Lara Dunn recommends the 66 North Basar Merino Wool Zipneck base layer after rigorous testing. Find out why.
The first thing that jumps out about the 66 North Basar Merino Wool Zipneck super warm baselayer top is just how incredibly soft it is. This is exactly the sort of top-quality sumptuous merino you’d be hoping for from the not inconsiderable price tag attached.
Lara Dunn recommends
The merino wool breathes beautifully, helping to maintain a stable temperature, whatever the weather variations outside.- High-quality soft and ethical merino fabric
- Expensive
| Quick specs |
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| Price: $150 / £115 (available from 66 North) Weight: 253g (size XL) Materials: 100% merino wool Features: YKK ½ zip, flatlocked seams Sizes: XS-XXL Men’s Version? Yes www.66north.com |
Despite 66North’s Icelandic (and cold weather) pedigree, the wool used in this baselayer is sourced from New Zealand (home of the best merino) and adheres to the Textile Exchange’s Responsible Wool Standard that guarantees animal welfare protection. This is a pleasure to wear next to skin on really, really cold days, or thanks to the thickness of the fabric even makes a good lightweight midlayer over a thinner base.
The Basar is pretty minimalist on features, with a sturdy YKK half-length front zip and flatlocked seams being about the height of it, but it’s a good length in the body and sleeves, with a fit that should suit most shapes especially taking into account how stretchy it is. Ultimately, it’s a garment that is all about the fabric and its inherent warmth. For those intending to wear it solely as an incredibly warm baselayer, it might be worth considering sizing down, given how stretchy the fabric is.
Out on the hill, it’s super comfortable to wear, with the high cosy collar helping to keep out any draughts while keeping the warm air safely trapped inside. The merino wool breathes beautifully, helping to maintain a stable temperature, whatever the weather variations outside. It really is best suited to very cold conditions though.
That high-quality merino washes well and thanks to merino’s natural odour-taming abilities, this is a garment that will be performing well for years to come, making that initially high-feeling price tag a safe investment. Just keep it stored with some lavender bags or cedar to keep the moths away!
Testing conditions
Lara Dunn wore the baselayers during wet autumn and cold, snowy winter conditions on a mix of walks in the Malvern Hills, Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains. She takes a high street size 14, sometimes 16 and is 5’5” tall. This review was first published in the March 2025 issue of The Great Outdoors.
