man hiking near the ocean wearing a merino shirt from Pinewood

Review

Pinewood Merino T-Shirt Review

Publication date: 01 Apr 2025

GearT-shirts

A solid merino wool base layer is one of those essentials that I have with me on every trek. The Pinewood Merino T-Shirt caught my eye as a great piece designed for adventure. It promised heat regulation, breathability, and durability, so I took it on two separate hikes—the Lee Trail in Luxembourg and the GR121 in the Basque Country—to see how it performed.

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Editor

Elmar Teegelbeckers

Passionate hiker Elmar spends months of his time on the trail. He’s usually on the lookout for hidden gems in one of his favourite countries such as Slovenia, Switzerland and Japan. He founded hiking-trails.com in need for a community and detailed information about the trails. Before this, he worked for the Alpine asscociation in the Netherlands[ (NKBV) but lost his heart to the trails.

Not long ago, Elmar published the book (in Dutch) Hiking Trails – best long-distance trails in Europe. With this book, website and socials, he hopes to inspire and shape an inclusive community for hikers all over world. No matter your speed, experience or level, you can get out there to enjoy the trails and connect with the heartwarming hiking community. Life is so much better outside and he hopes to inspire hikers to take their first, or next, step on the trail.

You can reach Elmar at info@hiking-trails.com.

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person hiking up hill wearing a Pinewood merino t-shirtTesting the Pinewood Merino T-Shirt

Both the Lee Trail and the GR121 were great opportunities to test this shirt across different conditions. I brought the Pinewood Merino T-shirt along with me on both because I liked how comfortable it was and knew it could handle the different conditions of the trails. The Lee Trail has steep forested sections and lots of hills, which means it required a layer that could handle shade followed by sweating on climbs. The GR121 had a mix of coastal coolness and inland warmth, which means it needed to switch functions throughout the day as well.

When temperatures dropped on both trails, the merino kept me warm without the need for lots of extra layers. The insulation of the merino worked well to trap just enough body heat without overheating. And once we were out in the sun, the shirt breathed well, wicking away sweat and keeping me dry even on the more demanding ascents.

person hiking in Spain
man hiking on narrow trail wearing a merino shirt from Pinewood

However, comfort is where this shirt really stood out for me. The fabric felt soft against my skin. There was none of the itchiness that some merino layers can have. The fit was also excellent—form-fitting but with enough room for movement. The length runs slightly on the longer side, which worked well for added coverage but might be a consideration if you prefer a shorter cut.

It also must be noted that the odor-resistant factors of merino wool work in this shirt! For both trails, I was wearing the shirt for days in a row and never smelled the “hiker funk” that can start to creep up.

Pinewood rain jacketAbout Pinewood

Pinewood is a Swedish brand known for producing outdoor gear that prioritizes function and sustainability. Their merino wool is ethically sourced. They strive for quality while maintaining high standards for animal welfare. The company focuses on durable, long-lasting designs to minimize environmental impact, aiming to create gear that withstands heavy use rather than needing frequent replacement.

About the Pinewood Merino T-Shirt

The Pinewood Merino T-shirt is made from mulesing-free merino wool blend, designed for durability. The fabric regulates temperature efficiently, making it a versatile layer for both warm and cool conditions. Its moisture-wicking weave helps keep sweat away, while the natural breathability means comfort even on hot days.

The fit is one of my favorite standout features. It’s snug without being restrictive, and the longer length is good for extra coverage, which some may appreciate while others might find slightly excessive. Plus, the softness of the fabric takes the overall comfort up another level, making it an easy go-to option for long-term wear on the trail. Especially if the trail has city breaks, this shirt will be an easy go-to without feeling too sporty when you’re out for dinner.

Durability is another highlight. After wearing it under a backpack for a few hikes now, there were no signs of excessive wear, stretching, or pilling. I find it to be a great investment for a merino base layer and will be bringing it with me on many more trails to come!

purple merino t-shirt from pinewood
women hiking in green landscape near purple flowers wearing a merino t shirt from Pinewood

Specifications

Pinewood Merino T-shirt
Material Mulesing-free merino wool & polyester
Weight 140g
Sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL
Fabric Quick-dry & moisture-wicking

pro's

Excellent temperature regulation

Breathable and moisture-wicking

Odor-resistant

Soft material

Durable fabric

Nice fit

con's

Runs slightly long

Availability can be limited on the website

Higher price point compared to synthetic alternatives

Conclusion

The Pinewood Merino T-Shirt performed very well on the trails, proving its worth as a base layer. Its comfort, breathability, and odor resistance make it my ideal choice for multi-day hikes, while the soft fabric and great fit are the bonuses that sold me on it. If you’re looking for a high-performing merino shirt for outdoor adventures, this one is well worth considering.

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