Has anyone tried this new stuff "Taranaki" ? Seen it recommended on both a forum, and on a blog by a guy who's wearing it to do the Himachal. They say the sleeves are really good and long, and the body is long and close fitting as well. Not as expensive as Howies stuff - long sleeve crew is only £35.00 and the zip neck is £39.50 - and made in New Zealand like Howies stuff. Has anyone else tried it, or found anyone else doing 100% merino gear that isn't made in China?
Wish I did - get some free gear then. I just prefer my gear not to be made in China. Got a thing about the environment and human rights. Don't think either should be abused. Unfortunately I also prefer merino gear and trying to find good stuff at a price I can afford isn't always easy. Once tried some "merino" gear from Aldi - absolute c**p! Howies stuff is nice but too expensive for me. Everyone else seems to make in China.
Part of their manufacture is in China but they seem to give a shit, it could be corporate bullshit but I bought it. Here's a cut and paste to save you any bother if it's not for you.....
Historically Icebreaker was all manufactured in New Zealand however, as we developed and expanded into global markets, we couldn’t keep up. To keep up with global demand and improve our clothing further, we did a global search looking for world class technology and capacity that we partner with.
When sourcing new manufacturing partners we employ very strict selection criteria. We call it ‘narrow and deep’. We choose a small number of key partners and grow a deep relationship with them to create symbiosis. To become an Icebreaker manufacturing partner you must:
demonstrate impeccable business ethics
have a brand new manufacturing plant (less than 10 years old)
have access to the latest technology
respect staff and provide a caring community environment for them
have good natural light, clean air, and a healthy environment
be part of a global quality assurance programme eg ISO9001
be part of a global environmental assurance programme eg ISO 14000 or Oecotex
be conscious in trying to minimise environmental impact: energy consumption, use of chemicals
We can safely say that all our manufacturing partners meet the above criteria and that you are wearing a thoughtful and ethical product that is what it says it is.
Our new supply partners are centered around Shanghai but come from all around the world to be based there. It’s a mini United Nations: we have partnered with a French wool blender, a German spinner, a Chinese textile house using Italian plant, a Japanese quality control company, and a German logistics company.
I can recommend both IceBreaker and Ground Effect merino gear.
IceBreaker is quite stylish, I doubt you would want to ruin it by cycling in it. I wear IceBreaker tops out and about (because I am so stylish). Most Kiwi's have a piece or two.
Ground Effect do brilliant cycle stuff. Cheap for you Brits as well with your pound.
I have a few bits of Taranaki stuff; T shirts and leggings. It's fine! Comfortable, washes well, doesn't itch and doesn't smell.
It's not particularly stylish, but as a base layer it is great. When I got mine it was on special offer so got all three bits for £45 including shipping from NZ.
