Winter layers

[Mikelly]

Hi. What is the warmest baselayers? My wife and I are new to trekking and have loved getting out and about but winter is heading in and we would like to ask for advice on layering for winter. Thank you.

[windyrigg]

Merino for me, usually Helly Hansen, lasts for years . I'm also informed it doesn't smell if you cant wash it for a day or so.... 

[richardh1905]

I wear a long sleeved merino baselayer in winter, topped off with a heavy fleece/fibre pile jacket. In full winter conditions I will also wear fibre pile salopettes over the top of the baselayer. If windy or raining I will wear a good quality gore tex jacket over the top, and I carry a cheapo synthetic gilet in my rucksack as an extra layer, just in case.


My merino baselayer came from Lidl a few years ago, cost £10, and it does the job just fine, really warm.

PS - welcome to the forum.

[Mikelly]

Thank you. I will have a look at merino wool gear. Much appreciated 👍

[ninthace]

A lot depends on where and when.  Country walking in winter does not need a lot of extra layers or you will overheat. I go for slightly thicker trousers and perhaps a fleece with a jacket over, or a sweater with a thicker jacket.  Fell or moorland walking requires more specialist layering.  I prefer a base layer, fleece jumper, maybe a fleece as well, a good jacket and lined trousers.  Don’t forget your head and hands.  Cold hands are a misery.

[gunwharfman]

I've tried everything. My favourite option today is to wear my Brynge 'string vest' with my synthetic, bamboo or merino baselayer over the top. I think it works well. I find that I'm now reluctant to go out with it on, my Brynge helps to solve that 'wet cold' feeling from baselayers as I cool down.

When I'm hiking I prefer my synthetic baselayers because they wash and dry easily, bamboo and merino just take too long and when wet are just too heavy as well. My preferred synthetics are made by Odlo.

It doesn't matter when I'm running off road, my bamboo and merino's can be quickly thown in the wshing machine when I get home.

[Mikelly]

Thank you. Yes my hands and feet are always cold thanks to raynauds 😨
I'm grateful for everybody's experience and tips as we head into winter 😊

[Islandplodder]

I'm a fellow Reynauds sufferer, and absolutely swear by sheepskin mittens. I carry 2 pairs for if one gets really wet.  I also find that a body-warmer of some kind helps, I have a Paramo gilet which is great, especially as you can just throw it over your jacket when you stop for lunch or whatever.

[Ronin83]

Absolutely don't forget a buff and a hat.
Also if you're planning to stop, eg for lunch, have a warm layer to throw on like a down or synthetic insulated jacket.
On the move you'll warm up no problem, but the difference when u stop is astounding, for me anyway.

[gunwharfman]

Island plodder, I have a solution for you, to stop your gloves becoming wet, do what I did. If you have an old waterproof coat lying around cut them off at the elbows and then turn them around. Fit the cuffs on your wrists and the sleeve parts will cover the length of your gloves. End result, no more wet gloves!

[NeilC]

Personally I think the best base layers are merino - comfortable, warm to the skin, warm when damp, don't smell even with days of wear, don't have the same sudden chilling when exposed to a cold breeze.


Are they warmer than synthetic? Probably not. I have some polyester tops that have a brushed inner which are arguably warmer. But I'd still rather wear the merino. However I do wear the synthetic bottoms because they are more likely to get wet from splashes etc and they dry out quicker.