Last Updated on November 30, 2024
A well-established Merino wool clothing company located in New Hampshire, Minus33 crafts clothes for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. Join us for our comprehensive Minus33 review!
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We want everyone to feel welcome, comfortable, and safe in the outdoors no matter the activity. We believe in quality, yet affordable products that can be well-worn and loved from season to season by anyone who is getting outdoors, regardless of skill level or experience.
Minus33 – Our Mission
Brief History of Minus33
Minus33’s roots go back nearly a century as textile engineers from L.W. Packard. The family-run wool textile plant was formed in 1916 and became recognized as a top global textile plant in 1995, nearly 80 years later. With all that expertise, Minus33 Merino wool came to be in 2002. Initially, the clothes were created for snowmobile enthusiasts traversing the unforgiving White Mountains. However, today, Minus33 creates gear for any and all outdoor adventures (ourselves included)!
Minus33 Review: What We Like
Our favorite aspect of Minus33 is their commitment to the outdoor adventurer. They craft all their clothes with the consumer’s comfort and protection in mind. Overall, they separate their apparel into different fabric weight categories based on the type of activity you perform and the temperatures you’ll be experiencing. Below is a list of recommendations from their site.
On top of their dedication to comfort and protection, Minus33 is one of the few companies that continually introduces new Merino wool technologies with exceptional benefits. They are also the official sponsor of many sporting organizations, so you know their products are legitimate.
Let’s dig a little deeper into what makes Minus33 so unique.
Easy-to-Understand Clothing Classifications
One of Minus33’s greatest strengths lies in their user-friendly approach to clothing categorization. They understand that choosing the right outdoor apparel can be daunting, especially when considering factors like fabric weight and activity level. To address this, Minus33 brilliantly categorizes their clothing by weight (microweight, lightweight, midweight, expedition weight) and target activity (hiking, skiing, hunting).
Image adapted from Minus33 Layering Guide
This clear-cut system empowers customers to make informed decisions. No more wading through endless product descriptions – with Minus33, finding the perfect base layer for a brisk hike or an intensely cold expedition becomes a breeze. This meticulous organization ensures you get the right gear for the job, maximizing comfort and performance during your outdoor adventure.
Big & Tall Sizes Available
Unlike many other Merino wool brands that cater primarily to a standard size range, Minus33 recognizes the importance of providing a wider variety of fits. This commitment to inclusivity ensures that anyone seeking Merino wool’s exceptional comfort and performance can gear up for their next adventure with confidence. Moreover, this dedication isn’t just about a few token sizes but to a robust range, including up to 6X for their midweight base layer and even down to petite sizes for women.
Commitment to Affordability
Minus33 understands that adventuring shouldn’t cost a fortune. That’s why they offer high-quality merino wool clothing at prices that are easier on your wallet than other big brands. For instance, a typical Minus33 base layer might set you back around $80, whereas similar options from Icebreaker or Smartwool can sometimes nudge closer to the $100 mark. That’s a twenty-dollar difference you can put towards that extra bag of trail mix or that new headlamp you’ve been eyeing!
Sure, Minus33 might not be the absolute cheapest option out there, but they strike a fantastic balance between affordability and quality. So you can gear up for your next outdoor adventure without disappointing your bank account.
Shear Variety
You gotta love Minus33! They’ve got gear for every adventure, from head to toe… and almost everything in between. We’re talking base layers that’ll keep you toasty warm, socks that’ll hug your feet like a happy sheepdog, and even shirts that make you feel like a cozy mountain goat.
But it doesn’t stop there! They’ve got beanies, scarves, balaclavas, jackets, blankets, and more! They’ve even got travel shirts that’ll transition from campsite to city streets and hunting gear to rival the most technical brands. So next time you’re planning an outdoor adventure – any outdoor adventure – Minus33 should be your one-stop shop for Merino wool clothing!
Minus33 Review: Areas to Improve
The only real issue we have with Minus33 is that their clothing is not really versatile for everyday life. Their collections are specifically designed for the outdoors and are crafted with functionality in mind. That being said, we feel like it’s not the best casual wear. It may just be our personal style, though.
