The Merino.tech 165 lightweight long-sleeve base layer is what I wear under other layers on cold runs. It handles sweat and odor well, it has a slim fit that layers easily, and at about $50, it’s a good value for 100% merino. I have no complaints, and I’d buy it again.
The short answer: this is a great budget way to get a merino base layer. My Tracksmith Harrier Long Sleeve is nicer, but this does a lot of the same job for less than half the price.
Best value merino base layer for running
Merino.tech 165 Lightweight Long Sleeve Base Layer
A slim, 100% merino base layer that handles sweat and odor well on cold runs.
Merino.tech 165 Base Layer Review: Quick Verdict
What I want from a base layer is simple. It should fit close, manage sweat, and not smell after a run. The Merino.tech 165 does all three, and it costs less than half of what I paid for my Harrier.
Merino.tech 165 long-sleeve base layer specs
| Spec | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Price | About $50 | $49.99 from Merino.tech |
| Fabric | 100% merino wool | Superfine 17.5 micron |
| Weight | 165, Merino.tech's lightweight option | |
| Style | Crew neck, long sleeve | |
| Extras | Some listings include wool socks | |
| Men's sizes | S to XXL | |
| Care | Hand wash, lay flat to dry | Merino.tech's recommendation |
How It Works as a Base Layer
I use mine as a base layer on cold runs, under other layers. That’s a job where sweat management matters, and this is where it stands out. It handles sweat well, and it doesn’t hold odor, which is the main reason to choose merino for this job in the first place.
Merino.tech says its 17.5-micron merino is moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating. It also claims merino absorbs moisture better than any other fabric. That’s marketing, but in my experience the top does keep me comfortable once I start sweating.
Fit and Sizing
The 165 fits true to size, with a slim cut. It sits close to the body, which is what you want under another layer. There’s no extra fabric to bunch up under a top or jacket.
Merino.tech 165 vs. 250 vs. Tracksmith Harrier
I own both the lightweight 165 and the midweight Merino.tech 250. I reach for the 250 when it gets colder than what I’d wear the 165 in.
I also own the Tracksmith Harrier, and it’s nicer than either one, as you’d expect for $110. But they aren’t exactly the same kind of product. The Merino.tech 165 is 100% merino and slim, which makes it a true base layer, while the Harrier is a relaxed merino blend that I wear on its own in cool weather.
Merino.tech 165 and Tracksmith Harrier specs
| Spec | Merino.tech 165 | Tracksmith Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Price | About $50 | $110 |
| Fabric | 100% merino | 50% merino, nylon blend |
| Fit | Slim | Relaxed |
| How I use it | Base layer on cold runs | On its own in cool weather |
| Value | Better value | Nicer overall |
Is the Merino.tech 165 Base Layer Worth It?
Yes. It costs about $50 for a 100% merino top that does what I need on cold runs. I have no complaints, and I’d buy it again.
Buy it if you run in cold weather and need a slim base layer, you want merino’s odor resistance, or you don’t want to spend $100 or more on a merino top.
Skip it if you want a warmer top on its own, you prefer a relaxed fit, or you won’t hand wash your running clothes.
Merino.tech 165 Base Layer FAQ
Does the Merino.tech base layer run true to size?
The 165 does for me, with a slim fit that works well under other layers.
Is Merino.tech good for running?
It has been for me. I use the 165 as a base layer on cold runs, and it handles sweat and odor well.
Is Merino.tech 165 lightweight or midweight?
The 165 is Merino.tech’s lightweight option. The 250 is its midweight, and it also sells a heavier 320.
Does Merino.tech smell after a run?
Mine resists odor well, which is one of the main reasons to choose merino.
Is Merino.tech as good as more expensive merino?
My pricier Tracksmith Harrier is nicer, but the Merino.tech is the better value, and it’s a better fit for use as a slim base layer.
How do you wash Merino.tech?
Merino.tech recommends hand washing and laying it flat to dry.
