Which women’s thermal base layer should I choose for extreme cold?

The X-WARM TOP and X-WARM ZIP combine two insulating fabrics; the WOOL TOP 240, made from 240 g/m² merino wool, is rated very warm. Add long johns under your trousers: the WOOL PANT 240 is the warmest in the women’s range.

Which women’s thermal base layer should I choose for skiing?

The crew-neck WARM TOP sits comfortably under a neck gaiter or helmet; the X-WARM ZIP is for the coldest days. Under ski trousers, the WARM PANT keeps your legs warm without restricting knee bends. For ski touring with a harness, the seamless STRATEGIC TOP helps prevent chafing.

Which fabric should I choose for a women’s thermal base layer?

The CimaWarm synthetic fabric in the WARM and X-WARM ranges wicks away sweat, while its Polygiene StayFresh treatment limits odours. The merino wool in the WOOL range regulates warmth and limits odours without an added treatment. The STRATEGIC range is knitted without seams and contains silk to help prevent chafing, even under a climbing or mountaineering harness.

What size women’s thermal base layer should I choose?

For tops, choose your usual size for a close fit. For long johns, sizing advice depends on the model.

Women's Thermal Base Layers

Women’s thermal base layers for hiking, skiing and mountaineering: crew-neck tops, zip-neck base layers and long johns in merino wool, CimaWarm synthetic fabric or seamless silk-blend knit.

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Extreme cold weather clothing

Which women’s thermal base layer should you choose for the cold?

On the chairlift, wind cuts through your jacket and your back, still damp from the climb, turns cold in an instant. Choose your base layer for that moment, based on the effort and the cold. For balanced warmth, the synthetic CimaWarm WARM TOP weighs 150 g in size S, while the merino wool WOOL TOP 200 weighs 205 g. For intense warmth, the X-WARM TOP combines two insulating fabrics and weighs 200 g, while the WOOL TOP 240 weighs 225 g. At 160 g, the WOOL TOP 150 suits sustained effort in cool weather.

For a day of skiing or active hiking, balanced warmth is enough; save intense warmth for mountaineering and stops exposed to the cold.

Women’s thermal base-layer top: zipped collar or crew neck

The X-WARM ZIP (220 g) has two insulation zones across the torso and arms, and its half-zip opens on the climb to prevent overheating. The WARM ZIP (155 g) offers the same opening with balanced warmth. Made from merino wool, the WOOL ZIP 150, 200 and 240 weigh 170, 220 and 235 g respectively.

If you ski with a neck gaiter or helmet, choose the WARM TOP’s crew neck : it won’t get in the way under a neck gaiter, and its fitted cut stays hidden beneath a fleece.

Women’s thermal leggings under trousers

The WARM PANT (150 g in size S) keeps your legs warm under ski or hiking trousers without restricting your movement, while its slim fit stays hidden. Knitted seamlessly, the STRATEGIC PANT contains 6.4% silk: nothing rubs, even where your socks or harness press against the fabric. For wool, the WOOL PANT without a stated fabric weight combines 50% merino wool with 50% quick-drying polyester; the WOOL PANT 150, 200 and 240 weigh 160, 200 and 220 g respectively.

Put on thermal leggings as soon as your legs feel cold when you stop. For the layer on top, see our women’s hiking trousers.

Seamless under a harness: the silk-blend STRATEGIC styles

Under a harness or the straps of a loaded rucksack, a seam can eventually leave a mark on your skin. The STRATEGIC TOP (170 g in size S) is knitted seamlessly, with different levels of insulation for different parts of the body and silk woven in. For mountaineering and ski touring with a harness, choose the STRATEGIC TOP.

The merino wool in the WOOL styles limits odours over several days: see our women’s merino base layers. The synthetic WARM and X-WARM styles are treated with Polygiene StayFresh, allowing you to wash them less often.

Layering and choosing your size

Over your base layer, a fleece retains warmth, then a waterproof jacket blocks rain and strong wind. See our women’s fleeces and our women’s insulated jackets.

For tops, choose your usual size : their close fit keeps the fabric against your skin. Find the full range in our thermal base layers, and the men’s fits in our men’s thermal base layers.

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