Icebreaker - Pure Merino

I have just completed a 869 mile, 6 day cycle trip across the UK (3-8 July), from Lands End to John O’Groats, which was done in aid of the Macmillan Cancer Support charity.

I wore my black Icebreaker baselayer for the entire trip along with a red GT cycling jersey and socks kindly donated by Icebreaker.

Unfortunately I tore my GT top on some thorns at the side of the road on day 2, but the merino worked its magic and I can honestly say that there was no stink at the end of the journey – unlike my synthetic waterproof!

That’s me at the start in the ‘Lands End’ photo (on the left). The ‘Harrowgate’ picture was taken on our trip home (by car!!) and features me with the other team members: my co-rider Dave Bowering, his wife Sue, their dog Izzy, and daughter Holly.

Sue, Holly and Izzy drove the back-up vehicle in case of emergencies, which luckily we did not need.

I have nearly reached my target of £1500.00 and my employer will match the sponsorship, effectively doubling it. Check out my fundraising here: http://www.justgiving.com/friendsoftheends

I would like to say a BIG thank you to Icebreaker for your support.

- Alex Shaw, Icebreaker Fan 

In 2008, my boyfriend and I attempted a climb of Mount Elbrus, the highest mountain in Europe at an elevation of 5,642 metres. We had layered up in synthetic “quick dries”, down and waterproof shells. BIG MISTAKE! Soon after starting out on Summit day I was overheating like crazy. A violent storm blew in and ruined any hope of summit success that day.A year later, August 2009, the mountain called us back! Lessons learned – we went shopping for better layers! We discovered Icebreaker wool in a local shop in Calgary. The initial draw was the “no stink” advertising that came with the products so we picked up a couple of t-shirts to try out. During a Snow & Ice Climbing weekend on a glacier in Jasper, Ab we soon realized the bonus of body temperature regulation and quick dry features.

To prep for our second trip to Russia to conquer Ms Elbrus, we stocked up on Icebreaker products ranging from short sleeved t’s, long sleeved super lites, long sleeved heavy weights, pants and even a cute little black dress for nights on the town!

Our summit day started with temps falling below -20 degrees celcius! We summited the mountain shortly before noon and the UV rays were hitting hard! Stripping off the Goretex – our Icebreaker layers were enough to keep our temps regulated and our skin protected from the scorching sun! It’s pretty crazy when you’re praying to just make it below the clouds for some shade!

The products were fabulous! Base camp isn’t exactly the Ritz Carlton so when you haven’t showered for a few days that “no stink” feature really adds the value!

I would highly recommend the Icebreaker line for all athletic and outdoor activities. The range of weight in the products really makes it easy to dress for the elements!

Thanks Icebreaker!

- Shauna Spencer, Icebreaker Fan, Calgary, Alberta