How to choose the base layer for hiking in Australia

One of the most important items to take into account when preparing for a hike is a base layer because it offers wicking and insulation. You can stay warm and dry during your trip by donning a base layer.

Keeping dry involves the process of "wicking," which involves removing moisture from your skin. When trekking uphill, the base layer will absorb perspiration or moisture from your skin and keep you dry. 

The following four qualities are important to look for in your hiking layers:

Warmth: When we discuss the weight of a base layer, we do so in terms of its thermal thickness and level of warmth rather than its actual weight. Thermal base layers can generally be divided into three weight categories: lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight.

Insulation: In cold areas, insulating layers like fleece, down, or synthetic fibers are excellent at holding valuable heat despite having a variety of advantages and disadvantages. Finding one that fits the type of climate you experience the most is vital because some have more insulating qualities than others.

Skin Protection: You might not need as many layers when the temperature is a little warmer. Many people choose to merely wear a base layer, which can offer protection from things like UV radiation, brushing up against plants and foliage, and a backpack, which might otherwise chafe.

Lightweight: Materials that are lighter have greater wicking and drying properties. It will perform admirably at wicking and drying moisture as a thin base layer. A lightweight base layer is preferred by most outdoor athletes because it presses against the skin and absorbs moisture.

Choose a merino wool base layer

One of the most popular fabrics for base layers is merino wool.  Merino wool thermals aid in controlling body temperature by drawing heat away from the body and reducing overheating thanks to their small air pockets. If you're going to be doing a hard workout, merino wool is best.

 

But at the same time, Merino wool also helps to trap heat, keeping you warm in chilly weather. Even in -15 to -20 degree weather, merino wool can keep you warm. It's a terrific choice if you plan to use it in a variety of climates, including hot and cold ones.

Merino wool base layers provide warmth without adding bulk, and they are frequently worn in daily life as well as during sports like running, skiing, and climbing. This allows for numerous uses before washing. Although there are various base layers comprised of synthetic materials, none of them can match all of Merino wool's natural advantages.

Advantage of merino wool base layer

1. Moisture management

One significant distinction between Merino and synthetic fabrics is that Merino "holds" moisture whereas synthetics expel it. Therefore, Merino wool may retain its natural thermoregulation capabilities while becoming heavier when wet and holding up to three or four times its own weight in moisture.

2. Resistance to odour

merino base layer can absorb three times its weight in moisture vapour compared to synthetic fabrics, which results in less perspiration on your body. Even perspiration odours are absorbed by merino and removed following washing.

3. Sun-Resistant & UV-Protection

Merino wool is renowned for shielding wearers from the sun's UV radiation and the weather. Your skin is protected from the sun's damaging rays by natural fibres. The last thing you want to deal with when trying to hike 20 miles a day is a nasty sunburn!

4. Prevent crease

Each Merino fibre is like a coiled spring that may be bent and then returns to its original shape at the microscopic level. Since Merino clothing naturally resists wrinkles as a result, we no longer even iron ours.

5. Dries Exceptionally Quick

Another quick-drying fabric is merino. Even during strenuous activities like trekking, the natural fibers improve airflow, so perspiration may drain fast. This is crucial because if your clothing is wet for an extended period of time, it will make you feel cold and may even result in hypothermia.

Get the best merino wool base layer with Wilderness wear 

Since 1989, Wilderness Wear has operated out of its Melbourne home, designing and producing merino base layer tops and leggings. This eco-friendly apparel item, which is made from 100% pure Australian merino wool, is ideal for a variety of hiking activities.