Kirsty Pallas recommends the Artilect Quandary Peak Hoodie, a fine knit and breathable midlayer.
I’ve used several merino base layers, but this Artilect Quandary Peak Hoodie is my first merino midlayer and I’m converted.
Kirsty Pallas recommends
As with all merino items, it comes with a higher price point, but the warmth and longevity are worth it.- warmth
- soft fabric
- price
| Quick specs |
|---|
| Price: $230 / £190 (available from Cotswold Outdoor) Weight: 300g (Small) Fill: Nuyarn 220g fleece, 78% merino 22% nylon Hood: yes Shell: n/a Pockets: 2 zipped hand pockets, 1 zipped forearm pocket Hem: simple Cuffs: simple with a thumb loop Sizes: XS – XL Men’s version: yes artilectperformance.com |
The Nuyarn fabric that Artilect uses across their range has a great warmth to weight ratio and dries much quicker than other merino garments. Plus it has all the usual benefits of the fabric: a soft feel and odour resistance, which means it can be worn for longer than a synthetic layer. As it’s a fine knit fabric, it’s not windproof but very breathable.
It’s a neat fit but I was still easily able to get it on over a long sleeved baselayer and it was warm enough for winter days out with another lighter windproof layer on top. It has a longer cut than the others in this test, which means it comes down to almost cover my bum, so it’s draft free.
The sleeves have thumb loops for a little more protection and warmth around the wrists, which also keeps them in place. This does make the sleeves a little longer, so when I didn’t want to use them the extra fabric did tend to gather around my wrists and forearms.
The hand pockets are a good size and zipped for security, but quite low on the garment, so hard to access if you’ve got a waist belt on. There’s also a small pocket on the left forearm, which should work well for a ski pass. The pockets have a 100% recycled lining. A cosy hood is neat enough to fit under a helmet but over a beanie hat or headband.
As with all merino items, it comes with a higher price point, but the warmth and longevity are worth it.
Testing conditions
Kirsty is a women’s size 8-10 and a regular build. These midlayers were tested throughout winter 2023/24 in the Scottish Highlands while climbing, mountaineering, hillwalking, and biking, and in a range of weather. All weights taken from Kirsty’s own scales.
To compare this midlayer with others we rate, see our guide to the best fleece jackets and midlayers.
