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THE ULTRA REVIEW

July 19, 2018 3 min read

Written by ioMerino Outsider Ben.

Last time we heard from the BMX Bandits, they were focusing on the final race of the Inaugural Australian Adventure Racing Championship series. After finishing 3rd overall, the BMX Bandits are home and are here to tell us why they have to literally rely on the gear they carrying to save their lives.

Every expedition race I do I go through about 10 shirts… give or take a few. The pile of funk-riddled linen that accumulates at the end of an expedition race is truly impressive. Even my dogs, who love nothing more than rolling in rotting kangaroo or feces, stare sideways at my quivering pile of mouldy lycra, wool and nylon, as if to say “Jeeeezus no, I am not touching that thing”.

The fresh, fluro orange Ultra Tee that arrived on my door-step was a beautiful thing. Fresh, soft and supple – it smelt as luxurious as it felt. Dare I ruin such a beautiful virgin shirt? Yes – I dare.

The fit was grand. Sporty but not skin tight. Super comfy really. It was long enough in the torso and arms, there were no strange pinchy bits or scratchy tags and the neck was comfortably loose. It smelt and felt like Merino, soft and stupidly comfortable. But perhaps best of all was the wild, bright orange. Evidently not everyone’s cup of tea (because not everyone has a sense of style), but it was perfect for the BMX Bandits and I was instantly in love. But really – who cares – you’re not reading this to find out whether or not I love being a fashion icon.

Wildside is a 400+km, non-stop expedition length adventure race. It’s several days of running, riding, paddling and generally grinding away through untracked bush – all on about two hours of sleep. It’s tough on your body and it’s tough on your gear. This time round, we would be racing hard to cement our place in history in the inaugural Australian Adventure Racing Championships, and I chose to wear only one top – my ioMerino Ultra T. What could possibly go wrong?

As it turns out – nothing. The Ultra T was super duper comfy, durable and issue free. Despite bashing through endless kilometres of dense scrub, being ground up beneath a pack, dragged across rocks and being poked with sharp bike bits, it pulled through without so much as a single frayed thread or stretched panel. I have a reputation for breaking things: bikes, watches, clothing, children – I’m good at it. Merino is particularly easy – jag it against a single sharp branch and you’ll get yourself a hole. But this tee took it like a champ. I was genuinely surprised. The endless application of sunscreen, grime, bike grease and litre after litre of sweat did stain the neck hem ever so slightly, but otherwise it’s still beautiful. The merino/nylon mix was a real surprise. The damp merino smell and extended periods of moist, sweat-soaked t-shirt were all but gone. Yep its still merino, but whatever magic the IO wizards have woven into this shirt (they say 12% Nylon and 5% Elastane), has changed the dynamics of wool beyond compare. Same feel, no smell, but dries three times quicker. Only magic could do that. At the end of Wildside I gave this shirt a comfortable 10/10.Suitably impressed, this shirt is now my go-to adventure shirt. (Click here to read the benefits of ioMerino’s MicroMerino fabric.)

As for our quest to win a giant novelty cheque? Well we came out with one of those, stories to tell the grand-kids and were crowned the 3rd best adventure racing team in Australia.

Words Rohan Kilham

Photos Ben Cirulis

Let customers speak for us

from 1627 reviews

Great t-shirt for thru-hikers

I have been wearing my ioMerino t-shirt everyday for over 70 days on the Appalachian Trail thru-hike. It still looks and feels like new. I absolutely love it. It’s great fit, washes very well, doesn’t hold the hiker smell 😊, holds its shape even when wet, fast drying and most importantly super comfortable for any type of weather. Highly recommend. I might get the sleeveless shirt for the summer period as a second shirt.

H.P.

05/28/2023

ioMerino

Universal Long Sleeve Tee - Wise Women Walking

I love my universal long sleeve tee. I have worn it on numerous long hikes and have found it to be fast drying if caught in light drizzle or when sweaty. On a cool day it is fine on its own, or under other clothes if cold. Perfect for when the weather is warmer too, plus protects arms from the sun. I love the dazzling blue colour too.

Cherie

05/23/2023

Universal Long Sleeve - Wise Women Walking

Great products

I’ve been wearing ioMerino since their launch and used to work in the wool apparel industry. Fantastic company and product- I still have base layers from 2008 that have worn incredibly… great ti see them evolving and improving. The performance aspect is excellent.

Ben Lyons

05/17/2023

Altitude 'Mongrel'

My new favorite sports bra

I am between sizes so went with the larger size and the fit is perfect. Very comfortable!

Amanda Lavallee

05/16/2023

Altitude Crop - Ready For Adventure

Perfect Trackpants

Have just ordered another pair in a different colour. These have fast become my favourite trackpants. I've worn these walking my dogs and they're warm but the fabric is so soft, light and breathable! Well done IOMerino! Awesome. I seriously don't want to take them off and they're stylish enough to wear out. Keen to try them on my next hike that's how much I love them!

Tania Dunne

05/13/2023

Stride Tracksuit Pants

Lightweight warmth

This is fantastic for cold weather running. The zip is so handy for adjusting the warmth as I warm up. The neckline is cosy when starting out. I team this with an IO tank top and it works perfectly on a 1 degree morning!

Fiona B.

05/11/2023

Ultra Zip

Love this top!

The fabric in this singlet is incredibly soft. I like the cut too - good coverage (neckline, chest and length) if it’s cold but not too much. Highly recommend.

Fiona B.

05/11/2023

Ultra Tank

Ultra Happy

I have found the Ultra Trunks to be very soft, supportive and comfy. The sizing is accurate. Perfect for my bushwalks. I just about live in merino.

Philip Pascoe

05/08/2023

Ultra Trunks

Altitude Full Brief

Very light & comfy for a curvy body. Soft & not itchy. Don’t ride up when walking.

Hayley

05/03/2023

Altitude Full Briefs

Perfect for a winter music festival

I purchased my grey beanie to take to Mt Gambier for Generations in Jazz. It is going to be perfect for the chilly weather. Thanks friends at IO.

Jenni Watkins

05/03/2023

Ribbed Beanie

Pretty much perfect

I've had a few ultra shirts, and loved them. These are less fitted, and are better every day shirts. I don't really see any reason to buy a different shirt ever again.

Duncan

04/25/2023

Universal Tee

Perfect pants.

I usually buy another brand but thought I would give IoNerino a go. I certainly don't regret my decision. Perfect fit, perfect feel and quality. Will be buying another soon.

Charles Farrugia

04/22/2023

Glacier Tracksuit Pants

Neck Warmer

Works so well and keeps my old neck very warm

Jane Heyndyk

04/17/2023

Neck Warmer - TRSA Five Peaks 2023

New Favourite Top

Love, love it

Jane Heyndyk

04/17/2023