When you go hiking, it’s important to wear clothing that will help regulate your body temperature. Merino wool base layers are a great choice!

Merino wool comes from a special breed of sheep. It helps keep you warm in cold weather but also cool when it’s hot outside. Merino wool naturally resists odors too!

In this article, we’ll talk about why merino wool makes a great base layer for hiking. You’ll also learn what to look for when shopping for merino wool hiking clothes.

What Is Merino Wool?

Merino wool comes from Merino sheep. These sheep originally came from Spain, but are now also raised in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.

Merino wool has very fine fibers that make lightweight, breathable fabrics. It is naturally odor-resistant so merino clothing doesn’t get stinky!

Merino wool has tiny air pockets between the fibers. This gives it excellent insulation. It keeps you warm in the cold but also wicks moisture away from your skin.

This makes merino an ideal natural fabric for active base layers. Base layers are clothes you wear close to your skin when hiking.

Why Choose Merino Wool Base Layers For Hiking?

Here are the main benefits of merino wool base layers:

Keeps you warm – The air pockets in merino trap heat close to your body to keep you warm. But it also…
Wicks away sweat – Merino pulls sweat moisture through the fabric so it evaporates instead of soaking your clothes.
Fights odors – Merino wool is naturally antibacterial. It stops the bacteria that make clothes smelly.
Soft and lightweight – Merino base layers aren’t bulky or itchy. They are very soft and comfortable.
UV protection – Merino offers natural sun protection. Look for a UPF rating of 30-50+.
Durable – Merino is strong yet stretchy. It resists tearing when worn for active sports like hiking.
Quick-drying – Merino layers dry faster than cotton to keep you comfortable.

What To Look For In Merino Wool Base Layers

When shopping for merino hiking layers, look for:

  • 100% Merino – Look for 100% merino wool content or a wool blend with nylon or polyester to add durability.
  • Lightweight fabric – Lighter fabrics between 150-200 gsm work best for active base layers.
  • Flatlock seams – Flat seams minimize chafing against your skin.
  • Athletic fit – Choose a close layer that hugs your body instead of hanging loose.
  • Moisture-wicking – The fabric should quickly pull sweat away from your skin.
  • Odor control – Merino naturally resists odors but some brands add extra antimicrobial finish.
  • UPF Rating – A rating of 30-50 provides excellent sun protection.
  • Versatile styles – Crew neck, quarter zip, and legging styles offer the most versatility.

Following these guidelines will ensure you get a high-quality merino hiking base layer.

Best Places To Buy Merino Hiking Base Layers

Many top outdoor and athletic brands now make merino wool hiking layers. Here are some good places to buy them:

REI – Large selection of merino hiking clothes from all the top brands. Can buy online or in stores.

Amazon – Convenient online shopping for merino baselayers. Reviews help choose best style.

Backcountry.com – Outdoor gear site with lots of merino layer choices. Free shipping on orders.

Sierra – Discount and outlet site with deals on merino wool clothes.

Patagonia – Outdoor brand with quality merino baselayers designed for hiking.

Top 5 Merino Wool Base Layers For Hiking

Shopping at these stores will give you lots of choices for high-quality merino hiking base layers.

Below is some of the best merino wool-base layer for hunting, skiing, trekking, and other physical activities.

Merino. tech Merino wool-base layer

Merino.tech Merino Wool Base Layer - Mens 100% Merino Wool Long Sleeve Thermal Shirts Lightweight, Midweight, Heavyweight

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This Base Layer gives all-day comfort and does not irritate the skin. It is made for daily wear without overheating, rubbing, or bunching pure cotton. The material is super soft and convenient. The material is naturally wicking with no foul odor, which allows it to soak moisture better than any other material. It also helps in keeping you dry and feeling fresh.

The merino wool, which is a washing machine and dryer safe. It is a heavyweight merino-wool-base layer. For durability, hand wash and air dry the fabric. This merino wool-base layer controls body temperature to keep you cozy and comfortable. Also, this is a 400g merino wool base layer. The company gives 60 days warranty guarantee and hassle-free returns.

Pros 

  • Does not irritate the skin
  • Made with care for the comfort
  • Super soft material with moisture absorbent properties 
  • It keeps you dry and fresh

Cons 

  • The size may not be exact
  • The material might be thin

Merino Wool 705 Chocorua

Minus33 Merino Wool 705 Chocorua Men's Midweight Crew - Anti Odor NO Itch Renewable

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The product is 100% Merino Wool, super soft, and comfortable. The most popular in easy-care means your merino wool can be machine wash and is dry friendly. Its flexibility and warmth make the product a three-season thermal and vital to your outdoor activity. The company gives one of the vastest size choices. And can fit any size accurately with no worries.

