Gear Review: Iksplor Merino Baselayers
When it comes to winter layering for kids, the real test isn’t warmth — it’s comfort.
Because if it’s even slightly itchy, bulky, or awkward under snow gear… it’s not getting worn.
This season we tried Iksplor merino baselayers for the first time — and they’ve quickly become the only ones my kids reach for. More importantly, they’re the only merino layers Aspen doesn’t complain about. And that’s saying something.
If you’re curious to try them yourself, I’ve shared a 10% savings link at the end of this post.
First Impressions: Soft, Thoughtful & Kid-Approved
We’ve tried a lot of merino over the years. Some have been great. Some have felt scratchy. Some have been too thin. Others too bulky.
Iksplor struck that sweet spot immediately.
The fabric is:
Soft (actually soft)
Midweight without feeling heavy
Warm without overheating
Streamlined under snow pants and midlayers
Aspen instantly gravitated toward the Kids Merino Baselayer Set in Purple — and hasn’t stopped talking about it since. Colour matters when it comes to kids, and Iksplor nails that balance between earthy and fun.
But the real winner?
The thumb holes.
She loves them. They keep sleeves in place while pulling on ski jackets, prevent bunching under mitts, and add just a bit of cozy factor that makes the whole layer feel intentional.
Why Merino Matters for Kids
If you’re building a proper winter layering system, the base layer is everything.
Merino wool is ideal for kids (and really everyone) because it:
Regulates temperature
Wicks moisture
Keeps warmth even when damp
Resists odour (huge win for ski days + travel)
Unlike synthetic layers, merino adapts. Whether we’re skiing at Manning Park, hiking in crisp fall air, or layering up for snowy playground days, these pieces adjust with their activity level.
And because Iksplor uses non-mulesed merino wool, it’s a more conscious choice as well.
The Fit & Layering System
Fit matters more than people think with kids’ base layers. Too tight and they’re restrictive. Too loose and they bunch under snow pants. Iksplor fits close to the body without feeling compressive. They slide smoothly under:
Snow bibs
Fleece midlayers
Ski jackets
Rain shells
They’ve been the perfect addition to our kids’ layering system this year.
On cold ski mornings, they’re warm enough under insulated outerwear. On high-output days (like sledding or winter hiking), they breathe well and prevent overheating.
It’s that balance that makes them stand out.
The Itch Factor (Or Lack Thereof)
Let’s talk about the thing that makes or breaks merino for kids:
Is it itchy?
Aspen is incredibly sensitive to texture. If something feels scratchy, she’s done. Iksplor is the first merino baselayer we’ve tried that she hasn’t complained about once. No pulling at sleeves. No “this feels weird.” No asking to change halfway through the day. That alone makes them worth it.
Where We’ve Used Them
So far, these layers have come with us:
Ski days at Manning Park
Winter hikes in the Fraser Valley
Cold playground mornings
Layering under snow gear for travel
They’ve held up beautifully and wash well (always a big consideration with kids gear).
Not Just for Winter
While we first tested Iksplor this season for skiing and cold-weather adventures, I already know these won’t be packed away come spring.
Merino isn’t just for deep winter — it’s ideal for:
Chilly alpine mornings
Shoulder season camping trips
Early-start summit hikes
Cool evenings around the fire
Mountain town mornings when summer still feels crisp
Because they regulate temperature so well, these layers work just as beautifully under a light shell in the alpine as they do under insulated snow gear.
I suspect they’ll become part of our go-to kit for:
Rockies road trips
Alpine lodge stays
Late-season hikes
Coastal camping when the marine air turns cool at night
And honestly, that’s the sign of a good base layer — when it doesn’t feel seasonal, just essential.
Sizing Notes
We chose to size up for both kids this season.
The result is a slightly looser fit right now, but still streamlined enough to layer comfortably under snow bibs and jackets. For us, sizing up means we’ll get an extra season (or at least part of one) out of them — which always feels like a win with fast-growing kids.
That said, I would say Iksplor fits true to size if you’re looking for a more traditional, close-to-the-body merino fit. The fabric has enough stretch to move easily without feeling restrictive, and the cut is athletic without being tight.
If your goal is:
A snug performance base layer → order true to size
A little extra longevity → consider sizing up
Both work — it just depends how you plan to use them.
Care & Washing Tips
One of the biggest hesitations parents have around merino is care. The good news? It’s much easier than it used to be.
Here’s what we’re doing to keep ours in great shape:
Wash on cold, gentle cycle
Use a mild detergent
Avoid fabric softener
Dry on low
Because merino is naturally odour-resistant, we don’t wash them after every single wear — especially if they’ve only been used as a base layer for a few hours. That alone extends their lifespan significantly.
So far, they’ve held up beautifully with no pilling, stretching, or loss of shape.
And when you’re investing in quality baselayers, longevity matters.
Are They Worth It?
If you’re looking for:
A high-quality merino base layer
A kid-approved fit
Comfortable warmth without bulk
A layering piece that actually gets worn
Iksplor is absolutely worth considering.
They’ve become a staple in our winter gear bin this season — and I suspect they’ll stay there for a long time.
Because at the end of the day, the best gear for kids isn’t just technical — and it isn’t just warm.
It’s the gear they’ll actually choose to wear, in every season.
Save on Iksplor
If you’re building out your kids’ layering system this season, I have a 10% discount link you can use.
You can shop Iksplor merino baselayers through my link and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.
As always, I only share gear we genuinely use and love — and these have quickly become a favourite in our house.
