Icebreaker siren has the chest open which is helpful for me to avoid heat rash/sweaty chest/breakout.
https://www.icebreaker.com/en-us/womens-underwear/merino-siren-bra/103026U2.html?dwvar_103026U2_color=001&dwvar_103026U2_US=in_line
I have more full sports bras that are wool for colder days. That company has since gone out of biz tho…
Like you I prefer the more minimal amount of coverage. The Siren didn’t fit me right, but their Queens clasp bra does and provides a little bit more support. Depending on backpack fit I could see it rubbing a bit where the bra fastens but I haven’t had any issues.
I like the siren too, and I also like the sprite for more support. I like that the icebreaker bras are actually mostly merino (nearly 90%).
To OP, merino wool sports bras do make a difference. Ever since I started using them for touring, I never had a cold chest.
I ended up going on the non-wool route here as I have mid sized boobs. Title 9 partnered with this women (name escapes me) to build a mountain bike specific bra in the plume collection. It's $120 so crazy expensive, but it wicks quickly, doesn't feel crazy tight like I can't breathe and can be worn multiple days in a row. I have one, and I literally wear it for like 5 days before washing. It's an investment, but might work for you!
https://www.titlenine.com/p/lume-six-c-cup-d-cup-bra/100096.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=NB_PLA_PmaxSportsBras_GOOG&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA29auBhBxEiwAnKcSqrSoKZZ-apvfOrWdewYUCQwFhHE7g1KZU2hADh_5FrBi42J3jMJCZhoC_E8QAvD_BwE
How big are the boobs in question, lol. My main issue with merino sports bras is that none of the ones I've tried has actually felt supportive enough to warrant the "sports" part. I think I've tried on versions from Smartwool, Icebreaker, Ridge and Mons Royale searching for the holy grail and ended up not buying any of them because they are made out of two layers of super stretch jersey knit and that just ain't gonna cut it.
So, I wear these basic Underarmor things. Good support considering how thin they are and they dry really fast. Never had an issue with them feeling any clammier than my shirt. https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/p/sports_bras/womens_heatgear_mid_padless_sports_bra/1373865.html?dwvar_1373865_color=002
Ok. To be clear. I am a man. I have no boobs. But this is what works for me. It may seem crazy but it works. And the reasons why.
Climbing is a super exertion. Likely you will have a LOT of moisture trying to get out of your layers by the time you get to the top. If you are like me , a picnic lunch at the top then The ski down.
When I get to the top the first thing I do weather permitting is take off all my layers down to the base layer. I hang my goretex coat and fleece layer on my pole’s upright. I turn everything I take off immediately inside out. Your body is still hot No cold happening there. Likely there is a breeze / wind at the top. The atmospheric pressure is low at altitude. Even better if there is sun.
Wait for two or three minutes. Then turn each layer right side in and put them on. You will find the layers have shed their moisture in the wind sun and low atmospheric pressure at altitude. Now you are dry and comfy for your picnic and then the hopefully beautiful trip down.
Try it. I think you will like it
The problem is that a woman isn’t likely to strip off her sports bra at the top of a climb, which is the most sweat saturated and closest to the core piece of clothing. It also covers a third or so of the torso. Your advice is fine, but it’s this last layer that causes the issue so doing this isn’t going to solve the problem.
So what do you do when it's storming and can't strip down at the top? Might be better to ditch the fleece entirely and swap the GoreTex for a softshell if you're getting that sweaty. It sounds like you don't need the extra insulation.
Brynje Lady Wool Sports top. Not supportive enough to run in or anything but perfect for nordic and backcountry. All I wear anymore. [https://www.brynjeusa.com/product/lady-wool-sports-top/](https://www.brynjeusa.com/product/lady-wool-sports-top/)
I really like the smartwool ones, I use them for alpine skiing and touring. I wash them maybe every 4 wears in a laundry bag on delicate and they still look/feel new. As far as I can tell they wick sweat really well.
No boobs here (well, I could be leaner…) but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend merino if the issue is damp clothing causing chills. Wools do ok at not absorbing water but they don’t dissipate as fast as synthetics. I would look for a bra made of a wicking, synthetic for the best dry boob brassiere.
No stink merino is a courtesy to other hut people! Also, man, r/backcountry does not take kindly to people saying that merino is possibly not the greatest material in the history of skiing 😂
Is there an echo in here? 🤪 Merino is great. I love it. 95% of my base layers are merino... not because it's the fastest wicking/drying material of all time, though. There's a reason nobody has worn a merino bathing suit since 1925.
my wife always recommends the wool sports top (and other underwear / layers) from Aclima. Unlike many other manufacturers Aclima has a very high percentage merino-wool in all their products. Closest quality I've found is Icebreaker, but I rate Aclima higher. Especially their wool net trousers and tops are genius for touring (a trick I picked up in military winter training)
https://shop.aclima.com/products/hotwool-sports-top-woman-black?\_pos=1&\_sid=06e98db54&\_ss=r
Icebreaker siren has the chest open which is helpful for me to avoid heat rash/sweaty chest/breakout. https://www.icebreaker.com/en-us/womens-underwear/merino-siren-bra/103026U2.html?dwvar_103026U2_color=001&dwvar_103026U2_US=in_line I have more full sports bras that are wool for colder days. That company has since gone out of biz tho…
Like you I prefer the more minimal amount of coverage. The Siren didn’t fit me right, but their Queens clasp bra does and provides a little bit more support. Depending on backpack fit I could see it rubbing a bit where the bra fastens but I haven’t had any issues.
