As you can gather by my recent reviews, I’ve been reflecting on products that I initially reviewed during my days writing for the now defunct Land Rover World magazine.  This isn’t because I’ve run out of new stuff to write about, far from it, it’s because they’re still going strong and therefore deserve another mention.

Made in New Zealand by Native World and sold in the UK by Possum Merino, my old 1/2 zipped Jumper is pushing 6 years old, yet still looks brand new.  

For the first 6 months or so, I wore it sparingly and carefully, well at £150, who wouldn’t?  Then I got to know it a bit better and realised that it wasn’t just some flimsy and fragile jumper, no, this is hardwearing gear that also looks great.

What makes it so special?  Well, I’m glad you asked, not only is it made from a luxury blend of possum fibre (20%), super fine merino wool (70%), but there’s also silk (10%), added to the mix.

Because the possum fur is hollow, when spun with merino wool it produces a hardwearing yarn with superior heat retaining qualities, which they say is 55% warmer than merino wool alone and 35% warmer than cashmere.  This means that it’s super comfortable, soft, lightweight, thin, cool, yet bloomin’ warm.

Is it worth it?

Not only is it a very practical jumper, but it’s hard wearing too.  I’ve worn this a lot over the last 6 years and you can hardly tell. I have no doubt at all that this jumper will easily last another 6 years, and probably another 6 after that.  So with that in mind, the price you pay reflects the quality you get.

To put it another way, I had a cheap pair of Karrimor boots that lasted less that 6 months.  I then spent an awful lot more money on a pair of Zamberlan Mountain Lites which I’m still wearing 22 years later! 

Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten.

Unsurprisingly, my version of the 1/2 zipped jumper has been updated, and Heather from Possum Merino informs me that the new version still retains the stripes on the sleeves, but otherwise is plain. If you want to treat yourself to something that not only looks and feels great, but keeps you warm and toasty without the bulk, then the 1/2 zipped jumper from Possum Merino is for you.

Website: www.possummerino.co.uk
Price:  £150.00