As it is familiar with Merino wool, there have been reported issues of Minus33 apparel’s durability. Some users have reported excessive pilling and pinholes after only a few wears. While we have not had this issue with Minus33, you must understand all perspectives.
Sustainability & Ethics
Overall, it appears that Minus33 is fully committed to sustainability. While Minus33 does not go over too much transparency on their sustainable business practices, they fully support non-profit, pro-environmental organizations. Minus33 often donates up to 10% of their profits to great organizations, like The Conservation Fund, to help combat the effects of climate change.
While not outwardly stated on their site, it’s clear that Minus33 is committed to ethical practices. Their wool is certified by the Australian Wool Testing Authority (AWTA). They have shown a solid commitment to improving the community through their charitable work.
The only information available about Minus33’s sourcing methods is that they use 100% Australian Merino wool (AWTA certified) to manufacture their clothing. However, if you want to learn more about where each of their products are manufactured, you can read more on Minus33’s Transparency Page.
Our Favorite Minus33 Merino Wool Gear
Now that you’ve learned a little more about Minus33 as a brand, it’s time to look into some of our favorite pieces of gear. There was a lot to choose from, but out of everything we’ve tested from them, here are four of the best!
Minus33 Ridge Cuff Beanie
100% Merino Wool | Midweight (235 gsm) | 18.5 microns | 25+ colors
Experience unparalleled softness, breathability, and warmth with the Minus33 Ridge Cuff Beanie. Made from high-quality merino wool and expertly constructed, it’s a top choice for winter adventures. Whether you’re hitting the slopes or commuting to work, this beanie will keep you comfortable all season long. It is genuinely our favorite Merino wool beanie of all time!
Minus33 Kodiak Fleece Hoodie
95% Merino wool & 5% Elastane | Heavyweight (400 gsm) | 20.5 Microns | 2 colors
If you’re searching for the warmest Merino wool hoodie, look no further than the Minus33 Kodiak Expedition Hoodie. This beast boasts a heavyweight 400gsm fabric that excels at trapping heat, keeping you toasty in even the most frigid conditions. Minus33 even claims it’s been tested in the Arctic and Antarctic – talk about battle-proven! But warmth is just half the story. A well-draped hood eliminates that annoying flop factor, while flat-locked seams ensure a smooth, irritation-free fit. It also has a luxuriously soft, brushed-fleece interior that feels like a hug for your skin.
Minus33 Expedition Base Layer Bottoms
100% Merino Wool | Heavyweight (400 gsm) | 18.5 microns | 4 colors
Brace yourself for winter’s fury with the Minus33 Katmai (men’s) and Kenai (women’s) Leggings. These heavyweight leggings are some of the thickest on the market, ideal for extreme athletes like mountaineers and backcountry skiers. Inspired by two of Alaska’s many national parks, they offer exceptional warmth and protection for all cold-weather adventures. Flatlock seams prevent chafing, ribbed cuffs keep the elements out, and a Merino waistband adds comfort. Overall, these Minus33 expedition-weight bottoms are the warmest Merino wool leggings we’ve seen and are a high-performance choice for anyone seeking winter comfort and protection.
Minus33 Ski & Snowboard Sock
78% Merino Wool, 15% Spandex, 4% Nylon, & 3% Polyester | Lightweight | 4 colors
Ditch the bulky ski socks that bunch up in your boots. The Minus33 Ski & Snowboard Socks are lightweight yet warm, perfect for most conditions (except extreme cold). They prioritize a unique blend of materials: merino wool for comfort and elastic support, which keeps the socks snug to minimize slippage and maximize slope performance. Targeted venting zones add breathability, and the affordable price tag makes them an excellent buy for any snow enthusiast.
How Do I Find Deals On Minus33 Gear?
While already affordable compared to some other Merino wool brands, there are still a few ways to save on Minus33 clothing. Check out some of the options below.
Hunt their sales: Minus33 frequently has sales on past-season items and sometimes even offers discounts on new arrivals. We’ve provided you with the links to their deal pages, which are constantly changing. So, make sure to bookmark them if you don’t see anything you like the first time around.
Join the Minus33 email list: Signing up for their email list is a great way to get notified about exclusive offers and discounts. They might even send you a welcome coupon for joining!
