Thermals, an adventurer’s best friend.
Alpine adventures, backcountry bush bashing, a quick run in the hills: the humble thermal is ready for all of it, and it’s where every good layering system starts.
Despite their importance, thermals are often overlooked. Knowing how to choose thermals for how you move and where you’re heading makes all the difference, ensuring a comfortable (and warm!) adventure. Get this layer right, and you’re on your way to a fully-fledged layering system.
What’s the purpose of a thermal?
A thermal, often called a base layer, sits directly on your skin as the foundation of your layering system. The main job of a thermal is to regulate body temperature and manage moisture, whether you’re freezing cold or working up a sweat. Understanding how you move, the conditions you face, and how much warmth you need from your baselayer is key. From underwear to long sleeve tops, long johns and singlets, there’s something for every kind of adventure.
Get this layer right, and the rest of your system will feel effortless.
How to choose a thermal at a glance?
- Choose Merino for warm, all day comfort and natural odour control on low to moderate paced adventures.
- Choose Prothermal for cold, wet, high-output adventures.
- Choose Exothermal for fast moving, variable conditions.
- Choose Geothermal for dependable, everyday outdoor use.
Once you’ve chosen the right thermal, layering becomes easy!
Merino Thermals
Best for: low-output activity, all day wear.
Merino thermals, ideal for year-round comfort and versatility in both warm and cool climates. Merino wool holds more moisture than synthetic fibres, so they’re better suited to lower-output activity and to start-stop days. Think: hiking, skiing, and camping.
Our merino thermals are available in a range of fabric weights, from our lightest at 150 g/m² through to slightly heavier and thicker 220 g/m² styles.
Key features:
- Natural body temperature regulation
- Natural odour resistance
- Soft and breathable
- Explore our range of Merino thermals.
Synthetic Thermals
Prothermal
Best for: climbs and technical pursuits in cold weather.
Prothermals are our technical synthetic thermals, made from Polartec® Power Grid™ fleece.
Designed for breathability and warmth without weight, Prothermals are recommended for technical performance in high-output activities, such as climbing or winter hiking.
Key features:
- Lightweight
- Moisture wicking
- Breathable and fast to dry
- High warmth-to-weight ratio
- Odour control technology
- Explore our range of Prothermals.
Synthetic Thermals
Exothermal
Best for: fast moving, variable conditions.
Exothermals are an excellent activity-focused thermal layer made from Polartec® Power Dry™, an advanced next-to-skin moisture-wicking fabric.
Designed as a performance base layer, Exothermals are recommended for high-output adventuring; trail running, high-tempo hikes, or days with frequent stop-starts where drying quickly makes all the difference.
Key benefits:
- Lightweight
- Moisture-wicking
- Highly breathable and fast to dry
- Explore our range of Exothermals.
Synthetic Thermals
Geothermal
Best for: general outdoor use, dependable warmth.
Geothermals are recommended for all-round performance and warmth during casual hikes, camping, travel or winter days where the chill bites.
Key features:
- Lightweight
- Moisture wicking
- Breathable and fast to dry
- Durable
- Explore our range of Geothermals.
Quality thermals will last you a long time, so think of them as an investment for your adventure kit.
If you’re looking to prepare for the cold weather, explore our range of merino and synthetic thermals for the toughest of New Zealand’s environments, tested right here at home.
FAQS (and answers!)
Are merino thermals good for summer?
Yes, lightweight merino thermals are breathable, moisture-wicking and naturally odour resistant, making them a great choice for summer missions.
How should thermals fit?
Thermals should be snug, sitting directly on your skin without feeling tight. If your thermal looks baggy or bunched, it won’t trap heat or move moisture away from your skin properly.
How do I wash merino thermals?
Wash merino thermals in cold water on a gentle cycle using a non-enzyme detergent. Specialised wool wash is great too! Do not use bleach or fabric softener. Dry flat in the shade.
