AllOutdoor Review – Merino Base Layers from Vertx & 37.5 Technologies

Exploring the outdoors has taught me a lot of things; mostly about myself. I’ve learned that the mountains are way cooler than the beach, not to set up a tent in windy conditions, and that I hate being cold. As a general practice, layering is the best way to make sure you’re wearing the appropriate amount of insulation for the environment. This is especially true here in Colorado, where you can see snow, sunshine, hail, and more sunshine, all in the span of a few hours. In my experience, a strong outer layer means nothing if you don’t have a solid base layer as a foundation. For this job, I tried on the Merino Wool Base Layers, a collaborative effort between Vertx and 37.5 Technology.

Base Layer Coverage on AllOutdoor

Base Layers Hoody: Specifications

Materials: Merino, nylon, Spandex
Sizes: S – XXL
Color: Ranger Green
Price: $119.99

The Hoody Lookin’ Goody

I’ve used other base layers before. What excited me about this one was the clear attention to fit, as well as the promise of anti-itch properties. As a man of Sicilian decent, there’s enough hair on various parts of my body to cause some major digging. The hood isn’t your classic Obi-Wan fit. Instead, it uses multiple panels and flatlock seams to envelope your head.

Putting the hoody on, you realize why it’s only meant to be a base layer. It’s not tight, but the fit is snug. If you carry a concealed firearm, this isn’t going to work if you need to run to the store. The phrase “Stupid, sexy Flanders” comes to mind. More on the pants later… I’ve never been one for thumb holes in my sleeves, and I appreciate the solution here. Instead, there are Spandex thumb loops that pull away if needed. Otherwise, they lay flat.

Base Layers Pant: Specifications

Materials: Merino, nylon, Spandex
Sizes: S – XXL
Color: Ranger Green
Price: $99.99

Keep The Goodies Warm

The pants portion of this fitted duo has some interesting and unexpected advantages. The first is the leg pockets. The opening is what makes them really functional. The same Spandex that’s used in the thumb loops of the Hoody line the mouth of the pocket, allowing it to retain some lighter-weight items. The other unexpected bonus was thanks to that Flanders fit. I won’t cover this one in too much detail, but let’s say there are indoor activities that can sometimes be instigated by the right fit in the right place.

The pants are thin, which is exactly what’s needed, even more so than the Hoody. Shirts bunch up sometimes, but there’s nothing more uncomfortable than bunched up chonies. The legs run all the way down onto my ankle, and lock in place under a good pair of socks.

From Couch Potato To Trail Blazer

I’ve used these base layers for more than one purpose. Though this base layer system isn’t designed to be loungewear, it definitely holds a level of comfort that has me straight chillin’ in Ranger Green. I also move around a lot throughout the day. These allow me to be warm when I walk my son to school, shed my outer layer for comfort when I get home, then put my jeans back on when I go pick him up. That last part is important.

I tend to run a little hot, but I don’t like wearing shorts. I prefer to protect my lower half, then regulate my temperature with the top. If you know anything about Colorado, you know that we have some weird weather days. It’s not uncommon to have a sunny day with sub-freezing temperatures and snow on the ground. Because of this, I’ve found this dual part base layer to be ideal for working outside. The pants, under my outers, keep me warm. The Hoody covers my skin, while the thin material allows me to cool off. The anti-odor properties of the fabric are appreciated, as well. Mostly by my coworkers.

This past winter, I didn’t let the snow keep me indoors. It was mostly sickness and laziness that did that, but once I was cured of those, I ventured into the icy air. I wore the base layer in temperatures ranging from 11 degrees to the mid-fifties, both in the city and the mountains. While I’m not claiming that these pieces are some magic fabric that perfectly regulates temperature no matter what, I am saying that they made a clear difference.

The best thing after a hike is a beer, and transitioning from a frigid outdoor environment to an indoor one full of people can sometimes be an exercise in not passing out. While other base layers I’ve tried have made me feel overheated (and bunchy), these worked very well at keeping me on the good side of an ambulance.

The Base-ic Idea

The Merino Wool Base Layer Hoody and Pant from Vertx and 37.5 Technologies have been a pleasure to wear. If you want to know a secret, I’m actually wearing pants right now. When I was a kid, my only option was those waffle thermals. Now, as a grown man, I have an adult version that performs the way I need it to. The phone-sized pockets on the legs are a huge bonus.

There are sizing considerations, however. I wear a medium t-shirt, so I ordered a medium. It’s perfect for me because it hugs my body. If you like yours to fit more like a shirt, I’d size up. Also, the shape of the hood is amazing. I would like it to be just a bit larger, though. It fits me, but I have a relatively small head. A larger melon could cause the hood to sit in a position that’s not ideal for full coverage. The color is right, the fit is right, and the temperature regulating properties are on point. I would absolutely recommend these to someone looking for some athletic clothing, whether they’re using it as a base layer or comfort wear.

Product aside, remember to wear the propper gear before venturing into harsh, or potentially harsh environments. Hypothermia can set in quickly, and we all like you too much to find you as a popsicle. Make sure you check out the Vertx and 37.5 Technology websites. While you’re online take a look at Vertx’s socials (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube), as well as 37.5’s (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube). Stay warm out there!

Nicolas Lenze

Hiker, hunter, shooter, and angler living in beautiful Colorado.