Base layers are important to an out of doors clothes system. When you should regulate your temperature and handle moisture within the blazing warmth or blizzards, base layers are the primary line of protection. We’ve rigorously researched 30 units and examined the 9 most promising choices side-by-side to offer this overview of the most effective base layers obtainable.
After 1000’s of days and nights on path, we all know which of them are the warmest, lightest, most breathable, most comfy, and most versatile for a variety of makes use of. Our favourite layers come from respected manufacturers comparable to Smartwool, Patagonia, Arc’teryx, REI, Icebreaker, Ortovox, Outside Analysis, Ibex, and Helly Hansen.
To finish your winter layering system, make sure to dive into our overview of the finest down jackets, fleeces, and winter coats for each males and ladies. When you’ve got questions on layers, check out What to Put on Climbing for extra particulars on how you can create the right system.
And for more information, try a few of our different hottest gear guides:
Fast Picks for Base Layers
Try this fast record of the most effective base layers, or proceed scrolling to see our full record of favorites with in-depth evaluations.
Finest Total Base Layer: Arc’teryx Rho LT Crew Males’s ($100) / Girls’s ($100)
Finest Price range Purchase: REI Midweight Half Zip Males’s ($60) / Girls’s ($60)
Breathable Chilly Climate Base Layer: Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Males’s ($130) / Girls’s ($45)
Finest Hoodie: Outside Analysis Alpine Onset Merino 150 Hoodie Males’s ($119) / Girls’s ($119)
Breathable Midweight Base Layer: Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew Males’s ($75) / Girls’s ($75)
Finest Ultralight Base Layer: Ibex Woolies Professional Tech Crew Males’s ($115) / Girls’s ($115)
Versatile Wool Base Layer: Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Males’s ($105) / Girls’s ($105)
Finest Heat-to-Weight Ratio: Ortovox 185 Merino Rock’n’Wool Males’s ($110) / Girls’s ($110)
Warmest Wool Base Layer: Smartwool Traditional Thermal Males’s ($115) / Girls’s ($115)
Finest Light-weight Wool Base Layer: Smartwool Traditional All-Season Males’s ($90) / Girls’s ($90)
Most Inexpensive Base Layer: Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Males’s ($45) / Girls’s ($45)
What’s New
We examined three new base layers, retested the tried-and-true choices, and chosen a brand new general winner.
- The Arc’Teryx Rho LT Crew outperformed the competitors as the most effective general base layer with its wonderful warmth-to-weight ratio and moisture-managing properties.
Base Layers Total Testing Scores
Arc’Teryx Rho LT Crew
Finest Total Base Layer
CleverHiker Ranking:
4.8/5.0
Value:
$100
Weight:
5.6 oz.(Males’s M)
Material/Weight:
Midweight polyester + elastane
Professionals
- Heat
- Extremely comfy
- Wonderful moisture administration
- Breast pocket
Cons
- Too heat for some makes use of
- Dear
The Arc’teryx Rho LT Crew (males’s/ladies’s) is our latest go-to for cold-weather pursuits. Constructed from brushed polyester fleece, it feels luxuriously tender towards the pores and skin, with a fastidiously tailor-made match that balances snugness and leisure. The articulated development and stretchy material enhance mobility, whereas the elastic wrists and basic crew neck add simplicity, sturdiness, and straightforward layering.
The place the Rho LT Crew actually excels is in moisture administration. It isn’t probably the most breathable alternative, nevertheless it wicks moisture rapidly and dries sooner than many opponents. Its fibers simply unfold moisture to the skin for environment friendly evaporation and dry surprisingly quick for a thick layer. Even when damp, it retains heat remarkably effectively.
For you ultralight fans, the Rho LT Crew affords among the best warmth-to-weight ratios we’ve seen. It stays minimal in options—no hood, zippers, or thumb loops—apart from a small zippered chest pocket for tiny necessities.
For severe cold-weather adventurers, the Rho LT Crew is a great funding. It’s good for chilly, damp circumstances, and whereas it’s too heat for tropical climates, it performs exceptionally effectively in alpine environments, shoulder seasons, or as a part of a winter layering system. Though it’s priced increased than some, the efficiency and luxury it affords make it a robust alternative for ultralighters, chilly climate explorers, or anybody who runs chilly.
REI Midweight Half Zip
Finest Price range Base Layer
CleverHiker Ranking:
4.7/100
Value:
$60
Weight:
9.8 oz.(Males’s M)
Material/Weight:
Midweight polyester
Professionals
- Inexpensive
- Sturdy
- Heat
- Comfy
- Versatile
- Thumbholes
Cons
- Not odor resistant
- Heavier than most
Generally, you come throughout a funds choice that performs simply in addition to higher-end objects, which is actually true with REI’s Midweight Half Zip base layer (males’s / ladies’s). This base layer is heat, sturdy, and comfortable towards the pores and skin, and it’s turn into a staple in our layering system.
