Merino Wool Base Layers

Year-Round Material

The First Layer of Layered Clothing

The base layer, or thermal underwear, is the most important factor in comfortable clothing: it sits directly against your skin and wicks moisture away. For outdoor activities, merino wool base layers are an unbeatable choice. They regulate temperature fluctuations, keeping you consistently comfortable even during breaks. Practical experience has also proven merino wool’s excellent odor-resistance. Even when washing base layers is a rare luxury on trips like hikes, wool’s properties help them last throughout the journey.

Choose the Right Merino Wool Base Layer for Your Needs

Merino wool base layers are made in various thicknesses. For instance, if the fabric weight is 160g/m², the garment is comfortably lightweight, while winter models may have a fabric weight of 220g/m², making them ideal for extreme cold. A proper thermal base layer works even in harsh frost!

When selecting a merino wool base shirt, consider how high you want the collar to be: a merino wool turtleneck provides excellent protection, while a low collar works well if other layers have substantial collars. Some models feature long cuffs with thumbholes—such designs offer great wrist protection. Merino wool base pants often come with a flat waistband, ensuring the hip belt of a backpack doesn’t cause discomfort.

A moisture-wicking and breathable base layer should fit snugly against the skin—this allows it to effectively transfer moisture. A well-fitting but non-constricting base shirt and pants keep you comfortable. Our selection includes men’s, women’s, and children’s base pants, base shirts, bras, and other base layers.

Favorite Brands at Scandinavian Outdoor

Norwegian brand Devold has over a century of expertise in wool garments. Lasting is a newer name but also of high quality. Mons Royale places great emphasis on color options for base layers, and Super.Natural’s merino wool garments are highly versatile. Smartwool is renowned for its quality, and Aclima focuses on technical details.

Merino wool is an environmentally friendly choice, as it is fully renewable and, when the garment reaches the end of its life, it is practically biodegradable.

Explore our merino wool base layers!