Nukeproof Merino Long Sleeve 1/4 Zip Baselayer review

Nukeproof's Merino Long Sleeve 1-4 Zip Baselayer is made from 100 per cent Merino wool, which makes for a luxuriously soft and stretchy baselayer that's super comforting to pull on when the weather is chilly outside.

Merino is warm even when wet, as long as the wind is kept off of it, and doesn't succumb to the baselayer pongs that synthetic materials can over time. It will also draw moisture from your skin. All great qualities.

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For high-intensity rides, I found the fit a little loose, rather than the figure-hugging fit I'd expect and prefer from a baselayer. This meant the fabric didn't efficiently remove moisture or prevent cold spots from forming all of the time. It also had a tendency to ride up when wearing hydration packs or similar.

Despite these niggles, it was very comfortable to wear. Plus, the neck was well proportioned to seal in even more heat if the weather got nippy, and the thumb loops were handy for keeping my wrists covered. I made good use of the quarter-zip too, dropping it for ventilation and heat regulation when riding went up a gear.

Merino isn't ideal for super sweaty rides, though, and it held onto this moisture more than its synthetic cousins. It's better suited to long, cool-weather days out when you're not going to saturate it from the inside, and in those conditions it was excellent.

If you recognise the shortcomings of pure Merino fabric and play to its strengths you will love this baselayer from Nukeproof. Don't use it for rides where you expect to get very sweaty and you can soon see the advantages of its soft and comfortable fabric, which won't get smelly like a synthetic and provides warmth beyond its weight.

It will inevitably need some care to make it last longer because Merino is more fragile than a rugged synthetic.