Men's Base Layers

Base layers wick moisture away from your skin and regulate body temperature. They transfer sweat outward to keep you dry while trapping heat close to your body, preventing the clammy cold that happens when perspiration sits against your skin during activity.

Merino base layers outperform synthetics in temperature regulation and odour control but sacrifice dry time and durability.

Advantages:

Superior temperature regulation across varying conditions
Natural odour resistance for multi-day wear
Retains warmth when damp
Comfortable against skin without irritation
Disadvantages:

Slower drying time than synthetic fabrics
Lower abrasion resistance
Requires careful washing and handling

Match base layer weight and fabric to activity output and duration:

Hiking/Mountaineering: Midweight merino base layers balance warmth and moisture-wicking for varied effort over extended periods.

Skiing/Snowboarding: Midweight thermal base layers provide insulation on lifts while managing sweat during descents.

Trail Running: Lightweight synthetic base layers maximise moisture transfer and dry time during sustained high output.

Winter Camping: Heavyweight merino base layers deliver maximum warmth when stationary with odor control for limited washing.

Alpine Climbing: Merino blend base layers maintain warmth when wet plus extended wear performance.

Base layers are an essential foundation of any layering system, their moisture wicking ability the difference between static and high performance pursuits. From climbing Mount Everest to winter mountaineering in the Cairngorms, hiking on the Isle of Skye and winter trail running in the Lake District. Base layers are essential for moisture management in cooler climates below 15 degrees celsius, balancing insulation with breathability.

Both merino wool and synthetic fibres have their own benefits for use in base layers, that's why we combine the two to create versatile layering options for hiking, mountaineering and skiing. Merino wool offers excellent thermal regulation at a high warmth to weight ratio, it's naturally antimicrobial and retains warmth even when wet. Synthetic fibres such as polyamide, elastane and Cordura® are stronger than merino fibres and so we add these to the merino to improve shaping and durability with prolonged wash and wear.

All thermals are base layers but not all base layers are thermals. Thermal base layers are typically thicker, prioritising warmth over weight for extreme cold conditions. Our Stealth and Mountain Pro Base Layers for example provide added warmth with a high merino wool content, that's why we've worn them everywhere from Mount Everest to Iceland and the Arctic Circle. Lightweight base layers such as our Oryon Delta T-Shirts prioritise moisture wicking for high output activities and/or milder temperatures like those experienced in summer hiking, desert ultramarathons or jungle expeditions.

Yes, but men's base layers work best as part of a layering system. They can be worn alone for outdoor activities in mild conditions but will lack weather resistance in wind or rain. Add mid layers for insulation and shells for weather protection when conditions demand it. Whether you need the thermal properties of our Mountain Pro Base Layer or the lighter, moisture wicking fabric of our Oryon Delta T-Shirt, we've worn both as single layers in our pursuit of mountain tops and jungle floors.

Fit is one of our most important considerations when designing base layers. That's why we use elastane for shaping and body mapped ventilation for comfort. If your base layer is too lose it will rub under a mid layer or hardshell and won't trap as much heat, too tight and you won't be able to climb or scramble on technical terrain. We've tested our base layers on everything from ice climbs to trail runs, summer hikes and ultramarathons to achieve a fit that enables and doesn't restrict. When it comes to fitting your base layer, size down if fabric bunches whilst on the move and size up if you can't raise your arms or stretching your legs without fabric pulling tight.

We design our base layers with high performance in mind to keep you comfortable whether you're climbing mountains or summer hiking. To achieve this our best-in-class base layers:

- Wick moisture

- Regulate termperature

- Endure repeated wash and wear

- Maintain shape with prolonged use

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences. Base layers like our Stealth Seamless collection are designed as the foundation of your layering system, focusing on moisture management and comfort next to your skin. Thermal clothing is broader and includes any garment designed for warmth. Our women's base layers serve as thermal clothing but offer much more - they're engineered with advanced Merino X Polyamide blends for superior thermal regulation, breathability, and comfort. The seamless construction eliminates chafing, making them incredibly comfortable for extended wear, which is just as important as their thermal properties.

Generally, no - base layers are designed to be worn directly against your skin for optimal performance. Our Stealth Seamless base layers work best when they can effectively wick moisture away from your body. The fine merino wool structure is specifically designed for comfort next to skin, and wearing anything underneath would compromise the moisture-wicking capabilities and thermal regulation. The seamless construction ensures there are no pressure points or chafing, so you'll find them incredibly comfortable worn as intended - as your first layer.

Absolutely! Our women's base layers are fully capable of functioning as a single layer in milder climates. The Stealth Seamless collection is designed to be versatile - whether you're wearing them as a first layer in sub-zero environments or on their own during moderate weather activities like trail running or hiking. The compression technology provides muscle support, while the breathable merino wool keeps you comfortable. Many women find them perfect for active pursuits where you want the performance benefits without additional bulk.

Base layers should fit snugly but not restrictively tight. Our Stealth Seamless base layers feature compression technology that provides muscle support and enhanced circulation, so they're designed to fit close to your body. This snug fit is essential for effective moisture wicking and thermal regulation - loose base layers create air gaps that reduce performance. However, comfort is equally important, which is why our seamless construction eliminates pressure points. You should feel supported and comfortable, with full range of movement, but without any loose fabric that could bunch up under additional layers.