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Most of us travel to seek warm weather. Few things make me happier than departing the snowy Midwest and arriving at a sunny, tropical beach. Other than the occasional ski trip, this is how we plan most of our getaways. This means that I prioritize warm weather travel gear – lightweight tops are absolutely crucial. This post will feature a new t-shirt and featherweight hoodie from Ridge Merino.
Who is Ridge Merino
Ridge Merino started back in 2014, by husband and wife team, Jeff and Susan Russell. Jeff has a background in designing technical outerwear, and he was drawn to the almost-magical qualities of Merino wool. He began to develop products that would suit the volatile climate near their home, at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Since that time, Ridge has been recognized many times for their innovative, travel-friendly gear.
Journey Tee
The aptly-named Journey Tee is specifically designed for warm weather adventures. Ridge constructed this shirt from ultra-fine, 17.5 micron Merino wool, spun around a nylon core. The Merino wool gives sun protection, quick-drying and odor-resistance qualities, and the nylon core provides significant durability. This is very important for travelers, who would be in a pickle if their shirt ripped during a trip!
I picked up a Journey Tee in the “Hemlock” colorway, and I must say that it’s a beautiful shirt. The color is commonly known as Olive, and it’s great for wear with khaki, gray, black, or even navy shorts. At 145 grams/meter, this shirt is noticeably lighter than most of my other Merino gear. The closest comparison I have is my Outlier Runweight Tee, but this is even lighter than that, with a smoother texture.
The fit of the shirt is also ideal for me. It has a nice, modern fit, but it’s not too slim. Ridge also added a bit of extra length to the shirt, which I really appreciate. Some shirt makers cut their tee shirts too short, making them feel a bit awkward, but this one is perfect.
Buy your own Journey Tee here.
Solstice Hoodie
Brand new for Summer 2019, the Solstice Hoodie is an interesting warm-weather piece. I wouldn’t usually think of wearing a hoodie during the summer, but this one is different.
Constructed from the same 145g/m, nylon-core Merino as the Journey Tee, the Solstice Hoodie feels wonderfully light and airy. It breathes well on summer days, and it’s hood and sleeves offer additional sun protection. This is the ideal hoodie for a summer camping trip, where the weather can turn from hot at mid-day, to cool in the evening.
The fit is intentionally a bit looser, which allows for layering underneath. I’m generally between a M and L in size, and I went up to the large for this one. The hood is also cut to fit over a hat, offering maximum flexibility. Thumb holes at the end of each sleeve help keep them in place during activities.
Buy your own Solstice Hoodie here.
Final Thoughts
Ridge Merino knocked it out of the park with these two items. I’m always looking for the next, best Merino Tee. For me, that usually means lighter, more breathable, and with a specific fit. The Journey Tee absolutely nails it! The Solstice Hoodie is ideal for summer days or as a layer for cooler weather. Take a look at Ridge’s gear here. Cheers!
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Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
