The Solution 150 won't be a perfect fit for everyone: the slim fit can be too tight for many body types to wear comfortably especially if you're worried about the sleeves being too tight around the shoulders and pits. But this Smartwool shirt is great. Some tops feature a hood, partial zipper, or thumb holes. Read our full review of the REI Co-op Midweight Base Layers. Silk needs a lot of washing, is very thin, and is not very durable, so we left it off the list. From the high desert of the US Southwest to the craggy peaks of the Pacific Northwest, we wore these tops through a variety of activities mountain biking, climbing, uphill and downhill skiing, trail running, backpacking, and more testing and assessing their relative strengths and weaknesses along the way. When the going gets tough, its important to have a base layer, like the Patagonia Capilene Cool Lightweight, that will actively dry out on your body. A few of our editors have used the same Capilene shirt for nearly 30 years, and its still going strong. Soft, breathable, moisture wicking and naturally odor resistant, its an ideal fabric for active base layers. Because its synthetic, it stays warm when wet. (See " How to Choose Sun-Protection (UPF) Clothing" for more info. The sleeves are perfectly sized to allow you to roll them up past the elbows and shoulder panels, and the flatlock seams have been moved off the crest of your shoulders. WebOUTDOOR CLOTHING The Warmest Base Layer For Skiing Posted by Alex Mar Baselayers are important piece of clothing and plays a huge role in keeping moisture Like the hoody, these can run the spectrum of effectiveness. The front 1/4 zip on the Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino helps with dumping excess heat quickly, coming in handy when you're layered up and conditions change quickly. And we can usually get a few uses out of it between washes, which is always a plus. We note how easily they layer as well as how they fit and feel: next to skin, over a t-shirt, over another base layer, under a sticky and tight fleece mid-layer, a sweatshirt, a puffy, a rain shell, as well as stacked in a full layering system of first (base) layer, mid-layer, puffy, and hard shell. 1. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. This form-fitted base is spun from a 19-micron Tasmanian merino wool. All around a great shirt that should last for years.. The top also has UPF 30 sun protection. The layers flat seam construction is another loved feature of this shirtkids wont notice it, but parents accustomed to tears over bunching seams will appreciate this detail. But for a winter base-layer bottom, this is (ahem) tops. Most people will do well with a pair of simple midweight base layers. The thick waistband ensures the pants stay put, and they layer well under ski socks and boots. We've noticed more pilling of the Merino wool blend than we'd like to see on a base layer of this price. As a whole, the base fits snugly but yields unrestricted freedom of movement that rides friction-free beneath midlayers and outer layers without a hitch. Backpacker Gear Winter Gear Guide The Best Cold Weather Baselayers for 2022 Staying warm in cold weather starts with reliable baselayers. WebShop for Women's Base Layers at REI - FREE SHIPPING With $50 minimum purchase. The torso is reasonably longer, adding coverage without draping obnoxiously. A word of caution: These pants take a very long time to dry. At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. If you're looking for a similarly weighted athletic fit base layer without the hood or thumb loops, the REI Co-op Merino 185 Half-Zip is a top choice. Its 250-weight base is a touch warmer and has spawned lots of variations in their lineup, including crew neck and hoodie variations. Every year we see a slew of new options that leverage synthetic-wool blends with panels of lighter-weight materials. Support us! Knix, Merino SculptWool Seamless Top + Bottom $98.00 Knix launched its new line of merino base layers a few weeks ago, and Im more than impressed. Base layers provide the first layer of insulation against cold weather, and they have a significant effect on how warm you will stay. Base layers fit beneath a midlayer like a fleece or micro-down jacket or synthetic insulation layer followed by an outer layer, like a shell, that will protect you against the elements from rain to snow or wind. The synthetic Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew is a worthy base layer to wear under your kit during high output activities like cross country skiing or all alone like when you're off for a run. And we cant stop wearing the Oasis 200($115). The Merino wool/polyester blend of the Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Hoody does a great job at resisting moisture absorption. When that's not possible, opt for post-consumer products many of the polyester layers included in this review are at least made in some part with recycled fibers. Warmest Base Layers: Kari Traa Rose Half-Zip & Rose Wool High Waist Pant Best Set for Workouts: Ortovox 185 RockNWool Long Sleeve & Short Pants Anyone can join and everyone belongs. High-quality base layers can get pretty expensive and many people are hesitant to pay top dollar for clothing no one else will ever see. Just shy of $140, you pay the price, but this is an exceptional piece for hardworking backcountry enthusiasts. These feel soft and increase the temperature range of the layer. WebFleece mid layer. One pair of Quality Socks You should always wear one pair of good quality socks, rather than layering them on. Smartwool comes out with another winner, especially in colder temps, with the Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino 1/4 Zip. WebNew and used Women's Base Layers for sale in Lake Charles, Louisiana on Facebook Marketplace. The midweight warmth and half-zip offer a lot of flexibility, and Ill often wear it for more aerobic activities like running or ski touring, says Michelle Flandreau, managing editor at REI Co-op, who has worn hers since 2014. They also usually have a lower price tag. The poly half-zip top and bottoms wick away moisture quickly to help keep you both dry and warm outdoors. And for good reason. Weve been wearing ours from sunup to alpenglow nights. If you are looking to up your cold-weather game, we recommend giving Odlo a look. And we find 100% wool less durable than fabrics woven with a touch of synthetic. Find great deals and sell your items for free. The Solutions sleeves are long, with a true pair of thumb loops that wrap around the wrist. The hood wraps around the face and closes under the chin with a half-length zipper. For this update, we compare 18 of the most popular options side-by-side. Read more: Meriwool Merino 250 Long Sleeve review. November 2, 2021 Elizabeth Kwak-Hefferan Heading out the door? Some hit it out of the park, and others squeeze awkwardly around the face, limiting your peripheral view. Capilene is available in a variety of weights and is an excellent option across the board. Other metrics, like durability, call for a combination of field use (i.e., chimney climbing and bushwhacking) and lab testing (repeated dry and wash cycles and an abrasion test.) When purchasing a base layer, consider the activities you want to do. We almost awarded this shirt our overall best base layer, but a few minor things knocked it off the podium. Its also incredibly durable. This isnt a bad thing that water traps heat and keeps you feeling warm. Patagonia Capilene Air base layers. If you're a rock climber anticipating long belay stances and short bursts of energy, check out the Patagonia Capilene Air Crew or Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Half Zip, both of which provide a solid level of warmth but still offer impressive breathability. Helly Hansen. And when things heat up, we love the true half-zip that drops to the middle of the chest. And a pair of thumb loops keep the sleeves down when you decide to layer over it, which it does without any awkward binding or seam rub. The interior texture of these pants feels smooth and silky against the skin, and the low-profile seams minimize discomfort and chafing. Tapering sleeves narrow down the arms to the wrists with just enough stretch to pull over the forearms if you want. What is the warmest base layer for skiing? Despite these flaws, it's no question to us just how warm, comfortable, and lofty the Intraknit Thermal Merino really is out in the elements. We called out hoodies that fit us well, but we highly recommend you try before you buy any base layer with a hood. Look for When possible, weve also identified the country of origin and provided fabric weight in either grams per square meter (g/m) or microns. You can easily unsubscribe at any time. Notably, the Merino wool Ortovox 185 Rock'N'Wool Long-Sleeve and Meriwool Merino 250 dry quicker than other 100% wool layers of similar weight. While Sitka takes aim at the hunting market with its garments, theres a lot of greatness that spills over into other activities. This may be the toughest metric to rate because comfort and fit are ultimately subjective and are dictated by preference and body type. Tester and review author Justin Simoni lives for the rarefied air of his backyard mountains in Colorado and keeps his wits sharp with year-round ascents of Longs Peak usually with a bike-from-town approach. Synthetics are highly durable