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Base layers, thermal underwear, long johns—whatever you want to call them, nothing in the process of layering clothing for warmth is as important as the layer that touches your skin. This layer has to do double duty, insulating you but also allowing heat and moisture to pass through it and out, away from your body.
To find the best base layers for different scenarios, we’ve spent years testing them while hiking alpine lakes in the summer, snowshoeing through the winter, and dozens of trips between those extremes. These are our favorites.
Be sure to also check out WIRED’s guides to the Best Merino Wool, Best Rain Jackets, Best Daypacks, Best Backpacking Tents, and all the rest of WIRED’s hiking, backpacking, and camping coverage.
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The Best Ultralight Merino Base Layer
-Offwhite-Background-SOURCE-Ibex.jpg)
Courtesy of Ibex
Ibex
Woolies Pro Tech Crew
Ibex Woolies Pro Tech Crew and matching Woolies Pro Tech Bottoms ($115) are the best lightweight merino base layer I’ve tested. They’ve been the top pick in our merino wool clothing guide for years, and I struggle to imagine what would unseat them.
Woolies are Nuyarn, which is 85 percent merino wool and 15 percent nylon. The merino wool is wrapped around a nylon core, which increases the warmth while being lighter (5 ounces for the men’s large) and more durable. Woolies are 125-gsm wool (that’s grams per square meter, a common measurement of fabric thread density, and therefore relative warmth). The cut here is tight, which is part of what I like about the Woolies—it’s easy to get your next layers over them, and they don’t bunch up. There are generous thumb holes on the sleeves which make it easy to pull on additional layers without the sleeve riding up. The flatlock stitching makes it so I don’t notice the seams (which are mostly off the shoulder anyway, to prevent any rubbing should you be wearing a pack).
I’ve been wearing Woolies as my main base layer in winter for over three years now. This is also my top pick for all things technical—backpacking, bike packing, climbing, skiing, etc. It’s what I bring hiking and backpacking to elevation in the summer months as well. Paired with a merino grid fleece and lightweight puffer jacket, this is even enough for shoulder-season trips in the fall. I prefer the crew T-shirt since I usually have other things over this anyway, but there is a quarter zip version of the shirt if you prefer to have more ventilation options. If these have a con, it’s that they frequently sell out in popular size and color combos. (They also restock frequently, so keep checking if the one you want is not currently available.)
Weight (Medium) Fabric Price Colors Ibex Woolies Pro Tech Long Sleeve Crew 4.2 oz 125 gsm Nuyarn: 85% merino wool, 15% nylon $115 2 Ibex Woolies Pro Tech Bottoms 3.8 oz 125 gsm Nuyarn: 85% merino wool, 15% nylon $115 2 Ibex Woolies Pro Tech ¾ Length Bottoms 3 oz 125 gsm Nuyarn: 85% merino wool, 15% nylon $105 1 -
Best Midweight Base Layer
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Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
Icebreaker
Merino 200 Oasis Thermal Top
Icebreaker’s 200 Oasis base layer is, as the name suggests, a 200-gsm base layer, making it a good choice for a wide variety of uses, whether its skiing in the front country, hiking in the fall or spring, or as part of your layering system in the depths of winter. The 100 percent merino fibers here are not quite as soft at the Smartwool above, but they’re equally good at regulating body temperature and wicking away moisture. This is also the fastest drying of the merino tops I tested.
The flatlock stitching, combined with offset shoulder seams, make this one plenty comfortable. The gusseted underarms are nice for increased mobility. My one gripe with this is that I feel like it could be longer. Sometimes when I lift my arms over my head this one rides up quite a bit, exposing my stomach. For that reason I would not recommend this if you’re on the taller side, or have long arms (for reference, I am 5’11” and wear a large).
