Mons Royale
Bella Merino Air-Con Long Sleeve Hood - Women's
$159.95
Base layers
Mons Royale
Temple Merino Air-Con Long Sleeve Hood - Men's
$159.95
icebreaker
Merino 200 Oasis LS Crewe Thermal Top - Men's
$144.95
Fjallraven
Abisko Lite Fleece Half Zip - Women's
$164.95
MEC
T2 Merino Base Layer Bottoms - Women's
$129.95Member Price Available
Odlo
Seamless Performance Wool Bottom - Men's
$179.95
MEC
T2 Merino Base Layer Long Sleeve Top - Men's
$129.95Member Price Available
Vuori
Chilled Out Legging - Women's
$140.76$175.9520% off
Smartwool
Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip - Women's
$159.95
Fjallraven
Abisko Tights - Women's
$169.95
Arc'teryx
Rho LT Base Layer Bottoms - Men's
$130.00
Kari Traa
Smekker High Waist Pants - Women's
$159.95
MEC
T2 Merino Base Layer Bottoms - Men's
$129.95Member Price Available
Mountain Hardwear
AirMesh Long Sleeve Hoodie - Women's
$129.95
Smartwool
Intraknit All-Season Merino Baselayer Long Sleeve - Men's
$164.95
Arc'teryx
Rho Hoodie - Women's
$150.00
Arc'teryx
Rho Lt Hoodie - Men's
$150.00
MEC
T3 Merino Base Layer Long Sleeve Top - Women's
$139.95Member Price Available
Fjallraven
Abisko Wool Hoodie - Men's
$174.95
Odlo
Seamless Performance Wool Long Sleeve Top - Men's
$179.95
Arc'teryx
Rho Crew - Women's
$130.00
icebreaker
Merino 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe - Women's
$144.95
Ciele Athletics
DLYLong Sleeve - Women's
$109.95
MEC
T3 Merino Base Layer Bottoms - Women's
$139.95Member Price Available
Craft
Active Extreme X Wind Long Sleeve - Men's
$114.95
Odlo
Seamless Performance Wool Bottom - Women's
$179.95
La Sportiva
Cosmosis Legging - Women's
$109.95
Smartwool
Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer Long Sleeve - Men's
$129.95
icebreaker
Merino Blend 75 Cool-Lite Featherlight SS Crewe - Men's
$139.95
Smartwool
Intraknit Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew - Men's
$179.95
Kari Traa
Smekker Long Sleeve Crew - Women's
$159.95
Smartwool
Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 3/4 Bottom - Men's
$134.95
MEC
T2 Merino Base Layer Long Sleeve Top - Women's
$129.95Member Price Available
Smartwool
Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew - Men's
$149.95
Smartwool
IntraKnit All-Season Merino Baselayer Bottom - Women's
$164.95
Smartwool
Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottom - Women's
$149.95
Smartwool
Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew - Women's
$149.95
Smartwool
Intraknit All-Season Merino Baselayer Long Sleeve - Women's
$164.95
Smartwool
IntraKnit All-Season Merino Baselayer Bottom - Men's
$164.95
Smartwool
Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer Bottoms - Women's
$124.95
Smartwool
Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer Crew - Women's
$129.95
Smartwool
Intraknit Thermal Merino Base Layer 3/4 Bottom - Men's
$149.95
Smartwool
Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottoms - Men's
$149.95
Kari Traa
Rose Half Zip Top - Women's
$159.95
Smartwool
Intraknit Active Bottom - Men's
$139.95
Smartwool
Intraknit Thermal Merino Base Layer 3/4 Bottoms - Women's
$139.95
Kari Traa
Rose High Waist Pants - Women's
$149.95
Kari Traa
Rose Hood - Women's
$169.95
MEC
T3 Merino Base Layer Long Sleeve Top - Men's
$139.95Member Price Available
MEC
T3 Merino Base Layer Bottoms - Men's
$139.95Member Price Available
Kari Traa
Smekker Half-Zip Baselayer Top - Women's
$169.95
Smartwool
Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip - Women's
$159.95
Filters
Category
Category
Shop Canadian
Shop Canadian
Brand
Brand
Gender
Gender
Women's Clothing Sizes
Women's Clothing Sizes
Men's Clothing Sizes
Men's Clothing Sizes
Ideal use
Ideal use
Features
Features
Current Offers
Current Offers
discount
discount
Base layers for ultimate winter warmth
Base layers for ultimate winter warmth
Base layers are the unsung heroes of outdoor adventure. Whether you’re strolling through local trails, staying cozy at home or carving turns on the slopes, base layers provide the foundation for warmth and comfort. Essential items like thermal leggings, tops, and socks ensure that you stay insulated and dry throughout the day, no matter the conditions. MEC hosts entire collections of warm base layers in-store or online, made by beloved brands like MEC Label, Smartwool, KOMBI and more.
Merino Wool vs. Synthetic Base Layers
Knowing how to choose base layers depends on your activity level and environment. Merino wool is loved for its soft texture, breathability and natural antimicrobial properties. It’s a perfect choice for activities with lower sweat levels, such as camping trips, chill hikes or downhill skiing. Merino wool regulates body temperature and resists odor, making it a reliable option.
Synthetic base layers, often made from high-performance polyester or polypropylene, excel in durability and moisture-wicking capabilities. Lightweight and quick-drying, these layers are budget-friendly and ideal for high-intensity activities like trail running, mountain biking and cross-country skiing. For those who push their limits, synthetic layers keep sweat at bay and ensure consistent comfort.
If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, hybrid merino-synthetic base layers blend the temperature regulation of wool with the durability and performance of synthetics. These versatile options are a great choice for adventurers with multiple activities on the go.
Building a layering system
Your base layer sets the stage, but it works best as part of a complete layering system. After selecting your base layer, add a mid-layer for insulation and an outer layer for protection. Mid-layers, such as fleece or insulated jackets, trap body heat while allowing moisture to escape. Outer layers, often waterproof or windproof, shield you from the elements, ensuring you’re ready for rain, snow, or brisk winds. For ever-changing weather conditions or extended adventures, mastering the art of layering is key. A well-chosen base layer not only enhances your outdoor comfort but also boosts performance by regulating temperature and managing moisture effectively. Any questions? Feel free to drop by your local MEC to meet our expert team of staffers who will be more than happy to lend their own advice.