The humble thermal is where every adventure begins. Unfortunately, it often gets overlooked. But choosing the right type of thermal for your activity is critical for comfortable (and warm) adventures. Here’s everything you need to know about your most essential layer.
What’s the purpose of a thermal base layer?
A base layer is your first layer of clothing; it sits directly on your skin and forms the foundation of your layering system. The main purpose of base layers is to help manage moisture. Base layers aren’t just limited to underwear either; now you can find everything from long sleeve tops and long johns to camisoles, singlets and tees. At Macpac, we have two kinds of thermal base layers – merino and synthetic.
Merino Thermals
Our merino thermals are available in a range of fabric weights, from 150 g/m² through to 220 g/m² styles and are ideal for year-round comfort and versatility in warm or cool climates. Merino yarn is super fine, lightweight and soft on skin — without being itchy or heavy like traditional wool.
Key benefits of merino include:
- Naturally temperature regulating
- Naturally odour resistant
- Comfortable and non-itch
Prothermals are our premium synthetic baselayer option, made from Polartec® Power Grid™ with recycled content. Designed in partnership with the New Zealand Alpine Team, prothermals are an awesome option for technical performance during activities where weight is critical – such as climbing or hiking.
Key benefits of Prothermals include:
- Lightweight and compressible
- Superior warmth
- Breathability
Wicking performance
Quality baselayers will last you a long time, so think of baselayers as an investment in your adventure kit. Hopefully this post helps illustrate the difference in merino vs. synthetic layers. If you need any help making the right decision, be sure to speak to one of our team in-store or message us customercare@macpac.com.au. To find out how they relate to winter layering, read our comprehensive post here
Prothermals
Prothermals are our premium synthetic thermal option, made from Polartec® Power Grid™. Designed for superior breathability, maximum warmth, and weight reduction, Prothermals are an awesome option for technical performance during high-output activities such as climbing or hiking.
Key benefits of Prothermals include:
- Lightweight and compressible
- Maximum warmth-to-weight ratio
- Breathable
- Moisture wicking
- Odour control technology
Exothermals
Exothermals are an excellent all-rounder made from Polartec® Power Dry® which is an advanced next-to-skin moisture-wicking fabric. Designed as a performance base layer, Exothermals can be worn on adventures in all weather conditions.
Key benefits of Exothermals include:
- Lightweight
- Moisture-wicking
- Highly breathable and fast to dry
- Odour control technology
Geothermals
Geothermals are our ‘entry-level’ synthetic thermal. Made from polyester that contains recycled content, Geothermals are a great option for all-round performance and warmth during activity.
Key benefits of Geothermals include:
- Durable fabric construction
- Moisture wicking
- Breathable and fast to dry
Quality thermals will last you a long time, so think of them as an investment in your adventure kit.