It is 100% 18.5 Merino Wool and weighs 230 g/m2. It gives a UPF Rating of 50+, making it the merino wool base layer for hunting. This company has built trust in the United States for over 100 years. The brand is known for the worth and comfort of its Merino Wool apparel. And are dedicated to bringing you the best Merino Wool products at a low cost.

Pros 

  • Fabric is soft and comfortable
  • It gives good flexibility and warmth 
  • The apparel comes in several sizes
  • Has a UPF 50 plus rating

 Cons 

  • Quality might not be great
  • Might have holes

Merino Wool 706 Kancamagus Midweight Bottom

Minus33 Merino Wool 706 Kancamagus Men’s Midweight Bottom - Anti Odor No Itch Renewable Fabric

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Flexibility and warmness make this three-season thermal bottom a significant part of your outdoor activity. The merino wool bottom is very soft and highly comfortable. It is the best in easy care, which means your merino wool bottom can be machine washed and dried.  

The 100-year-old USA-based woolen company knows the value and comfort of Merino Wool. Also, we are devoted to delivering you the finest Merino Wool products at a favorable price. It is one of the best base layers for extreme cold. The product is 100% merino wool and weighs 230g/m2.

Pros 

  • The product comes in several colors
  • It keeps you warm and cozy 
  • Comfortable and worth the price
  • Fits well

Cons 

  • May have holes 
  • Is not durable

Organic Merino Wool Lightweight

Merino.tech 100% Organic Merino Wool Lightweight Men's Base Layer Thermal T-Shirt

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This Ultralightweight T-shirt is designed for the day-to-day chore with no rubbing, bunching overheating of cotton. The fabric is natural and 100% organic with moisture-absorbent, odor-free, and non-itch properties. Also, the T-Shirt gives UPF 20+ shield by obstructing harmful rays from the sun, which makes it favorable for all seasons. The T-shirt is super lightweight and provides a comfortable fit.

The Merino wool t-shirt is machine washable and dryable on the Wool cycle and LOW Tumble dry technology. It weighs 165 g/m and helps in regulating body temperature. It is the best merino–wool base – layer for skiing.

Pros 

  • Odor and itch resistant 
  • Ultra-lightweight 
  • It gives a UPF 20-plus shield 
  • It helps in regulating body temperature

 Cons 

  • It might have some defects 
  • It might not be durable

Women’s Lokke Half-Zip Base Layer Top

Kari Traa Women's Lokke Half-Zip Baselayer Top - Premium 100% Merino Wool Fitted Long Sleeve Shirt

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This Sportswear has been designed to fit any female body flawlessly. The base layer is designed with the help of body mapping and must be skin fit. For best warmth, we suggest selecting your ideal clothing size for cleaning; use machine wash and do not use fabric softeners.

It is a 100% Merino Wool Thermal shirt for women and is perfectly soft for your skin, breathable, and naturally odor-free. The Moisture regulation properties with quick-dry fabric and an ideal winter with 100% Merino Wool for your high-intensity outdoor gear. Also, it is the best base layer made of merino wool for hunting. 

Pros 

  • Fits perfectly well 
  • Gives good warmth 
  • Odor-resistant
  • Soft fabric

Cons 

  • Not available in many colors
  • Not suitable in warm weather 

How To Care For Merino Base Layers

Caring properly for merino clothes helps them last longer:

  • Check label for washing instructions. Use gentle cycle in cold water.
  • Wash in a laundry bag to prevent damage. Don’t use fabric softener.
  • Lay flat or hang to dry. Avoid high heat drying that can shrink merino.
  • Store folded in a drawer. Avoid hanging merino on wire hangers.
  • Spot clean stains gently with cold water. Don’t bleach.
  • Use a lanolin wash-in product to replenish natural oils in the wool.

Following these care instructions keeps your merino layers performing at their best.

Conclusion

A merino wool base layer is one of the best things you can wear hiking. It naturally regulates your body temperature and resists odors.
Look for lightweight merino layers with flat seams and athletic fit. Brands like Smartwool, Icebreaker, and Patagonia make quality hiking base layers.
Take care of your merino clothes by washing gently in cold water and allow to air dry. With the right merino baselayer, you’ll stay comfortable hiking all day long!

FAQs 

1. Which is the warmest base layer?

Base layers of merino wool are the best as they are breathable, soft fabrics that do not irritate your body and make you feel comfortable all day. They also help in regulating body temperature according to the weather.

2. What fitting should the base layer made of merino wool be?

The merino-wool base layer should be tight enough, particularly in the first fit. That helps in moisture-wicking and keeps you dry and fresh. 

Alexendra

"Hello, I'm Alexandra, a seasoned hiker with over a decade of experience exploring the great outdoors. My love for hiking was sparked on the Appalachian Trail, and since then, I've embarked on numerous hiking adventures, from dense forests to towering peaks. I'm dedicated to sharing my knowledge and expertise through HikingCare.com to help hikers of all levels make the most of their outdoor experiences."