Patagonia Merino 3 Zip-Neck Top - Long-Sleeve - Women's - 2009 BCS

The whole Patagonia series of of Merino 3 is absolutely incredible.

Although they are pricey to begin with, the cost per wear is extremely low, because I wear the level 3 zip tops 2 - 3 times a week 3 season of the year.

They are perfect at regulating temperature but are not bulky at all. Great alone for medium cool temps and excellent for layering during cold weather

If you are into very functional clothing that happens to be extremely flattering, this is the ideal series of tops!

A note on the Wool vs. capilene (sp?) - I personally prefer the feel of the wool version in the level 3, but the capiline version is great too. I also have a level 2 zip top in capilene that is excellent as well, much lighter, great over a tank top because it is a little see-through. Perfect for walking on cool mornings.

Level 4 is VERY warm. Ideal for really cold weather, but not as versatile as level 3.

I've been eying the chocolate candy stripe color for quite a while. BC is the only one that carries it, even Pati's own website doesn't have it in stock. So with the 20% coupon from BC that's going on right now, I finally pulled the trigger, and am so glad I did. This zip neck is thick (230g/m2), dense, and you can tell its quality is impeccable. As a bonus, it's made in the USA, with the best Zque merino wool available. So far I've only worn it on the trail once, carrying a daypack. But the fabric never got fuzzed up as many other merino tops do, and I have a collection of them.

Compare to an Icebreaker piece that's of similar weight (the Olympia zip), the length of the turtleneck on the Pati is just right: it's high enough to cover the entire neck, but not so high to bunch up the fabric at the top as the Olympia zip does.

Keep in mind that the Pati website said this piece is "regular fit" instead of "slim fit". I usually wear either xs or small in Pati, but got a small anyway, since I like it a bit loose, and it will shrink a bit after the first wash. The fit is perfect.

The chocolate candy stripe is a truly awesome color. It's very rich, and very much a fall color. If you are into the color, it is also available in the hooded version (http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Patagonia-Merino-3-Hooded-Shirt-Long-Sleeve-Womens/PAT1672M.html). So go and get yourself one before they run out, and consider it as a limited edition piece (they didn't seem to have made too many of them) you can wear for years to come.

This is a great shirt, it is warm, and super cute.

This is a great shirt, it is warm, and super cute.