It’s on the heavy aspect in comparison with others, so we are inclined to solely take it out in colder temperatures after we know we’ll be carrying it for many of our time outdoors. That mentioned, the load remains to be cheap for packing it as a just-in-case merchandise if you happen to’re the sort that likes to have an additional layer for sleeping on chilly nights. The zipper and match make it a supremely layerable choice that can be utilized as both a heat base layer or a light-weight mid-layer.
Though the zipper permits you to dump some warmth if you get slightly steamy, this base layer isn’t as breathable or moisture-wicking as wool, so we wouldn’t suggest it as the most suitable choice for high-output actions. It additionally isn’t odor-resistant or coated with any antimicrobial therapy, so it’s finest fitted to brief hikes or chilling at camp.
This prime is sturdy sufficient for a lot of seasons of use, making the already small price ticket much more interesting. Its multi-season functionality will fill in all of the gaps the place your light-weight and heavyweight base layers are missing. For those who’re in want of one thing heat, versatile, and well-built on a funds, that is your man.
Outside Analysis Alpine Onset Merino 150 Hoodie
Finest Hoodie
CleverHiker Ranking:
4.5/5.0
Value:
$119
Weight:
7.8 oz.(Males’s M)
Material/Weight:
Midweight merino wool + polyester + elastane
Professionals
- Heat
- Thumb holes
- Hoodie and balaclava
- Versatile
Cons
- Hood isn’t all the time sensible
- Not the quickest drying
The Outside Analysis Alpine Onset Merino 150 Hoodie (males’s/ladies’s) is a feature-rich, versatile base layer designed for chilly-weather efficiency and harsh circumstances.
The Outside Analysis Alpine Onset Merino 150 Hoodie is a feature-rich, versatile base layer designed for chilly-weather efficiency and harsh circumstances.
Constructed from non-mulesed 150gsm merino wool, it supplies a strong steadiness of heat, breathability, and luxury. Whereas the wool is mildly itchy, typical of recent merino, the flat seams, prolonged torso, and raglan sleeves improve general consolation and mobility. The longer match layers particularly effectively below outerwear.
The obtrusive, standout function of this hoodie is its three-panel hood with a built-in balaclava, offering ample protection, additional safety from the weather, and noticeable added heat. Sadly, the design can bunch awkwardly on the neck when not in use.
The thumb holes are one other welcome addition that additional the layer’s practicality for snowboarding, backpacking, or sleeping in chilly temps.
Moisture administration is strong, with spectacular wicking for a wool layer, however breathability and drying velocity are common. It’s not preferrred for humid or high-output actions, although it performs admirably in reasonable to chilly circumstances.
Whereas it might be on the pricier aspect, the Alpine Onset Hoodie delivers wonderful worth with its useful options and sturdy development. It’s finest fitted to these in search of a 3.5-season base layer that may double as a built-in ski masks or additional layer of heat while not having extra equipment. For adventurers who prioritize effectivity, protection, and heat in variable circumstances, this hoodie is a great funding.
Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew
Breathable Midweight Base Layer
CleverHiker Ranking:
4.5/5.0
Value:
$89
Weight:
6.2 oz.(Males’s M)
Material/Weight:
Midweight polyester
Professionals
- Inexpensive
- Sturdy
- Comfy
- Simple to layer
Cons
- Not as heat or odor-resistant as wool
The Patagonia Capilene Midweight (males’s / ladies’s) is a sturdy and comfy base layer prime that’s fairly a steal at its value level. We’ve used this prime for a number of thru-hikes, and it’s nonetheless going robust practically a decade later.
Patagonia’s proprietary Capilene mix is the softest, stretchiest, and finest at wicking moisture of all of the artificial supplies we’ve examined. Whereas it doesn’t lure warmth fairly as effectively as some wool base layers, the Capilene Midweight prime remains to be extremely versatile and straightforward to layer. It lays flat below mid-layers and doesn’t are inclined to wedgy with a number of motion. The absolutely gusseted underarms and stretchy material transfer with you and supply full mobility. We additionally respect the minimalist thumb loops, which assist preserve the sleeves in place when layering or delayering.
In comparison with wool, the Capilene Midweight’s recycled polyester is extra sturdy, stretchier, and packs down smaller. Though it’s not as antimicrobial as wool, Patagonia’s HeiQ Recent odor management therapy does job of masking smells.
