Australian Merino Wool Powers New Black Diamond Solutionwool Layering System

Introducing the world’s lightest technical performance T-shirt, which is made from Australian Merino wool, the Rhythm Tee has been developed by Black Diamond Equipment in partnership with The Woolmark Company – two brands which have an authoritative reputation of being leaders in innovation.

The partnership has resulted in the development of a line of base-layers and mid-layers featuring innovative Nuyarn technology. The first piece of the collection, the Rhythm Tee, was tested by ultra-runner Joe Grant on a record-breaking journey, the Nolan’s 14 trek in Colorado, spanning 14 mountain peaks and 49 hours in one Merino wool T-shirt. Debuting this spring and expanding into the fall 2019 product line, Black Diamond’s SolutionWool layers feature the finest Australian Merino wool for maximum performance and comfort.

The women’s Rhythm Tee has also been extensively tested by Black Diamond athletes like Babsi Zangerl, 2019 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year with nothing short of incredible performance.

The resultant collection has been cleverly engineered from Nuyarn technology – an ultralight, durable and stretchy base-layer for high output activities. Nuyarn is constructed by wrapping a superfine Merino wool yarn around a nylon core so that it enhances Merino wool’s natural performance benefits and dries five times faster, has 35% more stretch and is 47% stronger. Nuyarn fabric is highly durable and resistant to abrasion, making it the perfect component for performance clothing. The Rhythm Tee’s weight-to-durability ratio makes it unique from other Nuyarn apparel and at only 95 grams it is the lightest performance Merino tee in the world.  

“I’ve been wearing the Black Diamond Rhythm Tee for the past year through every season – it wicks moisture, regulates temperature better than synthetic fibers and is odorless,” said Black Diamond athlete ambassador Joe Grant. “On my Nolan’s 14, Merino wool was critical because of its superior breathability. I was able to wear one lightweight piece that worked flawlessly day and night in the mountains.”

“Inspired by the vision of Black Diamond’s design team, the collection truly champions the innovative nature of Merino wool,” said The Woolmark Company managing director Stuart McCullough. “The ultra-light Rhythm Tee champions the notion that wool is not a heavy, winter-only fiber. By introducing the world’s lightest technical performance Merino tee along with a layering solution, more outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the performance benefits of Merino wool.”

In fall 2019, Black Diamond will introduce the Solution Merino Hoody for men as well as Solution base-layers for both men and women in addition to Heavyweight Wooltech gloves featuring the same Nuyarn stretch Merino wool technology. With Australian Merino wool, Black Diamond’s Solution 150 Merino base-layers and Solution Hoody are stronger, warmer and dry faster than synthetic fibers while offering superior thermoregulation, moisture management and odor resistance. Flatlock stitching provides seams that eliminate chafing, and the long-sleeve crew features shoulder panels designed to eliminate pressure points while carrying a pack. The HeavyWeight WoolTech gloves, made with a blend of fleece and Nuyarn, are Black Diamond’s warmest Merino wool liner gloves and are touchscreen compatible. The glove will also be available in both LightWeight and MidWeight WoolTech versions.

“Black Diamond Equipment supports the world’s most demanding users who constantly push the boundaries, so we chose Merino wool – the original performance fiber – for our upcoming spring and fall collections given its versatility, durability and natural performance benefits,” explains Trent Bush, Black Diamond’s vice-president of apparel. “Our partnership with The Woolmark Company on the upcoming SolutionWool line features the latest innovations in Merino wool technology empowering our customers to perform their best.”

The Black Diamond Rhythm Tee is available now at BlackDiamondEquipment.com and the fall collection will launch later in 2019.