I’ve always found it hard to find the right merino top. For me they seem to fall into the ‘very thin like they might rip’ category or the ‘very thick like wearing a jumper’ one, neither of which are great for running.

However, we recently tried one from Keela, a great outdoor clothing company based in Scotland, with a focus on ethical and sustainable kit. Their 200gsm merino top is just right to keep you warm on those very cold days, and it stays breathable. You can also wear it and wear it without fear of stink.

I had the pleasure of testing the new merino base layers, and I have to say I found them a pleasure to wear. I'd never tried merino based products before and found them perfect for cold days out on the bike. They felt really comfortable when wearing them, and the top looked good enough to wear by itself. I found the that they dealt with the sweat very well and they didn't smell. I would wear mine for 3 or 4 rides before washing it. I had the large sizes and the only complaint about the top was that I found the arm length was just too short, but as I was wearing it under a jacket it was fine. I wore the top whilst riding my mountain bike and road bike, and only ever put on a soft shell jacket with it, and even with in below zero conditions I was warm enough. Highly recommended.

Would I buy one of these base layers, yes I would, in fact for next winter I will be looking for another merino base layer top.

A good new inner layer is a great gift idea for the outdoor lover, and we really liked this option from Keela. It’s made of 200gsm merino wool so it regulates temperature well, wicks away moisture and is naturally odour resistant.

This versatile mid-weight top is a mix of 80% responsibly sourced merino wool and 20% polyester for durability and speedy drying. Worn on its own or as a baselayer, it's comfortable, breathable and naturally antimicrobial. The zip adds ventilation and allows a higher collar but it's also available without the zip.