Three Things To Know
- Signature Fern Stripe Design - Stylish, subtle pattern adds personality while remaining versatile for layering
- Soft Merino Blend Fabric - Combines natural merino wool with stretch fibers for comfort, warmth, and mobility
- All-Day Performance - Lightweight yet insulating, with excellent moisture-wicking that keeps you dry during hikes, walks, or casual wear
Our Rating:
Warmth and Breathability
Comfort and Fit
Moisture Management
Durability and Care
Check availability at Findra.
As the weather turns colder, I love sourcing the best cold weather gear for winter walks. Base layers are the foundation of any layering system – keeping you warm, dry, and comfortable without adding bulk. When I tried the Findra Fern Stripe Base Layer, I was curious to see how it would perform in real-world conditions. With its stylish design and reputation for technical performance, I wanted to test whether it could balance comfort, warmth, and moisture management while being versatile enough for both active days outdoors and casual wear.
If you're looking to add to your winter wardrobe why not take a look at our guides to the best hiking boots, and the best lightweight waterproof jackets.
- RRP: £96.00
- Materials: 4% nylon and 96% ethically sourced non-mulesed Australian Merino Wool
- Care Instructions: Wash alone at 30 degrees on a short cycle with no softener or bleach and do not tumble dry
Warmth and Breathability
When I wore the Findra Fern Stripe Base Layer on a cool morning hike, I immediately noticed how well it balanced warmth and ventilation. The merino blend fabric trapped enough heat to keep me comfortable in temperatures around 5–10°C, but it never felt stifling – even during steeper sections where I was moving faster. The lightweight knit allows air to circulate, and I stayed dry thanks to its natural moisture-wicking properties. Layered under a shell, it performed well throughout the day, keeping me thermally regulated without adding bulk.
Comfort and Fit
Non mulesed" refers to wool sourced from sheep that have not undergone the practice of mulesing, a controversial surgical procedure to remove skin from a lamb's backside to prevent flystrike. Instead of mulesing, non-mulesed wool is produced by sheep bred to have naturally plain (less wrinkly) skin or by using pain relief during mulesing. This designation is a key indicator for consumers and brands seeking to ethically source wool that avoids the painful practice of mulesing.
The soft ethically sourced non-mulesed merino wool feels exceptionally soft against the skin with no itchiness. The cut is tailored but not restrictive during hiking, and the handy thumbholes stop the base layer from riding up your sleeves.
The fabric has enough stretch to move with me while climbing or scrambling, and the flat seams prevent any rubbing under a mid-layer or jacket. I did notice that after the first wear that the base layer had stretched quite a lot, but with a careful cool wash and flat drying it sprung back. Findra uses its Seamless Performance 3D Knitting Technology which adds to the softness of the fabric with no chafing, and zero waste in the manufacturing process. The process is a circular knitting technique that means the garment is made in one continuous piece without any seams.
Moisture Management
On a brisk hike, I noticed that the Findra Fern Stripe Base Layer really handles moisture well. The merino wool blend naturally wicks sweat away from my skin, keeping me dry even on steeper climbs when I started to work up a sweat. I didn’t feel clammy or chilled at any point, and the fabric dries quickly, which was especially useful when layered under my waterproof jacket in damp conditions. For me, it made long walks and active days much more comfortable, as I didn’t have to constantly adjust my layers to stay warm and dry.
Durability and Care
After several hikes and everyday wear, the Findra Fern Stripe Base Layer has held up really well. The merino blend shows minimal pilling, even in high-friction areas like under the arms, and the sleeves are reinforced for durability. I’ve been able to machine wash it on a gentle cycle without losing softness or fit, and it dries quickly, ready for the next adventure. For me, it feels like a base layer that can withstand frequent use while still feeling comfortable and fresh.
100% natural materials have many benefits for both the user and the plane, but they do take a little bit of extra care. Findra offers detailed tips for how to care for its garments, and if you treat them well and with care they will be life long companions.
Value for Money
It sits at the higher end of the price scale compared with synthetic base layers, but the quality of the merino blend, durability, and versatility make it a solid long-term investment.
Sustainability
Made with non mulesed merino wool – a renewable, biodegradable fibre –the Fern Stripe is designed with a lower environmental footprint than purely synthetic layers. Its durability also adds to its sustainability, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Should You Buy It?
This is a stylish and effective, sustainable merino wool base later base layer that will do the job and look good in the process.
Check availability at Findra.
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