Fjällräven

Abisko Wool LS

£70 164g (M)

comfortable fabric, performs well, wide range of sizes

expensive, not very durable, seams not flatlocked

Fabric: 50% polyester, 50% wool (traceable) Sizes: XS-XXXL

Women’s version: yes fjallraven.com/uk

This is a lightweight merino blend top, made with luxuriously soft fabric and thin enough for summer use. Although I sometimes find merino a bit uncomfortable next to the skin, I had no such issues here. I found the fabric itself comfy in a range of temperatures when climbing Beinn Damh on a warm, humid day and descending in the cool of the evening, but a real drawback is the basic seam design. They are not flatlocked seams – the only garment tested not to have this feature. I found the seams uncomfortable under a heavy rucksack and often ended up shifting my pack around to try to make it more comfortable.

Like most merino blend tops, odour control is excellent – I wore it for a week without needing to wash it – and it regulates temperature very well.

The other main downside with the Abisko Wool LS is that I’ve already started to see cause for concern regarding durability. After only three washes, the outer fabric is already starting to ‘pill’ – it’s very noticeable.

It’s the most expensive garment of the men’s base layers tested but so far it seems to be the least durable, which isn’t great for long-term prospects. Due to these flaws, it’s sadly difficult to recommend.