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

Our TeMATA 260 merino wool Crews, Zipnecks and Hoodies. In 260gsm MAPP 100% NZ merino. Like our Taranaki 190 baselayers , these are designed to be multi-functional, multi-activity and multi-purpose, and with clean, simple lines they look as good as they perform. They can be worn as heavier weight baselayers or as midlayers. They can easily be rolled up small enough to fit in a backpack - even in a side pocket. They'll take you over the hills and far away - or just down to your local.

This is made from jersey knit wool with a smooth inner and slightly raised outer. The fabric is soft and feels comfortable next to the skin - it could be worn as a baselayer in cold weather. It's quite stretchy too, allowing good freedom of movement. The warmth is similar to a lightweight synthetic fleece. However I think the temperature range over which it is comfortable is greater, especially when worn over a thinner merino layer. The pullover design is very simple with just a snug high collar and zip at the neck. Like other merino wool it should be wearable for long periods without it smelling. It's excellent as a mid layer in cold weather and although it absorbs more moisture than most synthetic fleeces it's also warmer when damp. It dries quickly too. The weight is comparable with other fleeces with the same warmth. The price is quite high for a simple garment but that's always the case for [genuine NZ] merino wool.

Chocolate Fish Merino TeMata 260 Merino Zipneck
The Chocolate Fish TeMata 260 Merino Zipneck is a true multi-purpose baselayer/midlayer, suitable for use on its own or as part of a layered system in a surprising range of conditions.

Real World Test: The TeMata 260 Merino Zipneck isn't the first offering from Chocolate Fish we've tried, with the lighter weight 190 one of our favourites, and in the light of previous experience we're going to assume there was an error in sizing the sample we got. Labelled as a medium it was definitely on the Large size.

The cut on the 260 Zipneck is very straight, especially compared with the modern, body-hugging, synthetic style and if you're not familiar with the Chocoalte Fish logo you'd never guess at first sight that this is a very technically capable garment. To all intents and purposes it looks like a standard zipped, long sleeved, T shirt. The first sign that this is something different is when you put it on.

For a baselayer the 260 feels quite heavy, and tipping the digitals at 351g this was confirmed, but the thicker fabric still felt as soft and comfortable on the skin as much lighter merino baselayers. This is important for its use as a combined base and midlayer, giving you more flexibility by removing the need for an additional baselayer when the temperature cools. Under normal circumstances we'd automatically pick the 190 for summer use and the 260 for winter, but after a couple of uses the 260 becomes more of an option even in summer.

As well as being slightly heavier than most merino baselayers the thicker fabric offers increased wind resistance, taking the 260 into the realms of softshell but without the need for a seperate baselayer and at a considerable weight reduction. One of the great things about merino is it doesn't take a long lead-in time before it starts working like some membranes so although the 260 fabric is warmer than the 190 it shifts that additional heat away to the outer surface from the moment you put it on. If the temperature does drop a bit the 260 has the weight and insulation to delay adding an extra layer for a bit longer into the evening, but then assumes its role as part of a layering system seamlessly.

The durability and anti-odour properties of merino wool are legendary and while some manufacturers have gone down the line of adding bamboo or other materials to the wool for socks and clothing Chocolate Fish use 100% New Zealand merino. While some synthetics may wick perspiration faster than merino they can't compete when it comes to day after day after day of continuous use in terms of odour control, maling it ideally suited for trekking and expedition use. Merino is also extremely durable, the flexible but resiliant fibres both resisting wear and bouncing back when any pressure is released. With merino's ability to resist stains it's also easy to clean.

For a very innoccuous looking baselayer the TeMata 260 Merino Zipneck is surprisingly flexible and capable. If you can only afford one merino baselayer, and they're not inexpensive, we'd go for this one despite the heavier weight as it give the additional weight for sole use and the additional insulation makes it suitable for winter use.

We Like: Soft to touch. One baselayer for all year round use. Made in New Zealand from certified sources by an environmentally conscious manufacturer. Although not designed to be waterproof the 260 zipneck will, used as a midlayer, hold the water off for long enough to add a shell.

Peter posted on Twitter re our TeMata 260 Crew:

@ChocFishMerino Loving the new long sleeve top. You've done a great job with the fabric. The heavier GSM makes for a much better drape.

Pete Macfarlane writes:

Chocolate Fish TeMata: Weight: 344g; Main Fabric: 260gsm fine Merino; Made in: New Zealand
This has been around a bit now, been worn and washed countless times. The ... slightly relaxed cut has meant it's seen as many days out as it has hill days. But on a hill is it's home, and it's strength comes from that fabric and its simple design. As I've mentioned before, a light merino base layer with a heavier merino layer over it makes for a very odd microclimate in cold weather, never too hot or too chilly, wind resistant but still airy feeling.

When layered-up the comfort remains, although drying time when you've soaked it on a steep climb will always be slower than a synthetic. But it fights back by being stink-free when you pull it on in the tent next morning. Length is great on the body and arms, the zip is a decent length and the collar is a good height and nice fit on my neck too, I can later under it and over it and still put the zip right up without any trouble.

Now here's the thing, there's no holes in this where my belt/rucksack buckle is despite my not tucking it in, so this merino isn't fragile at all which has surprised me. It's a little heavier than some, but I still pick it regularly over lighter kit because of that fabric.

And Petesy says of our hoodie:

I have been wearing the Chocolate Fish merino hoody every day ..., it's bloody marvellous. ...the hood's definitely casual in it's approach, even a little Emperor Palpatine you might say. Cool.

Customer Julie says

"The hoodie is just marvellous - again, exactly the right size and cut for me, slim enough to take something else on top, but wide enough to look casual. ...[whilst] it's not really one for the hills...it definitely does for less technical walks or as a back-up. The merino fabric gives it an elegant touch, so I'll wear mine in work. People will think I'm a right scruff because I'll never have to wear anything else again!"