11 Must-Have Merino Wool Base Layers (for Skiing and Snowboarding)

Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer – Prices start at $49.95

The Smartwool Merino 250 base layer is an excellent choice for winter enthusiasts. Made of 100% merino wool, this base layer will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable all day long.

The material is soft and won’t irritate skin during a long day on the slopes. The fabric is lightweight, breathable, and highly absorbent, so it won’t trap moisture against your skin or leave you feeling clammy. This base layer allows for free movement, so you can focus on your performance.

The material wicks moisture away from your skin, keeping you dry and comfortable. The Smartwool Merino 250 is good for those who want UV protection and odour protection. This base layer is good for skiing because it stays above your waist. This prevents the material from bunching up when you’re moving quickly.

Smartwool makes hoodies, long sleeve t-shirts, half zip shirts, and long johns in the 250 base layer range.

Icebreaker Tech Lite Short Sleeve Crewe – £70

The Icebreaker Tech Lite Short Sleeve Crewe base layer is a must-have for any skier or snowboarder. On the slopes, it’s effective in keeping me warm, dry, and comfortable.

The merino wool material is a natural insulation that’ll keep you warm, even sweating during intense runs. Its moisture-wicking properties help to keep you dry and comfortable, while the breathability of the wool prevents you from overheating.

The lightweight and form-fitting design allows for easy movement, which is essential for performing turns and tricks on the mountain. We highly recommend this base layer to any skier or snowboarder looking for a reliable and high-performing piece of gear.

Icebreaker BodyFitZone Long Sleeve Half Zip – £90

The Icebreaker BodyFitZone Long Sleeve Half Zip base layer is a great option for skiers and snowboarders looking for a comfortable and breathable base layer that’ll keep them warm and dry.

The half zip design allows for easy temperature regulation, providing maximum comfort during excursions in the European alpine. Made from 100% Merino Wool, this base layer offers warmth, comfort, and protection against the elements, while maintaining a lightweight and breathable design.

The natural insulation, moisture-wicking, odour resistance, and antimicrobial properties of the wool fibres make it an ideal choice for high-intensity activities such as skiing and snowboarding.

The versatility of the Icebreaker BodyFitZone Long Sleeve Half Zip allows it to be worn as an insulating layer or on its own, making it a perfect addition to any winter wardrobe.

A tester tried it out during a cold snowboarding day in the European Alps, where temperatures reached –1 degrees Celsius. Overall, it is a standout product for European alpine adventures.

Kari Traa Rose Base Layers – Prices from £69

The Kari Traa Rose base layers are women’s base layers for outdoor activities like skiing and snowboarding. These long johns and tops are made with a moisture-wicking fabric to help keep the skin dry and comfortable during physical activity.

They feature a feminine design and come in a variety of colours and patterns. The brand, Kari Traa, is a Norwegian company that specialises in sportswear for women. They’ve designed and made activewear for over 30 years.

The Rose Base Layers are made from 100% merino wool, which provides thermal insulation, moisture management and helps regulate body temperature.

They’re designed with comfort in mind and have been proven to be effective in temperatures ranging from 0 to -20 degrees Celsius. The fabric is also breathable and quick drying.

They’re perfect for long-distance trekking and are a great option for those looking to add a little extra warmth to their winter adventure wardrobe.

Unbound Merino Everyday Crew Tee – £74

The Unbound Merino Everyday Crew Tee is a versatile and comfortable shirt perfect for everyday wear or outdoor activities. Made from ‌100% merino wool, it offers a relaxed fit that allows for freedom of movement and breathability.

It’s suitable for long-distance trekking, ultralight hiking, skiing and snowboarding, and its moisture-wicking properties make it perfect for use in warm or cool weather conditions. The Unbound Merino Everyday Crew Tee is available in eight colours and features a crew neck and short sleeves.

The material means you can wear it for a long time without it smelling, making it ideal for intense sports like skiing and snowboarding.

Its 100% merino wool fabric provides thermal insulation, moisture management, and temperature regulation, making it an ideal choice for any adventure. The soft inner lining feels smooth against the skin for ultimate comfort.

