Clothing | Base Layers
Your base layer is arguably the most important layer in your layering system, it wicks away moisture keeping you warm and dry. At Tom's Outdoors, we have a great range of Patagonia & Icebreaker base layers and thermal underwear for you to choose from. Read our guide on layering here.
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WHAT IS A THERMAL BASE LAYER?
A thermal base layer is an essential piece of clothing for cold-weather activities, designed to keep you warm by managing moisture and insulating your body. Worn as the first layer against your skin, thermal base layers come in different weights and densities to cater to various activity levels and temperature needs. Lightweight options are ideal for high-intensity activities where breathability is a priority, while midweight and heavyweight layers provide additional warmth for lower-intensity activities or colder conditions. Choosing the right weight ensures that you stay comfortable without overheating or feeling restricted.
HOW DO THERMAL BASE LAYERS WORK?
Thermal base layers work by managing moisture and regulating body temperature, helping you stay warm, dry, and comfortable. The fabric’s unique properties play a vital role in this:
Hydrophilic Properties: A good thermal base layer will be hydrophilic, meaning it’s highly absorbent. It quickly pulls sweat away from your skin, helping you stay dry and preventing the buildup of moisture, which can make you feel cold.
Hydrophobic Properties: Once moisture is absorbed, a quality base layer fabric will also be hydrophobic, meaning it dries quickly. This prevents wet fabric from clinging to your skin and making you cold. By keeping you both dry and warm, a thermal base layer effectively acts as a buffer between you and the cold weather, ensuring comfort during various outdoor activities.
These properties work together to trap a layer of warm air close to your skin while wicking moisture away, so you can stay warm without feeling clammy.
ARE MERINO THERMAL BASE LAYERS WORTH THE MONEY?
Merino wool thermal base layers are highly regarded for their natural temperature-regulating, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant properties. Unlike synthetic materials, merino wool fibers are incredibly fine and soft, offering warmth without itchiness. Merino is both hydrophilic and hydrophobic, allowing it to absorb moisture while drying quickly, so you stay comfortable even during high-intensity activities.
Although merino thermal layers are often more expensive than synthetics, their comfort, durability, and ability to perform in diverse conditions make them worth the investment for many. If you spend a lot of time outdoors in cold conditions or prioritize comfort and performance, merino wool thermals are a great choice.
NEED HELP CHOOSING A BASE LAYER? CONTACT US TODAYIf you would appreciate some additional advice. Simply get in touch with our friendly sales team – they’re always up for a chat. You can contact us by calling our Tumut store on (02) 6947 4062 or by email.
Icebreaker Men's 260 Tech Long Sleeve Half Zip
Icebreaker
Original price
$169.99
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Original price
$169.99
Original price
$169.99
$169.99
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$169.99
Current price
$169.99
Product Description This updated Midweight, Zip Neck design is a great foundation for cold-weather layering. The Tech LongSleeve Half Zip kee...
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Icebreaker Men's 260 ZoneKnit Long Sleeve Crewe
Icebreaker
Original price
$239.99
Original price
$239.99
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Original price
$239.99
Original price
$239.99
Current price
$169.00
$169.00
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$169.00
Current price
$169.00
Product Description Stay Warm, Stay Active with Merino Comfort. The Icebreaker Men's 260 ZoneKnit™ Long Sleeve Crewe is your go-to heavyweigh...
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Icebreaker Women's 260 Tech Leggings
Icebreaker
Original price
$159.99
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Original price
$159.99
Original price
$159.99
$159.99
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$159.99
Current price
$159.99
Product Description A warmer mid-weight version of the Icebreaker Oasis Leggings, designed to handle frigid days on the trail or mountain. Th...
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Icebreaker Women's Merino 260 Vertex Long Sleeve Half Zip Falling Flakes
Icebreaker
Original price
$209.99
Original price
$209.99
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Original price
$209.99
Original price
$209.99
Current price
$144.00
$144.00
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$144.00
Current price
$144.00
Product Description Cozy Comfort for Cold Adventures. Stay warm and stylish in the Icebreaker Women's Merino 260 Vertex Long Sleeve Half Zip F...
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Icebreaker Women's Merino 260 Vertex Long Sleeve Half Zip First Snow
Icebreaker
Original price
$189.99
Original price
$189.99
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Original price
$189.99
Original price
$189.99
Current price
$134.00
$134.00
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$134.00
Current price
$134.00
Product Description Stand out from the Crowd and the Cold with Merino. Perfect for crisp winter mornings or layering up for a snowy expediti...
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Icebreaker Women's Merino 260 Tech Long Sleeve Scoop
Icebreaker
Original price
$179.99
Original price
$179.99
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Original price
$179.99
Original price
$179.99
Current price
$124.00
$124.00
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$124.00
Current price
$124.00
Product Description A breathable and comfy Mid-weight that keeps you warm, mobile and odour-free. This Base Layer is a go-to for cold conditio...
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Icebreaker Women's Merino 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe Ski Day
Icebreaker
Original price
$159.99
Original price
$159.99
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Original price
$159.99
Original price
$159.99
Current price
$114.00
$114.00
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$114.00
Current price
$114.00
Product Description This Base Layer features a technically capable yet flattering silhouette with the benefits of 100% merino wool. If you're ...
