Best Thermals for Every Type of Activity

Do you like cycling, trekking, or any other outdoor activity during winters? Have you ever wanted to know how to stay warm even during extreme temperatures so that you could completely enjoy what you are doing? If you are also searching for these answers, you have reached the best place!

The main rule of thumb for winter activities is layering. I cannot emphasize enough on how important layering is to stay warm and protected. You’ll need to wear two to three layers, depending on how cold it is. Your first layer will usually be a base layer or thermal which is the most important layer as it is closest to your skin, so you need to choose a base layer wisely.

In this blog, I’m going to cover a wide range of activities and what thermals to wear while doing that. Let’s begin! 

1.Trekking or climbing

Whether you are an adventure-loving person who loves going on treks or you are looking to stay warm while doing any rigorous physical activity, we have the perfect thermal for you. You need to look for a moisture-wicking fabric so that you don't feel too sweaty or uncomfortable after any physical activity. Trekking, climbing, or hiking are some of the most popular outdoor activities for the winter-loving people. The excitement and adrenaline rush one gets while climbing a mountain to witness the winter wonderland from the top of a mountain is definitely incredible. 

But during the hike or climb, you can feel hot and start sweating even though it is extremely cold that is why it's important to select the right thermal that can absorb your sweat and regulate your body temperature.  Look for a lightweight half-sleeve or full-sleeve thermal made from merino wool. 

Kosha thermals are designed in a way that they can regulate your body temperature and keep you feeling comfortable even during such intense activities and the best thing is that they can also work as a t-shirt, isn't it a win-win situation, style plus comfort at the same time? 

Go for a long-sleeved high neck base layer and full length fitting thermal pants. Do not go for cotton as when cotton gets wet, it takes a very long time to dry, which can leave you feeling damp, cold, and uncomfortable. Whereas Wool layers dry much faster and it is a trans-seasonal fabric; so it's advisable to wear merino wool during a hike or trek.

2. Marathon or cycling

Image credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Running_Man_Kyle_Cassidy.jpg

If you are someone who loves going out for a run every now and then or somebody who loves cycling through the woods or maybe in the streets during the winters, then you would know how important base layers are. Base layers will protect your body from the cold winter air and not let your body heat escape. For a light physical activity like running or cycling, the best base layers are of merino wool or merino-bamboo fabrics. Check out the base layers to understand how merino wool helps you to stay cool even after a 10 km run or cycling. Merino Wool and Bamboo Full Sleeves Thermals are one of the best quality fabrics available out there. They are made of the finest quality and durable fibers. Merino is a great all-rounder as you can wear it every day and it lasts for years. The material is soft and lightweight, making it an ideal base layer to keep you warm and odor-free. To protect yourself from the cold weather and hypothermia, wear a long-sleeved base layer shirt that's made of merino wool. Over your first layer, you can wear a second layer, if needed, for added protection. Besides keeping you sweat-free and cool after any intense physical activity, another important feature of merino wool base layer is that it doesn't get smelly after a tough workout and wicks moisture better than synthetic materials, which is crucial on winter outings.

3. Travelling

Whether you are traveling to Iceland to see the northern flights or Switzerland to soak in the beauty of the Alps, there is a thermal made just to meet your travel plans. It is important to pack base layers especially when you are traveling from a hot region to a colder one as one can forget which layers to pack depending upon the temperature of your destination. 

Ranging from merino bamboo to cotton, you can find a thermal that will be light and comfortable and can work in whatever country or temperature you are visiting. One base layer set would do but if you're going to an extreme cold weather destination then you can wear two sets if you plan to spend a large amount of time outside. Wear your thermals underneath everything! Merino wool thermal underwear is the best. If you're traveling somewhere cold this winter, invest in thermal wear that will keep you warm from head to toe. Merino wool is also naturally antibacterial, meaning even if you wear it for 2 weeks straight every single day, it won’t smell. 

 4. Watching a movie at home when it’s too chilly outside

When choosing thermal clothing for men or women, it’s important to find the right fit. The ideal thermal tops and bottoms are close-fitting and cling to your body so that you don’t have to deal with excess fabric bunching and getting in your way.

Some days you just want to relax and do simple activities, then we need a thermal that is comfortable and warm. Instead of merino wool, you can go for cotton that works best when the weather is only moderately cool and you don't have any plan on doing an outdoor activity. Cotton base layers are breathable and smooth. This baselayer fabric is a classic and will never go out of trend. Get one for yourself fast for a fun winter season. Even though you are indoors, it is still important to layer up. Layering clothes is an effective and flexible technique for staying warm outdoors and in. With a cotton base layer, you can always go with accessories like mufflers or caps for extra protection and they look super amazing too.

5.Camping

Winter is coming and camping is another such activity that makes your winter memorable. Whether it’s the smell of pine and the tranquility of the hills or you are a fan of a star-filled sky amid the snowy mountains, the base layer is a must when you are packing. Without a proper base layer, it can get super cold real quick.

@Breathtakingpostcards wearing Kosha's thermal wear and jackets while camping

So if you want to soak in the chill air and enjoy your camping trip, then don’t forget to pack well. Your first layer will be the base layer that will become your best friend on your trip, whether it’s a chilly -10 degrees celsius or only slightly cold 10 degrees.

Heavier thermals suitable for camping and walking around in cold weather are important in order to stay warm and dry. It's best to layer your clothing and stick to the 3-layer rule - a base layer, a middle layer, and an outer layer. For thermals, choose a fabric like synthetic and merino wool that dries quickly and wicks moisture up to the outer layers where it is evaporated, keeping you nice and dry (avoid cotton as it takes a long time to dry and loses its insulating qualities as it gets wet). Next is your middle layer, which serves as insulation to retain body heat. Finally, your outer layer should be waterproof, windproof, and well ventilated.

Now you know what you need to pack. From cycling to climbing the cold mountains, base layers are a must for every activity. They will not only keep you warm but regulate your body temperature so that after any activity, you don't feel cold because of your own sweat. Once you get the hang of layering, you will fall in love with winters all over again and won't be able to resist going out to enjoy the winter season.