Men's Technical Base Layers

Cold, high-output days: Heimdall

An extrafine merino base layer for high-output, cold-weather use. Non-mulesed merino with core-spun yarns for stretch, strength and faster drying. A quarter-length YKK® zip for rapid venting, fully fashioned knitting that removes bulk at the cuffs and hem, a protective high collar, drop back hem and chafe-free flatlock seams throughout.

Expeditions and multi-day use: Arvind

A 180gsm, ultrafine 18.5-micron merino blend, Woolmark-certified for fibre content, colourfastness and durability. Nylon and spandex add stretch, durability and shape retention, which suits expedition and multi-day use. Quarter zip, flatlock seams, thumb loops and UPF 50.

Lightweight merino tee: Mar

A 150gsm merino t-shirt: 87% extrafine merino and 13% core-spun nylon, for better stretch, recovery and durability and faster drying than merino alone. Naturally odour-resistant for multi-day use without washing, with underarm panels, low-profile seams, a dropped rear hem and UPF 40.

Heat and speed: Elv

107g, in 110gsm 100% recycled fabric: breathable, moisture-wicking, quick-drying and anti-odour treated. UPF 40+, body-mapped panelling, a bonded neck seam and reflective logos. For high output in warm weather.

Hooded synthetic layer: Verja

164g, in 110gsm recycled mélange with UPF 40+, an anti-odour treatment and body-mapped panelling for thermoregulation. An under-helmet hood and athletic fit, built for trail running, trekking and climbing.

Extrafine merino.

Merino fibres are graded by diameter in microns. The finer the fibre, the softer it feels and the less it itches. Arvind uses ultrafine 18.5-micron merino, and Heimdall and Mar use extrafine merino.

Core-spun yarns.

Merino wrapped around a synthetic core keeps merino against your skin while the nylon adds strength, stretch and faster drying. It addresses merino's two weaknesses: durability and drying time.

Fully fashioned knitting.

Heimdall is knitted to shape rather than cut from fabric, which removes bulk at the cuffs and hem for a closer, more comfortable fit.

Seams.

Flatlock and low-profile seams lie flat under pack straps and a harness, so they don't rub on long days.

Sun protection.

Arvind, Mar, Elv and Verja carry UPF ratings, from UPF 40 on Mar to UPF 50 on Arvind, which matters at altitude and on long summer days.

Recycled synthetic.

Elv and Verja are made from 100% recycled fabric. For how merino and synthetic compare, read Merino vs Synthetic Base Layers: Which Is Right for You?.

Which base layer for cold weather?

Heimdall or Arvind. Both are merino with a quarter zip for venting when you work hard.

Which base layer for multi-day trips?

Arvind, built for expedition and multi-day use, or the Mar merino tee in warmer weather. Merino's odour resistance means both can be worn for days.

Which base layer for running?

Elv or the Verja hoody: the lightest and fastest-drying base layers in the range.

How should a men's base layer fit?

Close to the skin, so it can move sweat away, but without restricting movement at the shoulders and arms. If it bunches or gapes, it will not wick properly.

Will a merino base layer itch?

Not if the merino is fine enough. Itch comes from coarser fibres pressing on the skin. Our merino base layers use extrafine and ultrafine merino, which feel soft next to the skin.