Ortovox 185 Rock’n’wool Base Layer Review

Bottom Line

We put the Ortovox 185 Merino Rock’n’Wool base layer through the test running around the Rocky Mountains, climbing 14ers, and scrutinizing it in a controlled setting. We found it to have the best warmth-to-weight ratio of all the base layers we tested.

This midweight base layer features ultra-soft fine wool fibers. The fabric, plus its snug fit, is comforting. The construction of this base layer makes it feel warmer than other base layers of similar weight.

The fabric is 100% merino wool, taking advantage of natural moisture-wicking and odor-resistant properties.

Although it’s versatile enough to use year-round, the Rock’n’Wool isn’t the most breathable option. It works best as a standalone layer for cold-weather aerobic activities but can retain too much warmth on summer hikes.

Comfort

When we put on the Ortovox Rock’n’Wool, we immediately noticed the softness of the wool. Wool can sometimes be itchy, but the ultra-fine 19-micron fibers used in the Rock’n’Wool keep it feeling plush. The seams are also extremely low-profile, making them completely unnoticeable when worn directly against bare skin.

The snug fit of the Rock’n’Wool is a bit of a double-edged sword. We love the way it feels during aerobic activity as a standalone layer – it stretches and moves with you surprisingly well as a wool shirt. However, when we integrated it into a full layering system with a mid-layer and puffy jacket, we found that it has the potential to twist and bunch up underneath other layers. It’s not a deal breaker and may improve with more wear, but it’s something to consider if you plan on using the Rock’n’Wool for something like rock climbing.

Warmth

The midweight wool of the Ortovox Rock’n’Wool hits the temperature sweet spot for most times of the year. If anything, it leans slightly in the warmer direction. At 185g/ms, the fabric weight is on the lighter side of the midweight range. However, its snug fit and tightly woven fibers retain heat better than other garments of the same fabric weight. This optimum warmth-to-weight ratio makes it ideal for ultralight backpacking when every ounce counts. 

The Rock’n’Wool makes for a cozy sleep layer any time of year and a perfect active layer during the colder months. We especially love it as a standalone layer for ski touring or hiking uphill on brisk mornings. During the warmer months, the wool gets to be a little much for high-output activities.

Breathability

What the snug fit and tightly woven fabric of the Rock’n’Wool gains in warmth, it loses in breathability. In our drying speed test, this top dried quicker than some of the heaviest base layers, but it retained moisture longer than other wool and synthetic base layers of similar weight. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing if you value warmth over breathability. It also isn’t an issue if you have another layer to change into or control your output to manage how much you are sweating. The Rock’n’Wool is designed to keep you warm and sheltered from the wind rather than cooled by it.

Fortunately, the Rock’n’Wool still benefits from merino wool’s natural moisture-wicking capabilities. While you may not feel the breeze as much, and it may take a little longer to dry than other base layers, the fabric effectively wicks sweat away from your body so you can stay warm during the drying process.

Versatility

The Ortovox Rock’n’Wool is a little pricey, but it makes up for it with versatility. This base layer is our go-to for about 9 months out of the year, rarely leaving it out of our layering system. Even in the summer months, we love it as a sleeping shirt in chillier areas like the high Rockies.

The Ortovox Rock’n’Wool can fit over a skin-tight base layer, but for the most part, we wouldn’t use it as a mid-layer. It also loses some versatility due to its lack of features. The Rock’n’Wool is a simple, minimalist base layer with no pockets, thumbholes, or zippers. While we appreciate those handy features, the absence of them is what keeps this base layer’s fit so snug and athletic.

Style

We understand that style is a very subjective term, so we try to rate it based on how many color options are available and how it compares to casual wear. The Ortovox Rock’n’Wool is a layer that emanates athleticism. Ortovox is a popular brand in the competitive cross-country skiing world, and its aesthetic reflects that.

The latest version of the Rock’n’Wool features a split, asymmetrical design with bright colors and multi-colored yarn that signifies the multi-faceted nature of outdoor activities. While we do love the patterns and colors available, we realize they might be a little too loud for some and wouldn’t easily fit into a fancy cocktail hour. With only five different colorways available, the options are a little on the low side.

Should You Buy the Ortovox 185 Rock’n’wool Long Sleeve?

The Ortovox Rock’n’Wool has an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio and is ideal for ultralight backpackers, skiers, and climbers alike. It works great as a standalone active layer for cold weather activities, but can get a little too steamy in warmer weather. The tightly woven fibers are great for keeping you warm, but they don’t do a great job at letting the breeze in.

Merino wool is always a favorite fiber due to its odor resistance and moisture wicking properties. The Rock’n’Wool will keep you warmer than other layers as it’s drying and will keep you smelling fresh for longer.

For folks that run hot or prefer more breathability, there are better options out there. While we love it for many aerobic activities, it’s not the best choice for hiking in all day long during the warmer months.

What Other Base Layers Should You Consider?

REI Midweight Half Zip Review: The REI Midweight Half Zip is a similarly warm base layer, but it has a neck zipper that allows you to more easily dump excess heat. It’s also synthetic with more breathability and more versatile layering capability. 

Smartwool Classic All-Season Review: The Classic All-Season is another minimally designed wool base layer. It still provides the natural benefits of merino wool, but is a little lighter and more breathable than the Ortovox Rock’n’Wool, making it better suited for warm weather aerobic activities. 

Smartwool Classic Thermal: If you like merino wool and the warmth of the Rock’n’Wool but want something with a more relaxed fit, the Classic Thermal could be a great alternative. It fits loose enough to be worn as a mid-layer, is stylish, and has many color options.

Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis: The Oasis 200 is a light to midweight merino wool base layer similar to the Smartwool Class All-Season but with a tiny bit more warmth. It scores at least average all across the board, making it a solid all-around option.