Does merino wool itch?

No. The fabric of the men’s WOOL TOP does not itch or irritate, even when worn for several days of hiking; the other models are made from soft wool. Wear the top directly against your skin in your usual size so its second-skin fit stays in contact.

How many days can you wear a merino base layer?

Several days trekking from hut to hut without unpleasant odours: wool limits odours without any added treatment. How many days depends on exertion and temperature.

What are the drawbacks of merino wool?

Pure wool dries more slowly than a polyester blend: that is why one of our women’s briefs is made from 50% wool and 50% polyester. If you sweat heavily during short, intense exercise, a synthetic base layer is a better choice: compare it with our thermal base layers.

Which merino base layer should you choose for skiing?

The 200 g/m² WOOL ZIP suits both alpine skiing and ski touring: its half-zip collar provides ventilation on the climbs. In very cold weather or for long stops, move up to 240 g/m². Add WOOL PANT under your ski trousers.

Thermal Merino Wool Base Layers

A mountain equipment expert since 1964, Cimalp has selected the finest merino wool to craft high-performance base layers. Naturally antibacterial and ultra-breathable, our tops and tights deliver optimal thermal insulation.

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The best Thermal Merino Wool Base Layers for enjoying the mountains

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Merino base layers

T-shirts merino

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Fleeces

What fabric weight should you choose for a merino wool base layer?

One February morning, you leave the mountain hut wearing yesterday’s top. Merino wool makes that possible: it limits odours without added treatments. The next choice is fabric weight, measured in grams per square metre.

150 g/m²: the lightest option, for sustained activity in cool weather year-round.
200 g/m²: a balance of warmth and breathability for active winter outings.
240 g/m²: the warmest option, for severe cold, long stops and a bivvy.

The men’s WOOL TOP weighs 160 g at 150 g/m², 213 g at 200 g/m² and 233 g at 240 g/m², in size M. The more time you spend stationary, the heavier the fabric should be. For a brisk winter hiking trip, 200 g/m² is enough.

Tops, half-zip tops or leggings: merino wool pieces

The range has three pieces. Wear the WOOL TOP next to your skin, under a fleece or jacket. Its close fit prevents folds or bunching beneath your rucksack straps.

The WOOL ZIP adds a half-zip collar. Open it on the climb to ventilate without removing layers, then close it at the top to protect your neck. The WOOL PANT fits under hiking or ski trousers without extra volume, held in place by a soft elasticated waistband. Put it on when the cold reaches your legs, during stops or on exposed descents.

Does merino wool keep you warm?

Yes. The 150 and 200 g/m² weights are rated warm, while the 240 g/m² weight is rated very warm. The fibre absorbs sweat and lets it pass through to the outside, and the wool is soft against the skin: it doesn’t itch.

Over several days without washing, wool has the edge: it limits odours without chemical treatment. One of the women’s base-layer bottoms combines 50% merino wool and 50% polyester, so it dries faster than pure wool. If you sweat heavily during short bursts of activity, the synthetic styles in our thermal base layers continuously wick away sweat.

Men’s and women’s merino base layers: fits and sizes

The fits differ. The women’s WOOL TOP has a close-fitting women’s cut and sleeves that fit snugly to the wrists, so they stay in place during activity. In size S, it weighs 160 g at 150 g/m², 205 g at 200 g/m² and 225 g at 240 g/m².

Choose your usual size : the close fit keeps the fabric against your skin. You’ll also find the women’s styles in our women’s merino base layers ; for men’s options, see our men’s thermal base layers.

Complete your merino wool kit: t-shirts and socks

Outside winter, wool also works as a t-shirt: our merino wool t-shirts can be worn alone in summer or under a fleece in spring and autumn. For your feet, the MERINO SOCKS contain 63% merino wool; you’ll find them alongside the other models in our merino wool socks.

For a winter outing, start with a 200 g/m² top. Add a fleece jacket, then a waterproof jacket. To learn more about the fibre, read Merino wool: what is it and why choose it.

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