ADH-Test: Skwala Thermo 150 & 350 Merino Base and Midlayers
Bitterly cold and windy - and yet we are drawn to the water. Whether for pike, huchen, winter grayling or steelhead: On really cold days, it's not (only) the thickest jacket that counts, but above all what goes on underneath and directly on the skin - base layers, midlayers and an overall well thought-out layering system. This is exactly where SKWALA's Thermo Collection comes in, with merino at its core and a performance that not only keeps you reliably warm in practice, but also works over long days and multi-day trips.
We tested the Thermo Collection over six months in a wide range of conditions - from icy winter days to active fishing in milder temperatures - and present the products from the Thermo 150 and Thermo 350 series in detail in this video.
Layering: stay warm without heat build-up
Good layering works like a construction kit: it keeps moisture away from the skin, stores warmth, blocks wind/weather - and is flexible enough to prevent you from "cooking" immediately when changing spots or going to the water.
It is precisely this principle that SKWALA has consistently applied: instead of "one jacket for everything", the focus is on versatile, breathable layers that can be combined depending on the weather and activity.
Our practical set-up (simplified):
- Mild / active: Thermo 150 Hoody solo or under a light shell jacket
- Cool / changeable: Thermo 150 + Thermo 350 (or Thermo 350 solo) + wading jacket
- Really frosty: Thermo 150 as a "comfortable base" + Thermo 350 as a mid-layer + an insulating layer (e.g. from the Fusion series) on top if required + a wind and weather protection (wading jacket) as the outermost layer.
Why Merino? Advantages that you really notice on the water
Merino wool has been "THE" material for functional underwear for years for good reason - but not every merino layer is the same. It depends on the material thickness (or material weight), the merino content and the material blend. Good merino items deliver a package that is simply worth its weight in gold when fishing:
- Temperature regulation: Merino insulates and breathes at the same time - extremely pleasant, especially under changing loads.
- Warms even when wet: Even if you sweat or get damp, the feeling of warmth remains stable.
- Moisture transport: Merino helps to transport sweat/moisture away from the skin - important for active fishing, even outside of winter.
- Odour resistance: Merino wool has natural antimicrobial properties. This is a real advantage, especially on multi-day tours (less washing, less luggage stress).
In the Thermo Collection, SKWALA also emphasises the combination of selected high-quality merino wool and a technical finish for more stretch, comfort and durability.
SKWALA Thermo 150 Hoody: The "always with you" base layer
The Thermo 150 Hoody is our entry into the system: light, comfortable and extremely versatile. It works as a base layer and - depending on the day - also as a sun shirt.
Technical highlights & features:
- Ultra-fine merino wool (60% merino content) with a low nylon content: soft on the skin, yet robust.
- Performance typical of merino: temperature-regulating, moisture-wicking, odour-resistant.
- 50+ UPF sun protection: makes the 150 also exciting in summer.
- Scuba hood: fits snugly, protects and is great for layering under jackets.
- Movable inserts under the arms: prevents constriction when throwing and moving.
- Integrated thumb loops: Sleeves stay where they belong - especially when layering.
Impression: Exactly the piece you put on in the morning and still wear in the evening - because it feels really comfortable against the skin. In the layering system, it provides a base that you can rely on.
SKWALA Thermo 350 Hoody: The all-rounder - with 95% merino content!
The Thermo 350 Hoody is the "heavy hitter" in the merino line - ideal as a mid-layer on super-cold days, but thanks to the thermo-regulating properties of merino wool, it is also a piece that we use all year round. A real all-rounder!
Technical highlights & features:
- Material mix: 95 % merino wool + 5 % spandex
- Hood + extra high collar: really good protection for neck, chin and wind edge
- Fleeced wool lining inside:
- Warmth and comfort without feeling "scratchy"
- Robust knitted structure on the outside: durable and suitable for everyday use.
- Stretchy zip pocket on the front: ideal for your mobile phone or small items without adding bulk.
- Flat thumb loops:
- No irritating seams, even in combination with a second cuff
- Award: 'Best New Layering' - Fly Fisherman Gear Guide, 2024.
Impression: The 350 does not look "thick", but rather like a very well thought-out warming layer that does not immediately lead to heat build-up even when moving, quite the opposite - it fits perfectly as a functional, middle layer in the onion look. And that's exactly why we use it so often - 365 days a year.
SKWALA Thermo 350 Pant: The merino fleece trousers under your waders
Whether you start to freeze after a short time in the water - or whether you just carry on fishing - is often decided under your waders. The Thermo 350 Pant is built for this: warm, flexible and with pockets positioned in such a way that they also make sense with waders.
Technical highlights & features:
- 95% merino wool: natural warmth, comfort, odour resistance.
- Fluffy inside + robust outside: soft on the skin, durable in use.
- Moisture-wicking & temperature-regulating: ideal for cold, active days.
- Elasticated waistband with drawstring: secure fit, quickly adjusted.
- Pre-shaped knees & jogger cut: freedom of movement when wading and layering.
- Pocket setup: two side pockets + back pocket with zip.
- Award: "Best New Layering" - Fly Fisherman Gear Guide, 2024.
Impression: Exactly the kind of trousers you wear underneath in the morning - and don't want to take off in the lodge (or in the car) in the evening. Can also be ideally combined with a second, thin layer next to the skin for even greater warmth.
Product quality & sustainability
For the Thermo Collection, SKWALA relies on merino wool from New Zealand as a renewable natural material and on high-quality processing of the raw materials in Germany. The overarching goal is clear: to produce durable garments that work reliably for many, many days of wear.
Sustainable processing, renewable materials and a long service life - for us, all of this is characterised by sustainability. Buying new items less often means enjoying high-quality equipment for longer. And above all: outstanding quality and functionality that is completely convincing in nature, on the water and during high levels of activity.
Personal conclusion
After a good six months of practical testing in a wide range of temperatures, one thing is clear to us: when it comes to merino wool, SKWALA's Thermo Collection is one of the best product ranges we have had the pleasure of testing to date. The outstanding thermo-regulating properties are not only noticeable in winter in icy conditions, but also in summer during active fishing, when efficient moisture transport is crucial.
Rarely have we seen garments with such a clean and high-quality finish - which is to be expected at this price level, but is delivered without compromise. We were particularly impressed by the comfort and functionality of the 150 and 350 merino pieces in the Thermo Collection. And as with all SKWALA products, the thermal base and mid-layers fit perfectly into the brand's characteristic colour code.
