Cold-weather fly fishing demands a base layer that keeps you warm, manages moisture when you are active, and stays comfortable across a long day on the water. Most synthetic base layers do two out of three reasonably well. Merino wool does all three naturally.
Skwala built the Thermo Collection around premium New Zealand Merino wool sourced from the same region that produces the finest wool in the world. That wool is then spun and engineered in Germany, resulting in a base layer system that outperforms synthetic alternatives at comparable weights.
Cheap wool itches and pills. Premium Merino at 20.5 microns, the fiber grade Skwala uses, feels soft against the skin even after a full day of wading under neoprene. It does not scratch.
Beyond comfort, Merino has natural properties synthetics cannot replicate. It regulates body temperature by absorbing moisture from your skin and releasing it to the air, a process that generates a small amount of warmth and makes Merino uniquely suited for fishing. Activity levels on the water change constantly, from hiking fast to reach a run, to standing still watching for a rise. A base layer that adapts to that is worth paying for.
Merino is also naturally odor-resistant. Bacteria that cause smell have a harder time surviving in wool fibers than in synthetic materials. On a multi-day trip, this makes a real difference.
The anchor piece of the Skwala cold-weather system. When frost forms on the guides and water temperatures are in the 30s, this is the first layer you put on and the last one you take off.
The most versatile piece in the Thermo Collection. Light enough to wear as a standalone shirt on cool spring and fall days, warm enough to serve as a base layer when temperatures drop.
Pairs with the Thermo 350 Hoody for a complete cold-weather base layer system. Worn under breathable waders, these pants keep you warm and comfortable through long winter fishing days.
The Thermo Collection integrates seamlessly with the rest of the Skwala lineup. Here is how a complete cold-weather system comes together:
Worn under waders, the Thermo 350 Hoody and Thermo 350 Pant create the foundation of a cold-weather fishing system by adding heavyweight Merino warmth close to the body.
Worn over waders when not actively casting, the Fusion 3/2 Puffy Jacket adds packable insulation for cold mornings, boat rides, and breaks between fishing sessions.
The Carbon or RS Rain Jacket completes the system with wind and rain protection, helping block weather while your base and mid layers manage warmth.
For cold hands, the Thermo 300 Gloves work well as a warm liner or standalone option, while the RS Waterproof Gloves add protection for wet, sustained cold-weather use.
For shoulder-season fishing where temperatures fluctuate, swap the Thermo 350 Hoody for the lighter Thermo 150. It provides enough warmth for cool mornings while breathing better when the afternoon warms up.
Merino wool naturally regulates temperature across changing activity levels, wicks moisture without developing the persistent odor associated with synthetic base layers, and stays soft against the skin even after extended use. For fly fishing, where you alternate between active hiking and standing still for hours, natural temperature regulation is a genuine advantage.
The Thermo 350 is a 350-gram heavyweight hoody designed as a true cold-weather base layer for winter and late-fall fishing. The Thermo 150 is a lighter-weight Merino option that works as a standalone shirt in cool weather or as a base layer in moderately cold conditions. If you fish primarily in the shoulder seasons, the Thermo 150 covers more situations. If you fish hard through winter, the 350 is the right choice.
Skwala uses hand-selected New Zealand Merino wool, widely considered the highest quality Merino available. The fibers are spun and engineered in Germany before being incorporated into the Thermo Collection garments.
Yes. The Thermo 350 Hoody works well as a standalone mid-layer for boat fishing, dock fishing, or hiking to the water on cold days. The scuba hood and high zip collar provide significant warmth on cold mornings.
Machine wash on a cold, gentle cycle and lay flat to dry. Avoid high heat in both washing and drying. Merino wool is more durable than many people expect, but high heat is its primary weakness. Follow the care instructions on the garment tag.
The Fly Fishers carries the full Skwala Thermo Collection. Free shipping on orders over $75. Questions about sizing, fit, or which weight is right for your season? Contact us before you order.
Skwala Clothing