Logo
    Show
    Hide
    Login
    Close

    SITE LOGIN

    • Forgot your password?

    ROUTES LOGIN HERE

    Register

    Backcountry Skiing Guides
    • REVIEWS
      • Ski Gear
        • Skis
        • Boots
        • Bindings
        • Climbing Skins
        • Poles
        • Snowboards
      • Clothing
        • Hard Shells
        • Soft Shells
        • Insulation
        • Mid Layers
        • Base Layers
        • Gloves
        • Socks
      • Accessories
        • Safety Gear
        • Goggles and Helmets
        • Ski Touring Packs
        • Ski Boxes and Bags
        • Sleeping Bags - 4 Season
        • Technology
        • Sunglasses
        • Insoles & Braces
        • Books
      • Off-Season Gear
        • Hiking
          • Rain Shells
          • Day Packs
          • Apparel
          • Footwear
          • Safety
        • Camping
          • Backpacks
          • Sleeping Bags
          • Sleeping Pads
          • Tents
          • Coolers / Cooking
          • Furniture / Storage
          • Lighting / Power
        • Biking
        • Paddling
        • Climbing
        • Mountaineering
        • Running
      • Lifestyle
      • Lodges and Accommodation
      • Nutrition
      • Manufacturers
      • Destinations
      • Training
      • Gear of the Year
      • Pro Skier Interviews
    • FORUMS
    • STORE
      • Guides & Maps
      • Gear Deals
        • Alpine Touring Boots
        • Backcountry Skis
        • Alpine Touring Bindings
        • Backcountry Accessories
        • Off-Season Gear
        • Climbing Skins
    • ROUTES
      • Coast Mountains
        • Callaghan Valley
        • Coquihalla Highway
        • Cypress Provincial Park
        • Duffey Lake
        • Elfin Lakes Squamish
        • Howson Range
        • Shames Mountain
        • Smithers
        • Vancouver Island
        • Whistler/Blackcomb
      • Interior Mountains
        • Bonningtons Traverse
          • Copper Hut Routes
          • Grassy Hut Routes
          • Huckleberry Hut Routes
          • Steed Hut Routes
        • Goat Range
        • Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
        • Kokanee Glacier Park
        • Kootenay Pass
        • Red Mountain Resort
        • Revelstoke
        • Revelstoke Mountain Resort
        • Rossland Range
        • Rogers Pass
        • Trout Lake
        • Whitewater Ski Resort
      • Rocky Mountains
        • Banff National Park
        • Bow Yoho Traverse
        • Fernie
        • Jasper National Park
        • Kananaskis Country
        • Kootenay National Park
        • Lake Louise Ski Resort
        • Sunshine Village Ski Resort
        • Wapta Traverse
          • Balfour Hut Routes
          • Bow Hut Routes
          • Peyto Hut Routes
          • Scott Duncan Hut Routes
        • Yoho National Park
      • Quebec
      • Newfoundland
      • Ontario
      • Yukon
      • Submit A New Route
    • LODGING
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
    • VIDEOS
      • 2018/19 Gear Reviews
      • 2017/18 Gear Reviews
      • 2016/17 Gear Reviews
      • 2015/16 Gear Reviews
      • 2014/15 Gear Reviews
      • 2013/14 Gear Reviews
      • 2012/13 Gear Reviews
      • 2011/12 Gear Reviews
      • 2019 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2018 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2017 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2017 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2016 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2016 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2015 SIA Show
      • 2014 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2013 SIA Show
      • 2012 Outdoor Retailer
      • Tips and Tricks
      • Backcountry Skiing
    • SAFETY
      • Plan Ahead
      • Equipment
      • Resources
      • Avalanche Skills Training
      • Managing warmth & heat loss
    • ABOUT
      • Advertise
      • Glossary
      • Contact Us
    • REVIEWS
      • Ski Gear
      • Clothing
      • Accessories
      • Off-Season Gear
      • Lifestyle
      • Lodges and Accommodation
      • Nutrition
      • Manufacturers
      • Destinations
      • Training
      • Gear of the Year
      • Pro Skier Interviews
    • FORUMS
    • STORE
      • Guides & Maps
      • Gear Deals
    • ROUTES
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
      • Quebec
      • Newfoundland
      • Ontario
      • Yukon
      • Submit A New Route
    • LODGING
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
    • VIDEOS
      • 2018/19 Gear Reviews
      • 2017/18 Gear Reviews
      • 2016/17 Gear Reviews
      • 2015/16 Gear Reviews
      • 2014/15 Gear Reviews
      • 2013/14 Gear Reviews
      • 2012/13 Gear Reviews
      • 2011/12 Gear Reviews
      • 2019 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2018 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2017 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2017 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2016 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2016 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2015 SIA Show
      • 2014 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2013 SIA Show
      • 2012 Outdoor Retailer
      • Tips and Tricks
      • Backcountry Skiing
    • SAFETY
      • Plan Ahead
      • Equipment
      • Resources
      • Avalanche Skills Training
      • Managing warmth & heat loss
    • ABOUT
      • Advertise
      • Glossary
      • Contact Us

