20 Best Thermals For Skiing (2022 Updated)

I LOVE my old Merino 250 tops, but it looks like all most of their tops for 150 and 250 (or classic and all weather or whatever their curre t naming scheme is) are low cut. when I opened the package I was upset because I assumed they accidentally sent me a V-neck.

It is a little lower than the image shows. I wish they would separate this “feminine” lower cut style to the higher standard crew neck style. I wear these for warmth and coverage, not for looks. I don’t want my beck getting cold! I have lower cut mens Hanes undertanks and these even stock out a lot.

Quite disappointed in how low these are. Other than a cold neck, the rest is good quality. I have a comparable Icebreaker style and I love the thin but high neckline on the Icebreaker. Icebreaker also seems to have a slightly higher torso and longer arms, but I’m short so prefer the Smartwool which is only slightly long.

The Smartwool 15p is also a bit thicker while remaining fairly light for higher output vs. the 250. I feel the Medium is a lot more giving in this cut and style. the smalls I have in the older 250 styles were way tight and the medium comfortable, but i feel this new style 150 medium is a big large from my expectations (so maybe the new cut in small would have worked) but still has room to breathe.

TLDR: This shirt is very comfortable and fits well but lacks durability and snags easily. Don’t wear it as an only layer with a pack or anywhere it could get snagged or it will get destroyed. Long version: I love this shirt.

It’s snug enough to be a base layer, but loose enough for me to feel comfortable wearing it alone. For reference, I’m 5’9 and 168 lbs and ordered a medium. My complaint is that the stitching snags really easily.

I wore this for the first time on an overnight backpacking trip with my 9 yr old last weekend. The temps ranged from 70 degrees F to 49 degrees F with high humidity. I wore this shirt by itself the entire time, even while sleeping, except in the morning when I pulled on a jacket until the sun was up.

I loved the temperature regulation and felt great, not sweaty, not cold. Came home singing the shirt’s praises. The Achilles heel is durability. While packing up, I moved a cooler in my basement and snagged the shirt in my stomach area.

Pulled the snag gently to the inside of the shirt using a thread puller and carried on. The backpacking was minimal, about 1. 4 miles each way (2. 2 km), and I’ve got a well-fitting, high quality pack that I’ve used a lot.

Total pack weight was maybe 40-50 lbs. The shoulders of the shirt got badly damaged on both sides in back. MANY snags just from where my pack straps rubbed. Really disappointed. I’ve done a lot of backpacking, including week-long trips ranging from 50-70 miles and I’ve never had my shirt shoulders get damaged by my pack (only my real shoulders 🙂 ).

Long story short, I love this shirt, but don’t wear it by itself. It’s just not durable, which is sad because by itself on that trip it felt perfect.

This fits tight next to skin and I expected that as a base layer. It’s tightest in the chest but not uncomfortable too tight and it’s looser in the arms where it even bunches some on the arm length. It’s a high quality piece.

It feels soft against the skin and it did not cause any irritation. The close to body fit also kept it from moving like some other base layers so that’s a plus. I don’t usually go for a base layer with a hood but it’s nice to have one as an option in my clothing rotation.

I use this for running, hiking, and even casual wear. The piece looks great and I’ve gotten a lot of compliments on the look, color, and design (I got the deep navy). It also breaths really well. I didn’t get too hot in it and the ventilation zones are nice.

#SmartwoolLove`.

Medium size fits as expected and is skin tight. I wanted something that was heavier weight than the 150 merino but still breathable so this seems to be the right match. Definitely appears to be breathable and would likely do well in cool weather with high output activities.

The black and white coloring is nice as well.

A tried and tested product. I’ve had one of these for as long as I can remember. The sizing is a bit odd. I wear a medium in most brands but find the HH Lifa medium tight all round. I wear a large in this product which gives me room to move comfortably.

Great as a base layer or worn alone. Extremely lightweight and easy to pack so great for expeditions when weight is a consideration. Easily hand washed and dried very quickly. Again, great for expeditions.

After having a set of icebreakers myself, I finally convinced my wife to get a set. The ability to regulate between hot and cold makes such a difference for high output activities in the cold. Between winter camping, skiing, or even taking our dog for walk or run.