Weight (Medium) Fabric Price Icebreaker Oasis 200 Long Sleeve Crew 7.6 oz 200 gsm, 100% merino wool $105 Icebreaker Oasis 200 bottoms 7 oz 200 gsm, 100% merino wool $105 Icebreaker Oasis 200 Half Zip Thermal Top 12 oz 200 gsm, 100% merino wool $115 -
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The Best Heavyweight Base Layer
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Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
SmartWool
Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer
Smartwool’s 100 percent merino Classic Thermal base layer is another staple from our years of merino wool coverage. It’s 250-gsm merino, double the thickness of the Ibex Woolies, and roughly twice as warm, making it a great base layer for cold weather. It fits looser too, making it feel more like a comfortable shirt. The looser fit makes it possible to use this as a second base layer over something like the Woolies when it’s extremely cold (this combo is something I wear all the time here in Northern Wisconsin). Part of the reason I love this top especially is that it’s soft and comfortable, keeping you warm without that tight, “technical garment” feeling. It also manages to not feel too bulky when you add a midlayer over it. Be sure to grab the bottoms as well.
The 100 percent merino means the Classic Thermal effectively wicks moisture, keeping you warm even if you get wet with sweat. Merino also means it won’t stink. As with many of the tops on this page, the flat stitching and off-the shoulder seams mean you won’t get any rubbing while wearing this with a pack.
If I had to come up with a downside to this one, it’d be that this is really warm and might be overkill if you live in, say, Southern California. For the rest of us though, this is a great all-around option that works well on the trail or just sitting around the house on those dark winter evenings.
Weight (Medium) Fabric Price Colors Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Long Sleeve Crew 10.3 oz 250 gsm, 100% merino wool $115 14 Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Bottoms 8 oz 250 gsm, 100% merino wool $115 4 Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Zip Top 10 oz 250 gsm, 100% merino wool $120 9 -
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The Best Base Layer for Extreme Cold
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Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
Minus33
Heavyweight Yukon Thermal Long Sleeve
If you’re going to be in serious cold, New Hampshire–based Minus33 is the company to shop. Where I live, winter temps regularly dip below 0 degrees Fahrenheit and the Yukon comes into its own. The 400-gsm weave of 100 percent merino is more like a sweatshirt than a base layer, but if you live in the north, you get it. To be honest, I usually go with the Woolie crew under this on really cold days, especially for low-aerobic activities like walking the dog before the sun is up. For most people, the Yukon (or the Tanana, as the women’s version is called) is probably overkill, but if you live in the north, or if you’re a perpetually cold person, this is the ultimate heavyweight base layer.
The Yukon is wonderfully soft on the inside, and the seams don’t rub, even with a heavy pack on. The cut is roomy without being too baggy, and it’s machine-wash and -dry, so no babying necessary. I’ve been wearing this shirt in winters for several years now, and it still looks pretty much like it did the day I got it—almost no pilling and no fraying.
Weight (Medium) Fabric Price Yukon/Tanana Heavyweight Crew 16.8 oz 400 gsm: 100% 18.5 micron merino wool $150 -
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REI Co-op
Midweight Long-Sleeve Base Layer Top
REI Co-op gear is often the best value you’ll find in outdoor gear. These aren’t perfect by any means, but if you want one base layer to do it all and don’t want to spend a fortune, these are the base layers to get. You can have a crew top and bottom for less than a single garment of merino. The trade-off is that these aren’t as warm, and they will definitely stink after you’ve been sweating in them all day skiing. Still, they’re plenty warm enough for most activities, the fabric is pleasantly soft (and this is coming from someone who thoroughly dislikes synthetics against his skin), and, as an added bonus, they dry very quickly too.
They’re comfortable with a tight, but not overly-tight, fit that makes them easy to layer over. I especially like the thumb loops on the sleeves, and the flatlock stitching keeps these from rubbing under load. The downside to these is they’re not nearly as effective at wicking moisture as most of the other options in this guide. For that reason, these would not be my choice for more vigorous activities like cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. They’re perfect for downhill skiing or hiking in the shoulder seasons, though.
Weight (Medium) Fabric Price REI Co-op Midweight Long-Sleeve Crew 10 oz 220 gsm, 92% recycled polyester, 8% spandex (bluesign approved) $55 REI Co-op Midweight bottoms 7.2 oz 220 gsm, 92% recycled polyester, 8% spandex (bluesign approved) $55 -
The Most Breathable Base Layer
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Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
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Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
Artilect
Boulder 125 Quarter Zip Top
If your primary concern is shedding sweat and venting excess heat generated by hard physical activity, the Artilect Nuyarn Boulder 125 base layer is for you. Usually I prefer a crew top, but in this case I prefer the half zip for its added heat-dumping ability. In the right circumstance the half zip is the perfect little personal thermal regulator, and outweighs the trade-off in weight and (sometimes) comfort. Here there’s no comfort sacrifice to make, as this zipper is light and well-backed to ensure no cold metal ever reaches your skin, nor does it press against your neck too much when fully zipped (one of my pet peeves).
