There are plenty of options when it comes to base layers, so it helps to know the simple difference between merino wool and synthetic. Both will keep sweat away from your skin, they just behave a bit differently and suit different people and budgets.
Merino wool base layers Merino is a natural fibre that responds to your body temperature. It helps keep you cooler when you are working hard and warmer when you stop, thanks to tiny air pockets in the wool. It also wicks sweat away from your skin and can hold on to smell‑causing molecules, which means it stays fresher for longer. The main drawback is price, merino is usually the more expensive choice.
Synthetic base layers Synthetic base layers are good at moving sweat away from your skin to the outside of the fabric so it can evaporate. Most synthetic fibres do not absorb much water, so they stay lighter when damp and dry quickly. In practice they often dry a bit faster than lightweight merino, but they can start to smell sooner. Some brands add anti‑microbial treatments to help with this, although these do fade over time. A specialist wash such as Grangers Active Wash can help keep synthetic layers fresher for longer. Synthetics are usually cheaper than merino, which can make them a good value option.
Still unsure? If you are not sure which base layer is right for what you are doing, just ask. We are happy to talk through your plans and help you choose something that will work for you.
The Dart range from Montane makes an ideal base layer, delivering comfort and performance for any activity, at any time
Montane Dart Long Sleeve T Shirt All-season, moisture-managing base layer with fast and light technology, and recycled materials. The lightweight, breathable APEX Polyester fabric used in the Montane Women’s Dart Long-Sleeved T-Shirt is entirely recycled from plastic bottles. This reduces their reliance on virgin resources because virgin polyester is oil based, while the fabric itself has been designed to deliver the perfect balance of warmth, wicking and breathability
The all-season Montane Women’s Dart T-Shirt delivers lightweight comfort for high-output activities. It provides an ideal foundation for any layering system and is made with 100%-recycled APEX fabric, which strikes the perfect balance between warmth, wicking and breathability. POLYGIENE® permanent anti-odor technology is built into the fabric, ensuring you benefit from long-lasting freshness. The moisture-wicking properties of this base layer are second to none, and it’s so fast-drying that it will keep you cool and comfortable on the move, whether you’re on an overnight fastpacking adventure, or chasing a PB out on the trails.
The Montane Women’s Dart Vest Top delivers lightweight performance and comfort for high-output activities. It’s made with 100% recycled APEX ECO fabric for ultimate breathability, and is treated with POLYGIENE®, the permanent anti-odour technology for longer-lasting freshness.
This moisture-managing vest top dries almost as fast as it gets wet, to keep you cool and comfortable on the move whether you’re running a dusty trail or sending a new sport-climbing route.
The Montane women’s Alhena t-shirt is designed for performance, with added comfort for recovery days.
Created using drirelease® WOOL and recycled polyester with POLYGIENE® permanent odour treatment to wick away moisture and regulate temperature, this men’s graphic tee keeps you feeling fresh and dry, no matter how intense the activity.
Its premium construction, featuring Merrow stitch seams, ensures durability and comfort. The crew neck and box fit offer a classic look, and the soft, next-to-skin fabric provides all-day comfort whether you are ascending the crag, or taking a break between adventures.
Rab’s Rivelin classic tee made with soft, wicking fabric and a ventilating mesh back panel, to keep you cool and comfortable on fast-moving hikes and summer climbs. With a relaxed fit and crew neck, it performs on and off the trail.
Keep your cool on sun-soaked trails and fast-paced scrambles to the summit with the RAB Rivelin highly breathable, comfortable vest.
RAB Force Tee suits from sun-scorched trails to climbing in the heat, this staple, UV-protective tee is built to keep you cool and shield you from harmful rays. It’s built with a lightweight, breathable Dryflo™ Solar fabric that wicks quickly and stays comfortable, whether worn as a base or standalone layer.
Their 200gsm Merino is designed to keep you warm in cooler temperatures, yet remain breathable and is able to help your body regulate its temperature when you’e pushing yourself to the limits. Naturally odour resistant, this Merino base layer is the best partner for any expedition.
