Icebreaker Helix MerinoLOFT Jacket Review
Photo Credit: Alice @tommythetravellingturtle
Written By Alice
Over the years the design and functionality meant that Icebreaker clothing has crept into my everyday wardrobe from work to travel and everything in between
I'm an unofficial Icebreaker ambassador! I've been a fan ever since I first discovered it as an alternative to stinky polypropylene thermal underwear. Over the years the design and functionality meant that Icebreaker clothing has crept into my everyday wardrobe from work to travel and everything in between. I love the guilt-free environmental sustainability to justify those 'just because I like it' purchases and the versatility of the fabric that always seems to sit just right.
Last December I received an Icebreaker Helix MerinoLOFT jacket to test out and I didn't use it much over summer but on a recent weight conscious hike of the Larapinta Trail, it became my favourite piece of kit because I didn't realise the desert could be so cold!
I particularly love that I was able to hike in it as the stretchy elbow and side panels meant that even under my pack it wasn't too bulky and I didn't overheat. At night I layered it with two Icebreaker tops and managed to stay warm even in subzero temperatures.
At 450grams it's a little lighter than my other 'puffer' jacket and the streamlined silhouette means no more michelin man. The jacket also rates in the style department which means I can wear it out in town for a celebration dinner without feeling like a hobo. Winning!
Photo Credit: Alice @tommythetravellingturtle
The Larapinta Trail
I'm an oppositional hiker. I strive to be lightweight and minimalist, but I also like to be the gal that you can rely on to have that thing you need. I'd like to be stylish but I can't be bothered to brush my hair and I love disgusting my friends with the fact that I once went without a shower for three weeks (in Nepal). I hate being cold but I love Tasmania and snow-capped mountain summits.
This made the Larapinta Trail a perfect choice for me with its freezing cold nights, hot sweaty days and wide expanses of desolate wilderness butting up against the steep jagged rocks of the West MacDonnell mountain range.
On day three of our hike my dearly beloved sustained an injury and couldn't continue. Sadly I left him with our support crew, packed up our shared gear and continued on with our two friends. Over the next ten days I evaluated the contents of my pack and at each re-supply I left more gear behind. Chair still a necessary luxury, spare clothing not so much! I even parted with my tent after convincing myself that the chances of rain out here were buckleys and none.
One night camped out on a ridgetop I rolled over and noticed a bright orange glow in the distance. Too low and way too big to be part of the night sky I hastily woke my sleeping friends. We nervously monitored the bushfire for an hour or so before convincing ourselves that it was safe to return to the warmth of our sleeping bags.
I expected the Larapinta Trail to be challenging with spectacular scenery but I didn't expect it to change anything. It did.
Our 234km hike culminated with an ascent of Mount Sonder and after downsizing even further to just a daypack I practically bounced up the mountain. I expected the Larapinta Trail to be challenging with spectacular scenery but I didn't expect it to change anything. It did. I feel fit enough to conquer Mount Everest, and after almost two weeks without internet, my mindset and values have changed. Not the life-changing kaboom type of change but I feel at peace with myself! So grab your lightweight icebreaker gear, get out there, do a hike and leave the heavy stuff behind!
Find Alice on Facebook @tommythetravellingturtle
