Staying warm, one layer at a time
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Ohh, thermals — welcome, brave defender against the cold, let’s get you cozy! The Warm Layer explains thermal underwear and base layers in plain words: what they are made of, how warm they really are, and which ones suit the way you spend your time in the cold.
Not sure where to start? We cover the basics properly: merino wool versus synthetic, what lightweight, midweight and heavyweight really mean, how to layer for your activity, and how to wash merino without shrinking it.
Cold is harder for some of us, so a big part of this site is for people who meet a barrier: seniors and arthritis, Raynaud’s, diabetic feet and neuropathy, wheelchair users, sensitive skin, and plus-size and big and tall bodies. If you meet a barrier we haven’t covered yet, tell us about it.
Out in it all day? We look at layers for hunters sitting still in a stand, for construction, delivery and warehouse work, for ice fishing, winter running and riding a motorcycle in the cold, plus heated base layers and how their batteries hold up. There’s a special kind of happy when the wind howls and you’re still perfectly warm inside your layers.
Shopping for someone who’s always cold, or for kids heading out to play in the snow? We’ll help with sizing, itch-free fabrics, and gifts that make winter easier.
For anyone who wants the best, we compare premium merino and hunting base layers on the specs that matter, straight from the makers’ own pages, and explain what the extra money actually buys.
Kerry Woods writes every guide from makers’ specifications and trusted health and safety sources, with no made-up reviews. See every guide, read more about The Warm Layer, or ask a question about staying warm. Stay warm out there — and enjoy every crisp, cold day this winter.