It feels like there have been more snow-related news stories coming from various regions this winter than in previous years. I wondered how true that really was, but just the other day, I woke up to a snowy landscape outside my window. Furthermore, there was more snow during our gravel ride at the start of the year than there was last year, so I am convinced that this year is indeed a snowy one.
It’s not just dogs that love running around in the snow; we are the same way, and whenever we get a chance for a snow ride—which happens perhaps only a few times a year—we start pedaling as if we have to make the most of it. However, it isn’t all fun and games. In those moments, the cold is always lingering nearby.
While you can forget the cold to some extent because of the fun you’re having, it’s always better to be warm. If you stay warm, you don’t have to endure the cold and can fully enjoy the experience.
Of course, this applies not only to riding but to everyday life as well.
If you’re constantly distracted by thoughts of "It’s so cold... ah, it’s freezing," it ruins the mood for doing anything.
When it’s cold, there’s no need to suffer; you just need to dress warmly. And for that, you should wear merino wool products.
As someone who, as usual, wears merino wool products every single day, I am once again recommending them to you.
The Benefits of Merino Wool
- Warm!
- Soft and comfortable to wear!
- Absorbs plenty of sweat!
- Doesn't make you feel chilly from sweat!
- Doesn't retain unpleasant odors!
These would be the first things mentioned. Merino wool possesses excellent temperature and humidity regulating properties, as well as natural deodorizing effects. Because of this, it keeps you warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot, and you can even go a week without it smelling, among many other incomparable benefits for outdoor wear. Furthermore, wool generates heat of adsorption when it gets wet, and by absorbing moisture into its fibers, it keeps your skin in a comfortable state even when you’ve broken a heavy sweat. Additionally, because the fibers are resilient, they retain air between them even when wet, maintaining a consistent level of insulation.
Recently, many people have been coming to our shop specifically seeking these products after experiencing the benefits of merino wool for themselves.
Of course, Circles carries various merino wool products, but one brand from Norway that we recommend every year and which has been very well-received is ACLIMA.
ACLIMA: Using Merino Wool in All Products
Every ACLIMA product uses merino wool. They are completed through daily research and tireless efforts to bring out the material's maximum potential. Their excellent quality is strongly trusted by people in harsh conditions, such as the Norwegian military and troops from NATO member nations. They also develop flame-retardant wool materials for firefighters, and they are constantly working to update wool to make it more usable for modern outdoor needs.
Although they have a wide lineup, the following three products are the ones we recommend every season:
- Warmwool Granddad Shirt
- Warmwool Hood Sweater W/Zip
- Woolnet Crew Neck
Each is a distinctive product, but they are categorized into two types based on the fabric used: Warmwool and Woolnet.
Warmwool: A Versatile Second Layer
Warmwool uses 20.5-micron merino wool fibers and has a 200g/m2 knit structure. It is thick enough to fall somewhere between a T-shirt and a sweatshirt, making it particularly versatile within the lineup and an ideal second layer to wear over a base layer. While it can be worn on its own, its perfect thickness—neither too thick nor too thin—also makes it work well as underwear.
The Warmwool Granddad Shirt and Warmwool Hood Sweater W/Zip both use this Warmwool.
【ACLIMA】
M’s Warmwool Granddad Shirt
PRICE: 14,300 JPY (excl. tax)
MATERIAL : Merino Wool 100%
COLOR: North Atlantic, Jet Black
SIZE : XS , S , M , L
The Henley neck style with three buttons at the neck makes it easy to take on and off, and when your body heats up, those buttons serve to promote ventilation. Also, while it is outdoor gear, the wooden buttons lend it a slightly casual atmosphere.
Soft texture you'll want to wear all the time
I personally wear ACLIMA's Warmwool products so often that I could say I wear them every day; I am addicted not just to their warmth, but to their soft comfort. Once you wear it, you'll want to wear it every day.
North Atlantic has been added as a new color this season.
A great piece for both riding and daily life!!!
I wear the black, which is a carry-over color from last season. I wear it frequently for my daily life as well as on weekend rides, and I experience its excellent functionality every day.
I am 170cm tall and weigh 60kg, and I wear a size XS.
【ACLIMA】
M′s Warmwool Hood Sweater W/Zip
PRICE : 19,800 JPY (incl. tax)
MATERIAL : Merino Wool 100%
COLOR : Olive Night/Dill/Marenge , Jet Black/Red Clay/North Atlantic
SIZE : XS , S , M , L
With its color-blocked design, versatile hood, and kangaroo pocket, even though it uses the same material as the Granddad Shirt, its look easily reveals the kind of functionality typical of outdoor gear.
