Merino Wool Base Layers For Men & Women

Choosing the right Base Layer:

A good Base Layer is all about comfort. You need clothing that is soft enough to wear right next to your moist delicate skin, designed to fit close to the body to allow for layering without adding bulk or bunching uncomfortably, doesn’t ride up or constrict your movement, and most importantly provides the temperature regulation and moisture management that is essential to staying safe and comfortable whatever outdoor adventure you’ve got planned.  

Merino Wool thermals are the ultimate insulator. In cold weather the natural crimp in wool fibers creates tiny pockets of trapped warm air that hold in heat next to the body. Merino wool is also naturally able to pull moisture away from the skin to the surface of the fabric where it can evaporate. The weight of the merino wool knit controls the warmth level and should be determined by the temperatures, activities, and conditions you’re facing.

On a hot summer day one of our lightweight tees or tanks may be the only top you need. At a weight of 160 g/m2 of fabric, the Woolx lightweights are our finest weave. A lightweight Tee is also the perfect first layer when temperatures are just starting to cool down, during extremely rigorous cold weather activities, or if you’ll be facing extreme temperature variations from hot to cold throughout your day.

If you’ll be out in colder temperatures, or if you’ll be very active in freezing temps, you’ll likely need amidweight base layer. Our Woolx midweight tops and merino wool bottoms have a weight of 230 g/m2 of fabric, providing the ideal amount of insulation to keep you warm without overheating during rigorous activities. Perfect as a wicking base layer for skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and running in freezing temperatures. This super versatile weight can also work as your outerwear or as your only garment in more moderate conditions.

If you plan to be sedentary for prolonged periods in freezing conditions you’ll need the warmest base layer you can find. Our Woolx heavyweight tops and bottoms are made of 400 g/m² wool, offering almost twice the warmth of the midweights. This is the ideal base layer to keep you comfortable in freezing conditions if you won’t be moving around to create your own body heat. Perfect for ice fishing, winter camping, snowmobiling, or expeditions in truly extreme conditions.

Is a mid layer right for me?

In many circumstances a merino base layer plus outerwear is all you’ll need to keep warm and comfortable. However, in colder conditions or during more variable weather and activities you’ll want the versatility of a base layer combined with a mid layer. The most important feature of any good layering system is the ability to easily adjust your warmth level as conditions change.

A mid layer ¼ zip works perfectly over a lightweight tee if temperatures start to drop at the end of a late summer day-hike. Try a ¼ zip over the midweight crew neck for extreme warmth that can be easily removed as your activity level ramps up. By wearing multiple layers of non-bulky merino wool you can comfortably transition from handling the coldest conditions to warmer weather with ease.

A good layering system needs to be flexible and each piece should work together without being redundant. You should easily be able to adjust your clothing to whatever weather and temperature conditions you’re facing. And for many people the weight, space and expense of their gear is just as important as its functionality. Whether you’re filling your backpack for a long distance hike or just trying to cram all your gear in a carry-on for your next ski trip, properly layering your clothing is the key to getting the performance you need from as few pieces as possible.