Mosko Moto has officially launched its new line of premium base layers, which consists of a Strata Quarter Zip Top, Zip-Off Thermal Bottom and Neck Gaiter. As you’d expect from Mosko products, these Merino wool garments were field tested extensively, with every element of the designs scrutinized to meet the company’s high standards. 

But before we get into the features and benefits of Mosko’s new Strata kit, let’s spend a minute considering Merino wool, and why it’s such an awesome tool for adventure riding. 

This type of wool seems to be everywhere these days, having been made a household name by outdoor gear giants like Smartwool. But Merino is more than a trade name, it’s a breed of sheep with the finest fleece in the world.

So Merino is naturally lighter in weight and noticeably softer against the skin, and it’s also better at controlling body temperature. While all wool is naturally hydrophilic, meaning the fibers attract and absorb water, i.e. sweat, and expel it as vapor, Merino dries faster than coarser wools, and since it’s naturally antimicrobial, it resists odors, a most-welcome feature when you’re on the road and unable to wash your gear on the regular. Merino is also anti-static, and, of course, sustainable.  

Mosko not only uses Merino for its new base layer line, it uses a new variation called Nuyarn, which outperforms the world’s best Merino wools in almost every performance metric. The main difference is Nuyarn isn’t spun the traditional way, which twists the wool strands into a yarn (a process that leaves the ends of fibers sticking out, causing that itchy sensation). Instead, Nuyarn wraps merino fibers around a superfine nylon core vs. twisting them, which makes the resulting fabric even softer, lighter, warmer, better at moisture management, more breathable and more resilient than pure Merino wools. Nuyarn’s twist-free technology also offers significantly more elasticity.  

Okay, so that’s probably more than you ever wanted to know about wool. But it does explain the high dollar value of Merino products, and why it’s an ideal layering aid for adventure riding, where both ambient, and body temperatures can swing wildly multiple times a day.

Layering is essential for comfortable adventure touring, and this new Strata Thermal Top, available in Navy or Lichen, is looking very versatile. And comfortable enough to wear it on the daily and not just on the trail. The dropped waist, quarter-zip stand collar and long, articulated sleeves are as functional as they are stylish. Other assets that make this a staple item include a deep chest zipper for ventilation, hoodie-style hand warmer pockets, a removable hood, thin enough to be worn under your helmet, and reinforced thumb loops to keep the sleeves in place even as you layer the shirt under or over armor.

Mosko founder Pete Day reported that when was field testing the Strata Top and Bottom prototypes he found himself keeping them on for lounging and even sleeping. The snap-off hood is a definite perk, too, especially around the campfire or on cold rides when a warm, lightweight layer under your helmet could make or break the ride. The long sleeved Strata Top sells for $99. 

Dubbed “The long john you never knew you needed” the Strata Merino pant’s coolest feature has to be the full-length, separating side zippers. Think of it, you head out on a cold morning and the soft, light-feeling Nuyarn wool feels like heaven, but later in the day you heat up and want them off. The zippers allow you to simply drop trou on the side of the trail and zip off the base layer pants without having to remove your riding pants, knee pads or boots.  

The above-the-boot cut (24” inseam on size L), and inherent stretch and recovery of the Nuyarn wool make them ideal for wearing over your armor. Mosko’s signature anatomical shaping keeps things stylish, while flat seams and a crotch gusset reduce the chance of chafing. And since these base layer items are naturally moisture wicking, quick drying and antimicrobial they’ll stay fresh enough to wear around camp, or anytime you feel like lounging around in a super soft, second skin. The Strata Bottoms go for $79 in sharp Navy blue or earthy Lichen. 

To top off your Strata base layer system, Mosko offers a $21 matching Navy or Lichen Merino Nuyarn Neck Gaiter, a layering tool with many uses. There’s the obvious application for warmth on a chilly ride, but a breathable neck gaiter can be awesome on a warm day too, keeping the drying sun and wind off your neck and preventing chin strap chafing. Get it wet at a stop and it will cool you right down on the hottest day. Plus, you can pull the mask up over your nose to serve as a face mask if you happen to need one. 

For more information on Mosko’s new line of base layers go to moskomoto.com.

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