Functional hood useful for body temperature regulation
That hood can change its state depending on the temperature. You don't have to wear it when it's warm; you can pull it over your neck to use it as a neck warmer when it gets a little cold; and when it gets really cold, you can use it as a balaclava to cover your head and mouth. Also, the part over the nose is switched to a mesh fabric to make it easier to breathe.
When I ride home from work in the winter, I wear my helmet over it in balaclava mode, so I must look like quite a suspicious character, but it's so warm that I can't help it.
Double zip that acts as ventilation
The zipper on the chest can also be opened from the bottom, serving as ventilation. It’s a small thing, but it’s very useful for fine-tuning your body temperature.
Securely protects the wrists, which are important for body temperature regulation
The long cuffs are equipped with thumbholes, preventing wind from entering through the sleeves and keeping your wrists and palms warmly protected. The cuff of the left sleeve also has an opening so you can check your wristwatch.
A slim silhouette that fits the body
We have two colors in stock this season, and both have been well-received and are already running low. By the way, I am wearing an XS size in the Olive Night/Dill/Marenge on the left and an S size in the Jet Black/Red Clay/North Atlantic on the right. You can see that it has a slightly slimmer silhouette compared to the Granddad Shirt. The XS size is easy for small-statured individuals, as well as women, to wear.
Just like with the Granddad Shirt, I have been keeping this Warmwool Hood Sweater W/Zip in heavy rotation as a must-have winter item. This is my third season wearing it, in a color that has already been discontinued; the size is S.
Woolnet is ACLIMA's signature first layer
And among ACLIMA's products, the signature item is this Woolnet. The mesh structure of the body, which uses 120g/m2 merino wool mixed with polyamide/elastane, minimizes the contact area between the skin and the clothing, allowing moisture generated by the body to escape to the outside as much as possible. Whether it's winter riding, trekking, or other activities, it maximizes the insulating power of merino wool in any situation, creating phenomenal warmth.
【ACLIMA】
Woolnet Crew Neck
PRICE : 13,200 JPY (incl. tax)
MATERIAL / 120g/m2 SOFT MERINO WOOL : Merino Wool 91%, Polyamide 7%, Elastane 2%
COLOR : Jet Black
Size : XS , S , M , L
It might be hard to imagine "incredible warmth" just by looking at its appearance, but it is a fact. Thanks to this Woolnet Crew Neck, I personally feel comfortable heading out for anything from my midwinter commute to riding in the snow.
Woolnet stays warm and comfortable even when you sweat a lot!
I wear size XS. While I'm wearing a sleeveless base layer underneath in the photo, that's just for the shoot. I normally wear it directly against my skin, as that’s the best way to fully experience the benefits of this Woolnet. It is truly warm, and its ability to wick sweat away when you perspire heavily is superior to other merino wool products. Anyone who has used it before knows this from personal experience. With excellent heat retention, moisture absorption, and sweat-wicking properties, it really is a dream base layer.
It's okay even if it gets a hole!? Outstanding durability!
You might feel uneasy about the durability of a mesh-like structure, but please rest assured.
This is my fourth season wearing it. I’ve been washing and wearing it constantly, and I’m always surprised by its durability.
Last season, I crashed on a rough paved descent and tore the sleeve. Initially, I thought the hole would spread and it would reach its limit right away, but that was a needless worry. It’s been over a year since then, and the hole hasn't changed at all. All I do for laundry is put it in a mesh bag, and the only thing I’m careful about is not to catch it with my fingers when putting my arms through.
Of course, since I wear it very often in winter, the fibers have started to stand up, but there is no annoying pilling. I'm constantly amazed by its excellent functionality, and this durability is one of them.
We have also received women's models for some items.
ACLIMA Women's Models
【ACLIMA】
W′s Warmwool Hood Sweater W/Zip
PRICE : ¥19,800 (tax included)
MATERIAL : Merino Wool 100%
COLOR : Jet Black/Red Ochre , Navy Blazer/Blue Sapphire
SIZE : XS , S , M
We have these two colors available this season. The specifications are the same as the men's model, but it features a silhouette designed specifically for women.
【ACLIMA】
Woolnet Crew Neck
PRICE : ¥13,200 (tax included)
MATERIAL / 120g/m2 SOFT MERINO WOOL : Merino Wool 91%, Polyamide 7%, Elastane 2%
COLOR : Jet Black
Size : XS , S , M , L
Like the Warmwool Hoodsweater W/Zip, this also features a women's silhouette. Also, the chest area is switched from mesh to a flat-knit fabric.
We also have other ACLIMA products that use merino wool, such as neck warmers and beanies, so please be sure to check them out.
Equipping yourself with ACLIMA products will surely make your winter activities even more enjoyable than before.
