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Headwear
Kalf Merino Neckwarmer Kalf Merino Neckwarmer
Kalf Merino Neckwarmer

Kalf Merino Neckwarmer

7
by Jack Sexty
UPDATED Mon, Apr 02, 2018 09:46

First Published Apr 2, 2018

0
£20.00

VERDICT:

7
10
Functional and warm neck warmer that gives plenty of coverage, though the price is a little steep
Weight: 
33g
Contact: 
www.evanscycles.com
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Kalf's Merino neck warmer will keep your neck and face toasty in sub-zero temperatures, and is plenty breathable so you don't get too sweaty. For what it is, 20 quid is a bit steep, but it's durable and decent quality.

  • Pros: Nice colour, warm yet breathable, stays in place
  • Cons: Expensive for what it is

While it's called a 'merino' neck warmer it's actually a merino and polyester blend; not quite as luxurious as pure wool but it feels soft against the skin and I've found it to be durable after numerous washes. You can wear it under your chin or right over your face when it's bitingly cold, and although it's pretty thin it did a good job of blocking the achingly cold Arctic winds we were forced to endure while the Beast from the East did its worst.

> Find your nearest Evans store here

There's an elastic hem to hold it in place, and I didn't find it slipped at all once it was in position. There's also a black reflective band across the top, "another visibility point" according to Kalf. Will this make a blind bit of difference? Probably not, but it ticks the safety box anyhow.

Kalf Merino Neckwarmer 2.jpg

I do think that £20 is a bit steep for what is essentially a thin bit of wool and polyester: dhb's 100% wool neck warmer is £18 (currently reduced to £13.50 in the grey colour) and Endura's full merino BaaBaa neck tube is £16.99, although it's not quite as long so won't give as much coverage. Kalf's isn't a ridiculous price, though, and the burgundy version also happens to match the Kalf Merino Beanie, so with free delivery from Evans (Kalf's exclusive retailer) £40 isn't too bad to get your head and neck covered for a few winters if you look after them both.

> Read more road.cc reviews of cycling headwear here

Overall, I was happy with how the Kalf Merino neck warmer performed, and for single digit temperatures or below, its long length will be much appreciated to keep your face and neck out of the wind chill.

Verdict

Functional and warm neck warmer that gives plenty of coverage, though the price is a little steep

road.cc test report

Make and model: Kalf Merino Neckwarmer

Size tested: One Size

Tell us what the product is for

Evans says, "This cosy winter riding accessory uses a soft, breathable and fast drying merino/polyester blend fabric. Designed to be worn over the lower face or under the chin – and featuring an elastic hem to make sure it stays in place"

Designed to be lightweight, breathable and soft to the touch.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

From Evans:

Merino/polyester blend fabric

Breathable

Lightweight

To be worn over the lower face or under the chin

Elastic hem to keep it in place

black reflective band at the top edge

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Soft and pretty breathable, thanks to merino infusion.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

Does what it says on the tin.

Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10
Rate the product for fit:
 
7/10

Universal fit, should be fine for all.

Rate the product for sizing:
 
7/10

One size.

Rate the product for weight:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort:
 
8/10
Rate the product for value:
 
5/10

You can get similar options for much less.

How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

Emerged fine afer a cool wash and half an hour in the dryer.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

It did its job well and kept my neck and face warmer in very cold temperatures.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Stretchy, breathable and stays in place thanks to the elastic.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

The price.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

It's functional, pretty warm and doesn't leave you too sweaty, and I like the colour – but you can get 100% wool options for less money so it's not fantastic value in my opinion. A good 7 overall.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 27  Height: 179cm  Weight: 75kg

I usually ride: Road bike (currently Specialized Tarmac)  My best bike is: Ridley Chronus TT bike

I've been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, triathlon races

Kalf Merino Neckwarmer 2018
Kalf Merino Neckwarmer
Kalf 2018
Kalf
Jack Sexty

Jack has been writing about cycling and multisport for over a decade, arriving at road.cc via 220 Triathlon Magazine in 2017. He worked across all areas of the website including tech, news and video, and also contributed to eBikeTips before being named Editor of road.cc in 2021 (much to his surprise). Jack has been hooked on cycling since his student days, and currently has a Trek 1.2 for winter riding, a beloved Bickerton folding bike for getting around town and an extra beloved custom Ridley Helium SLX for fantasising about going fast in his stable. Jack has never won a bike race, but does have a master's degree in print journalism and two Guinness World Records for pogo sticking (it's a long story). 

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