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Thinking about buying the Icebreaker Shell+™ Merino Cotton Windbreaker, but want to read a review first? Then you have come to the right place! I, Stefanie Schneider from the Product & Brand Content department at Sport Conrad, had the opportunity to test the jacket for a few weeks in the mountains around Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Here is my personal verdict.
Daring colour
Firstly, what a beautiful colour combination! At first glance, I found the mix of orange and purple a little hard to get used to. But once I had the windbreaker in my hands, I was completely sold. Something different, but still great to combine with other colours. So go ahead and add some colour to your wardrobe. I have been complimented on it various times.
Merino and cotton all-rounder
The Shell+™ Merino Cotton Windbreaker Jacket has become my faithful companion, whether I am cycling to work, jogging, mountaineering or just relaxing. Thanks to its small pack size, it takes up very little space in your bag or rucksack and weighs almost nothing! The only downside is that the jacket only has one breast pocket. There is enough room for the essentials, but as we all know, the combination of keys and mobile phone in the same pocket is not a good one, so be careful!
Cooling during the break? None whatsoever! You’ve got to hand it to the Shell+™ Merino Cotton Windbreaker Jacket: you won’t get cold, even if you take a break at lower temperatures. And it lives up to its windbreaker name: The wind doesn’t stand a chance thanks to the high collar and hood that comfortably encloses your face. Elasticated cuffs, hem, and hood also help keep the wind out.
Merino wool inserts in an airy mesh construction at the back and under the sleeves allow air to circulate. This prevents heat build-up. Who knows the feeling of a jacket sticking to your bare, sweaty sleeves? Not with the Icebreaker Shell+™ Merino Cotton Windbreaker!
Natural weather protection without PFCs
And if it does start to rain, Icebreaker’s Shell+™ Merino Cotton Windbreaker Jacket won’t let you down. Its PFC-free DWR treatment will keep you temporarily dry. That means you won’t be bothered by short, light showers. But don’t stay in the rain for too long, because it’s not just a rain jacket. And don’t forget the wool panel on the back. Unfortunately, it won’t keep the water out.
What about the fit? The windbreaker fits perfectly. I usually wear a size M, which is fine. There is even room to put a thin fleece jacket underneath, and it still fits comfortably. If the waistband gets in the way or is a bit too tight, you can loosen it a bit with the 2-way zip. Sports watch on your wrist? No problem, because the sleeves are wide enough to fit a large, sturdy sports watch.
My test impression
Icebreaker has managed to create a windproof, water-repellent yet breathable jacket. Not to mention its enormous versatility: As already mentioned, this jacket is just as good for sports as it is for leisure.
Now for the price: €279.95 for a windbreaker is a lot of money. However, my personal opinion is that the Windbreaker is well worth the money. You get an absolutely fair product made from high quality, natural materials: the wool comes from animal welfare farms and Icebreaker also relies on regenerative agriculture. So Icebreaker offers you an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic clothing and has been awarded our WIR DENKEN UM label. And if you take care of your windbreaker, you will probably enjoy it for a long time!
The product details:
- 210 grams for women’s size S / 260 grams for men’s size M
- Material: 100% cotton / 100% wool (mulesing free merino wool)
- PFC-free water-repellent coating (DWR)
- Available in women’s sizes S – L or men’s sizes M – XL
Need more inspiration? Check out our blog:
→ Move to natural: Why the New Zealanders are embracing natural fibers such as merino wool
→ Merino wool: why the natural product is so popular!
→ Mountain boot care: How to extend the life of your hiking companions