Smartwool Intraknit Merino Base Layers for Skiing: My Review After 3+ Years
Over the last three years, I’ve been alternating between two sets of the same Smartwool Intraknit Merino Base Layers while spending a considerable amount of time in the mountains and skiing at least 30 days a season. While I’ve tried and tested base layers from other brands, my sets from Smartwool are by far my favorite.
Wearing my Smartwool Intraknit Merino Base Layer Top and Base Layer Bottom in Zermatt, Switzerland. My socks are also Smartwool!
I’ve found that it’s always better to travel with and wear fewer, yet higher quality layers on a ski trip. By nature, the sport of skiing requires a considerable amount of gear and layers, so the more efficient you can be with each item, the better. Though it can feel like a investment, if you choose high-quality Smartwool base layers that will continue to keep you warm, fit comfortably, and last a long time, you can avoid having to spend more money replacing lower-quality layers every year.
Continue reading to discover what I love most about the material and fit of my Smartwool base layers, and how I’ve washed and cared for them to stay in great condition after more than three years.
What I love about the Material: Smartwool Intraknit Merino
I’ve found Smartwool’s Intraknit Merino material to be warm, lightweight, breathable, and non-itchy. Merino is known to be anti-microbial and odor-resistant, making it the perfect material for performance wear.
The quality of the material feels great, and they provide a lot of warmth even on very cold days. And because Smartwool’s Intraknit is lightweight, the material is still breathable and comfortable on days where the temperature may fluctuate, or if you build a lot of your own body heat on challenging ski runs.
What I love about the Fit: Smartwool Intraknit Merino Base Layers
Though these Smartwool base layers are comfortable and stretchy, I love that they don’t stretch out, even after three years of considerable wear. The fit is non-restricting yet stays close to the body, and allows for a full range-of-motion so you can be active on the slopes. Because the fit is close to the body, the material stays warm and the layers never bunch underneath your ski jacket or ski pants. I’ve also doubled my layers depending on the conditions, and have worn my Smartwool Intraknit Base Layer pants underneath a pair of leggings, underneath my ski pants on very cold days on the mountain.
For size reference: I’m 5’9” and 135lbs, and wear an extra-small (XS) top and a small (S) bottom in my Smartwool base layers because I like them to be form-fitting.
How I’ve cared for my Smartwool Intraknit Merino Base Layers for 3+ years
Because I wear my base layers often, I also wash them often. I usually wash them in a normal cycle in a washing machine and hang dry them. Because they are merino, they dry very quickly and do not retain any smell. They’ve held up well after many wears and many washes, and after three years, I’ve only noticed one small hole at one elbow and was able to stitch it up very easy. Since I’ve owned them, the material has never deteriorated, the elastic is still in the same original condition, and they are just as warm as they’ve always been.
Where to Buy Smartwool Intraknit Merino Base Layers
For the past three years, I've alternated between two sets of the same Smartwool Intraknit Merino Base layers.
I purchased my Smartwool Intraknit Merino Base Layers from REI, but they are also available on Amazon, or directly from the Smartwool website (they also have an EU website!).
I personally love purchasing gear from REI because of their rewards program, and you can sometimes find great prices or promotions on discontinued colors. Amazon also sometimes offers sales on Smartwool, so it’s worth checking especially in the off-season.
While I am usually an advocate for buying second hand or supporting a circular economy, I would recommend purchasing your base layers brand new from retailers either online or in person. If you’re curious about the types of ski apparel and gear I would recommend buying second hand, you can read the article I published on the topic here: Ski Gear: What to Buy Second Hand, and What to Buy Brand New
Shop Smartwool Intraknit Merino Base Layers
Shop my favorite Smartwool Targeted Cushion Merino Ski Socks
Are you a fan of Smartwool or have any questions about my experience skiing in their cold weather layers? Let me know in the comments below!
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About the author
Meet Carina Otero, avid skier and the creator of She is Not Lost, an online community for celebrating female travelers and a blog providing helpful tips, useful information, and inspiration for your future travels. Carina’s passion for skiing and love of writing and photography have inspired a new blog to share her experiences and personal favorites relating to the sport:
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