This review of the Men’s LIFA® Merino Midweight Crew comes from the slopes of the Portes du Soleil in France, January 2025. With fresh snow, chilly early mornings, and bluebird sunshine, it was the perfect chance to see how well this base layer held up across full days on the mountain.
First Impressions
I’ve worn a fair few base layers over the years—some too thin, some that itch like mad, and a couple that smelt like a damp tent by lunchtime. But I have always been impressed with Helly Hansen base layers over the years, so I was keen to see if their latest LIFA® Merino version would tick all the boxes.
Out of the packaging, it feels like quality. Soft on the inside, with a nice weight to it—not paper-thin, but not bulky either (so won’t push the weight over at the airport check-in desk!). It also didn’t have that scratchy “cheap wool” feel, which is always a win.
Warmth and Performance
Let’s get straight to it—this thing is warm. Not roasting, but that good kind of warmth that builds up naturally and stays steady without making you feel like you need to peel it off halfway through your first run. The magic here is in the combo of Helly’s LIFA® fibres on the inside and merino wool on the outside. The LIFA® helps wick away sweat before it sticks around, and the merino handles insulation and odour.
After a couple of days it was still good to go. I wouldn’t push it to a week without a wash (I’m not a savage), but it easily got through a couple ski days before needing a rinse.
Fit and Feel
The fit is on point—close to the body without feeling tight or restrictive. It sits well under a midlayer or jacket and doesn’t ride up when you’re moving about. The longer back hem is especially handy for keeping snow drafts off your lower back when you’re bending over to do up boots or sitting on chilly lifts.
The seams are flatlocked, so there’s no rubbing or irritation even after a full day’s wear. I didn’t notice it once while skiing, which is exactly what you want from a base layer.
Breathability and Moisture Management
Top marks in terms of breathability. In the midday heat I didn’t end up soaked underneath—and on the first runs of the morning it kept me comfortably dry and warm. It does a great job of moving sweat away from your skin so you’re not damp and clammy between runs or during those café stops when everything cools down.
Style and Details
Look, no one’s entering a fashion show in their base layer (unless you’re at après a little too long), but this one actually looks decent. I had the black version which is understated but stylish So I could get away with keeping it on at lunch without looking like I was posing for a thermal underwear catalogue.
Final Thoughts
Helly Hansen’s LIFA® Merino Midweight Crew is a bit of a gem. It’s comfortable, warm, doesn’t itch, and does the job without any fuss. Perfect for all-day resort skiing, layering up for colder backcountry days, or just generally staying toasty without overheating.
If you’re after a reliable base layer that actually feels nice to wear and won’t let you down halfway through the trip, this is a strong shout. Definitely one I’ll be packing again next season.
Pros:
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Great warmth-to-weight ratio
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Super comfy—no itch, no rub
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Handles sweat and odour really well
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Quality feel and fit
Cons:
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Not the cheapest base layer on the market
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Limited stretch compared to some synthetic-only options (but I never noticed it on the slopes)
Helly Hansen LIFA® Merino Midweight Crew Base Layer Reviewed by Snow.Guide
Gender: Men
Good for: Skiing and Snowboarding
Price: £85
Rating: 10 out of 10
To find out more and to purchase from Helly Hansen, click here
