The Woolona Remus base layer is a versatile Merino wool layer best suited for hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, and everyday outdoor use in colder conditions. It offers excellent breathability, odor resistance, and comfort-focused construction, while the thicker fabric provides added warmth and durability.
Woolona Remus Base Layer Review
In the beginning of the year, I received the Woolona Remus long sleeve base layer for testing and since then I’ve been regularly wearing it for hiking, running, travelling and even bike commuting. Woolona is a Turkish company, established in 1952, which specializes in wool clothing. Many of their products are Woolmark certified which means they are made of pure wool and meet the highest quality standards. Woolona mostly sells base layers although you will also find socks, gloves and hats in their line. It’s a small company with a clear focus. For the last month I’ve been wearing the Woolona Remus base layer regularly investigating its fit, durability, comfort and performance. Here is what I learned about it.
The Woolona Remus Long Sleeve is suitable for:
- Hiking
- Mountaineering
- Backpacking
- Bike commuting
- Everyday use
Material
Woolona Remus: From the front
The Woolona Remus base layer is made of 100% Merino wool. The fabric of the base layer is with the density of 195g/m2 quite thick and thus perfect for colder weather. According to the brand, the base layer utilizes 18.5-micron superfine Merino wool. This is the second highest grade of Merino wool (see more here). However, I must say that the fabric feels a bit less smooth than fabrics of my other 18.5-micron Merino wool base layers. I do feel a slight itch when putting the base layer on. Not in an uncomfortable way but I do notice it.
The fabric is also quite stretchy and sturdy. Now, Merino base layers are not as durable as polyester base layers but since the Woolona Remus is made of a relatively thick fabric I think it should have quite a long lifespan. Especially if you wash it according to the instructions. Another thing I noticed when I unpacked it is that it had a weird smell. I couldn’t figure out what it smelled of, but I do recall that my WoolPro Agena base layer smelled exactly the same when I unpacked it. The smell went away after two washes, so I don’t consider this a major flaw.
The base layer is suitable for most of the year, except warm summer days where you will probably want to wear a lighter short-sleeved base layer anyway.
Comfort and Fit
Woolona Remus: From the back
All in all, I found the Woolona base layer comfortable to wear. The base layer has flatlock seams, raglan sleeves and a printed label. Therefore, it doesn’t cause chafing or rubbing. The fit is relatively tight but because the fabric is stretchy, the Remus base layer provides good freedom of movement. I never felt like the base layer is restricting my movements, even during more technical activities.
One thing that is a bit annoying is that the neckline is very low. The neckline is so low that even when I was wearing a neck gaiter my skin was poking out. So, if you’re wearing the base layer in cold temperatures it’s good to have a mid-layer with high collar over it. The base layer provides good breathability, moisture-wicking performance and odor control. I often wore it for several activities without washing it and it never became smelly. Due to the thicker fabric, the base layer dries a bit slower than Merino fabrics with a lower density. Nevertheless, since Merino wool doesn’t become as cold as polyester when wet, that’s not such a big problem.
Sizing
Woolona Remus: It fits snugly
The Woolona Remus base layer is available in five different sizes: S, M, L, XL and XXL. According to the size guide on their website, I’m a size M by having a chest diameter of 98 cm (38.5 in.) and a height of 180 cm (5 ft. 11 in.). So, I decided to go for size M and that was the right decision. The base layer fits me perfectly. It’s not too loose nor too tight and the length is also perfect.
Washing and Drying
The base layer should be washed as any other Merino wool clothes. That means on a gentle 30° C cycle with a suitable wool detergent. After washing, it should be left to air-dry. Of course, you shouldn’t use fabric softeners, bleach or a tumble dryer for your wool apparel. The liquids will change the performance of your Merino wool base layer, while tumble drying it will shorten the lifespan of your garment considerably. Find more information about washing Merino wool clothes in our article How to wash outdoor clothing.
Photos
Woolona Remus: Embroided Logo
Woolona Remus: Flatlock Seams
Woolona Remus: Printed label
Verdict
The Woolona Remus base layer is suitable for outdoor activities in winter, spring and autumn. The base layer is made of pure Merino wool and provides good breathability, moisture-wicking performance and odor control. The base layer surprised me with good fit, sturdy fabric and features that make it very comfortable (flatlock seams, raglan sleeve, printed label etc.). What bothered me about this base layer is the low neckline, the slightly less smooth fabric compared to other 18.5-micron Merino wool garments and the weird smell of the product until it got washed twice. Nevertheless, I’m pretty happy with the base layer and I think it’s a good option for various outdoor activities.
If you have any questions about this product, drop me a line in the comments below.
Performance Score
The Advantages
- Excellent breathability and moisture-wicking performance during high-output activities
- Very good odor resistance for multi-day wear without frequent washing
- Stretchy Merino wool fabric allows unrestricted movement
- Comfort-focused construction with flatlock seams, raglan sleeves, and printed label
- Thicker 195 g/m² Merino fabric provides good warmth for colder weather
- Sturdy fabric construction should improve durability compared to lighter Merino layers
The Considerations
- Fabric feels slightly less soft than other 18.5-micron Merino wool garments
- Low neckline leaves skin exposed in colder conditions
- Slight odor when unpacked before initial washes
- Thicker fabric dries slower than lighter Merino base layers
Fit
Snug
Material
100% Merino Wool (195 g/m²)
Best For
Hiking, Backpacking, Mountaineering, Bike Commuting
Weather Suitability
Cold to Moderate Conditions