This prime hits the candy spot between heat and breathability, making it a sensible choice all 12 months spherical. Throughout shoulder seasons, we regularly hike on this shirt by itself because it’s breathable and supplies simply the correct quantity of insulation for temperatures above freezing.
Ibex Woolies Professional Tech
Finest Ultralight Base Laye
CleverHiker Ranking:
4.5/5.0
Value:
$115
Weight:
4.2 oz.(Males’s M)
Material/Weight:
Light-weight merino wool + nylon
Professionals
- Ultralight
- Elevated sturdiness and elasticity for wool
- Comfy
- Stretchy
The Ibex Woolies Professional Tech Crew (males’s/ladies’s) is a light-weight, mobility-oriented base layer constructed for high-output actions in cool climate. In contrast to many wool layers, it supplies stunning consolation proper out of the field, due to a merino-nylon mix that reduces the standard itchiness of skinny wool. Flatlock seams, raglan sleeves, and gusseted underarms enhance consolation and mobility, whereas the stretchy material strikes naturally along with your physique. The match affords a real next-to-skin really feel, so dimension up if you happen to desire a extra relaxed match.
Its drying time and moisture-wicking are strong, however what actually stands out is its breathability. The semi-transparent material excels in conditions the place you need only a little bit of insulation with out overheating, like early morning climbs or summer season backpacking in high-altitude terrain. It retains you cool sufficient whereas shifting and heat sufficient when resting.
Heat isn’t this layer’s robust swimsuit, and it’s not speculated to be. It shines in situations the place minimal insulation is sufficient—like ski touring, desert climbing, or humid environments the place breathability is extra vital than bulk. It’s too skinny for cold-weather backpacking until you add additional layers.
Function-wise, the Professional Tech retains it easy: a crew neck, lengthy torso, and well-made thumb holes. It additionally is available in a quarter-zip model.
Finally, the Ibex Woolies Professional Tech isn’t for everybody. It’s not a do-it-all choice, and it comes at a premium value. However for warm-weather adventurers, ultralight backpackers, or anybody chasing fast-and-light efficiency, this base layer fills a invaluable—and extremely breathable—area of interest.
Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Lengthy-Sleeve Crewe Thermal High
Versatile Wool Base Layer
CleverHiker Ranking:
4.5/5.0
Value:
$105
Weight:
7.6 oz.(Males’s M)
Material/Weight:
Midweight merino wool
Professionals
- Odor-resistant
- Comfy
- Breathable
- Packs down small
- Versatile
- Moisture wicking
Cons
- A little bit dear
- Not as sturdy as some
The Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis (males’s / ladies’s) was our alternative as a climbing and sleeping base layer over 500 miles on the Colorado Path. It’s versatile, 100% merino wool, a contact hotter and extra comfy than comparable choices. This prime does an amazing job filling the hole between ultralight wool base layers and medium to heavy base and mid layers.
This material weight is 200g/ms, including slightly extra heat than comparable base layers whereas sacrificing a hair of breathability and drying time. Nevertheless, due to merino wool’s pure moisture wicking, sweat is rapidly dispersed to the outer layers of the material to keep away from evaporative cooling. The added bonus of naturally odor-resistant wool makes it preferrred for multi-day journeys with a number of exercise. Wool is understood to be much less sturdy than artificial supplies, however the barely heavier material weight of the Oasis 200 will final a bit longer than thinner wool choices.
The wool feels tender towards the pores and skin, and the flatlock seams aren’t perceivable in any respect. We did discover slightly little bit of scrunching after we layered the highest and moved round, nevertheless it was minor and positively not a deal breaker.
The Merino 200 Oasis incorporates a comfy match with gusseted underarms for added mobility and a barely looser crew neck. Icebreaker supplies ample colorways, however its pajama-like look isn’t the most suitable choice for informal put on.
Extra: Icebreaker Merino Oasis 200 Base Layer Evaluation Full Evaluation
Ortovox 185 Rock’n’Wool
Finest Heat-to-Weight for Wool
CleverHiker Ranking:
4.5/5.0
Value:
$110
Weight:
6.6 oz.(Males’s M)
Material/Weight:
Midweight merino wool
Professionals
- Wonderful warmth-to-weight
- Odor-resistant
- Athletic match
- Moisture wicking
Cons
- Model won’t enchantment to some
- Tends to wedgie
For those who’re searching for one thing that may preserve you heat with out weighing down your pack, the Ortovox 185 Merino Rock’n’Wool base layer (males’s / ladies’s) balances heat and weight. At 6.6 ounces, it falls within the light-weight base layer vary, however its heat performs like a midweight base layer.
