Best Merino Base Layers and Best Synthetic Alternatives.

Are there any equally effective synthetic alternatives to a Merino base layer?

In outdoor exercise let alone cycling circles there is a tendency to romanticize the merino base layer beyond the abilities of the fabric, amazing fabric as it is. In reality, there are different grades of merino wool that affects how it can perform and cost. In general, synthetic base layers come close to merino in some performance aspects but vastly outperform in others. Not all synthetic baselayers are born equal though, so don’t expect cheap ones to perform as well as merino or a good synthetic.

3 Synthetic Alternatives to a Merino Base layer

Photo	Title	Price	Buy
	GripGrab Ride Thermo 1 and 3 Pack Winter Cycling Base Layer Long Sleeve Men	£87.05
	TCA Men's SuperThermal Compression Base Layer Top Long Sleeve Thermal Under Shirt - Navy Eclipse, M
	Canterbury Men's Thermoreg Turtle Neck Long Sleeve Base Layer Top, Black, M
	Under Armour Mens HeatGear Long Sleeve Shirt - Black //Steel - MD

But in general, synthetic is a good cost-effective alternative. The under armour base layer is one of the most most popular, high performing synthetic alternatives to a merino base layer.

Is Merino the best base layer for winter riding?

For low-intensity efforts it’s hard to fault. It feels great, holds plenty of moisture without feeling wet, and doesn’t smell and can maintain its insulating properties when wet which is a rare quality

Merino Base Layers

Photo	Title	Price	Buy
	Mountain Warehouse Merino Mens Long Sleeve Thermal Baselayer Top - Lightweight Jumper, Antibacterial & Quick Drying Sweatshirt - for Travel & Outdoors Black M
	Mountain Warehouse Merino Womens Thermal Baselayer Top - Lightweight, Antibacterial & Breathable Ladies T Shirt - For Travel, Hiking, Camping, Skiing, Snowboard Black Women's Size 14

For higher intensity riding it does start to falter and this is where synthetic materials really start to shine in comparison. This is because although merino wicks water well, it can get heavy when wet and take a long time to dry. If it gets excessively wet from moisture or rain it can become misshappen, (even while riding), riding up your midriff and lower arms, exposing bare skin to the cold.

If you ride often during winter, in an ideal world you would have the option of both materials in your winter cycling wardrobe so you could choose either depending on your planned ride in terms of distance, temperature and predicted rain. But if not, then either a good quality synthetic or merino will do.