Thermal Long Sleeved for Hikers: The Ultimate Multi-Utility Apparel

March 01, 2024
by Mike Johnson

If you're a hiking enthusiast, you already know that the right clothing can significantly impact your comfort and performance on the trail. As a hiker, your clothing must serve multiple purposes — it needs to keep you warm, keep you dry, and be breathable enough to deal with sweat.

One essential piece of clothing that meets all these requirements is the thermal long-sleeved top. This versatile piece is a must-have for every hiker's wardrobe.

In this article, we explore the benefits of thermal long-sleeved tops, what to look for when buying one, and some of the best thermal long-sleeved tops available at Active Workwear, a leading UK provider of high-quality workwear.

Why are Thermal Long-Sleeved Tops Important for Hikers?

Thermal long-sleeved tops, also known as base layers, play a critical role in a hiker's wardrobe. Unlike regular clothing, they are designed to deal with the unique challenges that hikers face.

Temperature Regulation: Thermal tops are designed to keep you warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather. They do this by trapping a layer of warm air next to your skin, which acts as insulation against the cold. In hot weather, they wick sweat away from your skin, helping to keep you cool.
Moisture Management: When hiking, sweating is unavoidable. Thermal tops are crafted to efficiently wick moisture away from your skin and transport it to the outer layer of the fabric, facilitating evaporation. This ensures dryness and comfort, particularly during rigorous activity.
Comfort: Thermal tops are designed to be comfortable. They are usually made from soft, flexible materials that move with your body. They are also designed to be breathable, preventing you from feeling clammy or uncomfortable.
Protection: Thermal tops provide an extra layer of protection against the elements. They can protect your skin from harmful UV rays, and some are even designed to resist wind and rain.

What to Look for When Buying a Thermal Long-Sleeved Top

When buying a thermal long-sleeved top, there are a few key features to look for:

Material: Seek out materials such as merino wool, polyester, and polypropylene, which excel in effectively drawing moisture away from your skin while also offering breathability and rapid drying capabilities.
Fit: Your thermal top should fit snugly against your skin. This enhances the wicking process and also ensures that the top is comfortable to wear under other layers of clothing.
Seams: Look for tops with flat or forward seams. These are less likely to chafe against your skin, particularly when you're carrying a backpack.
Sleeve Length: This is largely a matter of personal preference. Short sleeves can be cooler and less restrictive, while long sleeves provide more protection from the sun and cold.

Top Thermal Long-Sleeved Tops for Hikers from Active Workwear

If you love hiking, you know how important it is to have the right clothing for different weather conditions. You need something that can keep you warm, dry, and comfortable without compromising your mobility or performance.

That's why at Active Workwear, we offer a range of high-quality thermal long sleeved tops that are perfect for hikers. These tops are designed to provide optimal thermal regulation, moisture management, and durability while also being stylish and functional. Here are some of our top picks:

1. PORTWEST DYNAMIC AIR BASELAYER THERMAL LONG-SLEEVED WICKING TOP-B173

This top is made from a moisture-wicking fabric, with contrast stitching and seamless panelling for a modern design. It's close-fitting for optimal wicking performance and suitable for multi-season use. The fabric is also breathable, lightweight, and stretchable, allowing you to move freely and comfortably. Whether you're hiking in the spring, summer, or autumn, this top will keep you cool and dry.

Thermal long sleeved for hikers: the ultimate multi-utility apparel

2. HELLY HANSEN HH LIFA ACTIVE CREWNECK BASE LAYER THERMAL -75117

The HH LIFA Active Crewneck serves as a superb choice independently during milder weather or as a foundational layer for an active day in chilly conditions. It's made from a combination of polyester and polypropylene, providing excellent moisture management. The polyester layer is soft and smooth, while the polypropylene layer is hydrophobic and durable. The top also features the LIFA technology, ensuring you stay cosy and dry, even when you sweat. The crewneck design is classic and adaptable, and the flatlock seams prevent irritation.

3. SNICKERS FLEXIWORK SEAMLESS LONG SLEEVED BASELAYER THERMAL SHIRT - 9425

This top features an advanced design to offer the optimal combination of ventilation, warmth, and protection. The material blends polyamide, polypropylene, and elastane, providing excellent moisture management and comfort. The top also has a seamless construction, which reduces the risk of chafing and enhances the fit. The top has different zones of ventilation, warmth, and protection, depending on the body part and the activity level. The top also has a high collar and thumb holes for extra coverage and warmth.

