Norwegian brand Brynje makes pretty much the definitive performance base layer in its 100 per cent polypropylene string mesh Super Thermo. The polypro can be a bit rough but its wicking and dryness is genuinely amazing, and the string mesh traps warm air when you want it, and then dumps it as soon as you open the zip on your top layer.
If the wide string mesh presents you with an aesthetic challenge, or you’d prefer something gentler or less inclined to hang on to sweaty smells over multi-day trips than polypro, you’re in luck: Brynje makes a number of variants. The synthetic summerweight finer mesh Super Micro T-shirt is one, and the Wool Thermo Light is another, using the finer mesh and an 80 per cent merino wool, 20 per cent polyamide mix. Read on and you’ll see why the Wool Thermo Light easily wins best base for temperature control in our guide to the best winter base layers.