They can feel like an investment but once try them, you will never go back to the polyesters. One warning is that Marino can feel a bit itchy at times but you get used to it. Everyone’ sensitivity is different.

Also, wash in cold water and hand to dry. NEVER put them in the drier. Never.

Excellent! I bought one of these 10 years ago & it still looks & feels great! No pilling, no shrinkage. This sage colour is very complimentary, fits great & the weight is warm enough to wear as an undershirt is very cold conditions, or alone with a jacket in fall & spring.

The thickness is not see-through so it’s great for office workplaces. Fit is femmy, not a straight cut. And the zip goes low enough to allow for cooling if I get too warm. I love it! Thanks.

Runs large. I usually order medium but reviews said runs large and they were right. I ordered small and it fits snug. Just right for under layerings.

I love the fit of this base layer top. It offers a front 1/4 zip that’s not too tall, so it doesn’t chafe the under chin area. The fabric is awesome and very comfortable to wear with lay flat seams and a very nice shape that fits my body very well.

The shape at the bottom hem is longer in back, providing a bit of extra coverage which I appreciate and will come in handy once ski season begins and this becomes my base layer and needs to stay tucked in!.

My first experience using merino as baselayer. It was good. It delivers as described. Although, I still prefer synthetic baselayer (Odlo Irbis) for my activities, as using exact same layers on top, moisture management was superior with synthetic.

I live in the Rockies and purchased this to get ready for the harsh winter. Used it for the first time and made a huge difference to withstand the weather.

The first impression it that it is a highly technical product. I put it on and it was immediately comfortable but I was dismayed to see some unraveling of the weave right out too the bag. I went outside in 40’s and did some modest activities.

Comfortable! Came inside and was not overheating! Second time wearing was more vigorous activity in temps that were increasing to 50’s with sun, stayed comfortable and did not get overheated or sweaty.

As the temps dropped to 30s stayed dry and warm and added a layer. Definitely would recommend to technical product lovers. #SmartwoolLove.

When I received this I was surprised by how nice the hi-tech knit is. It looks & feels much better than it appears in the photos on the website. I would LOVE a Tshirt with this knit. But you literally cannot see the detail of this garment online.

Another problem are the intraknit pants that coordinate with this top are badly listed online (2 different styles in 1 listing) and I got the wrong pants, and missed the return window so I can’t exchange them.

Smartwool needs better more detailed product listings and much better photos.

I wear this top all the time, I have ordered 3 of them in different styles all with the 1/4 zip which I prefer to keep my neck warm. I never put my Smartwool clothes in the dryer as they tend to shrink, and their clothing runs a size smaller than my normal size.

I read a review that a customer wished to return an item but missed the return window, FYI: Smartwool has a 100% satisfaction guarantee, if you are not happy with the item you can contact them and they will send you a form to return it.

no hassles, no worries. Smartwool is a great company to deal with when it comes to product satisfaction.

I bought a set of Ice breaker 200 baselayer for my 3. 5yo and he loves it. 100% Merino Wool, not itchy at all. Dry super quick. No smell after couple days of wear. The top is true to size but the bottom runs small.

My little boy is on the petite side, so I got him a 4t for top and 4t for bottom, which fits him perfectly.

I bought this for my son for skiing, although it’s perfect for those -20C days for him to wear to school. It’s the same tested and tried Icebreaker quality, so nothing further to be added here. The item runs somewhat small, and that’s understandable because base layer should have snug fit.

I bought size 10 for my almost 9-year old so he could wear it for two seasons. He is skinny and the item is slightly big on him. Size 8 would have been snug perfect. But it would not fit next year. Care must be taken when washing and drying this item since it’s made of merino wool.

I was mine on cold, gentle cycle, wool detergent, and dry flat on a rack, never in dryer!.

This is the perfect layering piece for any outdoor lover. The merino wool is soft and washes very well when the directions are followed. No itching. In fact they’re so warm that it has eliminated the need for additional layers during active sports.

Would definitely purchase again.

These are the most luxurious base layers I have ever worn. Not only are they are extremely comfortable next to the skin, but the temperature regulation the prospect base layer provides for the wearer is off the charts.