Smartwool Women’s Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer Bottom – $90

The Smartwool Women’s Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer Bottom is a high-quality base layer that’s made from a blend of merino wool and synthetic fibres. The merino wool provides excellent insulation, moisture-wicking, and odour-resistance, while the synthetic fibres add durability and stretch. The interior is soft and smooth, making them comfortable to wear all day.

It’s made for women to be comfortable and look good. Additionally, Merino wool is naturally thermoregulating, meaning it helps keep you warm in cold weather and cool in warm weather. This makes this base layer suitable for all seasons.

They’re great for skiers and snowboarders, as well as ultralight hiking and running.

Minus33 100% Merino Wool Ticonderoga Men’s Crew Lightweight – £62

The Minus33 100% Merino Wool Ticonderoga Men’s Crew Lightweight is a popular choice for those in need of extra warmth during the UK and Europe’s chilly seasons. Made from 100% Merino Wool and beautifully soft, this sweater features a crew neck, short sleeves and seams designed to prevent chafing.

With a weight of 170g, it can be comfortably worn on its own or as an extra layer under outerwear. It’s not just a winter base layer either. You can use the Ticonderoga throughout the year. The sweater is proudly made in the USA and is perfect for snowboarders and skiers.

Fjällräven Singi Merino Henley – Men’s – £140

The Fjällräven Singi Merino Henley is a high-quality base-layer top that is ideal for skiers and snowboarders. It’s made of merino wool and polyester, which makes it lightweight and extremely soft. The blend makes it perfect for year-round wear.

The merino wool makes the wearer warm in cold temperatures, and the polyester helps with moisture and keeping the wearer dry. The top also features a Henley neckline and long sleeves for added warmth and coverage. The Henley neckline provides extra coverage and warmth, while the long sleeves make sure that the wearer is never cold or exposed.

The durable, long-lasting top is a good investment for skiers or snowboarders, as it’ll last for years and years. Overall, the Fjällräven Singi Merino Henley M is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, warm, and comfortable base-layer top for skiing or snowboarding.

Avalanche Wear Men’s Alpine Bottom – $79

The Avalanche Wear Men’s Alpine Bottom merino wool base layer is a must-have for any snowboarder or skier. This base layer combines ultra-fine merino wool and synthetic fibres to create a garment that’s lightweight and provides warmth, ideal for those cold mountain trips.

The flat stitching prevents any chafing no matter what you’re doing on the slopes. They will keep you warm while climbing or skiing, and the stretchy material allows for freedom of movement.

The merino wool also makes it naturally odour-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about any unwanted smells after a long day on the mountain. This versatile top can be worn under your outerwear for added warmth or as an everyday option when the weather gets cold.

The classic fit makes it easy to pair with any style of clothing, making it a great addition to any snowboarder or skier’s wardrobe.

Rabbit Ribbit Women’s Base Layer – $ 85.00

The Rabbit Ribbit Women’s base layer is a blend of synthetic fibres and merino wool (31%/69%, respectively). However, Rabbit designed them with runners in mind. Yet, the top is good for skiers and snowboarders. This top is soft, stretchy, and naturally odour-resistant, making it comfortable to wear all day.

This wool essential is versatile and perfect for your next ski or snowboarding adventure. The soft merino wool and durable polyester exterior keeps you warm and comfortable on chilly days.

The natural odour resistance and quick-drying properties make it perfect for active use. The breathability makes sure you stay cool when you’re working up a sweat on the slopes. Don’t let the cold hold you back — add this piece to your gear collection.

Ibex Woolies Tech Long Sleeve Top – $115.00

The Ibex Woolies Tech long-sleeve thermal top is a must-have for any skier or snowboarder’s winter gear collection. Made from pure merino wool and synthetic fibres, this top offers a perfect balance of warmth and breathability, making it ideal for layering under a jacket or other outerwear on the colder days on the slopes.

The loose fit design allows for maximum movement and comfort, while the thumbholes in the sleeves keep your hands warm when wearing gloves or mittens. The flatlock seams prevent chafing, making sure all-day comfort on the mountain.

The Ibex Woolies Tech long-sleeve top is ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and cold weather activities, providing warmth and comfort.

Merino wool has earned a reputation as one of the best insulating fabrics on the market. Because it is a natural fabric, there’ll be some variation in individual products. Some wool pieces may feel warmer than others to you, and some may perform better in wet conditions.