    HOTTEST REVIEWS


    Elan Ripstick 106 Skis Fritschi Xenic 10 Bindings Arc'teryx Nuclei FL Jacket Gregory Targhee 32 Pieps Micro Transceiver Scott Freeguide Boots ZAG SLAP 104 Skis

    VIDEOS YOU'LL LIKE


    Marker Duke PT Bindings Salomon Shift Pro Boots Black Crows 2020 Skis Dalbello Quantum Boots Atomic Shift MNC Binding Scarpa F1 LT Boots New G3 2020 Poles

    NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

    Unsubscribe
    • Home
    • »
    • Super Natural Wool Base Layers

    Super Natural Wool Base Layers

    Super Natural Wool Base Layer ReviewSuper.natural is a brand in the midst of its North America debut having already been available in Europe for over two years. Super.natural was launched by parent company Shanghai Challenge Textile Company (SCT). SCT is the only supplier to Icebreaker (who was the first wool outdoor sportswear company) and it is a certified system partner with Bluesign. Simply put, Bluesign ensures that the entire manufacturing chain is transparent and only environmentally responsible practices are used. Being owned by SCT means that, even though super.natural is a new brand, they are backed by a company with expertise in R&D and producing functional outdoor apparel. They do this by producing fabrics which combine natural fibres with the best performing man-made fibres for the ultimate solution.

    The super.natural line up includes almost 80 products which range from base and mid layers for outdoor adventure to urban pants, jackets and hoodies, for both him and her. Below we will look at four pieces from super.natural which cover this spectrum quite well. First there is the super.natural Base LS 140 and Base Boxer 175 which are next to skin base layers to move perspiration and keep you warm and dry. Then we’ll look at what I would label a cross-over piece, the super.natural Max 1/4 Zip 175 which can be worn ski touring or out to dinner. The final piece resides squarely in the urban realm and is called the super.natural Combustion Cloud Max Hoodie 340.

    All of the super.natural clothes that we’ll be discussing have a combination of merino wool for its warmth and anti microbial properties along with polyester for its moisture wicking properties. Some of the products also have lycra for its stretch and flex properties. CEO of super.natural Andy Vecchione put it perfectly when he said “It’s Merino made better”. Let’s dig in shall we?


    super.natural Base LS 140

    Price: $69 CAN / $60 US
    Sizes Men’s: S/M/L/XL/XXL
    Sizes Women’s: XS/M/L/XL
    Colour Men’s: Ocean Deep, Caviar, Shadow Blue
    Colour Women’s: Caviar, Colbalt Purple
    Fabric: Advanced Jersey 140 – 50% Merino Wool, 50% Polyester

    super natural Base LS 140

    This base layer is an equal blend of merino wool and polyester to maximize warmth, anit-stink and moisture transport properties. It’s a very thin base layer ideal for those who run a little warm or spring ski tours where you don’t want to over heat. There is no zip so the price point is a little lower and given the light weight nature of the Base LS 140 a zip really isn’t needed.


    super.natural Max 1/4 Zip 175

    Price: $89 CAN / $85 US
    Sizes Men’s: S/M/L/XL/XXL
    Sizes Women’s: XS/M/L/XL
    Colour Men’s: Ocean Deep, Caviar
    Colour Women’s: Caviar, Latte
    Fabric: Contact Stretch Jersey 175 – 48% Merino Wool, 48% Polyester, 4% Lycra

    super natural Max 1/4 Zip 175

    The super.natural Max 1/4 Zip 175 is a slightly heavier weight than the super.natural Base LS 140 as the numeral in the monicker logically indicates. The fabric blend is similar to the super.natural Base LS 140; however 2% is borrowed from both the merino wool and the polyester in order to place in 4% lycra which provides the Max 1/4 Zip 175 some stretch and mobility. This piece is ideal for colder days out in the mountains or those who need a bit more insulation day to day. Thanks to the 1/4 zip you can still dump excess heat when needed and this feature is a ‘must have’ for any of my personal ski touring base layers as you would be surprised at how well it works.