and high-wicking, and they have some odor-beating technology. Theyre breathable too, which is much appreciated on the approach trail or the skin track. We know the right layers can make or break a day in the backcountry. Thanks to their 240g density merino construction, theyre a midweight base layer more than capable of keeping your legs warm in very cold weather. Choosing a layer that balances active drying and warmth is crucial for sports like backcountry skiing. We found L.L.Beans base layer lineup a great fit and recommend them for folks on a budget, just getting into the outdoors, or who simply want a nice-fitting shirt. We asked backpackers, skiers, runners, parents and our very own employees to share their favorites available at REIso the next time you head outside, you can trust your layer to pull its weight. Read more. The material has a smooth face, and the arms are finished with thumb loops that make it easy to layer over. We hope that a future design of this shirt moves the seams off the shoulder top, which can rub when wearing a heavy pack. Hold the shirt up to the light, and youll see a tight fishnet weave. We've got something for every budget and style. The handsome cut and smooth fabric of the Liso performs excellently as a base layer, allowing you to move freely underneath the shirt and layer up however you need throughout the day to stay warm, dry, and comfortable. Merino base layers are even great as everyday T-shirts or winter pajamas. If youre looking for a hoodie, Odlo offers a version with a face mask for full-coverage protection. An example of a layering system. Base layers come in all shapes and sizes, and there are plenty of options to choose from depending on the weather The Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Zip's high collar rests comfortably at the chin line. Synthetic fabrics tend to be less expensive, a touch more durable, and pack down smaller. The Xenolith smartly fits like an insulated vest with integrated sleeves. Then we developed appropriate tests to carry out in the field and lab to test each metric individually. If you tend to run cold, buy warmer. 1. Probably the most common type of mid layer for skiing and snowboarding is a synthetic fleece. A layering system usually involves wearing a base layer, mid layer (often a fleece) and top layer (often a down jacket) with a weatherproof shell, according to Tim Brown, senior product manager at REI Co-op. This top scored across all tests except absolute warmth, but it excels as a lighter-weight base layer. Is it soft, itchy, stretchy, static, warm, or cool? The stretchy and soft Merino wool blend and athletic fit make this an easy top to layer on top of also. Weve called out the real winners and faulted them where they dont quite measure up. But it also works well by itself when the temps start to rise or the after-climbing beers start to go around. And unlike your dads wool shirts, todays wool is much softer to the touch. It simply means that it performed poorly in relation to the competition. The Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino wins top honors for its weight class thanks to its innovative seamless knitting technology that blends swaths of warm fabric with panels that add durability and ventilation all without requiring additional seams, which saves on weight and bulk. Weve found it a fantastic blend of temperature regulation and insulation for cold-weather activities like fall and winter fishing. These can rub and cause chafing where pack straps come in contact. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. They are durable and often a cheaper entry point. The Ortovox 185 Rock'N'Wool Long-Sleeve is a bit heavier than the Solution and is very similar in terms of offering a nice middle ground to split the seasons. For less than half of the price of many of the base layer tops on this list, the MEETYOO top and bottom set is comfortable, stretchy, and perfectly suited for active use in mild to moderate winter conditions. Unless youre dripping with sweat. No ads. Another solid choice is the Cotopaxi Liso Top, which is looser, stretchier, and warmer. The Cotopaxi Liso's super stretchy synthetic fabric gives you absolute freedom of movement underneath all your top layers. A proper base layer is the foundation of winter comfort. Check Price at REICheck Price at Patagonia. It simply looks less sporty than the zipper tops. Thats where the Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino comes in. The higher price point alone may be enough to dissuade you from purchasing this one. Got feedback? Despite its reputation as being a relatively short-term fabric, several of our testers have gotten many years of use out of theirs. To