Kathmandu Merino 195 baselayer claims:

• Natural temperature control
• Anti-microbial
• Lightweight, next to the skin comfort
• Great moisture management
• UPF 45

My main problem with Merino, however, if that it makes my skin itch. I find that after a few washing machine washes I can cope with the baselayer against my skin but on the first few outings I have to wear it over a base vest.

What I like about the 195 baselayer

It is lightweight and looks good. A slightly looser female-fit is flattering and the v-neck design adds a nice detail. I like to have the option of wearing baselayers as outerlayers on warmer days and in the pub after a walk so I look for good-looking baselayers! The colour is also pretty and different from any other tops that I have.

In terms of the praticals, the baselayer feel immediately warming. I wore it under a thin fleecelayer and with a waterproof jacket on the top and despite a biting wind my core temperature felt very pleasantly warm. I felt a bit itchy on my arms where the baselayer toughed my skin but I do expect that to disappear with wear and washing.

I wore the baselayer for three days doing a variety of activities, dog walking, running and cycling, and there was still no major whiff, even under the arms. I never felt wet on the skin from excessive sweating so the “moisture management” properties do work.

The body length and arms are excellent. There is nothing worse than a baselayer that leaves waist and wrists open to the chill air. Well done Kathmandu on designing a baselayer that is nice and long, even for slimmer people.

What I’m not so keen on with the Kathmandu Baselayer 195

The itchy fabric, but that is the same with all Merino wool products and might be my sensitive skin. The advantages of this baselayer outweighs the itch. £54.99 is a lot to pay out for one thin layer but Merino lasts for many, many years and keeps its shape so you could see it as a good investment for a staple outdoorsy layer.

Summary review of Kathmandu Merino 195 baselayer

(Scored out of 10)

Female fit: 7

Warmth: 8

Moisture management: 9

Whiff: 9

Does what it says on the label: 8 (lost points for the itching)

Price: 7

I have spotted the Kathmandu baselayer for sale at £38.49 in size 8 and 10.

Note: This article was restored from the archives. It's published creation date is inaccurate.