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Icebreaker Women's 260 Tech Long Sleeve Crewe
Icebreaker
Original price
$159.99
Original price
$159.99
-
Original price
$159.99
Original price
$159.99
Current price
$114.00
$114.00
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$114.00
Current price
$114.00
Product Description A breathable and comfy Mid-weight that keeps you warm, mobile and odour free. This Base Layer is a go-to for cold conditi...
View full details
Icebreaker Men's 260 Tech Leggings
Icebreaker
Original price
$159.99
-
Original price
$179.99
Original price
$159.99
-
Original price
$179.99
Original price
$159.99
$114.00
-
$124.00
$114.00
-
$124.00
Current price
$114.00
Product Description A warmer Midweight version of the Oasis Leggings. Perfect for frigid days on the trails or the mountain, the updated 260 ...
View full details
Icebreaker Men's 260 Tech Long Sleeve Crewe
Icebreaker
Original price
$159.99
-
Original price
$179.99
Original price
$159.99
-
Original price
$179.99
Original price
$159.99
$114.00
-
$124.00
$114.00
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$124.00
Current price
$114.00
Product Description The versatile base layer with an updated design in midweight fabric is an essential foundation for your cold-weather lay...
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Icebreaker Men's 125 ZoneKnit Short Sleeve Crewe
Icebreaker
Original price
$149.99
Original price
$149.99
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Original price
$149.99
Original price
$149.99
Current price
$104.00
$104.00
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$104.00
Current price
$104.00
Product Description Stay Cool, Stay Active—Ultimate Comfort for High-Intensity Adventures The Icebreaker Men's 125 ZoneKnit Short Sleeve Crew...
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Icebreaker Women's 200 Oasis Leggings
Icebreaker
Original price
$129.99
Original price
$129.99
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Original price
$129.99
Original price
$129.99
Current price
$89.00
$89.00
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$89.00
Current price
$89.00
Product Description The go-to Base Layer bottoms made with classic merino jersey fabric in a highly comfortable and versatile design. The 200...
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Icebreaker Women's 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe
Icebreaker
Original price
$129.99
Original price
$129.99
-
Original price
$129.99
Original price
$129.99
Current price
$89.00
$89.00
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$89.00
Current price
$89.00
Product Description This Base Layer features a technically capable yet flattering silhouette with the benefits of 100% merino wool. If you're...
View full details
Icebreaker Men's 200 Oasis Leggings
Icebreaker
Original price
$129.99
Original price
$129.99
-
Original price
$129.99
Original price
$129.99
Current price
$89.00
$89.00
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$89.00
Current price
$89.00
Product Description Icebreaker's best-selling active baselayer bottoms made with ultra-comfortable 100% merino jersey fabric and an updated d...
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Icebreaker Men's 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe
Icebreaker
Original price
$129.99
-
Original price
$139.99
Original price
$129.99
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Original price
$139.99
Original price
$129.99
$89.00
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$99.00
$89.00
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$99.00
Current price
$89.00
Product Description Everyday Bodyfit tops layer effortlessly under any mid and outer layers providing a great foundation for your everyday co...
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Icebreaker Men's 200 Oasis 3/4 Leggings
Icebreaker
Original price
$109.99
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Original price
$129.99
Original price
$109.99
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Original price
$129.99
Original price
$109.99
$79.00
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$89.00
$79.00
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$89.00
Current price
$79.00
Product Description Easy layering, warmth, unmatched breathability and moisture wicking for all your cold weather pursuits. The Icebreaker M...
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Icebreaker Men's Anatomica Tank
Icebreaker
Original price
$89.99
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Original price
$99.99
Original price
$89.99
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Original price
$99.99
Original price
$89.99
$64.00
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$69.00
$64.00
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$69.00
Current price
$64.00
Product Description An ultralight layer with maximum breathability and comfort. Icebreaker makes exceptionally high-quality merino clothing, ...
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Icebreaker Men's 200 Oasis Short Sleeve Crewe
Icebreaker
Original price
$109.99
Original price
$109.99
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Original price
$109.99
Original price
$109.99
Current price
$64.00
$64.00
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$64.00
Current price
$64.00
Product Description This reliable classic has an updated design which retains its breathability, versatility and comfort. The Oasis Short Sle...
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Icebreaker Men's Anatomica S/Sleeve Crewe Merino Base Layer
Icebreaker
Original price
$89.99
Original price
$89.99
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Original price
$89.99
Original price
$89.99
Current price
$64.00
$64.00
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$64.00
Current price
$64.00
Product Description It hasn’t always been easy to find clothing that can keep up with a busy lifestyle… yet Icebreaker are geared up to chang...
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Icebreaker Women's Siren Tank Underwear
Icebreaker
Original price
$89.99
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Original price
$99.99
Original price
$89.99
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Original price
$99.99
Original price
$89.99
$53.00
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$69.00
$53.00
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$69.00
Current price
$53.00
Product Description The sleek and soft Siren Tank is so versatile, so soft and so stylish - you won't want to wear anything else. The core-sp...
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