The merino wool, which will be itchy on some clothes, is definitely remarkably clean on this layer. The wonderful interior materials feels tender towards the pores and skin, and the cosy match seems like a comfy hug. Due to its athletic match, this prime can generally “wedgie” beneath different fitted layers throughout heavy exercise.
This prime advantages from all of merino wool’s pure traits of fantastic moisture wicking, temperature regulation, and odor resistance. It’s an amazing alternative for winter tenting if you’ll be carrying the identical base layers for days on finish with out altering. Attributable to its thickness, it’s not fairly as breathable as different wool base layers and gained’t pack down as small as artificial tops.
The Rock’n’Wool is available in 4 completely different colours that each one function a break up, asymmetrical design that’s meant to suggest the multi-faceted nature of all of your outside adventures. Whereas the designs are distinctive, they don’t scream informal put on and won’t be interesting for everybody and each event.
Though it’s slightly pricier, we predict the Ortovox 185 Merino Rock’n’Wool base layer is without doubt one of the most versatile choices on our record, making it value each penny.
Smartwool Traditional Thermal
Warmest Wool Base Layer
CleverHiker Ranking:
4.5/5.0
Value:
$120
Weight:
10.3 oz.(Males’s M)
Material/Weight:
Midweight merino wool
Professionals
- Heat
- Plenty of shade choices
- Tender
- Odor-resistant
- Nice moisture wicking
Cons
- Costly
- Not as versatile as others
- Not probably the most breathable
The Smartwool Traditional Thermal (males’s / ladies’s) is a heat and comfortable base layer preferrred for fall to spring. The Thermal is simply the precise thickness that will help you thermoregulate in chilly fall and winter circumstances. It’s also obtainable in a quarter-zip choice with the added means to dump extra warmth buildup.
As a 100% merino wool base layer, the Thermal does a wonderful job at wicking away moisture. Whereas it wasn’t the quickest drying materials of all of the layers we examined, the wool nonetheless insulates whereas it’s moist and rapidly wicks moisture away out of your pores and skin so your core can keep heat. The wool can also be naturally odor-resistant, which makes it preferrred for multi-day journeys.
Though it performs finest in colder months, the Thermal can be utilized as a base layer or a mid-layer. The Interlock-knit wool is tender towards the pores and skin, and the flatlock seams aren’t noticeable. As a mid-layer, the shirt has sufficient additional material to be worn over a tighter-fitting base layer.
We give this prime numerous fashion factors. The relaxed match appears to be like nice as a standalone layer for lounging at camp or informal apres. Smartwool affords this shirt in a ton of various shade waves to make sure that there’s something for everybody.
The Traditional Thermal is slightly pricier, however its strong development and premium materials make it effectively value it.
Extra: Smartwool Traditional Thermal Base Layer Full Evaluation
Smartwool Traditional All-Season
Most Inexpensive Merino Wool
CleverHiker Ranking:
4.4/5.0
Value:
$90
Weight:
6.5 oz.(Males’s M)
Material/Weight:
Light-weight merino wool + nylon
Professionals
- Breathable
- Dries rapidly
- Good warmth-to-weight
- Odor-resistant
Cons
- Light-weight materials does not final as lengthy
- A little bit itchy at first
- Noticeable seams
The Smartwool Traditional All-Season base layer (males’s / ladies’s) is considered one of our favorites all 12 months spherical. We discovered it’s the proper thermal weight for many summer season tenting journeys. It’s skinny and breathable for when the solar is out but in addition a comfy base layer for cool nights within the 50s. Throughout our dry velocity checks, this prime carried out among the many finest. It even dried out faster than some 100% merino wool layers.
The material is an 88% merino wool and 12% nylon mix that weaves in the benefits of each pure and artificial fibers. The naturally odor-resistant wool sits towards your pores and skin, wicking moisture away and serving to with quick dry instances, whereas the nylon core provides sturdiness and elasticity. Whereas the material is drying, the insulating wool layer retains you heat even when the highest is slightly moist.
We just like the relaxed match of the Traditional All-Season, however we discovered it to be slightly itchier than among the different layers we examined. The seams are a bit noticeable towards the pores and skin as effectively, and it may well are inclined to bunch up below a number of layers throughout elevated exercise. Nevertheless, the pajama-like match is reassuring and makes this layer an amazing choice for sleeping or hanging in camp.
For ultralight backpacking, this can be a nice light-weight prime. It’s heat at night time, breathes effectively, and is simply 6.5 ounces. Although the skinny materials is rather less sturdy in the long term, and among the lighter ladies’s colours are semi-see-through, that is nonetheless a wonderful choice for cool (however not chilly) summer season backpacking journeys.
Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew
Most Inexpensive Base Layer
CleverHiker Ranking:
4.2/5.0
Value:
$45
Weight:
4.8 oz.(Males’s M)
Material/Weight:
Light-weight polyester + polypropylene
Professionals
- Inexpensive
- Fast-drying
- Athletic match
- Ultralight
- Very breathable
Cons
- Not odor-resistant
- Not as heat as others
- Runs small
- Not as versatile as others
The Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew base layer (males’s / ladies’s) is the lightest, most breathable, and most inexpensive base layer we examined. Helly Hansen’s proprietary Lifa Dry materials excels at moisture wicking and dries in a short time, making it an amazing alternative for high-output actions. The absolutely artificial materials can also be very stretchy, so the material strikes with you if you’re on the go. This prime incorporates a low-profile, athletic match that does run a bit on the small dimension. We suggest sizing up one dimension with this base layer.
This base layer isn’t as heat as others on our record, however the match and flatlock seams make it comfy for layering below different clothes. It’s additionally designed with flat, fitted cuffs that work properly below gloves. The Lifa Crew is perfect for path working, backpacking, and cross-country snowboarding because it has simply the correct quantity of insulation for lively days.
The Lifa Stripe Crew is the lightest base layer we examined by a few half ounce, making it good for ultralight backpacking. We adore it for brisk mornings on path as a lot as cozying up for dinner and a sundown. For those who get it sweaty, it dries rapidly sufficient to be a heat shirt to sleep in as effectively. Nevertheless, the artificial materials doesn’t have the pure odor-resistant qualities of wool, so it’ll begin to stink over time.
The racing stripes on the sleeves are a novel look, nevertheless it won’t be everybody’s cup of tea. We wouldn’t name it probably the most fashionable standalone base layer, however this isn’t a deal breaker for us because it’s activewear and can often be below one other layer.
Extra: Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew Base Layer Full Evaluation
How We Take a look at & Methodology
Our crew of backcountry specialists totally checks every base layer in a variety of situations to find out probably the most comfy, versatile, breathable, warmest, and even probably the most fashionable. We’ve put every layer by way of sensible use over a whole bunch of miles of path and weeks within the backcountry, from excessive alpine ridges to humid forests. We mix this sensible expertise with our knowledgeable business data and testing in a managed atmosphere.
COMFORT
We regard consolation as a very powerful metric as a result of if it isn’t comfy, you gained’t put on it. Whereas it’s inherently a subjective expertise, we do our greatest to gauge a layer’s general consolation in ways in which everybody can perceive.
We put on the layer towards naked pores and skin and layer it beneath and on prime of different items. We notice whether or not it feels tender or itchy, if the seams are noticeable, and if it lays flat. We then put on it as a part of an entire layering system and carry out some twists, slightly yoga—something to make it bunch up. All these observations mix right into a complete consolation rating that displays its efficiency in real-world circumstances.
MOISTURE MANAGEMENT
Moisture administration is crucial in a base layer as a result of staying dry straight impacts consolation, heat, and efficiency. We assess this utilizing three key elements: moisture-wicking, drying time, and breathability.
To check wicking, we sprayed water onto every material and measured how rapidly the moist space unfold — indicator of how effectively sweat is pulled away from the pores and skin.
For drying time, we weighed the water-saturated layers at set intervals to trace how briskly they misplaced moisture. Quicker drying helps forestall the coolness that may outcome from damp layers.
Breathability, although tougher to measure, was judged by way of lively put on — noting how breathable every base layer felt and the way simply it launched water vapor.
WARMTH
Heat is usually a tough high quality to evaluate in base layers as a result of the atmosphere is all the time altering, making managed checks practically not possible. In consequence, most of our understanding of heat comes from hours of real-world expertise. We ski, hike, climb, lounge—something to spend extra time in every base layer.
Moreover firsthand expertise, product specs additionally assist decide heat reliably. As an example, heavier materials are usually hotter than lighter ones, and supplies like wool are naturally hotter than synthetics. We take into account all these elements when ranking every base layer’s heat.
FEATURES & VERSATILITY
No base layer can do all of it. Some excel at high-output actions, whereas others are higher fitted to hunkering down over a fishing gap. Nevertheless, it’s undoubtedly simpler on the pockets when a bit of drugs is greater than a one-trick pony.
Many elements contribute to a layer’s versatility: what number of seasons it’s appropriate for, whether or not it may well function a mid-layer, and if it has useful options like a neck zipper, pockets, thumbholes, or a hood. You’re more likely to succeed in for a base layer typically if it’s handy to make use of and straightforward to include into your layering system.