crew or not to crew is a personal preference. You might think the Alpha liner would make the back a little sweaty while schlepping a load in warmer temps. And the HeiQ Fresh antimicrobial treatment helps inhibit growth of odor-causing bacteria on the fabric, which helps keep you smelling fresh for longer. Leveraging the best of both worlds, theyre warm, manage sweat, and dry quickly. Wool tends to be more delicate and can wear out more quickly than a synthetic top like Patagonias Capilene. Soft, thin Merino wool blend layers up well, Slim, athletic fit won't work for everyone. WebBase layers for skiing are usually classified into three weight classes: lightweight, mid-weight, and heavyweight. They also tend to hold onto moisture, retain odors over time, and often don't provide the same warmth-to-weight ratio when compared to their natural-fiber companions. The REI Co-op Merino 185 Long-Sleeve Half-Zip is an excellent Merino wool blend base layer with a front zip that works well in cool to cold conditions. But the balance of quality, versatility, and overall comfort makes this our top pick for half-zip tops. The slim fit reinforces this. Simoni has been taking part in long-distance bikepacking races and chasing mountain FKTs for over a decade, including the Tour Divide, Colorado Trail Race, and his own self-powered 14er challenges. The newsletter sign-up system is currently down for maintenance. The slim, athletic fit works well as a first layer in colder conditions. The best base layers of 2022 are made of high-quality fabrics with technology to keep you warm and dry. Best Fleece Jacket for Hiking : REI Co-op Hyperaxis Fleece Jacket 2.0. Odlos Natural + Kinship Warm crew ($100) is a slim-fitting top, designed with seamless body-mapping technology that wears like a thermal second skin. As a synthetic, it may rival the comfiness of many Merino options. All of these ingredients are essential to a layer's ability to keep you warm and dry through a range of temperatures. Made from a merino wool-synthetic blend, the material hits all the marks. Customer-reviewers rave about the fit, which is tailored without looking or feeling clingy. This layer can shield your arms from the sun on exposed runs or serve as a light layer on chilly morning jaunts. A good base layer will keep you warm and dry. It comes down to what you can afford and what activities you do. Despite its thickness, its dry times were more similar to a thinner, midweight layer. No pockets or belt loops here, these designs are meant to be worn against the skin in a seamless way thats comfortable beneath other midlayers and outer layers across various activities such as hunting, fishing, hiking, skiing and snowboarding, snowmobiling, or working on a farm. Web225-926-5448. This ultrafine merino base layer from REI Co-op is perfect for days your kiddos join you outside. And if your morning miles spill over into errands (as they do), customer-reviewers agree this layer is stylish enough to transition from trail to town. For lighter synthetics in warmer weather, the Outdoor Research Echo is ready to be worn on an all-day hike as a sun shirt as well as your base layer under a jacket while you wait for more sunshine and warmth. If a layer excels in all other categories but fits poorly or is uncomfortable, it won't serve you. Two elastic thumb loops keep the sleeves down when overlaying a heavier base without adding bulky material around the wrist. The breathability of a garment is determined by how quickly and efficiently a fabric can convert sweat to free water vapor. Technically, base layers feature a range of designs including tank, long-sleeve and short-sleeve tops, hoodies, bottoms, knickers, briefs, and the traditional full-length underpant. The Patagonia Capilene Air proving its versatility, keeping us cool and comfortable in the fall Utah Sun. As an intriguing option to split the difference between light- and mid-weight, the Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino is as equally suited to working hard in the skin track as it is working all day in the snow. To complement Steves personal expertise, half a dozen male editors across GearJunkies entire staff base weighed in with their favorite base layers for snowsports, daily wear, and much more. