Review: Smartwool Baselayer

Men's Lightweight Crew and Lightweight Bottoms
I've used these two pieces as my base layers for the past two years. They have been worn mainly in winter for climbing in Scotland, Canada, Southern Norway, the European Alps and the Lofoten Islands in the far North of Norway. Winter climbing involves bursts of intense effort, periods of steady output and also times spent static on belays. Clothing systems therefore have a lot to cope with and the effectiveness of one's base layer is crucial.

Smart Wool Mens Lightweight Crew



The first thing to note is that I have only one top and one pair of bottoms. Even after three-week trips they hardly smell at all and continue to perform well. The ability of merino wool garments to effectively deal with perspiration is unparalleled in my experience. Having used top quality polyester base layers for many years (and been happy with their performance), using merino base layers was a complete revelation. I've never felt the least bit clammy with these garments and their ability to manage odour, whilst not of burning concern to me, has I think been appreciated by companions and fellow airline travellers.

Smartwool merino is easy to care for and the flat seams mean there's no discomfort (unlike on some other merino garments which I have to wear inside out to avoid the seams chaffing).
Smart Wool Mens Lightweight Zip T

Smartwool, base layers will keep you dryer and warmer (and cooler in the summer) because they'll keep you drier. Wool wicks better than any other fibre, natural or synthetic. As wool can also absorb moisture, it gives your body heat time to turn moisture into vapour, which is transmitted through your outer clothing. A synthetic cannot do this, as it does not absorb moisture, simply shifts it unvapourised into your outer clothing.

The merino wool used in Smartwool is of a higher grade than any other manufacturer. It's treated so they won't itch or shrink, even when hurled into the tumble dryer for a couple of hours. The only thing to watch out for is that you don't wash or dry them with clothing containing Velcro as they inevitably become stuck to the Velcro and you loose wool as you pull them off.

Smart Wool Mens Lightweight Bottoms


Downsides? Well, there's the cost (which actually represents good value if you consider I'd normally use two or three £30 synthetic thermals over a fortnight's trip, compared to one merino). But I'd say that the performance benefits are well worth the money anyway. If you're genuinely allergic to wool, these aren't for you. And when worn under polyester fleece, a reasonable amount of (harmless) static builds up. This is initially slightly alarming as a mini lightning display comes with the removal of one's fleece layers.

These are simply the finest base layers I've ever used. The attention to detail in construction and quality of the merino wool used sets them apart from other base layers. Very highly recommended.

Review by Dave Hunter