Why Belief CleverHiker
Each expedition requires a particular sort of layering system, and it takes a various vary of experiences to good the artwork of layering.
Gear Analyst, Brett Kretzer, is an avid thru-hiker, rock climber, and snowboarder. He put a large number of base layers to the take a look at by way of 1000’s of miles on path (together with thru-hikes of the GR11, Colorado Path, Lengthy Path, the Wonderland Path, and extra), a whole bunch of days on ski mountains, and some seasons of backcountry splitboarding excursions.
From thick, humid rainforests to frigid, sub-zero temperatures, Brett has put himself in a variety of circumstances which have taught him how you can dial in his gear and clothes choice.
Evaluation & Outcomes
VALUE
It might appear unfair to check base layers aspect by aspect given the completely different wants of exercise, however we will get a basic sense of a garment’s general worth by evaluating its general rating throughout all dimensions to the value. The REI Midweight Half Zip impressed us with having the very best general rating in addition to one of many lowest value tags. The Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe, however is probably the most inexpensive base layer we examined, however is focused in direction of a really particular set of makes use of.
Not far behind when it comes to general worth is the Arc’teryx Rho LT Crew. This base layer is surprisingly inexpensive for Arc’teryx, delivering top-tier efficiency at a mid-range value
For those who’re seeking to go barely past the funds tier, the Smartwool Traditional All-Season and Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew are straightforward picks. They carry out effectively and are available from two of probably the most trusted names in outside attire.
COMFORT
The consolation of a base layer is nearly instantly noticeable if you put it on. Is it tender? Does it lay flat? Can you’re feeling the seams? Wool can generally really feel slightly scratchy in comparison with artificial fibers. Lastly, flat and low-profile seams are a lot much less noticeable in your pores and skin than protruding ones.
With Arc’teryx’s repute for supremely comfy lively put on, it’s no shock that the Arc’teryx Rho LT Crew has earned the highest spot when it comes to consolation. The tender, brushed fleece and thoroughly tailor-made match are exhausting to match.
For wool layers, we just like the Smartwool Intraknit Thermal. It’s an upgraded model of the Traditional Thermal with a 3D mapping design that enables slightly extra freedom of motion.
Three equally ranked base layers which are value noting for various causes are the REI Midweight Half Zip, the Ortovox 185 Merino Rock’n’Wool, and the Ibex Woolies Professional Tech Crew. The REI Midweight Half Zip is probably the most akin to the Arc’teryx in softness, whereas additionally offering wonderful layerability. The match of the REI serves a twin objective – cosy sufficient to suit below a fleece however unfastened sufficient to slip over a tight-fitting base layer.
The Ortovox 185 Merino Rock’n’Wool, whereas it tends to wedgie slightly bit beneath different layers, is without doubt one of the softest pure wool layers we’ve skilled. Ortovox designed their wool to be as tender as another material, with tiny, 19-micron fibers. This prime additionally makes use of a novel development that’s each cosy and athletic.
For those who want one thing ultralight that’ll transfer along with your physique throughout strenuous and numerous cardio exercise, it’s powerful to beat the Ibex Woolies Professional Tech Crew. The merino/nylon mix mixed with Ibex’s revolutionary spinning strategies creates a cloth that’s breathable and extremely stretchy.
Base layers that scored a bit decrease have been principally both slightly itchy or didn’t layer as effectively, with a bent to bunch up.
MOISTURE MANAGEMENT
Being trapped in a soggy base layer all day is usually a very uncomfortable and even harmful state of affairs which is why moisture administration is such an vital high quality in lively put on. The 3 ways material can handle moisture is thru wicking, drying time, and breathability.
Artificial fibers are inclined to have the most effective steadiness of those three skills which isn’t any shock why the highest three performers are the Arc’teryx Rho LT Crew, Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew and Ibex Woolies Professional Tech Crew. The three nevertheless serve completely completely different functions. The Rho LT is finest for frigid winter adventures the place insulation is essential and sweating is inevitable. It gained’t lose all of its water weight the quickest, however it’ll wick moisture away out of your pores and skin extraordinarily effectively so you possibly can really feel dry and heat even if you’re breaking a sweat. The Lifa Stripe however is probably the most breathable and quickest drying layer we examined, and due to this fact the most suitable choice for mitigating the coolness on a fall run or an alpine begin summit mission. The Ibex Woolies Professional Tech affords the most effective of each worlds with wonderful mobility, drying time, breathability, and wicking, however not a lot heat.
