Friends of mine raved about the Helly Hansen Lifa Merino base layers for years. Until now, I didn’t understand why. In this gear review, we explore the specs, the fit, and the performance. Plus I’ll share my thoughts on the Lifa Merino Midweight Crew base layer and why it is so raved about!
Helly Hansen Lifa Merino Life
Let’s start with a little backstory. My very close friends, Jamie and Caroline are pretty hardcore outdoorsy folks. Jamie is a L3 snowboard instructor and Caroline is a salmon fishing guide in Labrador. Jamie is also a total gear snob (lol, shhh!, don’t tell him I said that!). They have been wearing Helly Hansen gear for easily over a decade and always spoke highly of the brand. We met in Newfoundland, a cold, damp, coastal place with low mountains and fjords..sound like somewhere else? Yeah, Norway! It seems pretty logical that you would look for gear that is designed and tested in the same climate as where you live.
Well, now I am living in Alberta, a dry, cold, mountainous place. But when I say cold, I mean it! -30C is a regular day here in the Bow Valley and we still do things outside. The Helly Hansen gear is proving to be very adaptable. No matter where you live and play, you can count on it to keep you warm and dry. But enough about me, let’s talk more about the Lifa Merino Crew!
Heads Up! Some links in this post are affiliate links, which earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you. No pressure to use our links, but we REALLY appreciate it when you do!
Specs
- Fabrics – The Lifa Merino Midweight Crew brings an interesting twist to the merino wool top. Helly Hansen has married their Merino Wool with LIFA® Merino Stay Warm Technology fabric to create the ultimate 2-layer construction. The inside Lifa layer is a mesh design that absorbs moisture and helps move it away from the skin. The outer layer is 100% merino allowing optimal breathability while retaining heat. This combination really does help keep you dry, which is a large part of staying warm.
- Non-itch – Being 57% Merino Wool and 43% Polypropylene, the Lifa Merino Midweight Crew is not itchy at all. It sits comfortably next to your skin and almost feels silky.
- Flatlock Seams are a nice addition to any base layer. Flat seams ensure there are no hotspots at critical points, like under the arms or over the collar bones where your pack straps will sit.
Fit
I’m 5’5″ with a DD cup and average torso and the Lifa Merino Midweight Crew in a medium fits me perfectly. I used the Fit Finder tool on the HH website which was very thorough and accurate to determine my size. The medium gives me long sleeves (down to my thumbs) and great coverage over my hips. There are no tight spots and it doesn’t ride up past my hips even when I lift my arms.
Performance
I wore the Lifa Merino Midweight Crew in a variety of conditions and while doing a variety of sports. Below are some results from the various outings;
Rock Climbing
- Overcast, breezy, and a balmy 10C which felt like 6C
- Wearing the Lifa Merino for this adventure was ideal! It was warm enough to be my main insulation layer while also being fitted enough to climb in. It fit well under my harness and stretched with me while I climbed. I could easily add the Odin Jacket to cut the wind while belaying and be warm.
Winter Hiking
- Overcast, 20-40km/h wind, was -15C but felt like -20C
- Having the Lifa Merino next to skin on this very cold day was excellent. The moisture management is very good compared to other merino tops I have used. I could feel the moisture moving from my underarms to the fabric. I made a point to feel the inside of the shirt and the outside, noticing the outside was wetter feeling than the inside. Venting only slightly, using the pit vents on the Odin, the shirt was dry by the time I got home (2 hours down).
Late-season Mountain Biking
- Sunny, clam, about 1C
- As a base layer for biking, I thought the Lifa Merino would be too warm. Not when it’s just above freezing! The merino outer held in the heat during my slow, gradual ascents. The Lifa layer kept pulling the moisture away. On the way down, I added the Lifaloft jacket to cut the wind and hold some heat. The pairing resulted in optimal comfort for the descent.
More to come once we start skiing!
Final Thoughts
Reflecting back on all the backcountry skiing with my aforementioned friends, seeing them only wearing Helly Hansen merino, I now understand why they love it so much. It is the best base layer for the cold because of it’s 2-layer moisture management system and added warmth of merino. You’re dry and warm (and not smelly) plus you look great in wild rose.
Winter is hard enough! Shovelling, short days, having to wear a zillion layers, why not make things just a little easier? I am confident that the Lifa Merino is going to replace at least 2 layers this winter!
For me, this base layer is ideal for cold weather. I am questioning why I waited so long to try out a Helly Hansen Lifa Merino top! The Lifa Merino will now be my go-to for cold days all through the 2021 ski season. I look forward to us sharing many more cold weather adventures together.
Need Gift Ideas?
Check out the Helly Hansen Gift Guide and start gathering for the gifting season!
Got something to say? Share it with us in the comments below!
