Artilect wasn’t a brand I’d come across until recently, and their merino items are very well made. The Artilect Boulder 125 Hotpant briefs are made from Nuyarn merino, a patented yarn that boasts improved performance over standard merino.

Kirsty Pallas’ Best in Test

There a lot of good features packed in here, but the price does represent that, and for that price I would expect them to last for a long time.
Pros
  • light fabric
  • warmth
Cons
  • tight legs
  • price
Quick specs
Price: $50 / £45 (available from Ellis Brigham)
Weight: 34g for Small
Materials: Nuyarn merino, nylon, Flatlock seams, ventilation panel
Sizes: XS – XL
Men’s version? Boxer equivalent
artilectperformance.com

I can’t attest to all of the claims, they did sport a high warmth to weight ratio, feeling very warm but coming in at half the weight of the other two pairs in my selection. They also dry very fast, so were ideal for multi day trips and washing en route.

These are the only pair that have any form of ventilation, which is a panel on the back that has eyelet holes in, and sits roughly where waistbands of other layers, and a rucksack might, so an area that can get very hot. Due to being a much lighter and finer material, there is a double layer right at the crotch for additional protection.

I really liked the fit, especially the briefer style – it feels like there’s nothing that’s going to move around as I move. The waistband is comfortable, low profile and works with other layers, and all the seams are flatlock so I didn’t experience any rubbing or chafing.

My only quibble was the tightness of the legs – this was fine once they were on, but they did need a bit more care when I was pulling them up and down over my thighs. Fine for the start or end of the day, but slightly trickier for going to the toilet, especially when managing other layers too. This might just be a case of differing body shapes, but a little more stretch on the legs would make this a lot easier.

There a lot of good features packed in here, but the price does represent that, and for that price I would expect them to last for a long time.

Testing conditions

Kirsty is a size 10 with muscular legs and glutes. Her underwear was tested throughout winter, often under two or three layers including thermal leggings, softshells, or waterproofs. They were worn hillwalking, teaching winter skills, and on winter climbing routes. This review was first published in the June 2025 issue of The Great Outdoors.