That said, I rarely use this shirt for active activities. icebreaker This remarkably versatile mid-layer offers superior comfort next-to-skin, and its 100% merino wool weave provides excellent temperature regulation, moisture-wicking capability, and all-natural antimicrobial qualities. It also keeps the fabric from pilling or being damaged. creativezib merino layers wool base Download my cookbook now! We score all base layers across key areas of performance like warmth, breathability, and drying speed. Since it fits against the skin so well, its a really good top to wear under other layers, without feeling bulky or causing chaffing. If you're value-minded but tend to run colder, add a little warmth with an all-natural option like the Meriwool Thermal Midweight, a 100% merino wool layer that is very reasonably priced compared to its direct competition. Is the fabric soft or scratchy? But they dont shift or ride up when worn under layers. Beyond these small critiques, the Meriwool Midweight Thermal presents a reasonable entry-point into all-natural base layers. Neck Opening: Having a zip on the shirt allows you to let some air in when you start to feel toasty. Durability is a characteristic that we search for in all of our outdoor gear. layers woolx Both the shirt and the bottoms are made with 260 gsm merino wool and provide amazing warmth. The higher the number, the warmer the base layer. Is it loose, letting cold air draft in like a barn door, or is it too tight? Models like the Icebreaker 200 Oasis and the REI Lightweight Crew have a drop-tail hem. Hood during a winter ascent. You will not be disappointed! Occasionally Ill match my Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Top with the Icebreaker Oasis 200 Thermal Leggings. The half zip makes it more versatile for changing weather conditions. We're only human, so we often gravitated toward tops that are soft and comfortable next-to-skin. The Smartwool Classic Base Layer Top is the best merino long sleeve base layer in my collection (and the first pair of merino wool base layers I ever got, so youve likely read about them in other blog posts). Base layers are typically either made from merino wool or synthetic fabric. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Put together they deliver great breathability even when hiking on sweaty, humid days. That's why we start with only the best tops on the market and then proceed to field test the heck out of them. But, of course, there are exceptions to this rule. Some use a blend of majority merino with a small blend of nylon and other synthetic fabrics. merino base woolx hannah layers Though it is a versatile, lightweight option, the Spectra won't provide you with any of the insulation you may need to make it through the coldest days of winter. The job demands a base layer that is able to insulate against frigid, pre-dawn temperatures, and thermoregulate to keep you dry enough to work all daythe perfect job for the SmartWool Merino 250. While bad for my wallet, its good for you, as Im going to provide you with a detailed review of five pairs of base layers (tops + bottoms) that I personally own. We'd like to help!

Despite the negatives, I absolutely love these leggings for their warmth, softness and durability. Ive summarized the merino wool base layers reviewed in the table below. Early bird gets the worm, or a summit bid all to ourselves in this case. Synthetic material has the tendency to drop seams after repetitive use, but with no actual damage to the face fabric; flat-lock seams hold the tough Outdoor Research Echo L/S together. As a bit of an outlier, the Patagonia Capilene Air continues to impress with its unique ability to masterfully balance warmth and breathability. The shirt strikes a nice balance between being lightweight and providing warmth. As a result, I own way too many. I tend to choose other leggings over them. This seems reasonable, as we have to agitate and compress the wool layers while submerged for the fibers to become saturated a plus if you are planning to wear these layers standalone in wetter, more mild climates.

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. Required fields are marked *. Slim-fitting sleeves and waists, combined with well-stitched hems and cuffs, tend to do the best. From the crag to the mountain and then back down for a night on the town, the SmartWool Merino 250 is comfortable and stylish enough to wear every day. Though the Solution may be the only base layer you need to get you through the winter, it's nearly twice the price of many other tops we tested. Base layers and thermals are the same thing. From the ski slopes to alpine climbs to sleeping out under the stars, our in-depth analysis derives from real-world adventures undertaken while wearing each model.