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Half Zip Hoody, Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino 1/4 Zip, REI Co-op Merino 185 Long-Sleeve Half-Zip, Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino 1/4 Zip review, Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Half Zip Hoody review, Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino review, developed appropriate tests to carry out in the field and lab, which types of layers work best in what situations, 10 Best Patagonia Jackets, Pants, & Gear of 2023, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Supremely warm, exceptionally comfortable, front zip, shoulder panels keep things comfortable with a heavy pack, Unique seamless fabric paneling, warm and lofty Merino wool blend fabric, long sleeves and torso, Breathable and stretchy, useful features such as hood and thumb loops, highly adaptable to wide range of conditions, Thin and lightweight Merino blend, 1/4 zip enhances thermal regulation, extra long sleeves and torso, Soft and stretchy fabric gives freedom of movement, great value, thumb loops, More delicate than others, pricey, wool may lose shape and sag without proper care, Weak durability keeps this top a dedicated base layer, seams found converging in pinch points, pricey, Slim athletic fit requires a slim athletic body type, expensive, not as durable as cheaper synthetics, Slim athletic fit may not work for all body types, thin fabric less durable than other options, Not as warm as wool layers of the same weight, risk of smelling if left unwashed after use, An uber comfortable, warm, and breathable 100% Merino wool base layer for the coldest of conditions, One of the best midweight base layers for when you need warmth and freedom of movement thanks to its fabric blend and seamless ventilation pattern, Unique features like thumb loops and a hood makes this Merino wool blend base layer super versatile, This baselayer is sensationally lightweight for a wool blend and notably breathable because of it, One of our favorite super stretchy, soft, and warm synthetic base layers for cool to cold conditions, 53% Merino wool, 45% polyester, 2% elastane, Flatlock seams (mesh inserts are seamless 3D). But, the durability never matches a pure synthetic. Some base layers, like Odlos Natural+ Kinship, fit snugly but shouldnt be restrictive or cut circulation. Worn alone, its up to spring through fall tasks and serves as a solid foundation for trips that dip into winter. Patagonia Capilene Midweight Base Layer Top and Bottoms. The NuYarn wool blend is a thin, stretchy fabric, but durability is a concern if worn alone and not safely underneath a top layer. We run all our base layers on a wash cycle, then hang them out, periodically checking when they're completely dry. Sustainability attributesThese layers were made in a Fair Trade Certified factory. The synthetic vs. all-natural fibers argument is a perpetual battle in the recreational apparel world, and we'd like to think of ourselves as conscientious objectors. For the greatest warmth and protection, layers are the name of the game. To test durability, we inspect the strength of the fabrics, the quality of the stitching, and the construction of the pieces as a whole. These tops consist of thicker, cushy fabrics that seal in heat while maintaining excellent breathability and moisture-wicking abilities. Midweight base layers strike a balance between insulation and wicking power and are the workhorses of cold-weather pursuits that have you on the stop-and-go. The story of the Solution 150 starts out as a solid 150 g/m Merino wool blend base layer that hits a sweet spot between light and medium base layers, then builds upon that foundation with a helmet-compatible hood, 1/2 zip, and extra long sleeves with thumb loops all of which help you cover up or expose some skin depending on the conditions you face. Merino wool or synthetic materials are usually what good base layers should be made out of. For mountaineers (or those who never change their clothes), do yourself a favor and get a stink-resistant merino or find a brand that includes stink-inhibitors like Polygiene. Tops like the Icebreaker 200 Oasis, Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino, and the REI Lightweight Crew have a drop-tail hem. Though these no-frills base layers lack the high-tech materials and long-term durability of some other options on this list, theyre effective, simple, and fairly priced. The 200-weight fiber straddles the line between lightweight and midweight that matches the lux merino fibers ability to adapt to the climate. While you shouldnt expect a ton of warmth and heat retention from these, they do provide a layer of simple comfort without restricting mobility. We scrutinize each layer and ask the following questions: How does the fabric feel next to your skin? It might seem counterintuitive to wear base layers in warm weather, but base layers wick sweat, which can prevent chafing and blisters. There are a lot of great choices for long underwear these days. A lightweight base layer is your skins first line of defense against Old Man Winter. For