The Point6 Merino wool base layers are smooth-on-skin midweight layers that keep me warm as the only layer in moderate temperatures and as a base layer when the temperature plunges.
Overview: Point6 Top and Bottom Midweight Base Layers
MSRP: $115 ($69 on sale) each for the top and bottom
Fabric: 100% Merino wool
Weight: 8.4 ounces each for the top and bottoms
About the Point6 Merino Base Layers
The Point6 Merino wool top and bottom have become my go-to layers as the weather turns cold. The top alone is good for moderate temperatures and as a layer underneath a warm coat when the temperature drops. I wear the bottoms under pants, as a lone layer in my sleeping bag, or as an outer layer with shorts over them.
The flatlock seams rest comfortably against my skin, and the fabric is the smoothest wool garment I’ve worn. There’s no itch and roughness against my skin.
I’m 5 feet, 10 inches and weigh 165ish and wear a medium size, form-fitting top and bottom. The sleeves have thumb loops to keep them in place when putting on an outer layer.
The bottoms have an elastic waist band that keeps them from sagging downward and a traditional fly slit.
Both garments have UPF +50 for sun protection if they’re worn as outer layers, especially if there is sun-reflecting snow on the ground. The sleeves extend almost to my knuckles, held in place by the thumb loops, providing extra sun protection.
Merino Wool’s Appeal
Merino wool is in a class by itself for insulating layers. The wool is breathable, and wicks moisture and sweat away from my body, keeping me warm with base layers in cold weather and cool with warm-weather running clothes. And Merino has a reputation for providing years of use without picking up a dirt bag smell.
Point6 uses the centripetal force of compact spinning to create a tighter yarn strand that it says is 25% stronger than traditional ring spun yarn. Compact spinning also reduces fabric pilling.
About Point6
Patty and Peter Duke began their Merino wool journey when they founded SmartWool in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, in 1994. They moved on from Smartwool in the early 2000s and started Point6, remaining in Steamboat Springs, where they work and play on the ski slopes and in the mountains. Their merino wool is 100% biodegradable and they take steps to minimize their footprint on the Earth by demanding strict environmental practices in their factories.
The company’s name refers to keeping body temperature at the optimal 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
Point 6 has a chart here to determine the clothing size that fits.
Point6 Layers Pros
Simple and Light: The Point6 midweight top and bottom base layers are a solid base layer.
Comfort: The Merino wool is the smoothest, most comfortable wool clothing that I’ve worn.
Warmth: Good for a base layer in low temperatures and as a standalone layer when the temperature climbs.
Thumb Loops: The red thumb loops inside the black top make them easy to see, saving me from a frustrating search for the loops when putting on another layer. The same goes for the red hang loops on the top and bottom, and the back label on the top layer.
Point6 Layers Cons
None: There isn’t anything I don’t like about the Point6 midweight base layers.
Overall Value
The Point6 midweight long-sleeve crew and bottom are a good value at $115 each, and an even better value at their current on-sale price of $69. They are comfortable layers that I use as my primary base layer, wearing them alone in moderate temperatures and underneath another layer when the temperature plunges below freezing.
Similar Merino Wool Base Layers
This product was donated for purpose of review.