Clumped along with comparable moisture-managing kinds and capabilities are the Smartwool Traditional All-Season, Smartwool Traditional Thermal, Smartwool Intraknit Thermal, and the Icebreaker Merino Oasis 200 – all merino wool layers. All of them profit from merino wool’s pure anti-odor properties so you possibly can squeeze just a few extra days out of every layer earlier than tossing it within the washer. The Intraknit Thermal is without doubt one of the warmest layers on our record however enhances its breathability with built-in mesh zones in key areas.
An incredible artificial counterpart to the Smartwool Traditional All-Season is the Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew. The Capilene is simply as heat because the All-Season, however a tad much less breathable. The fibers have been extra comfy towards the pores and skin than the doubtless itchy wool.
All of those layers are wonderful decisions for cardio exercise, and selecting between them will depend on your supposed use.
WARMTH
Heat might appear to be a one-way avenue, however we will’t focus on the warmest base layers with out mentioning the lightest ones. The warmest base layer is perhaps your best option for climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro or hunkering down over an ice fishing gap, nevertheless it gained’t be appropriate for an extended Nordic ski ascent.
That being mentioned, the Arc’teryx Rho LT Crew and Smartwool Traditional Thermal are the 2 warmest base layers on our record. The Rho LT, with its extremely moisture-wicking artificial fibers, helps preserve you heat by staying dry. The thickness of the brushed fleece additionally affords loads of insulation. The Traditional Thermal, however, advantages from a cosy match and thick wool with wonderful thermoregulating properties.
The following two in line are the Smartwool Intraknit Thermal and the REI Midweight Half Zip. The Intraknit Thermal is similar to the Traditional Thermal however contains polyester and elastane blended into the wool for added elasticity and breathability. The REI Midweight Half Zip supplies additional heat protection for the neck and permits you to launch extra warmth by way of the zipper.
The Outside Analysis Alpine Onset Hoodie stands out solely for its built-in balaclava hood. It’s not the thickest layer on our record, however including nearly full protection for the pinnacle and face undoubtedly helps lure physique warmth.
Subsequent to the Arc’teryx Rho LT, the Ortovox 185 Merino Rock’n’Wool confirmed the most effective warmth-to-weight ratio of all the bottom layers we examined. At simply 6.6 ounces, it feels practically as heat as layers weighing twice as a lot. Warmth retention isn’t all the time a results of heavier material. The Rock’n’Wool’s heat comes from the wool’s fineness, which is tightly knit and suits intently.
The Icebreaker Merino Oasis 200 strikes a wonderful steadiness between weight, breathability, and heat. Just like the Rock’n’Wool, it falls into that preferrred vary with a cloth weight of about 185-200g/m². Whereas the Rock’n’Wool is noticeably hotter, the Icebreaker has a extra flowy match and is barely extra breathable.
Lastly, we owe a nod to the least heat layers on our record as effectively. The Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew, Ibex Woolies Professional Tech Crew, Smartwool Traditional All-Season, and Patagonia Midweight Capilene are all wonderful choices for if you simply need to take the coolness out of the air throughout shoulder seasons or on chilly mountain evenings.
FEATURES & VERSATILITY
We acknowledge that having a distinct base layer for every scenario can get costly, so we’ve rated each’s versatility to search out out which work finest for a number of makes use of. In different phrases, we’ve finished the analysis for you so you may get probably the most worth. Some layers are sensible for ten months of the 12 months, whereas others are solely appropriate for just a few seasons.
The one which we discovered to have the very best degree of seasonal range is the REI Midweight Half Zip. It’s thick sufficient to maintain you heat as a base layer in harsh winter circumstances, however the zippered neck enables you to dump extra warmth when it will get an excessive amount of throughout shoulder seasons. It really works effectively in early spring and late fall as a standalone layer, eliminating the necessity for a mid-layer general. Talking of mid-layers, this REI prime suits loosely sufficient to put on over a thinner base layer. The thumb loops are a pleasant bonus.
By way of sheer quantity of options, the Outside Analysis Alpine Onset Hoodie wins by far with its thumb loops and distinctive balaclava hood. With the Alpine Onset, you could possibly doubtlessly cut back your pack weight by leaving your beanie and buff at house. It’s simply considered one of our prime three favourite ski layers.
The Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew, Arc’teryx Rho LT Crew, and Smartwool Intraknit Thermal additionally provide wonderful multi-season versatility. The Capilene strikes an ideal steadiness in material and weight, making it straightforward to include into your layering system year-round. Relying on the circumstances, you would possibly want so as to add a mid-layer or a brief sleeve, however the Capilene not often feels pointless or misplaced. The Rho LT Crew and Intraknit Thermal can be worn year-round relying on the circumstances, although they are usually on the heavier aspect.
Probably the most versatile layering setup contains two or three base layers to select from, however if you happen to solely need one, considered one of these is the best choice.
