Once back at a lower altitude, we evaluated the performance of both sets of underwear:
Both sets had excellent insulating properties and had great breathability. We were never cold, and although we were physically active and sweating, the dampness was quickly wicked away from the body. As a base layer both sets were fantastic and when combined with a pair of high-quality hiking pants and a shell-jacket, our body temperature was quickly regulated according to our surroundings and activity level.
The seams and joining sections of both sets of clothing were secure and not noticeable. The products also seemed robust and had a high level of elasticity. In relation to the fit, the organic set fitted more loosely, whereas the ski set had a tighter fit. Both set of bottoms were fitted with a fly, which you appreciate when it is -7 degrees in the middle of the night and you need to go to the loo.
There is also a whole at the end of the sleeves on the ski set for your thumbs, so the sleeve won’t ride up your arm underneath your jacket. Clever! The comfort when moving couldn’t have been better and both sets were very soft and comfortable, although the wool fibres in the exclusive set felt slightly softer.
We previously mentioned that merino wool has exceptionally good warming and moisture-absorbing properties, and we have also heard it helps reduce smelly odours, but the fact that even after 7 days of us not having had a bath, it barely smelt at all, and that surprised us!
Donation to the team
Lastly to mention, there was one thing that surprised us both on our way up Kilimanjaro, and that was the conditions for the hundreds of porters that carry the tourists’ heavy luggage and equipment from one camp to the next each day. These (mostly) young people, work the hardest on the mountain while the rest of us hike to the top in highly- technical and smart hiking gear. The porters usually wear jeans, cotton t-shirts, and worn out plimsolls, which is far from ideal. Proper clothing in Tanzania is expensive and difficult, therefore the mountain workers (porters, cooks, guides) depend on donations from tourists. These includes money as well as gear itself. At the end of our trip, we gave our mittens, woollen socks, beanies, thermal underwear, neck warms, and of course our DILLING underwear, to the workers.