The name here comes from the 125-gsm Nuyarn fabric (85 percent merino wool, 15 percent nylon) that makes up most of this top. Crucially though, on the sides, from the top of the arm pit down to about the bottom of your ribs, is a strip of fabric proliferated with what Artilect calls “eyelets,” tiny holes that let moisture and heat escape more easily. The result is a base layer that’s better than most at shedding heat, making it perfect for high-aerobic winter activities.
The Boulder Bottoms ($120) have the same eyelets in the gusseted crotch and along the top rear of the pants, right about where the belt of your backpack sits. For this reason these are my go-to bottoms for backpacking trips where I anticipate cold mornings. The extra ventilation around the top of the pants means less sweat accumulates, and you stay drier.
Weight (Medium) Fabric Price Artilect Boulder 125 Half Zip Top 5.7 oz 125 gsm Nuyarn: 85% merino wool, 15% nylon $130 Artilect Boulder 125 bottoms 4.6 oz 125 gsm Nuyarn: 85% merino wool, 15% nylon $120 -
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The Best Synthetic Base Layer
Patagonia
Capilene Midweight Crew
These soft and stretchy unders are made from capilene, an insulating fabric spun from 100 percent recycled polyester. The synthetic threads perform about on par with wool. Capilene is also just about as comfortable, all while being light and quick-drying. Patagonia sells the base layers in two thicknesses: midweight and a heavier thermal weight. They come in men’s and women’s sizes, and the tops are available in a crewneck or collared zip-neck. I tested these in the fall in Minnesota and in San Francisco, so I wore the midweight version with a crewneck top.
Taking advantage of the precision afforded by working with synthetic fabric, Patagonia has made some interesting design choices. The garments are smooth on the outside, and have a subtly embossed diamond grid pattern on the inside. The company says this diamond pattern creates little pockets that trap heat and help wick moisture. That claim is next to impossible to verify, other than to say: The fabric did keep me about as warm as merino wool.
Like most Patagonia apparel, these fit a little looser than the same size would from other brands. Even though I tend to like my base layers snug against my skin for maximum warmth, here I appreciated the extra room in the shoulders, in the groin, and under my arms. I wore them for two days straight on a canoe camping trip—even sleeping in them—and after a wash a week later, another two days commuting to and from my office. They didn’t chafe or bag out, and the elastic points never pinched. After each multiday wear, they did stink a little—more than wool would in the same scenario, but miles better than other synthetics I’ve tried. If you’re avoiding wool because of allergies or because you’re eschewing animal byproducts, this fair-trade certified two-piece is a solid alternative. —Michael Calore
Weight (Medium) Fabric Price Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew 6.2 oz Recycled polyester $89 Patagonia Capilene Midweight bottoms 4.3 oz Recycled polyester $89 -
Best Sun Hoodie
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Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
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Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
We have an entire guide to sun hoodies in the works, but this is our favorite so far in testing. Paka’s Sol hoodie is wonderfully soft, plenty breathable, and has proved durable as well. It offers 30+ SPF protection from that alpine glare, and it keeps you surprisingly cool considering you’re wearing a long-sleeve shirt in the burning sun. There are limits to that, of course, and this one does not resist odors as well as a merino sun hoodie would, but it’s better than the polyester options I’ve tried. I also like that it’s easy to care for; just wash it cold and lay it flat to dry.
In the summer I’ve been using this as my base layer. While it’s a bit loose as a true base layer, pairing it with the Woolies above, and an ultralight puffer jacket makes for a good summer backpacking clothing setup in mountains or similar cooler terrain. Heading into the shoulder season I throw in a grid fleece instead since the sun isn’t as much of an issue, but I’ve found this hoodie quite versatile.
