Plastic is omnipresent, from our households and apparel to the skies and even inside us. It has become nearly impossible to avoid. However, I have recently become keen on reducing my daily plastic usage, especially in clothing.
This is why the Icebreaker Shell+ windbreaker caught my attention. While most outerwear is made from synthetic fabrics, this layer is constructed entirely from cotton and merino wool treated with a water-repellant PFC-free durable water-repellent (DWR) finish. Given my positive experience with the brand’s merino running shorts, I decided to give the Shell+ a try.
If you rummage through your drawers or gear closet, you’ll likely find jackets, base layers, or performance T-shirts made from petroleum-based fabrics like nylon and polyester. While these materials are durable, breathable, and water-repellant, they also shed microplastics and require significant fossil fuel use for production.
Indeed, it’s a paradox of outdoor apparel that much of the gear we use to enjoy the outdoors contributes to the degradation of our planet.
In response to this problem, Icebreaker was founded in 1995 and has pioneered a more sustainable approach to technical outdoor apparel. By opting for natural fabrics like merino wool, the brand minimizes its plastic use. The icebreaker Shell+ challenges the notion that natural fabrics can’t match up to synthetics in technical outdoor settings.
In summary: After testing it in chilly and wet Michigan fall conditions, the Shell+ jacket impressed me. It’s a capable, lightweight layer suitable for cold-weather hiking and running. The windproof material shields against cold air, while the water resistance offers sufficient protection in very light rain. The natural merino-cotton blend of the Shell+ defies the notion that natural fabrics can’t produce technical apparel.
-
Main fabric
100% cotton with PFC-free DWR finish -
Mesh fabric
100% merino wool -
Pockets
1 chest pocket -
Verified weight
9.4 oz., men’s size medium
-
Feels light and flexible, doesn’t restrict movement -
Breathes well -
Chest pocket holds a phone -
Cuts down wind and blocks light precipitation -
Double zipper front allows you to get more venting if you need it
-
Expensive -
Won’t protect you from steady or intense rain -
Zipper is hard to open when wearing gloves
icebreaker Shell+ Windbreaker: Review
Fit and Feel
The Shell+ jacket is tailored as a lightweight layer to provide protection from wind and mild rain during high-intensity activities. When I first unpacked it, I was surprised at how familiar it felt — the DWR-coated cotton fabric has a smooth texture similar to the synthetic windbreakers and rain jackets I’m accustomed to.
It’s paired with merino wool mesh in key areas: long strips under the sleeves from the armpits to the cuffs, as well as another long strip running vertically down the back of the jacket. The merino has a super-soft, comfortable texture and adds some stretchiness to the jacket.