Repair when possible. Does it glide against your skin or cling too tightly? While it excels as a backcountry skiing base layer, this is a great choice for any cold-weather alpine endeavor. The 250 gsm pair is very warm and great for cold nights at the campsite and an absolute go-to for my long camping trips. Despite being pricey, its value will be apparent to guides and ski bums alike particularly because you can actually get away with wearing this layer for multiple days, as our testers proved. As is evident from this post, the best base layers depend on what youll be using them for. They hang loose and have gotten looser over time. However, youll want to ensure the larger base layer is on top so it doesnt fit too tightly. If youre a brand looking for a partnership, please visit my Work With Me guidelines. This merino thermal base layer feels pretty soft and is comfortable against the skin my only critique is that it is a little scratchy on the sensitive parts (so I dont love wearing it without a bra at night). A breathable shirt will allow the moist air hovering over your skin to escape through the material without saturating the fabric, thus keeping you warm and dry. Both tend to wear holes through quickly and/or shrink and lose their shape after repeated washings. Breathability is tied mainly to the moisture-wicking capability of a fabric. I particularly love them for sleeping; I have been using them on almost all of my warm weather multi-day backpacking trips since I got them. Throughout testing, its performance seemed to back the strong claims made about this fabric fiber technology. Even though it is firmly in the midweight category, the extra-fine spun wool used to create this layer is more breathable than other directly comparable models, making it a great option for folks engaged in high-output activities like ski touring. Are they durable or will they rip after a single season? Durability is paramount for base layers that are going to pull double-duty as standalone shirts for rugged activities like mountain biking. Since the fit largely depends on your body type and shape, it is best to try out different brands while giving particular attention to how the base layer fits you at your chest, arms, waist, hips and thighs. It excels in practically any cool- or cold-weather activity, from resort skiing to winter alpine ascents to hanging on chilly mornings on desert climbing or rafting trips. We often spend on high-quality products to own fewer things that will both last us longer and stay out of the landfill. But the fabric doesnt feel bulky, so its also good for layering. With the benefits of increased breathability, you will sacrifice of a bit of warmth don't expect this layer to be quite as warm as other 250 g/m options included in this review. Thats why all the base layers listed above are made using pure merino wool. Ive worn this shirt for more than a week at a time and it doesnt smell. The Patagonia Capilene Cool Lightweight long-sleeve is a great option for warm-weather backpacking. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Base layers should adhere to the same purchasing ethics that we apply (or should apply) to all of our consuming habits. With a little extra fabric weight compared to others in its class, when properly layered, this top will continue to keep you dry and comfortable through the winter, only adding to its value and versatility. Effectively, this is the ability to collect moisture (sweat) and move that moisture to the outside surface of the fabric, where it can freely evaporate. Merino wool is the warmest base layer material. It sort of has the feeling of a soft jersey cotton sweater, but rest assured, its 100% merino wool. The Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino is our recommendation for anyone who spends their winter days seeking out fresh tracks. For a lot of folks, the performance benefits of merino wool outweigh the lack of durability, and if you take proper care of your merino top, it can serve you for a long time. Are you ready to trade in the dimpled cotton long johns of Ladies, are you seeking a new base layer top? The Patagonia Capilene Air, pictured here, traps heat extremely well in a layering system but as a stand-alone layer, air cuts right thru it. This top is one of the few midweight layers we tested that is exceptionally breathable for its weight. Honestly, I havent found much use for these leggings. But if warmth and fit are your top requirements, you can safely rely on the Icebreaker 260 Bottoms and the Vertex for your winter hike. Your email address will not be published. As a workhorse for thermoregulation, we understand the importance of having a base layer that will serve you well through all of your outdoor pursuits. A quality breathable layer will help regulate your body temperature through a range of environments, regardless of your energy output. Let us know! Our lead tester is 5'10" and 160lbs, wearing a size medium. Yes, merino wool can shrink. Whether it's for the warm or cold season, a quality base layer is sure to keep you dry and comfortable, no matter where your next outdoor escapade takes you. The design is neat and the long hem prevents layers from riding up when worn under a heavy backpack. Base layers are the foundation of your layering system and are meant to wick away sweat off your body and keep you warm. A surprising turn-out concerning comfort is the NW Alpine Spectra this top is a full-synthetic blend that magically feels like merino wool, thanks to the extra-pliable Spectra fibers. Looser, more relaxed fitting tops that layer well over another lightweight shirt are the Smartwool Merino 250 and the Meriwool Midweight Thermal. The IBEX Woolies 2 Crew is kind of like a cross between two of my other favorite base layer tops: its got a weight and warmth similar Smartwool Classic Base Layer Top, but it has a snug feel like the Icebreaker Oasis 200 Crew. A good base layer should trap heat to keep you warm in cold temperatures and also allow excess heat to escape when your heart rate climbs and body temperatures rise. We assess each layer's breathability systematically to back up our findings after months of use hiking, running, skiing, climbing, and biking. Base layers are meant to sit right against your skin, wicking away sweat as you move around. It's worth addressing that the drying speed of a fabric can differ depending on whether it is being worn or left out to dry. The Outdoor Research Echo L/S is the perfect top for long trail runs, or any heart-pumping activity through the warmer parts of shoulder seasons, or just chilly summer mornings. It provides better warmth for its weight when compared to synthetic fabrics. The Outdoor Research Echo L/S is one of the most valuable synthetic layers on the market today. Read review: Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino. Luckily, we've got the scoop on how to nail your layering system, from underwear to outerwear. As expected with natural fibers, this top will begin to slouch and sag a bit through consistent wear. A 360-degree view of the handsome fit of the Meriwool Midweight Thermal. To test layering ability, we consider all the ways a top can be layered, and we try all of the combinations with every piece. For the deep cold of winter, we recommend the Smartwool Merino 250.

