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Three Things To Know
- Luxuriously Soft - The cashmere-touch fabric feels incredibly smooth against the skin, making it comfortable for all-day wear
- Lightweight Warmth - Despite its thin profile, it provides surprising insulation – perfect for layering in colder conditions
- Easy Care & Durable - Designed to handle regular wear, it’s machine washable and maintains shape and softness over time
Our Rating:
Warmth and Breathability
Comfort and Fit
Moisture Management
Durability and Care
Check availability at TOG24.
As someone who spends a lot of time outdoors in colder weather, I’ve come to appreciate the value of the sourcing the best cold weather gear for winter walks. A good base layer is the foundation of any layering system – keeping you warm, comfortable, and dry without adding bulk. When I tried the Tog 24 Meru Women’s Cashmere Touch Base Layer Roll Neck, I was curious to see how it would balance softness, warmth, and performance. Cashmere has a reputation for luxurious comfort, but I wanted to see if this layer could perform as well as it feels – so I took it to the Glyderau in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) to see how it performed over a nine hour walk in exposed altitude.
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: £50.00
- Materials: Cashmere touch mix of 60% Acrylic, 40% Viscose
- Care Instructions: Wash with similar colours
Warmth and Breathability
I recently wore the Tog 24 Meru base layer on a crisp, blustery day hiking in Eryri National Park, and it was a real test of its performance. From the moment I set off, I noticed how soft and lightweight it felt against my skin, yet it still held warmth, and even when the wind picked up on the exposed ridges the Meru kept me protected from wind chill.
As I climbed higher and started to sweat a bit on the steeper sections, the fabric did a great job of wicking moisture away, keeping me dry and comfortable. Layered under my waterproof shell, it never felt bulky or restrictive, and even after several hours in damp, cold conditions, I stayed cosy without overheating. Despite not being merino wool, by the time I reached the end of my nine hour hike, I was impressed: it had kept me thermally balanced throughout the hike with no odours, proving it’s not just soft – it’s genuinely functional for demanding outdoor conditions.
Comfort and Fit
From the moment I put it on, the Meru base layer felt incredibly soft and gentle against my skin – no itchiness or irritation at all. The roll neck sits snugly without feeling restrictive, and the sleeves have just enough stretch to move freely during hiking or layering under jackets. I found the fit to be true to size, close enough to trap warmth efficiently, but not so tight that it felt constrictive. I also noticed that after multiple wears it has kept its shape and hasn’t stretched. Its lightweight, slightly stretchy fabric makes it easy to layer under a shell or mid-layer without adding bulk, which is essential for long days outdoors. Overall, it strikes a great balance between comfort, mobility, and thermal efficiency and is stylish enough to wear out in the city or to the office.
Moisture Management
One of the standout features of this base layer is how effectively it handles moisture. The fabric wicks sweat away from the skin, keeping me dry even during steep climbs in Eryri or when layering under a waterproof shell. I noticed that it dries quickly, so I never felt damp or clammy, which is crucial in cold, wet conditions. Even after extended activity, the layer maintained its shape and softness, showing that it can perform reliably over multiple hours of use. For me, this means I can stay active without worrying about overheating or moisture buildup – exactly what you want from a technical base layer.
Durability and Care
After several hikes and layered wear in varying conditions, the Meru base layer has held up impressively. The fabric shows minimal pilling or stretching, even around high-friction areas like under the arms and at the cuffs. It’s also surprisingly easy to care for: I’ve machine-washed it on a gentle cycle without any loss of softness or shape, and it dries quickly, ready for the next outing.
Value for Money
For a base layer that blends a luxurious feel with practical outdoor performance, its resilience makes it feel like a worthwhile investment.
Sustainability
TOG24 says its “journey to sustainability is ongoing,” however “sustainability is at the core of all our decisions.”
Should You Buy It?
This is a stylish and effective base layer that is cheaper than some of its counterparts.
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