Peter Macfarlane awards the EDZ Merino Wool 200g Base Layer Zip Neck Top base layer his Best in Test. Find out why.
The EDZ Merino Wool 200g Base Layer Zip Neck Top is the most traditional looking base layer in my selection, with the differences in the details.
Peter Macfarlane’s Best in Test
A top that’ll do everything you need, all year round and at an excellent price.- fit
- comfort
- fabric
- features
- price
- none
| Quick specs |
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| Price: international shipping available / £64.99 (available from Amazon) Weight: 268g (L) Materials: 200gsm merino wool Features: high zipped collar, flat seams, thumbloops Sizes: S-XXXL Women’s Version? Yes edz.co.uk |
The fabric is 200gsm merino, a weight that suits all round use and I’ve found the zip neck offers a good range of wearability from cooler summer to cold winter days. The fabric was a little itchy when new but this disappeared quickly after a couple of washes. The fabric tends to stiffen when washed, but fully softens again as it dries. The merino is excellent, light to wear and dries well under light layers, but you can overload it if working hard. It does stay pretty comfortable as it dries. Odour resistance is excellent.
The cut of the EDZ is slim with a long body. I’ve been testing the indigo version which is noted on the website as being slightly longer and this is the perfect length for my 182cm frame. The long arms incorporate thumb loops which are placed so that the sleeve is not stretched down when used, and they also sized to allow me to wear light gloves underneath. The cuff extends slightly beyond my knuckles when my thumb is in the loop which gives useful extra coverage and warmth, often preventing the need for gloves. The collar is high and close fitting but not restrictive – in fact there’s enough stretch that I can pull it over my chin if I feel the chill. The zip has an effective beard guard and the zip pull is chunky enough that I can find it and use it with light gloves in.
A top that’ll do everything you need, all year round and at an excellent price.
Testing conditions
Peter has used these base layers as daily wear for nearly a year, on and off the hills, working hard on Munros or while repairing deer fencing as a countryside ranger. Each had a week’s constant wear to test the anti-odour qualities, and they’ve been through dozens of wash cycles. Peter is a size large and is 5’9’ tall. This review was first published in the March 2025 issue of The Great Outdoors.