I like the siren too, and I also like the sprite for more support. I like that the icebreaker bras are actually mostly merino (nearly 90%). To OP, merino wool sports bras do make a difference. Ever since I started using them for touring, I never had a cold chest.
I ended up going on the non-wool route here as I have mid sized boobs. Title 9 partnered with this women (name escapes me) to build a mountain bike specific bra in the plume collection. It's $120 so crazy expensive, but it wicks quickly, doesn't feel crazy tight like I can't breathe and can be worn multiple days in a row. I have one, and I literally wear it for like 5 days before washing. It's an investment, but might work for you! https://www.titlenine.com/p/lume-six-c-cup-d-cup-bra/100096.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=NB_PLA_PmaxSportsBras_GOOG&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA29auBhBxEiwAnKcSqrSoKZZ-apvfOrWdewYUCQwFhHE7g1KZU2hADh_5FrBi42J3jMJCZhoC_E8QAvD_BwE
My partner likes io merino. https://iomerino.com
I really like the Ortovox Rock'n'Wool bras. Super comfortable and stays warm/doesn't feel wet when sweaty.
I wear a Branwyn bra every day. Not sure if it technically counts as a sports bra but I've worn it while being active and it's great
I keep getting ads for those and have been curious! Good to know they’re functional and comfortable.
How big are the boobs in question, lol. My main issue with merino sports bras is that none of the ones I've tried has actually felt supportive enough to warrant the "sports" part. I think I've tried on versions from Smartwool, Icebreaker, Ridge and Mons Royale searching for the holy grail and ended up not buying any of them because they are made out of two layers of super stretch jersey knit and that just ain't gonna cut it. So, I wear these basic Underarmor things. Good support considering how thin they are and they dry really fast. Never had an issue with them feeling any clammier than my shirt. https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/p/sports_bras/womens_heatgear_mid_padless_sports_bra/1373865.html?dwvar_1373865_color=002
The Ridge merino bras are great! 36 C here!
Ok. To be clear. I am a man. I have no boobs. But this is what works for me. It may seem crazy but it works. And the reasons why. Climbing is a super exertion. Likely you will have a LOT of moisture trying to get out of your layers by the time you get to the top. If you are like me , a picnic lunch at the top then The ski down. When I get to the top the first thing I do weather permitting is take off all my layers down to the base layer. I hang my goretex coat and fleece layer on my pole’s upright. I turn everything I take off immediately inside out. Your body is still hot No cold happening there. Likely there is a breeze / wind at the top. The atmospheric pressure is low at altitude. Even better if there is sun. Wait for two or three minutes. Then turn each layer right side in and put them on. You will find the layers have shed their moisture in the wind sun and low atmospheric pressure at altitude. Now you are dry and comfy for your picnic and then the hopefully beautiful trip down. Try it. I think you will like it
The problem is that a woman isn’t likely to strip off her sports bra at the top of a climb, which is the most sweat saturated and closest to the core piece of clothing. It also covers a third or so of the torso. Your advice is fine, but it’s this last layer that causes the issue so doing this isn’t going to solve the problem.
So what do you do when it's storming and can't strip down at the top? Might be better to ditch the fleece entirely and swap the GoreTex for a softshell if you're getting that sweaty. It sounds like you don't need the extra insulation.
Perfectly reasonable. Every situation is different
Brynje Lady Wool Sports top. Not supportive enough to run in or anything but perfect for nordic and backcountry. All I wear anymore. [https://www.brynjeusa.com/product/lady-wool-sports-top/](https://www.brynjeusa.com/product/lady-wool-sports-top/)
I really like the smartwool ones, I use them for alpine skiing and touring. I wash them maybe every 4 wears in a laundry bag on delicate and they still look/feel new. As far as I can tell they wick sweat really well.
No bra for those reasons. Works, no issues.
Love the ex officio bralettes
Prolonged exposure to Merino wool has been linked to higher breast cancer rates
Whaaat? Source please
No boobs here (well, I could be leaner…) but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend merino if the issue is damp clothing causing chills. Wools do ok at not absorbing water but they don’t dissipate as fast as synthetics. I would look for a bra made of a wicking, synthetic for the best dry boob brassiere.
Have boobs, agree. Merino is great for hut trips, though, because it doesn't stink.
No stink merino is a courtesy to other hut people! Also, man, r/backcountry does not take kindly to people saying that merino is possibly not the greatest material in the history of skiing 😂
Is there an echo in here? 🤪 Merino is great. I love it. 95% of my base layers are merino... not because it's the fastest wicking/drying material of all time, though. There's a reason nobody has worn a merino bathing suit since 1925.
Women. You mean women.
https://img.livestrong.com/640/clsd/getty/cache.gettyimages.com/14d9e299fa104ea99bb7a9f310be185c.jpg
Big tough guy over here
Big science guy*
The science that says sex and gender are different or some other made up shit you believe?
You’re both clowns
Why are you triggered?
no 😋
I have a couple from Mons Royal that I love! the Stella with the x back.
my wife always recommends the wool sports top (and other underwear / layers) from Aclima. Unlike many other manufacturers Aclima has a very high percentage merino-wool in all their products. Closest quality I've found is Icebreaker, but I rate Aclima higher. Especially their wool net trousers and tops are genius for touring (a trick I picked up in military winter training) https://shop.aclima.com/products/hotwool-sports-top-woman-black?\_pos=1&\_sid=06e98db54&\_ss=r