This winter, I have been lucky enough to have been testing an EDZ 200g merino zip necked thermal as my wife www.outdoor-girl.com partners with them to test and review their kit.

Having owned several merino thermals over the years by a well known New Zealand brand, I can safely say that this one from a small company in the Lake District is my favourite.

The fit is superb and after many washes it hasn’t lost any of its shape. Whilst merino is supposed to have no itch properties, I do find that some tops have a rough feel next to the skin - not so with the EDZ merino. It is extremely comfortable.

I've found that the top is brilliant at retaining heat and wicking moisture away from the body. I often get back after a bike ride and find that my layers are damp with sweat and yet my skin is dry and warm, so it's doing its job well.

With a deep zip neck, overheating is taken care off and yet as the cold sets in you can simply zip it up and keep the heat in.

The long cuffs with thumb holes are a great addition as I’m a big believer in the fact that if you keep your wrists warm your hands won’t suffer as much during a cold spell. So coupled with my winter riding gloves I always have toasty fingers.

If you want to try merino but balk at the prices of the better known brands, I can highly recommend EDZ. Although I received this top free of charge to test, I will definitely be purchasing more of their products to add to my winter wardrobe.

EDZ are an independent specialist clothing brand from Cumbria & have been making performance outdoor clothing since 1995.

Find them at:

https://www.edzlayering.com/