Social media savvy: Minus33 is active on social media platforms and often announces deals and promotions through these channels. Follow them on Instagram to stay in the loop about potential savings.
Coupon code sleuthing: A quick web search can sometimes unearth discount codes for Minus33 products. Try searching for “Minus33 coupon code” or “Minus33 promo code” and see if anything pops up. This method doesn’t always work, but it’s sure worth a try!
Minus33 Sizing Charts
Minus33 claims that their clothes fit true-to-size, but they often run slightly larger than advertised from our experience. Please consult the sizing charts and other user reviews before purchasing.
Men’s Sizing Charts
Minus33 Men’s Clothing Size Chart
| Size | Chest (in.) | Waist (in.) | Sleeve Length (in.) | Shirt Length (in.) | Inseam (in.) |
| XS | 33 – 35 | 24 – 27 | 30 – 31 | 25.5 – 26.5 | 25 – 27 |
| S | 35 – 38 | 28 – 30 | 31 – 32 | 26.5 – 27.5 | 28 – 30 |
| M | 39 – 41 | 31 – 33 | 32 – 33 | 27.5 – 28.5 | 29 – 32 |
| L | 42 – 45 | 34 – 36 | 33 – 34 | 28.5 – 29.5 | 32 – 34 |
| XL | 46 – 48 | 37 – 40 | 34 – 35 | 29.5 – 30.5 | 32 – 35 |
| XXL | 49 – 52 | 41 – 44 | 35 – 36 | 30.5 – 31.5 | 34 – 35 |
| XXXL | 52 – 54 | 45 – 49 | 36 – 37 | 31.5 – 32.5 | 34 – 36 |
Minus 33 Men’s Big and Tall Clothing Size Chart
| Size | Chest (in.) | Waist (in.) | Sleeve Length (in.) | Shirt Length (in.) | Inseam (in.) |
| MT | 39 – 41 | 31 -33 | 35 – 36 | 30.5 – 31.5 | 32 – 34 |
| LT | 42 – 45 | 34 – 36 | 36 – 37 | 31.5 – 32.5 | 33 – 36 |
| XLT | 46 – 48 | 37 – 40 | 37 -38 | 32.5 – 33.5 | 33 – 36 |
| 2XT | 49 – 52 | 41 – 44 | 38 – 39 | 33.5 – 34.5 | 34 – 36 |
| 3XT | 52 – 54 | 45 – 49 | 39 – 40 | 34.5 – 35.5 | 35 – 37 |
| 4X | 54 – 57 | 49 – 52 | 36 – 37 | 32.5 – 33.5 | 34 – 36 |
| 4XT | 54 – 57 | 49 – 52 | 40 – 41 | 35.5 – 36.5 | 35 – 37 |
| 5X | 57 – 59 | 52 – 54 | 36 – 37 | 33.5 – 34.5 | 34 – 36 |
| 6X | 59 – 61 | 54 – 56 | 37 – 38 | 34.5 – 35.5 | 34 -36 |
Minus33 Socks Size Chart
| Size | Men US | Women US | Kids US | Euro | UK |
| S | 4 – 6.5 | 5 – 6.5 | 3 – 4.5 | 34 – 37 | 3 – 4.5 |
| M | 6 – 8.5 | 7 – 9.5 | 5 – 7 | 38 -41 | 5 – 7.5 |
| L | 9 -11.5 | 10 – 12.5 | – | 42 – 45 | 8 – 10.5 |
| XL | 12 – 14.5 | 13+ | – | 46 – 49 | 11 – 13.5 |
Minus33 Gloves Size Chart
| Size | Palm Circumference (in.) | Hand Length (in.) |
| XS | 6 – 6.5 | 6 |
| S | 7 – 7.5 | 7 |
| M | 8 – 8.5 | 8 |
| L | 9 – 9.5 | 9 |
| XL | 10+ | 10 |
Minus33 Headwear Size Guide
Most headwear is one-size-fits-all, which equates to a head circumference of 20″ – 26″.
