Kemper

Warmth


Loaded with 200-grams of merino wool, this midweight baselayer bottom is perfect for cold weather. The fabrics feel thin, but the merino wool is packed into a tight and well-crafted package that offers a wide range of thermoregulation. Performing like other midweight pieces, it's perfect for wear underneath uninsulated pants while getting sweaty on the skin track.

Put it underneath a pair of snow pants or underneath your favorite...
Put it underneath a pair of snow pants or underneath your favorite skinny jeans on colder days. Perfect to wear for cool to cold weather.
Photo: Edward Kemper

Or wear it with an insulated pant while sitting under a cold clear night sky while winter camping. The fabric does a great job at regulating temperatures and keeping the skin dry to ultimately keep you warm. We noticed this while hiking and skiing in this piece. It is a warm base layer bottom.

The thinner materials makes this feel like a lightweight option...
The thinner materials makes this feel like a lightweight option, however, the 200-grams of merino wool fibers is pretty darn insulating.
Photo: Edward Kemper

Breathability


The Icebreaker Oasis offers exceptional breathability with its thinner fabric constructs. In our tests, we noticed that the fabric (like other merino wool contenders) does a great job at repelling water. This makes it more water-resistant than synthetic competitors. We noticed this in the field as well when we got rained on during a testing run. The water beaded up on the fabric and didn't absorb. It wasn't until it was agitated with the running movement that the fabric finally did absorb water. However, after a short stint of running (after the rain had stopped), the material was magically dry once again. These exact results mirrored our lab tests. Of the merino wool contenders, it absorbed less water (6.75 ounces) and dried out at the same rate as the majority of the contenders. The result? A breathable layer that will wick away moisture to keep you dry and ultimately warm. It provides a exceptional range of thermoregulation for a variety of outdoor endeavors.

During our water tests, the material repelled water and did not...
During our water tests, the material repelled water and did not sink. This shows that the merino wool does not inherently absorb water until agitated.
Photo: Edward Kemper

Comfort and Fit


Consistent with most products made of 100 percent merino wool, it is nice and comfortable! The merino wool offers a soft touch on the skin while the material doesn't hold moisture to keep you dry all day long. The fabrics stretch nicely to provide a great overall fit for a variety of shapes and sizes. Even our longer-legged testers appreciated the extra materials in the length, while our large thighed ladies like the versatile fit. The waistband is simply sewn in and offers great against the skin feel.

Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
A look at the overall fit of the Oasis Icebreaker 200. Thin...
A look at the overall fit of the Oasis Icebreaker 200. Thin, comfortable, and durable construction.
Photo: Edward Kemper

One of the key differences between this the Oasis and other options are the materials don't stretch out after a day of use. We are happy to see this amazing performance feature. Other then that, size is true to fit and because its fabrics aren't super thick, they aren't particularly cozy…but it is comfortable for all-day wear. Lounge around the house with a warm cup of joe or crush it in a comfortable style out in the backcountry.

Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge

There are many cute styles and colors offered in this weight! Also, choose between ¾ length or full-length options.

Durability


Of the merino wool contenders, the fabrics are tightly packed, well constructed and seemingly highly durable. When out bushwacking through the woods in a couple of our tests (without an overlayer), we didn't note any snags and the material stood up well. In addition, after putting it through the laundry the fabric didn't pill not does it really show any sign of wear and tear. Our conclusion? This is one heck of a durable merino wool contender…not as well as synthetic competitors but one of the best in its class.

The seams and materials of this pant are well built, showing no...
The seams and materials of this pant are well built, showing no pilling even after months of wear.
Photo: Edward Kemper

Value


The Oasis retails on-par with high-performing base layer options. If you're seeking a durable merino wool base layer, this is your best bet. The price is worth the comparative performance.

Go out skinning or hiking in the mountains in this awesomely...
Go out skinning or hiking in the mountains in this awesomely comfortable piece that thermoregulates through a wide range of temperatures.
Photo: Edward Kemper

Conclusion


The Icebreaker Oasis is a well-constructed long john bottom that is sufficient for all types of winter play. Wear it when the temperatures drop from cool to cold. Its thinner construct is easy to layer and fits nicely under pretty much any kind of pant…from snow pants to work pants.

— Amber King