Ah, shoulder season. That sweet spot between summer and winter when the outdoors feel alive with change. The mornings are cool enough that you can see your breath, and by the afternoon you’re rolling up your sleeves in the sun. The crowds have faded, the leaves are shifting, and every hike or campsite feels like it’s yours alone. I’ve felt it camping on the shores of Lake Michigan, hiking trails in Bend, chasing golden aspens in Telluride, and walking along the lakeshore at home in Chicago. These are the days I crave, but they’re also the hardest ones to dress for.
That’s why Merino has become the anchor of my layering system. Smartwool base layers adapt to the swings. They keep me warm without overheating, dry without sticking, and comfortable enough that I forget I’m even wearing them.
Why Shoulder Season Is Tricky
Shoulder season means you’re living in the in-between. It’s not summer, it’s not winter, and you never quite know what the weather is going to throw at you. The air is crisp, the colors are bold, and the temperature can change forty degrees in a single day. Without the right layers, you’re either shivering in the morning or sweating through your shirt by the afternoon. Merino takes the guesswork out of it. It regulates naturally so you can enjoy the climb, the trail, or the view without overthinking.
My Go-To Smartwool Pieces
When I know the day is going to start off cold, I reach for the Intraknit Thermal Max Merino Base Layer. This is Smartwool’s warmest base layer and the one I rely on when the temps really dip. It combines 100 percent Merino with Intraknit technology for targeted warmth and breathability. I even wore it skiing in Big Sky where the mornings were brutally cold, and it handled both the lift rides and long traverses perfectly.
For days that aren’t quite as extreme, I’ll swap in the Intraknit Thermal Merino Base Layer. It delivers the same slim, stretchy fit with just the right balance of warmth and breathability, making it ideal for shoulder-season camping or hikes where I’m constantly stopping and going.
Back home in Chicago, the Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer is part of my daily rhythm once the temps drop. I’m wearing it on walks through Lincoln Park and along the lakefront, or lounging at home after yoga. It’s also the first thing I throw in my bag for a quick trip because I know it works just as well on a city day as it does in the great outdoors.
And when the forecast is all over the place, I grab the Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer. It’s light enough for a sunny afternoon that climbs into the 70s but warm enough for a morning in the 40s. This is the piece that handles the shoulder season swings better than anything else.
Why Smartwool Stands Out
Smartwool has always been about Merino’s natural benefits: warmth, breathability, and odor resistance, but the brand has also kept innovating. The Intraknit designs add body mapping, stretch, and ventilation where you need it most, which makes a real difference when conditions are unpredictable. Every piece feels like it was built for people who are actually living in shoulder season weather.
The Takeaway
With Smartwool Merino, you’re never stressing about what you’re wearing. From the shores of Lake Michigan to the trails of Bend, from the peaks of Big Sky to the aspens of Telluride, these layers make every adventure more comfortable.
Chicago may be home, but I’m always looking for the next trip, the next trail, the next season. Smartwool is what makes me ready for it.
The Dyrt is the only camping app with all of the public and private campgrounds, RV parks, and free camping locations in the United States. Download now for iOS and Android.Popular Articles:
Articles on The Dyrt Magazine may contain links to affiliate websites. The Dyrt receives an affiliate commission for any purchases made by using such links at no additional cost to you the consumer.