I never feel like I get too hot or too cold when properly layering with these. I don?t just wear them while skiing; they also work well for hiking or any high output activity. I?m 6?2? 220 lbs and the XL fits me perfectly.

I always get compliments when wearing these; I wish I could afford one in every color.

I’m 6’2”, 230lbs, solid frame guy and the XL fits perfectly. Only drawback is the neck zip doesn’t have an inner sleeve built in like most Spyder base layer shirts. Disappointed about that, and it was not presented in the pictures advertised or description.

Warm, light, breathable, and stretchy.

Perfect. Buying 2 more. Warm but quite thin. Sizing is correct

My workmate recommended Merino wool gear as she liked them a lot. I decided to give the upper body the first try because it sweats more. I tried the size M but it was too small, I am 71 kg and 180 cm but I still had to go for the size L.

This was the perfect size. I wore this shirt for 10 days straight from -5 to -27 celsius, and I found it to be the best kind of layer to use in many different conditions. I only changed my jacket to a thinner one on the warmer days.

The straight hem and thumb loops are just what you need for snowboarding gear. I used them on the colder days and not on the warmer. The thumb loop is almost like a layer for mittens as well. This item is something you don’t need many, even one layer served me 10 days without the need for washing.

I recommend sizing up and even tough these Merino wool items are expensive, I would say they are certainly worth it.

Fits like a glove. Keeps me warm outside during activities. Dries quick so you don’t end up wet if XC skiing. That’s a major plus. Breathable so it also feels good inside, not too hot. Fit is snug. Love it! Mons Royale… cannot go wrong.

I’m a fan of Mons Royal, excellent quality. The size has changed from last season. I purchased a woman’s medium last year and it fit like a charm with room to breath. This season I had to purchase a mens medium for a comfortable fit.

If you like it short and tight then the sizing will be good otherwise I’d size up.

Bought all the 4 colours that were available in these. they’re extremely warm, comfortable and fit like a glove. Wonder how anyone can give a negative review or anything less than 5 stars to this product.

I wear these as regular tops/t-shirts in the cold weather, under my Jacket. I’m hoping Decathlon will bring in some more colours, such as “Navy” and “Grey” – like they have for Men in the same category.

, especially after having discontinued the White variant.

Just found out why the item is to small/tight. I thought it was a mans top. To late I have cut off the labels. I have mentioned this to staff before that it’s some times difficult knowing the men’s and women’s sections in some garment.

Love this top, it kept me so warm. It has a lovely soft lining and fits really tightly to the skin so doesn’t feel bulky at all. Would definitely recommend!

I use this for trail running on cold desert mornings that warm up quick and I need to be able to control how warm or cool my clothes are. With the sleeves rolled up and the zipper down, a lot of air gets in there and it doesn’t fall off my shoulders, and the sleeves stay up.

The material has this subtle honeycomb pattern that just feels like quality. On most of these zip-up, mock turtle neck tech shirts, there’s a little flap of fabric on the inside of the zipper that keeps the zipper from touching your skin.

This one has the same thing but the fabric comes from both sides and is in place the moment you zip it up without fussing with it. The thumbholes are really just strips of stretchy ribbon to hold the sleeves over the top of your hands.

At first this seemed cheap and not as comfortable, but I realized it made it so I could put this under another layer with bonafide thumbholes without having a stack of fabric between my thumb and forefinger.

The sleeves just slide right in without having to hold on to them as I put my jacket on. The ribbons also help putting on gloves with plenty of overlap to keep out the cold air. The material wicks sweat and stays dry, but that’s the industry standard now.

Any tech shirt that doesn’t do that isn’t worth your money. Sizing is accurate. I’m usually a size small and the small fits.

This is now one of my favourite of many (many) Patagonia products. Thinner than I anticipated, I thought it would not be warm enough for what I wanted. It is an exceptional piece of well-designed, technical gear.

Small fits a tall, thin guy like me perfect. Sleeves are plenty long. I love the length on the body. And the hood + zipper combination is so cool. Well, warm. With hood on, the zipper closes up over the chin, preserving body heat.

This is an ideal garment for transitioning out of your day gear and into your bag for the night. Greet job, Patagonia.

