[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Disclosure: icebreaker US gave me this free product to try.
The Women's Merino 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Half Zip is one of the most popular base layers on the market, and after extensive testing across various cold and moderate conditions, it’s clear why. This review focuses on the shirt's comfort, breathability, temperature control, odor-neutralization, and fit, with a specific focus on its performance during fisheries fieldwork.
Field Context & Conditions: I utilized this top during a two-week stretch of stream habitat and fish population surveys in the Pacific Northwest during the shoulder season (late fall). The conditions were classic fieldwork: starting cold with high humidity, often involving strenuous hiking to remote sites, and long periods of static work (setting nets, data collection) while standing in cold water (wearing waders).
Temperature Control (High-Output to Static): This was the Oasis’s greatest strength in the field. The initial uphill hikes to the stream required high exertion, leading to significant body heat. The half-zip design was essential here—unzipping it all the way provided immediate, necessary ventilation, preventing the "sweat out" that leads to post-exertion chill. Once at the stream, standing stationary in chest waders for hours, the 200-weight merino efficiently trapped heat, keeping my core reliably warm, even when my outer wader layer became slightly damp from splashing. Merino’s ability to insulate when slightly wet is critical for any job near water.
Odor Neutralization (Multi-Day Use): For extended fieldwork involving camping or remote lodging with limited laundry access, the odor-resistance was a non-negotiable feature. I wore this shirt for four consecutive days without washing, and it maintained an impressive neutrality—far superior to any synthetic base layer I have ever used. This single attribute significantly reduces the amount of gear a field biologist needs to pack.
Comfort and Fit under Layers: When layering heavy, protective gear—like a fleece mid-layer and a waterproof wading jacket—comfort is paramount. The flatlock seams and soft merino fabric (no itchiness) meant zero chafing, even when compressed by backpack straps and life vests. The slim fit allowed the top to slide smoothly under bulkier garments without bunching, maintaining mobility for tasks like electrofishing or net hauling.
Area for Improvement
Drying Speed: While the merino insulated well even when damp, it is not the fastest-drying layer. On one particularly wet day, after the top absorbed some moisture (both sweat and humidity from inside the waders), it took a full overnight hang in a non-heated cabin to completely dry. For fast-paced, multi-day work where you might need to wash and re-wear a layer daily, a merino/synthetic blend might manage liquid moisture faster. However, for sheer warmth and comfort, the 100% merino is a winner. I wish the Oasis incorporated some targeted synthetic zones (like the underarms) for ultra-fast wicking in high-sweat areas, without sacrificing the overall wool comfort.
Originally posted on ExpertVoice.com