These base layers are top-notch and excellent for skiing and snowboarding. They can help keep you warm and dry in almost any environment, so long as you’re willing to pay for a quality product.

So once you’ve decided which one(s) might work best for you, go ahead and strap in for the most comfortable ride of your life!

FAQs about Merino Wool Base Layers (and more)

Is merino wool the best base layer?

Merino wool is a popular choice for base layers because it is warm, moisture-wicking, and odour-resistant. It’s also soft, non-itchy, and naturally insulating. It’s one of the best fabric options for base layers.

However, it’s not the only option. Other materials such as synthetic fabrics, silk, and bamboo have also been used as base layers. The best base layer for you’ll depend on your personal preferences, climate, and activity level.

What is the warmest Merino wool base layer?

The warmth of a Merino wool base layer depends on several factors such as the weight or thickness of the wool, the weave of the fabric, and the fit of the garment.

Generally, a Merino wool base layer with a higher weight or thickness will provide more warmth than a lighter weight one. A tighter weave will also provide more warmth than a looser weave.

A Merino wool base layer with a weight of 260g/m² or higher is considered to be a heavyweight and will provide the most warmth. Some brands even go as high as 400g/m².

It’s also important to note that Merino wool can regulate temperature, so even a heavyweight Merino wool base layer will be breathable and won’t cause overheating.

It’s always best to check the product specifications and reviews to get an idea of how warm a Merino wool base layer is before making a purchase.

Should Merino wool be a base layer?

Yes, Merino wool can be an excellent choice for a base layer. Base layers are designed to be worn next to the skin to provide insulation and moisture management, and Merino wool has properties that make it well-suited for this purpose.

Merino wool is naturally insulating and breathable, which helps to keep the body warm in cold weather and cool in warm weather. It also wicks away moisture from the skin, helping to keep the wearer dry and comfortable. Additionally, it’s also naturally odour-resistant which can be a good advantage for long time wear.

Merino wool can also be a good option for base layers for outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and camping, as well as for everyday wear.

It’s important to note that not all Merino wool garments are created equal, so it’s a good idea to look for high-quality Merino wool base layers from reputable brands, and to make sure that the fabric weight and weave are appropriate for the intended use.

Are merino base layers good?

Merino wool base layers are generally considered to be high-quality and have many advantages. Here are a few reasons Merino wool base layers are good:

1. Warmth: Merino wool fibres naturally insulate the body, keeping the wearer warm in cold weather.

2. Moisture-wicking: Merino wool fibres are effective at wicking away sweat and moisture from the skin, keeping the wearer dry and comfortable.

3. Odour-resistant: Merino wool fibres have natural odour-resistant properties, which can be beneficial for outdoor activities or for long-term wear.

4. Soft and non-itchy: Merino wool fibres are soft and non-irritating, making them comfortable to wear next to the skin.

5. Durable: Merino wool fibres are strong and durable, which helps to prolong the life of the garment.

6. Versatile: Merino wool base layers can be worn for a variety of activities and in different weather conditions.

It’s important to note that not all Merino wool garments are created equal, so it’s a good idea to look for high-quality Merino wool base layers from reputable brands, and to make sure that the fabric weight and weave are appropriate for the intended use.

Which base layer is the warmest?

The warmth of a base layer depends on several factors such as the material, weight, and thickness of the fabric, as well as the fit of the garment. Different types of base layers are designed to provide different levels of warmth, so it’s important to consider the intended use and conditions when choosing a base layer.

Here are a few types of base layers that are known for their warmth:

1. Merino wool: Merino wool fibres naturally insulate the body and are good for keeping the wearer warm in cold weather.

2. Synthetic fabrics: Some synthetic fabrics such as polyester and polypropylene are known for their ability to trap warm air and provide good insulation.

3. Fleece: Fleece is made from synthetic fibres and is designed to trap heat and keep the wearer warm.

4. Down: Down is a natural insulator that’s known for its warmth and is a popular choice for cold weather outdoor activities.

5. Thicker fabrics: in general, base layers made of thicker fabrics will provide more warmth than those made of thinner fabrics.

It’s good to note that a balance between warmth and breathability is important. Overheating can be as harmful as being cold, so it’s always good to look for base layers that are breathable and have moisture-wicking properties.