We note how easy 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. For cross-country and backcountry skiing, we would opt for the lightweight layers that still offer a bit of warmth, like the NW Alpine Spectra, or the Outdoor Research Alpine Onset.

We appreciate the fit of the Icebreaker 200 Oasis, the Patagonia Capilene Cool Lightweight, and the NW Alpine Spectra. We test each layer side-by-side in a temperature-controlled, indoor environment, and use the same short, rigorous exercise routine to work up a sweat. So it is particularly unfortunate that this prized piece is also susceptible to damage by abrasion. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Struggling in this category is the Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe, with a tight neck, super short torso, and thick sleeve cuffs. Skinning and sweating in pre-dawn subfreezing temps for hours, then standing still on the windy summit, and finally 6,000 feet of downhill skiing. Subscribe for exclusive content, giveaways, new products and more!

That said, they try to be careful to hang dry them and not wear them every single day (they are certainly comfortable enough to want to do just that in the winter). For our review, we identify six key metrics as essential to effectively grade a base layer top: Warmth, Breathability, Comfort/Fit, Drying Speed, Durability, and Layering Ability. These tops consist of thicker, cushy fabrics that seal in heat while maintaining excellent breathability and moisture-wicking abilities. Making its way up an Eldo classic, the SmartWool Merino 250 shows off its ability to breathe and keep you comfortable in warm conditions as well as cold. Base layer, fleece mid layer, soft shell, and down puffy.

Do they stretch out and lose shape when worn pulled up on your forearm? For a decade, our team of experts has bought and tested 43+ of the best base layers on the market. That said, youll likely find it warm and more comfortable doubling up on mid layers instead of base layers for example, wearing a fleece sweater and a down jacket. Underarm gussets, combined with the partial spandex construction, certainly improve the reach and general movement of the REI Lightweight Crew. But when it comes to longevity, natural material still falls behind its 100% synthetic counterparts. Im also surprised by the price point; this is the most expensive shirt on the list. The top can also be used for outdoor activities like skiing as the sleeves promote full mobility.

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