When the temperature drops and the trails get cold, your base layer becomes the most important piece of clothing you own. Get it right and you stay warm, dry, and comfortable from the first step to the last. Get it wrong and no amount of fleece or down on top will save you. 

Stay warm on the trail — why Wilderness Wear thermals are our team's number one pick

At PAST Outdoors, we've tried and tested a huge range of base layers over the years — and time and time again, our team comes back to Wilderness Wear. An Australian brand built on a genuine love of the outdoors, Wilderness Wear produces some of the finest thermals available anywhere in the country.

Why Wilderness Wear thermals outperform the rest

What sets Wilderness Wear apart from other thermal brands comes down to one thing — the quality of their merino wool. Australian merino is widely regarded as the finest natural fibre for outdoor performance, offering unmatched softness, natural temperature regulation, and moisture-wicking properties that synthetic alternatives simply can't replicate. Wilderness Wear harnesses all of that in a range of thermals designed specifically for the demands of the Australian outdoors — from cold alpine mornings to wet and unpredictable winter conditions on the trail.

The Wilderness Wear Men's Merino Mid 220 Long Sleeve Crew Top is a perfect example of everything the brand does well. At 220 gsm, it sits in the sweet spot between lightweight packability and genuine warmth — making it an ideal base layer for hiking, camping, and everything in between. Soft against the skin, naturally odour-resistant, and built to last season after season, it's the thermal top our team reaches for every single winter without fail.

Thermal comfort from head to toe

Great thermals aren't just about your upper body. Keeping your feet warm and dry is just as critical on a cold winter hike — and this is where the Wilderness Wear Merino Fusion Max Hiker Socks earn their place in your kit. Combining merino wool with a durable fusion construction, these socks deliver exceptional warmth, cushioning, and moisture management over long distances. If your feet have ever suffered through a cold and wet day on the trail, you'll know exactly how much of a difference the right sock makes.

For more advice on building a complete winter kit, check out our guides on: How to Get Dressed for Performance in All Weather Conditions and our Winter hiking guide: choosing accessories for every adventure covering bum bags, gloves, and more. And if you're planning a cold weather camping trip, our guide on: Our Cold weather camping tips: tents, sleeping mats & clothing to keep you cosy is essential reading before you head out.

Dave Parker, our CEO on a recent multi-day hike in April 2026 to Cantebury New Zealand.

Shop Wilderness Wear at PAST Outdoors

Honestly? We stock Wilderness Wear because we wear it ourselves. As a family-owned Australian business based in Helensburgh NSW, every recommendation we make comes from genuine experience on real trails in real conditions — and Wilderness Wear has never let us down. Our community of adventurers across more than 40 countries has trusted us to bring them the best Australian outdoor brands for years, and this is one we recommend with complete confidence.

Ready to upgrade your winter kit? Explore the full Wilderness Wear collection at PAST Outdoors today — online 24/7 or in store in Helensburgh NSW. ❄️🌿