Best base layer. Merino wool is amazing. It truly does not stink. I used my icebreaker 260 bottoms every single day last year (I work outside, even in the winter) and they never stunk. And trust me I did not wash them every day, they were lucky if they were washed once every two weeks. There is a bit of a wear and tear issue. It seems if you wear them all day for around 275 day strait you might start to see some holes in the crotch. Who would have imagined that?

It was 2001 that I first discovered the fantastic qualities of Icebreaker Merino wool products. I must admit that I was a little unsure of a natural fibre being as useful on the mountain as a high-tech modern one. The price was also something of a shock. However, I ploughed ahead and now in 2009 I must have around a dozen items of Merino clothing, both from Icebreaker and Smartwool. These bottoms are handy for skiing. They are not too long - getting tangled up in your boots is not an option with these. They also make getting your kit on and off much easier - especially if you are having to wear damp or wet stuff the next day. I have never found that they stink - amazing. Merino wool gear is pretty much the only base/mid layers I wear on the mountain. Highly recommended.

These are awesome! I'm an active skier so the mid-weight bottoms I use mostly on the cold to really cold days. These guys do a great job of keeping the stink away, legs warm, and moisture off your skin. I have a pair of the 200's for warmer days which are great as well (similar review for the 200's on its page)! But you gotta love the merino wool. Have no complaints except that if you want to use them for something other than skiing e.g. hiking or camping you'll need to wear ski socks or otherwise you'll likely have a gap between your sock and the leg opening. Also I guess the other drawback is that there isn't a fly but that’s not a big deal because it’s not too difficult to pull them down to let your natural stream flow. The best thing about them is that they're made of merino wool and that means no stink, awesome warmth, great wicking capability, and very cozy! After multiple days of skiing in them (sometimes without showering for those multiple days) they still don't stink! Unreal! I will never go back to a cap or synthetics after using merino wool. I also love the fact that you don't have to worry about any bunching around your knee or having the need to try to stretch them over your boot. Two words for ya: BUY EM'!