Merano wool vs polartec or fleece.
 

I'm planning a trip to NZ and want to get a liner to wear under my gortex jacket. I know fleece is very popular, but is it differnt than polartec? Adn now I've been reading about miralo wool outdoor where in NZ. How does this compare? It sounds wonderful.
Any experience or knowledge of this outdoor gear?

I think fleece - or polar fleece - is a generic term for that type of material. Polartec sounds like a brand name. There are different grades, from lightweight to super warm. Merino wool is becoming more popular in the outdoor/backpacker stores where before it was all manmade material. Unless they've done something special to the wool, I'd say the downside is you have to handwash it, wool takes ages to dry and it can smell when it's wet. For an overseas trip I'd stick to fleece.
Kay

Polartec is a brand name for fleece. Its quite warm, dries quickly when washed and is soft enough to serve as a pillow when traveling. The combination of gortex and fleece should manage almost any weather condition you encounter (extreme heat). Of course this doesn't preclude you from buying a nifty sweater in NZ.

Barbara in CT

Thank you ladies. I think I'll stick to fleece. I forgot about the hand washing and the smell of wool when wet. Fleece will be MUCH easier.
Barbara, you are right. Perhaps buying a nice wool sweater just might be the thinkg to do! I'll bet there is a beautiful sweater waiting for me to buy it!!

Hey there is this great stuff you can buy in NZ called Icebreaker. It is designed for the alpine trampers. I believe it is mostly wool but designed to breather and dry faster etc. Really thin and light. They look like finely woven merino knits (but cost a bit more!) - I reckon they'd be worth it especially if you like walking. Any tramping store will sell them (just watch out that the tourist shops will be more expensive).

If you chose yopur colour right you could wear them elsewhere easily.

L

If you want a special sweater, the Kiwis have invented a blend of wool and possum fur that feels great and, I believe, is superior to any grade of wool.

The Australian possum is an introduced species that has become a massive ecological threat in NZ, so don't feel bad about contributing to its control!

The Wool/Possum combination is really wonderful - a beautifully warm sweater that is as light as a feather.
I have had mine for several years and wear it to death but it still looks and feels as new.

I must say, I'm very intrigued by the wool/possum sweater. Are they more of a dressy sweater or could I wear it in place of a fleece jacket when I'm hiking? Are they quite commom to find in the shops? Or would I have to search?
I really do want to have a look at them now that you've mentioned them.
I'll also check out Icebreaker. I've always been a fan of natural fibers, but the fleece is so easy care and hard to beat.
Thanks for the information. I am eager to see both of these items.

I saw lots of possum/wool sweaters in a variety of styles. You'll be able to find something that meets your needs. They are really soft.

Lee Ann