Women’s Sizing Charts
Minus33 Women’s Clothing Size Chart
| Size | USA Size | Chest (in.) | Waist (in.) | Hip (in.) | Shirt Length (in.) | Inseam (in.) |
| XS | 2 | 32 – 33 | 24 – 25 | 34 – 35 | 23.5 – 24.5 | 26 – 29 |
| S | 4 – 6 | 34 – 35 | 26 – 27 | 36 – 37 | 24.5 – 25.5 | 28 – 30 |
| M | 8 – 10 | 36 – 38 | 28 – 30 | 38 – 40 | 25.5 – 26.5 | 29 – 31 |
| L | 12 – 14 | 39 – 41 | 31 – 33 | 40 – 42 | 26.5 – 27.5 | 30 – 32 |
| XL | 16 – 18 | 42 – 43 | 33 – 35 | 43 – 44 | 27.5 – 28.5 | 30 – 32 |
| XXL | 20 – 22 | 44 – 45 | 35 – 37 | 44 – 45 | 28.5 – 29.5 | 30 – 32 |
| XXXL | 24 – 26 | 46 – 47 | 37 – 39 | 46 – 47 | 29.5 – 30.5 | 30 – 32 |
Minus33 Sock Size Chart
| Size | Men US | Women US | Kids US | Euro | UK |
| S | 4 – 6.5 | 5 – 6.5 | 3 – 4.5 | 34 – 37 | 3 – 4.5 |
| M | 6 – 8.5 | 7 – 9.5 | 5 – 7 | 38 -41 | 5 – 7.5 |
| L | 9 -11.5 | 10 – 12.5 | – | 42 – 45 | 8 – 10.5 |
| XL | 12 – 14.5 | 13+ | – | 46 – 49 | 11 – 13.5 |
Minus33 Gloves Size Chart
| Size | Palm Circumference (in.) | Hand Length (in.) |
| XS | 6 – 6.5 | 6 |
| S | 7 – 7.5 | 7 |
| M | 8 – 8.5 | 8 |
| L | 9 – 9.5 | 9 |
| XL | 10+ | 10 |
Minus33 Headwear Size Guide
Most headwear is one-size-fits-all, which equates to a head circumference of 20″ – 26″.
Kids Sizing Charts
Kid’s Size Charts
| Size | Age | Chest (in.) | Waist (in.) | Height (in.) | Weight (lbs) |
| XS | 4 – 5 | 24 – 25 | 22 – 22.5 | 42 – 48 | 42 – 49 |
| S | 6 – 8 | 25.5 – 26.5 | 23 – 24 | 48 – 54 | 49 – 59 |
| M | 9 – 10 | 27 – 28 | 24.5 – 25 | 54 – 57 | 59 – 75 |
| L | 11 – 12 | 28.5 – 30 | 25.5 – 26 | 57 – 60 | 75 – 89 |
Warranties & Return Policy
For all clothing, Minus33 offers a one-year warranty against any manufacturing defects. They have recently provided an additional year warranty (two years total) if you register your product after purchase. Damage caused by excessive use, poor laundry care, or negligence is not covered by this warranty. Unfortunately, if you choose to use this warranty, you can only replace it with the same item.
Minus33 offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee and a full refund for any unopened, unwashed, or unworn items. Although, this guarantee is limited to color, size, or style exchanges.
Any returns to Minus33 must be accompanied by a Return Authorization number, which can be obtained by filling out the return form on their website. Each return package must include the item, proof of purchase, original packaging (if possible), and a printed out RA form. The return addresses differ depending on which delivery service is used, so please check the information on their returns page.
If you would like to donate your used Minus33 clothing, you can send it to their Search and Rescue Kit program. Trust us; it will be utilized by a good cause.
Final Note on Minus33
Minus33 emerges as a strong contender in the world of merino wool clothing. Their thoughtfully designed products showcase their dedication to quality, comfort, and performance. From their commitment to sustainable practices to their user-friendly approach to fabric weight and activity categorization, Minus33 prioritizes the outdoor enthusiast’s experience.
Ultimately, Minus33 caters to those who value high-quality merino wool apparel built to withstand the elements and enhance outdoor adventure. If you’re looking for a brand that prioritizes comfort, performance, and a touch of New England heritage, Minus33 is definitely worth exploring.
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