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Patagonia Merino 2 Lightweight Henley Review

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Patagonia Merino 2 Lightweight Henley Review (Patagonia Merino 2 Lightweight Henley)
Patagonia Merino 2 Lightweight Henley
Credit: Patagonia
Price:  $100 List
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Manufacturer:   Patagonia
By Jack Cramer ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Mar 30, 2015
81
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Warmth - 20% 6.0
  • Breathability - 20% 9.0
  • Drying Speed - 20% 10.0
  • Layering Ability - 10% 8.0
  • Comfort and Fit - 15% 8.0
  • Durability - 15% 7.0

Our Verdict

One of our testers liked to joke that his Merino 2 Henley, with its horizontal stripes and loose button down opening, made him look like a 'pirate baby', but this top is good for more than just swashbuckling. Patagonia has designed a great piece of long underwear that is light and breathable but still able to take some abuse. It was the top performer in our air dry test and also scored highly for comfort and fit. We like it for off-trail excursions, dawn patrol skiing, and sipping craft beer. Don't worry if you lack a parrot or a peg leg; this shirt also comes in solid patterns or a crew neck for landlubbers.
REASONS TO BUY
Light
Fast-drying
Hidden thumb loops
Very breathable
Comfortable
Resists odors
Hipster styling
REASONS TO AVOID
Less warm
Limited durability
Wash with care
Hipster styling

Our Analysis and Test Results

Quality made long underwear from a respected manufacturer; this top provides function and style in one lightweight package.

Performance Comparison


patagonia merino 2 lightweight henley - soaking in a view of zion national park in the patagonia merino 2...
Soaking in a view of Zion National Park in the Patagonia Merino 2 Lightweight Henley.
Credit: Stella Mascari

Warmth


Along with the Under Armour Base 2.0, this is tied for the thinnest of all long underwear tested. Predictably, it is also one of the least warm. This lack of insulation is not necessarily a bad quality. Less material means that this shirt is light, at 7.1 oz for a size large, and the moderate level of warmth that it does provide might be perfect for high intensity activities that produce their own heat, like backcountry or cross-country skiing. The hidden thumb loops—included on all the Patagonia base layers tested—helps trap a little extra heat around the wrists without compromising fashion.

Breathability


The 80/20% merino-polyester fabric was the most breathable of the three merino wool tops tested and ranked highly in this metric overall. The thin material is partly responsible, along with a looser weave than the other merino layers, for more air space for water vapor to pass through. Another feature we like is the four button closure at the neck, the 'Henley', which lets you vent some air when you start to overheat.

Drying Speed


Solidifying this long underwear's credentials as a great piece for high intensity outings was its first place finish in our air dry test. It beat out several more expensive products whose manufacturer's tout proprietary drying technologies. We try to explain this performance using the same qualities that made it so breathable: thin fabric and loosely woven merino wool. During the air dry test the author found it difficult to even get this top wet; having to manually agitate it while submerged before the fibers would absorb water. Perhaps there is truth to merino wool marketing claims that the material can absorb 30% of its weight in moisture before feeling wet.

patagonia merino 2 lightweight henley - establishing a winter first ascent in the patagonia merino 2...
Establishing a winter first ascent in the Patagonia Merino 2 Lightweight Henley near Ouray, CO.
Credit: Drew Smith

Layering Ability


The relaxed fit of the Merino 2 Henley allows you to wear it comfortably next to the skin or over another layer. Unlike the crew necks reviewed, the button down closure on this top allows you to show off a clever undershirt or your chest hair, whichever is hipper in your area.

Durability


Merino wool is inherently less durable than a comparable synthetic garment because the warmth-to-weight ratio is higher for wool, so the fabric is thinner on a shirt of equal warmth. Patagonia claims they compensate for this by adding polyester to create an 80/20 merino-polyester blend. Whether this is actually for durability or to save costs on fabric, we are not sure, but the Henley did seem as strong as the thicker merino wool options. When compared to the rest of the field, this top sacrifices durability for advantages in drying speed, breathability, and overall weight. This weakness is partially lessened because wool will not absorb odors and, therefore, should not have to be washed as often.

patagonia merino 2 lightweight henley - a comparison of the sleeve stitching on the smartwool nts mid 250...
A comparison of the sleeve stitching on the Smartwool NTS Mid 250 Crew (tan), Patagonia Merino 2 Lightweight Henley (striped blue), and Icebreaker Oasis (solid blue). All were equally durable, but the Smartwool was the most comfortable.
Credit: Jack Cramer

Comfort and Fit


Patagonia did a great job ensuring that this long underwear feels comfortable and fits well. We particularly like the thoughtful fabric backing on the metal buttons that eliminates irritation or the chill of cold metal on the skin. Functionally, this top also works nicely. It has a light, relaxed, feel that rides up less during movement than other merino wool shirts.

patagonia merino 2 lightweight henley - the metal snaps on the neck of the patagonia merino 2 lightweight...
The metal snaps on the neck of the Patagonia Merino 2 Lightweight Henley have a thoughtful piece of fabric behind the buttons to prevent cold metal from touching your skin.
Credit: Ashley Daigle

Best Applications


The versatile features of this base layer means that it can be used in nearly any application, from cutting-edge alpine ascents to casual beer drinking. Although not as warm as some of the options tested, it can be worn over or under other tops to achieve the desired level of insulation. Avoid activities where it could be subject to abrasion.

Value


Like the rest of the merino wool long underwear tested, this top is expensive. The price comes with the fabric. However, if found on sale, the Merino Henley 2 is modestly cheaper than the Icebreaker Oasis or Smartwool NTS 250 Mid Crew, yet offers comparable performance. Durability issues decrease its value relative to synthetic options.

Conclusion


Overall, this top offers a nice balance of qualities; it is lightweight, breathable, and quick to dry, but delicate and less insulating. No shirt can be all things at once. Our testers believe the Icebreaker and Smartwool selections to be of slightly higher quality, but personal preferences could lead a reasonable shopper to choose Patagonia's Merino 2 Henley.

Jack Cramer