Salewa Zebru Responsive underwear keeps you warm thanks to infrared
3.12.2020
Translation: machine translated
Salewa combines merino wool and polyamide fibres with synthetic yarns from its Responsive technology for its new baselayer. The result is underwear for activities in the high mountains that absorbs and reflects the body's own infrared radiation. I take a long-sleeved shirt and tights with me to the Engadin.
The view sweeps down, before me the Upper Engadin lake plateau sparkles majestically in the sun. Breathtaking. On the way down into the valley, I hike through golden forests and almost expect to meet a hobbit behind every tree. It's almost kitschy and beautiful.
Among other things, I'm kitted out with the new baselayer from Salewa. From South Tyrol comes high-tech. Saruman instead of Frodo, so to speak. The outdoor specialist uses thermoactive minerals in its new Responsive collection. These absorb the body's far infrared radiation (FIR) and gradually release it back into the muscle tissue.
Merino instead of billy goats
The Zebru baselayer is named after a mountain in the Ortler Alps, Monte Zebrù. According to Salewa, it is produced in Italy. The main component of the material is merino wool, which ensures good thermal performance and moisture wicking and feels pleasant against the skin. The material wicks moisture away from the skin, dries quickly and improves thermoregulation. Zebru is suitable for intensive high mountain activities in cold weather, such as ski tours or mountain hikes. Responsive is a permanent material component and does not wash out.
The Zebru long-sleeved shirt, which is also available with a zip, has a tight cut and is made without elastane. Thanks to the polyamide content, it is hard-wearing and retains its shape. Thanks to the circular knitting process, the entire upper body is made from one piece - it is comfortable to wear without any chafing seams. With a merino wool content of 64 per cent, the shirt also counteracts odour build-up in a natural way. I can only confirm this. Even after a long day in the Engadine mountains, I don't smell like a goat in the hotel in the evening like I usually do.
The Zebru Tight is made from 67 per cent merino wool. It warms and wicks moisture away to the outside. This improves temperature regulation. Like the shirt, it is made using a circular knitting process and has very few seams. The tight has a close-fitting, sporty cut and is comfortable to wear. Merino wool is also naturally odour-resistant, so it stays fresh for longer. You can wear the tights for longer, wash them less often and save time, water and energy.
The response technology is also used in the new outdoor jacket that I have presented to you here.
Conclusion
I hiked through the Engadine mountains for a few days in the Zebru Responsive underwear from Salewa at the end of October. What struck me as particularly positive was that even after many hours of sweaty activity, the tiring factor was kept within very narrow limits. I always use my daughter's nose as a reference here. If she doesn't complain about my odour, that's fine. And she doesn't complain. I am impressed by the moisture regulation. Otherwise, both the shirt and the tights are comfortable to wear. Even on Muottas Muragl at 2500 metres above sea level and just above zero degrees Celsius, I didn't freeze for a moment. However, as with the jacket, you also have to dig deep into your pocket for the Salewa underwear.
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
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