    super.natural Base Boxer 175

    Price: $49 CAN / $40 US
    Sizes: S/M/L/XL/XXL
    Colour: Ocean Deep, Caviar
    Fabric: Contact Stretch Jersey 175 – 48% Merino Wool, 48% Polyester, 4% Lycra

    super natural Base Boxer 175

    The super.natural Base Boxer 175 is the same Contact Stretch Jersey 175 fabric weight and composition as the super.natural Max 1/4 Zip 175 mentioned above. This means that there is adequate support and warmth for those more temperature sensitive areas of your physique. Unlike flimsier, thinner briefs the Base Boxer 175’s lycra content provides great stretch for high aerobic activities such as ski touring and hiking which have been our primary test activities for this product over the last few months. I have found the 175 fabric weight to be ideal as well, not too thick & hot and not to thin & flimsy.


    super.natural Combustion Cloud Max Hoodie 340

    Price: $299 CAN / $225 US
    Sizes Men’s: S/M/L/XL/XXL
    Sizes Women’s: XS/M/L/XL
    Colour: Men’s: Caviar, Metal Grey Melange/Ocean Deep, Mocha Melange
    Colour Women’s: Caviar, Metal Grey Melange/Latte, Ocean Deep/Melange, Latte
    Fabric: Combustion Fleece 340 / Micro Nylon – 44% Merino Wool, 56% Polyester and 100% Nylon

    super natural Combustion Cloud Max Hoodie 340

    While the super.natural Combustion Cloud Max Hoodie 340 is not a backcountry specific hoodie it is idea for lounging around the house, office, lodge or staying warm while out and about. Given its 340 fabric weight it’s too heavy for backcountry use for this weight conscious reviewer but I have been rocking it under my shell on resort days as it keeps me super warm while skiing. Also, since it doesn’t look too mountain-tech you can still go for a meal or drinks after some turns without having to change. The 100% nylon shoulder details provide a nice contrast design to the rest of the wool/polyester body and one could argue that this would provide less wear under backpack shoulder straps although I don’t think this was the intention. And, speaking of hoodies, the hood is a nice feature for when things get colder.


    Verdict:

    I am a big believer in wool, it’s natural, renewable, keeps you incredibly warm and it feels good to wear. I find it to be the perfect material for base and mid layers. Having said that I am also a fan of man made super-tech fabrics. So what could make wool even better? How about a little man made super-tech fibre such as polyster and lycra thrown in?

    While super.natural doesn’t claim to be the most technical brand out there their Base Boxer 175 and Base LS 140 offer up solid results for high octane adventure such as backcountry skiing. The Max 1/4 Zip 175 can do double duty on the skin track and at the pub, while the super.natural Combustion Cloud Max Hoodie 340 is definitely a more urban piece. Super.natural is a company with a good offering of products in the outdoor and urban markets. Unfortunately their website is less than informative and not designed for e-commerce.

    Overall the products fit well, looked good, weren’t itchy and kept me toasty warm. The only down side with wool based products is that they do wear and ball-up given their natural fibres so be prepared for your garments to look warn fairly quickly, but then again isn’t that a benefit of wool?

    If you are looking for a natural wool blend alternative to your clothing needs, be they backcountry or backyard focused, you should give newcomer super.natural some consideration. I think you’ll like what you see.

    PROS:

    - Wool is natural, warm, anti-odour and will keep you warm when wet, but you already knew all that.
    - A Bluesign certified system partner so the natural fibres are produced in a natural and environmentally friendly way.

    CONS:

    - Since wool is a natural fibre expect it to pile and ball
    - Wool is not cheap and super.natural products are no exception

    Rating: 8/10

    Fit / Comfort                2/2
    Warmth                         2/2
    Moisture Management    1.5/2
    Features                        1.5/2
    Quality / Price               1/2

    This is only our opinion. Do you disagree? Did we miss something? Are we totally out to lunch? Join the discussion in the forums here, and let us know what you think. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation.

    Back to the rest of the reviews.


    buy backcountry skiing gear


    Backcountry skiing is an inherently dangerous activity that requires experience and knowledge to travel safely. Any of the routes on this site may be dangerous depending on conditions. You are responsible for your own safety in the backcounty—the team behind backcountryskiingcanada.com disclaim any responsibility for any injury resulting from people travelling on routes described on this site.  To read our Terms of Use and get all the details, read HERE. 


    We built this backcountry skiing community for you, the passionate skier, and hope you enjoy the hard work we put into all the reviews, routes, videos and posts we create. It’s been free from day one but that doesn’t mean it’s not a valuable resource. If you enjoy this web site and value the content we create for you, then please support Backountry Skiing Canada by donating today. Thank you!

    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2021-22 Backcountry Skiing Canada. All Rights Reserved. 

    Website by: FROLIX DESIGN