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Meet the New Thorpe Ultra-fine Merino Baselayer
Not All Baselayers Are Created Equal
Whether you're chasing records or grinding out winter miles, the right baselayer can make or break your run.
Our brand-new Thorpe Ultra-Fine Merino Baselayer was born from the feedback of our trail community: warm when wet, soft against skin, faff-free and no chafing.
We combined 68% superfine Merino wool (17.5 microns) with 32% TENCEL™ Lyocell, a natural cellulose fibre, to create a baselayer that’s breathable, odour-resistant, moisture-wicking, and regulates temperature across all conditions.
This isn’t just elite kit for elite runners, it’s smart layering for everyone who runs trails.
WHY BASELAYERS MATTER
WITH DAN SUMMERS
We caught up with Harrier’s Technical Advisor, Dan Summers, to find out why most people are thinking about baselayers all wrong:
“A lot of runners assume baselayers are just about warmth in cold weather. But almost anything can keep you warm, even a bin bag. What really matters is how your baselayer performs when you start to sweat.”
The classic scenario? You’re grinding up a climb, body is working hard and building heat. Then you stop. You take a drink. And suddenly, you’re freezing. Your baselayer is damp, clinging to your skin, and pulling heat away from your body.
“This is the moment you need your baselayer to shine. Because sweating is inevitable, especially on the trails. What you want is clothing that can cope with that sweat, so you don’t have to constantly adjust your pace or layers just to stay comfortable.”
That’s where the Thorpe comes in.
The Merino–TENCEL™ blend offers the holy grail of baselayer performance:
✅ Wicks moisture fast
✅ Stays warm when wet
✅ Breathes to dump excess heat
✅ Soft, natural fibres for all-day comfort
“Merino is well known for staying warm when wet. TENCEL™ adds superb breathability and wicking as it pulls moisture away from your skin efficiently. Together, they trap insulating air, regulate your temperature, and reduce the risk of chafing, even when worn all day.”
ANOTHER OFTEN-OVERLOOKED DETAIL?
THE FIT.
“A baselayer that’s too tight won’t trap enough air for insulation. But have it too loose, and that warm air escapes. Thumb loops on the Thorpe help keep everything in place, sealing in warmth right to your wrists.”
Dan also highlights how thumb loops and the YKK® half zip help regulate temperature without needing to stop or strip off.
“Unzipping allows airflow directly across your skin. In wind, that moving air helps shed excess heat. It’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to adjust your temperature on the move.”
And yes, this matters for all runners
This isn’t just kit for elites. In fact, Dan argues that those mid-to-back-packers may need it more.
“If you’re out for longer, your kit has to work harder and for longer. A good baselayer helps you stay comfortable all day without constant faffing. That means fewer layers to swap, fewer stops, and more time moving well on the trail.”
THORPE ULTRA-FINE MERINO BASELAYER
KEY FEATURES
YKK® half-zip for quick ventilation
Flatlocked seams for zero chafe
Thumb loops and fold-over hand mitts
Odour-resistant, itch-free Merino–TENCEL™ blend
Abrasion & pilling-resistant
Body-mapped fit for men and women
Made in the EU
Weight: Approx 200g (Men’s Medium)
The Thorpe Ultra-Fine Merino Baselayer is trail-tested and built for every step. Keep an eye out for more details, including colourways, dropping soon!
In the meantime, make sure your layering system is dialled.
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