As Jolyon  said  "this stuff is both elegant and highly functional."  And we don't think he meant the beer !

Kitakama Couloir, Japan.  Pic courtesy of i,cjw.  

Chris says: Your gear was a real lifesaver on that climb, brilliant stuff.

We use MAPP Double-jersey merino for our baselayers.

•     Great natural stretch and recovery
•     Odour-resistant
•     Thermo-regulating
•     Efficient moisture-management
•     UV Protection factor: 40+
•     Exothermic (generates heat even when wet)
•     Flame resistant

To see magnification images of our fabric and comparisons, click here

Size Chart:     Click here for the Taranaki Merino Baselayer Size Chart

Research:      To read the latest scientific report on the properties of MAPP Superfine Merino (including some very surprising ones!) click here

Reviews

I-CJW, Japan-based mountaineer and climber, uses Chocolate Fish merino baselayer.

“I wear my Chocolate Fish Taranaki Mid Layer merino top all year round. Cotton is a killer, synthetics give you that “Odeur de Homeless Person” seemingly within minutes of putting them on, but merino wool keeps you warm and smelling like a summer meadow. I like black because it absorbs more U.V. Merino costs more, but lasts much longer than other tops, doesn’t lose its shape and (because it stays warm even when damp, and doesn’t smell) you only need one.”

Pete Macfarlane sums the range up in his 2010 Top 10(ish)

"Chocolate Fish Taranaki Merino Baselayers: It’s a rare trip that sees me Taranaki-free. Summer saw me in a blue t-shirt and boxers, and winter sees me back in a long sleeve crew or zipneck and leggings.

The fit feels like they drew round me and used it as a pattern and the fabric hits a sweet spot that genuinely works all year round in all conditions. There’s no pretension about it either, basic and functional, no fannying about. In these days of hype and disinformation it’s sometimes refreshing to get back to basics, and I’ll be trekking and sleeping in it some more in ’11."

And - here is his more detailed review of our Taranaki baselayer - tested under some quite extreme conditions ...

Round the World yachtswoman Katya Fearnley-Whittingstall says:

“I'm doing the Fastnet this year and would rather wear an extra merino layer than a nasty smelly fleece. I really wish more yachties would wear merino; after a week without washing, the smells below deck from synthetics are plain horrid...! Your company produces the best merino ever - I sailed across the north pacific in winter whilst wearing it, would have frozen to death without it!”

Louise emailed us to say:

“Just wanted to pass a big thank you for your wonderful gear. I bought a selection of things for a weeks trip to the Arctic to learn survival skills. Special thanks to the boxers and vest - they weren't removed for the whole week and did not seem to get smelly at all. It all kept me warm and cosy, and the best bit is all year use - not just for extreme weather conditions.”

Taranaki 190 Merino Baselayers - Technical specification:

•     Classic - Unisex
•     Fabric: 100% New Zealand Superfine Merino Jersey
•     Fabric weight: 195gsm
•     Yarn: Zque 18.8 micron

•     Transeasonal

•     Machine-washable
•     Soft next-to-skin
•     Longer than average body, sleeve & leg length

Viv Scott, writing in UKClimbing says:

“I took a full set of Chocolate Fish Taranaki merino base layers - leggings, boxers and top to Alaska for a month of camping on a glacier and possibly some climbing. However, not having used merino before, the thought of weeks without access to any kind of washing facilities made me throw in a couple of sets of synthetic base layers into the bottom of my kit bag in reserve... which is where they stayed, untouched for the duration of the trip.

The Taranaki base layers use a 195 grams per square metre superfine merino cloth which is pleasantly light (I've never been a fan of 'winter weight' base layers) and feels very comfortable and natural on the skin. The cut of all three garments is superb- giving a slim neat fit without being over tight and with plenty of length in the leg and arms- an area I frequently find lacking in outdoor clothing.

Their first outing was a three-day trip up and over the classic North Buttress on Mount Hunter, which as usual on a big alpine route involved everything from sweaty overheating to frigid shivering during which I'm pleased to say I didn't once experience the grim sticky clammy feeling I get using synthetic base layers. As for the smell, after a day or two airing at base camp they smelt fresh and pleasant to put back on. Subsequent use included a long hot ski, some more climbing and blizzard battle or two before ongoing poor weather urged retreat to showers and civilisation where unlike the rest of the mountain clothes abandoned to fester in storage they accompanied me on a few days travels as ideal mosquito proof hot and humid travel wear.

So, taking a quick look at each in turn, the top features a neat long chest zip giving plenty of ventilation options and is superbly cut with good length in the body to tuck in and on the arms and the sleeves are snug fitting but easily pulled up if needed. As well as being extremely comfortable to wear, the fabric proved impressively tough surviving bushwacking, mosquitos and several hundred metres of steep granite crack action without a mark. The leggings continue the theme- extremely well cut with plenty of length and a very comfortable non-chaffing waistband.

Without wishing to sound too much like a stuck record, the boxers also impress for the same reasons. Surprisingly few climbing clothing companies produce wicking smalls- which I've always found odd. Get a pair of these and you won't be disappointed.

I'm sold on merino. Compared to other merino options out there, the competitive price, build quality and manufacturing credentials make Chocolate Fish products a definite winner. In summary, the best base layers I've ever used by miles and already up there with my favourite take everywhere, everytime kit... Superb. “

To read the original review, click here.

Steven emails us to say

"I am a firefighter and have bought your merino to wear as a comfortable and safe base layer under my firefighting personal protective equipment. sweaty, and is much safer to wear than man-made fibres."

And Tim emails:

" ...i think I love you ..how good is your product ..everyone around me froze their little butts off ..im like a stove ..english channel cant beat merino wool even at -8 degrees and a wind chill of -12…fantastic ..ive recommended it to everyone of my crew mates and hope they all come to you to fill their boots .. many thanks again tim"

Who uses our gear?

Merino baselayers are recommended by people engaging in a huge range of outdoors activities - these are just a few:

• Fishermen • Mountaineers • Climbers • Ramblers • Skiers • Canoeists • Runners

• Backpackers • Skindivers  • Forestry workers • Firefighters  • Police • Farmers • Cyclists

• Horseriders • Dog- sledders...  

In fact anyone and everyone who works or plays seriously in the outdoors in all weathers.

Taranaki Merino Baselayers airing at Viv’s Kahitna Base camp, Alaska

Taranaki 190

Men’s singlet

Taranaki 190

Baselayer T-shirt

Taranaki 190

Baselayer Crew

Taranaki 190

Baselayer Zipneck