stretchy Merino blends, the Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino 1/4 Zip is the king of the hill. It was every bit as comfortable as a short-sleeve T-shirt would be, he reports. Annas daughter wearing Helly Hansen. We've also selected our favorite long underwear bottoms and the best and warmest fleece jackets to keep you toasty. The smooth external face slides easily under another layer. And when youre done for the day, hang it at the lodge from the cord sewn into the back. But we did find ourselves inconspicuously sliding the crewnecks into our work wardrobe. While it does contain wool, this base layer feels great against the skin in part due to the flat-lock seams. Louisiana Hockeyplex. The midweight Intraknit layers well with other performance-type outer layers, and is heavy enough to be used as a mid layer itself. Effective thermoregulation is rare among heavy base layers, but these pants offer just the right balance of insulation and ventilation. In the coldest of conditions, only the warmest base layers will do. If youre buying base layers to backcountry ski, run in, or for any other intense activity, go light. Equally as important to materials is the weight of the fabric. But based on our collective experience, we expect a strong correlation between drying speeds and breathability that is, tops that dry faster on the clothesline also tend to dry faster on our bodies. But with all the base layer options available (materials, cuts, styles and weights), finding the best one for you can feel trickier than staying warm on a wet day in the mountains. The SmartWool Intraknit is impressively warm for its weight. Some brands also offer heavyweight base layersfor extra-cold activities like winter camping or ice fishing. Sustainability attributesMade using Fair Trade Certified sewing, materials that meet bluesign criteria and recycled materials. We personally experienced hand-washing this garment in a bubbling creek, hand-wringing it, and wearing it out while backpacking, to have it dry to the touch within an hour. It is important to note that the scores we assign are determined relative to the other products in the review. Even with a full day in the saddle with warm, humid weather and a good number of hill climbs, there was barely any noticeable smell.. We target the most important qualities to analyze and test these layers side-by-side according to these metrics. The fit and feel are phenomenal, the construction is fantastic, and it manages moisture very well. The synthetic Cotopaxi Liso Top runs away with the competition regarding value. Its breathable, its versatile, and its one of our favorite design features that weve seen on a base layer yet. The top is made with wool certified to the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS). Carencro, Louisiana 70520. After stopping, we time how long it takes for our skin and the inside of our shirts to dry. A solid base layer is part and parcel of staying warm in the backcountry. We test each layer side-by-side in temperature-controlled indoor environments and use the same short, rigorous exercise routine to work up a sweat. The Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew is one of the more affordable base layers we've tested and is a great layer for high-output activities in cold weather, like cross-country skiing. 337-896-2040. return to top. For the deep cold of winter, we recommend the SmartWool Classic Thermal Merino. For harsh winter days, we recommend these top-notch merino bottoms from Smartwool ($110). When choosing between options, comfort and fit are usually at the top of the list for many consumers. Merino can suck up to 30% of its weight in moisture. We are making the web application For such a low-bulk bottom, these underpants deliver plenty of warmth. Gusseted arms allow full articulation, and the cuffs at the wrists are minimal. They can also block the intense sun and warm the wrists (our vasculature tends to run shallow in the armpits, elbows, and wrists, close under the skin to dump heat). The slim, athletic fit excels as a base layer, allowing you to top it off with additional layers for a complete system to prepare you for the harshest of conditions. For ultimate stretch with surprising softness, the Cotopaxi Liso Top delivers. The Under Armour ColdGear Base 4.0 a thick synthetic was our absolute standout, seemingly unaffected by our harsh abrasion test. The gusseted pits give great freedom in the shoulders especially helpful when you layer up and want to avoid pinch points. Consider when and how you plan to use your base layer. Synthetic products also tend to be a bit cheaper than wool products, but they tend to pick up bad smells a bit more quickly.