I have come to expect a high level of quality from Patagonia, but this top did not deliver. I was expecting a heavier, warmer base layer top with actual thumbholes for winter trail running. This is not that.

It’s very thin, and in the cold weather would need to be worn with other layers. Most disappointing of all, the “elastic thumbholes” are not true thumb holes, but cheap pieces of elastic sewn into the seams.

Real thumb holes entail longer sleeves, but these sleeves are normal length. These knockoff “thumbholes” strain the material, are uncomfortable, and will probably not last. This makes the shirt feel very cheap to me.

It’s a cheap way to claim your product has thumb holes, without actually providing the coverage or comfort of real thumbholes. I can’t justify the price tag on such cheap construction. Do better, Patagonia.

It was my first purchase but to disappointment. It is very thin and cannot face harsh winter alongwith a sweater. Thermals of Jockey are far better and even at less price. It’s just like a woollen t-shirt.

One positive – can use in indoor exercises in winter. I didn’t expected such low quality from Decathlon.

I m sachin , I like to wear clothes from decathlon but from last purchase I got one issue in one of my cloth. I like the product but it’s stitching is not done properly the thread from product coming out.

And I have wore only two times. I just want to suggest the team decathlon to look on it.

Though the product is worthy of money and we can’t have such products easily in the market, the fitting of the product is slightly loose. And thus the sleeves are proportionally large. Once again, the material is fine.

Soft against skin. Very Warm. Breathable. Loving the ‘extra’ high neck. Higher than the smartwool quarter zip base; and have the additional height option is just perfect for cold/blustery conditions.

truly an added bonus feature. And, it is totally comfortable when zipped up all the way. And as for fit, I found it to fit slightly small’ish; def a bit shorter than my smartwool quarter zip base tops (which I also love).

I always fit an ‘XL’ in tops/jackets. This fit almost like an ‘L’, but do’able. Also, this is much warmer than the S. W. version. PLUS, what a great design: Great looks meets perfect functionality. Well worth the $!.

I am a long time fan of Icebreaker. This recent purchase is no exception. I Am 5 ‘ 9″ tall, weight 134 lbs. and ordered a medium which fits perfectly, albeit a little bit generous in size. I have noted over the years that sizing can be inconsistent with Icebreaker given the many different styles they offer, so reviews are often very helpful when making your selection.

The material, which is 100% Merino wool is beautiful and soft and stays comfortable for long periods of time. I would always suggest that you check the manufacturers label to see what content of Merino is in the garment as there is often a blend of other fibers.

which can change how a sweater wears over time. The sweater is gorgeous and can be worn for any purpose and will always look sleek and stylish. Another winner for Icebreaker!!.

War, but did find the top was slightly itchy during try on. But I believe once washed, this should solve. The neck fit is exactly as pictured – very close fit and will def protect your neck. Honestly, you may not need a neck buff if wearing in cold windy air outside.

Nice patterns too! I am S, small bust and that size fit perfectly. An XS would may have worked as well, but imagine it would fit like a glove. My plan is to wear the REI CO-OP silk lightweight base layer top underneath for additional warmth though this top can definitely stand alone!.

Wore this running in 32 degrees underneath a fleece. The hood is wonderful – my head and neck were nice and warm! Some tops with hoods or zip-up necklines make my neck feel constricted but this is super comfortable.

Once I warmed up, I had adequate ventilation. Sizing is a little weird; small was perfect for a base layer and medium was way too big. Love it and already bought another.

I’ve owned this for a couple of years and it is my favorite base layer for cold outdoor work. I absolutely hate wearing coats, especially hooded ones, and bulky hoodies. This base layer with a sweatshirt and fleece/vest is perfect for working outdoors, especially if the wind is up.

The hood protects my neck and ears without bulk, stays in place, and isn’t bulky under a sweatshirt. I am waiting for a sale/discount code to buy another.

I wore this hoodie to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro last week. Layered a light weight top underneath, my LL Bean down vest and jacket went over this hoodie. I stayed warm and comfortable for the final 9 hour ascent to the top and 3 hour descent to our campsite.

I’m glad I made the last minute purchase before my trip. I particularly liked the length.

Felt breathable yet kept me warm. Didn’t smell even after a few days wear!

Keeps shape after wash on cold cycle