Base Layers for Cold Weather: Brynje Mesh Layer First Impressions

A friend introduced me to Brynje, and I was immediately intrigued by their fishnet-style base layers. The idea is that they’re warmer than a traditional solid base layer while also being more breathable so moisture can escape. I also appreciated that many of their pieces come in wool blends since we’re big on merino whenever possible.

Brynje is known for its mesh (fishnet-style) base layers, designed as part of a cold weather layering system. From what I understand, the mesh doesn’t insulate in the same way a traditional solid base layer does. Instead, it creates small gaps between your skin and outer layers, allowing warm air to be trapped while also letting moisture move through more easily rather than being held against your skin.

I connected with Brynje at the end of January and received a few pieces to try out in mid to late February. With that timing, and a relatively mild Montana winter, I haven’t had many opportunities to fully test them in the conditions they’re designed for. I was able to take the mesh base layer and hat out for a long day of late-season ski touring, but I’d ideally like to test it during something like winter camping where you get both high-output movement and periods of stillness. That may have to wait until next year with how quickly this season is ending.

Warmth & Layering

From what I’ve experienced so far, this isn’t a standalone base layer in the traditional sense. Instead of acting like a typical solid (non-mesh) base layer that provides warmth on its own, it works best as part of a winter layering system. With the warmer temperatures this season, I’ve been wearing it as my base layer, then adding a midlayer (my old base layer) and a shell if needed.

Used this way, it adds warmth without much bulk, which is especially useful for high-output activity where you want to stay warm without overheating or feeling restricted.

Early Impressions

Because I’ve had limited time to test the base layer in truly cold + high-output conditions, I don’t yet have a strong read on breathability, which is one of the main selling points of this type of base layer. I do notice the added warmth, but need more time to evaluate the breathability. This feels like a piece that needs more consistent cold weather and movement to fully evaluate.

That said, I did notice better breathability with the hat, which makes me curious to continue testing the base layer in more demanding conditions.

Gear Notes

Hat: This has been turned into my go-to winter hat. It does seem more breathable than other winter hats to the point where I don’t notice it. Most winter hats leave me too sweaty, so I take them off and then immediately feel cold which becomes a constant on/off cycle. I haven’t noticed that as much with this one, which has been a nice change. Browse Brynje Gear →

Mesh base layer: Works best as part of a layering system. I’ve found it does add good warmth without the bulky restrictive feel, but I’ll need more time to fully assess its breathability. Browse Brynje Gear →

Sports bra: The fit didn’t work as well for me, especially for a smaller chest, so this may depend on body type. It seems like it would work better for me if the shoulder straps were tighter.

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