Tips on how to Select a Base Layer
Selecting a base layer isn’t all the time easy, relying on how you propose to make use of it. Will you be ski touring throughout a multi-day hut journey or happening a chill fall backpacking journey stuffed with leisure actions? Or possibly you’re heading out on a looking journey the place you’ll be hunkered down in a blind for hours at a time. Every state of affairs requires a distinct mixture of fabric, heat, breathability, and extra.
MATERIAL
A base layer’s materials is usually a good indicator of the way it will carry out in numerous circumstances. Under, we’ll element some professionals and cons of the most typical base layer supplies.
Wool
Wool tends to be dearer than artificial base layers, nevertheless it additionally has the most effective steadiness of warmth effectivity, odor management, and moisture-wicking functionality. Wool layers might not final so long as artificial ones, and so they have a tendency to tablet after washing and maintain onto lint and pet hair. That mentioned, if you happen to use our technical material care ideas beneath, it is best to nonetheless get loads of use out of your wool clothes.
Polyester
Artificial materials like polyester or nylon are sturdy, quick-drying, and wonderful at moisture-wicking. We desire artificial shirts for his or her added breathability and usually extra inexpensive costs. Artificial layers don’t insulate in addition to wool and wish additional therapy to be anti-microbial. Nonetheless, they’re much simpler to take care of and shouldn’t want changing for a few years.
Blends
Material blends with various quantities of wool and artificial fibers provide the most effective of each worlds. Synthetics are sometimes added to enhance wool’s elasticity and sturdiness whereas retaining its pure advantages like odor resistance and thermoregulation.
MOISTURE MANAGEMENT
Whereas a thick wool base layer does a wonderful job at retaining you heat, if it doesn’t handle moisture successfully, it might danger your physique going into hypothermia if it will get moist. In different phrases, moisture is dangerous, and it is best to select the layer that may preserve you heat and dry based mostly on the actions and circumstances you count on.
Drying Time
Clearly, dry layers are the warmest and most comfy, making drying time arguably a very powerful facet of moisture administration. Nevertheless, when moisture will get trapped, it’s troublesome or not possible for a base layer to dry fully, which is when different strategies of moisture administration turn into essential.
Moisture Wicking
Moisture-wicking fibers rapidly draw moisture away out of your pores and skin and towards the outer layers of cloth the place it may well evaporate with out chilling your physique. Polyester does a wonderful job at this. The most effective moisture-wicking layers will really feel dry on the within even whereas they appear soaked on the skin. That is an efficient function when an insulating layer and shell lure moisture pockets, stopping them from escaping.
Breathability
This one is a double-edged sword. On one hand, a breathable layer lets wind move by way of the material to assist with drying, whereas moisture can escape extra simply. Alternatively, wind mixed with moisture creates a chilling impact, identical to your air con unit at house. Breathability works finest for lively layers if you need to cut back the crispness within the air however don’t thoughts slightly chill if you pause.
TIPS FOR LAYERING
Discovering the right outside clothes layering system finally comes down to private desire and the circumstances you’re adventuring in. Try our Climbing Clothes 101 article for some nice ideas that will help you discover what works for you.
CARING FOR TECHNICAL FABRICS
Discovering the right outside clothes layering system finally comes down to private desire and the circumstances you’re adventuring in. Try our Climbing Clothes 101 article for some nice ideas that will help you discover what works for you.
- Use a front-loading washer – The agitator in a top-loading washer can snag zippers or drawstrings and be exhausting on delicate materials and seams. Ensure you zip all of the zippers and tie the drawstrings earlier than washing to stop put on and tear.
- Use a technical material wash – We suggest Nikwax Tech Wash or Woolite for laundry any technical materials as a result of these options gained’t go away fragrances or residue in your clothes.
- Solely wash when you actually need to – A variety of technical materials are designed to be antimicrobial and shouldn’t maintain odors. Climbing clothes doesn’t essentially have to be washed after each use.
- Don’t use material softener or dryer sheets – Material softener and dryer sheets can go away behind residue on the material and negatively have an effect on efficiency by lowering breathability and insulation high quality.
- Hold dry when attainable – Warmth and agitation within the dryer can injury technical materials, so it’s finest to put them flat or hold them on a line to dry naturally.
Conclusion
Whether or not packing for a glamping journey or getting ready for an intense ski-mountaineering expedition, selecting the best base layer for the duty at hand could make or break your expertise. Relying on the scenario, you would possibly want heat over breathability or versatility over consolation. Regardless of the case, layering is really an artwork. We hope we’ve offered invaluable steering and readability that will help you select the right layers for all your outside adventures.