Weight (Medium) Fabric Price Paka Sol sun hoodie 9.1 oz 181 gsm: 67% Tencel, 14% nylon, 14% royal alpaca, 5% spandex $95 -
Honorable Mentions
There are a lot of base layers out there, including some that are great but not quite great enough to make our top picks. Here are some more options worth considering if none of the above quite fit the bill for you.
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Arc’teryx
Rho LT Crew Neck
Arc’teryx’s Rho Lt base layer is a 185-gsm, 84% polyester, 16% elastane shirt that fits well and is soft for a synthetic. It wicks moisture well, and is nice and warm for the weight. (I’d call it a midweight base layer.)
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Artilect
Flatiron 185 Crew
Artilect’s Flatiron base layer is 185-gsm Nuyarn, and it fits on the tighter side, though it’s plenty comfortable. I like this base layer a lot; in fact the only real drawback is that it’s on the pricey side.
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Kari Traa
Rose Base Layer
I am 5’2″ and struggle to find clothing options that will fit—especially ones that are meant to fit next to the skin. As high-quality as a base layer may be, it won’t keep you warm if it rucks up around your waist or sags below your hips. Kari Traa’s leggings have a very high waist that helps keep them up. The patterns are also pretty, for those of you who object to parading around the lodge in what looks like pajamas. —Adrienne So
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Ridge Merino
Aspect Long Sleeve Shirt
This is one of the rare base layers that you can actually where as just a T-shirt around town and you won’t look like you just drove in from the trailhead, which makes it a bit more versatile then some of the others here. If you want something multi-use, this is a good option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Best Base Layer Material?
This will come down to what you’re doing and personal preference. The three most familiar options are merino wool, synthetic nylon blends, and silk.
- Merino wool: Generally speaking, merino wool excels at keeping you warm, is nicely breathable, and makes an excellent base layer, which is why it’s heavily featured in the guide. For durability, go with a blend like Nuyarn.
- Synthetic polyester blends: Synthetics have a slight edge in some circumstances, particularly if you’re sweating a lot from highly aerobic activity. Synthetics don’t hold as much water and consequently dry faster than merino.
- Silk: Silk is incredibly soft and does a reasonably job of wicking moisture away from your skin if you’re not working too hard. If you’re really exerting yourself, silk is easily overwhelmed, but for travel where you might take a long walk or go to an outdoor event in the evening, silk works well.
What is the Best Base Layer for Cold Weather?
It really depends what you’re doing in cold weather and exactly how cold we’re talking. I live in northern Wisconsin. Cold to me is anything below 10 degrees Fahrenheit, at which point I reach for two layers of merino wool. In fact, I start most winter hikes wearing both our top-pick lightweight base layer and our heavy-weight base layer.
If you’re in the Florida Panhandle (where I’ve also spent a good bit of time), you might be able to get by with just our top-pick lightweight base layer and a grid fleece or similar jacket for much of the winter.
What is the Best Base Layer for Extreme Cold?
A fireplace. Just kidding. When you want to head out into extreme cold—say, cross-country skiing your way through the Boundary Waters in January—the best base layer is several base layers. As noted above, I often wear both our top-pick lightweight base layer and our heavy-weight base layer for winter adventures. Remember, though, that cross-country skiing and snowshoeing aren’t easy. You’re going to get warm pretty quick, and soaked with sweat if your base layer doesn’t wick moisture well. For that reason, I often turn to Nuyarn, like the Artilect above. It wicks more effectively and dries faster than pure merino. The Patagonia capilene are also excellent for winter adventures.
Is Merino Wool the Best Base Layer?
It depends what you’re doing. Most of the time I think it is, but if you’re really exerting yourself, or otherwise sweating a lot, synthetics may wick better, keeping you drier and therefore warmer. That said, I do not like the feel of most synthetics, and aside from testing them for this guide, I almost never wear them.
Nuyarn is a merino wool/synthetic hybrid weave, wherein merino wool is wrapped around a nylon core for warmth, lightness, and extra durability. The idea is to get the temperature regulation benefits of merino, but to add some of the longevity of nylon. In my experience, Nuyarn mostly works. It’s our top pick for base layers, though I find it less necessary in more casual garments where I prefer 100 percent wool.
