A good baselayer can be key when hiking in the colder months. Here are five favourites that excel at keeping you warmer for longer.
A good baselayer will keep you warm and promote wicking, removing moisture from the skin. They are the perfect weapon in the fight against cold. The baselayer of your dreams should be made of polyester or Merino wool as these deal with heat and moisture well and they dry quickly. As a general rule, polyester is cheaper than Merino wool but isn’t as comfortable. The one material you should avoid is cotton. It absorbs sweat and other moisture and will lead to cold and odours. Here are our top five baselayers that will keep you warm, dry and comfortable no matter how ambitious your endeavour.
1.  Helly Hansen Dry Stripe Baselayer
Price: €39.95
The Helly Hansen Dry Stripe is a really good value option for staying warm on a more limited budget. Woven from the company’s Lifa fabric, it does a great job of wicking away moisture and has been shown to be more effective than polyester. The Dry Stripe is more lightweight than some alternatives, but should be sufficient for all but the coldest conditions. The fit is slim and close, meaning it doesn’t feel too bulky and at this price offers a great baselayer.
Available from Great Outdoors.
2. Icebreaker 200 Oasis Baselayer
Price: €100
The Icebreaker 200 Oasis is a versatile base layer made from 100% merino wool. It is lightweight, breathable, and provides excellent insulation, making it ideal for outdoor activities in cold weather. Its slim fit and flatlock seams provide a comfortable and non-restrictive fit, while the natural odor resistance of merino wool means that it can be worn for extended periods without needing to be washed. The Icebreaker 200 Oasis base layer is perfect for skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities where warmth and comfort are essential.
Available from Great Outdoors
3.  ZeroFit Move Baselayer
Price: €46,95
Discount Code: If you use the code “outsider“, you will get a free bobble hat worth €22.95 for FREE
The ZeroFit Move base layer is a high-performance piece of clothing designed for athletes. Made with a blend of nylon, polyester, and spandex, it is stretchy, durable, and lightweight. Its ergonomic design provides targeted support and compression, while flatlock seams prevent friction and chafing. The base layer is versatile and can be worn alone or as a layering piece, making it suitable for a wide range of activities. With its advanced materials and innovative design, the ZeroFit Move base layer is a must-have for anyone who wants to perform at their best.
Available from Zerofit
4. Transalper Light Polartec® Hooded Jacket
Price: €100
Dynafit is a brand that specializes in high-performance outdoor equipment, including ski touring and trail running gear. The Transalper Light Polartec jacket serves as a brilliant base layer for cold activities in Ireland. We would regularly wear this jacket as a standalone layer directly against the skin on cool trail runs in spring and autumn. It is breathable enough to wear alone on cool days and compact enough to wear as part of a layering system on cold winter days. Unlike other base layers, this jacket features two pockets and a form-fitted hood which are brilliant additions.
Available from Dynafit
5.  Zerofit Ultimate Baselayer
Price: €64.95
Discount Code: If you use the code “outsider“, you will get a free bobble hat worth €22.95 for FREE
The ZeroFit Ultimate base layer is an advanced piece of clothing designed for high-performance activities. Made with a blend of nylon, polyester, and spandex, it provides unparalleled comfort, breathability, and flexibility. Its seamless construction and compression technology offer support and improve blood flow, reducing muscle fatigue and enhancing performance. The base layer features a 3D mesh panel to regulate body temperature and moisture-wicking technology to keep the wearer dry. The ZeroFit Ultimate base layer is ideal for extreme sports and outdoor activities, providing maximum performance and protection in any condition.
Available from Zerofit