4. BLAKLADER EXTRA WARM 70% MERINO WOOL ZIPPER THERMAL TOP - 4894

Made from 70% merino wool and 30% polypropylene, this top offers excellent insulation and thermal protection, perfect for extreme cold. The merino wool is naturally warm, soft, and odour-resistant, while the polypropylene is strong, durable, and moisture-wicking. The top also has a zipper at the front, which allows you to adjust the ventilation and the temperature. The top also has a ribbed hem and cuffs, which prevent cold air from entering and keep the heat inside.

5. PROJOB BASELAYER THERMAL 3101 TWO TONE UNDERSHIRT-643101

This undershirt offers a snug fit, extended back, and no side seam, preventing chafing and irritation. It's made from 100% polyester, ensuring excellent moisture management. The polyester is also quick-drying and easy to care for. The undershirt has a two-tone design, with a darker colour on the sleeves and the sides, creating a slimming and flattering effect. The undershirt also has a round neck and raglan sleeves, which give you more freedom of movement and comfort.

These are just some of the thermal long sleeved tops that we have in our collection. You can explore our website for more options and find the perfect top for your hiking needs.

Final Thoughts

Thermal long sleeved tops are an essential part of any hiker's wardrobe. They provide warmth, manage moisture, and offer comfort and protection.

Be sure to consider the material, fit, seams, and sleeve length when choosing a thermal long sleeved top. Check out Active Workwear's range of high-quality thermal long sleeved tops to find the perfect one for your hiking needs.

Your Guide to Thermal Long Sleeves for Hiking: FAQs

1. What are the benefits of thermal long sleeved tops for hikers?

Thermal long sleeved tops are designed to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable hiking in cold or variable weather conditions. They provide insulation, moisture management, and breathability while also preventing chafing and irritation. Thermal long sleeved tops can also protect you from sunburn, wind, and insects.

2. How to choose the right thermal long sleeved top for hiking?

There are several factors to consider when choosing a thermal long sleeved top for hiking, such as:

Material: The most common materials for thermal long sleeved tops are wool, polyester, and polypropylene. Wool is natural, warm, soft, and odour-resistant but can be expensive and slow to dry. Polyester is synthetic, lightweight, quick-drying, and easy to care for, but it can be less durable and more prone to pilling. Polypropylene is also synthetic, strong, durable, and moisture-wicking but can be less breathable and more odour-prone.
Fit: The fit of your thermal long sleeved top should be snug but not too tight, allowing for freedom of movement and layering. A loose fit can reduce the thermal efficiency and cause bunching and rubbing. A fit that is too tight can restrict blood circulation and cause discomfort.
Features: Some features to look for in a thermal long sleeved top are a high collar, a zipper, thumb holes, flatlock seams, and raglan sleeves. A high collar can provide extra warmth and protection for your neck. A zipper can allow you to adjust the ventilation and temperature. Thumb holes can prevent the sleeves from riding up and keep your hands warm. Flatlock seams can prevent irritation and chafing. Raglan sleeves can enhance the mobility and comfort of your shoulders and arms.

3. How to care for your thermal long sleeved top?

To extend the lifespan and performance of your thermal long sleeved top, follow the care instructions on the label. In general, you should:

Wash your thermal long sleeved top in cold or lukewarm water, using a gentle detergent and a soft cycle. Do not use bleach, fabric softeners, or strong chemicals, as they can damage the fabric and lower its thermal properties.
Dry your thermal long sleeved top on a low heat setting, or air dry it flat or on a hanger. Please do not use a high heat setting or a tumble dryer, as they can cause the fabric to shrink, distort, or melt.
Store your thermal long sleeved top in a chill, dry, and dark place, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and moths. Do not fold or hang your thermal long sleeved top too tightly, as it can create creases or stretch the fabric.

4. How to layer your thermal long sleeved top for hiking?

Layering your thermal long sleeved top for hiking can help you adapt to changing weather conditions and maintain a comfortable body temperature. The basic principle of layering is to have three layers: a base layer, a mid-layer, and an outer layer. Your thermal long sleeved top is your base layer, which should be close-fitting and moisture-wicking. Your mid-layer is your insulation layer, which should be warm and breathable. Your outer layer is your protection layer, which should be windproof, waterproof, and durable. Depending on the temperature, wind, precipitation, and activity level, you can add or remove layers.

5. How do you style your thermal long-sleeved top for hiking?

There are many ways to style your thermal long sleeved top for hiking, as you can choose from a variety of colours, patterns, and designs. You can pair your thermal long-sleeved top with your hiking pants, shorts, or skirt, depending on the weather and the landscape. You can also add some accessories to your thermal long-sleeved top, such as a hat, a scarf, a vest, or a jacket, depending on your mood and the temperature. For a more flexible and cosy look, you can also combine your thermal long-sleeved top with other casual or sporty outfits, such as jeans, leggings, or sneakers.