Merino Wool Granted, merino wool baselayers are expensive and less durable than the polyester competition, amounting to roughly double the cost. And its worth noting that Helly Hansen now offers the midweight Lifa Merino Crew ($100), which features a merino wool exterior and Polypro lining.See the Men's Helly Hansen Lifa StripeSee the Women's Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe.

Staying warm during the winter months starts with a good base layer.

For organization sake, we list the tops here as they are more popular, but the bottoms are readily available and share the same pros and cons. elite base chart northernrunner womens merino layer

Everything we publish is free. On the flip side, the Icebreaker wins out in next-to-skin softness, making it the better option for those that prioritize comfort above all else.See the Men's Icebreaker 200 Oasis See the Women's Icebreaker 200 Oasis. For all these reasons, the Capilene Air is best worn under a layer or two, unlike a highly durable baselayer like the NW Alpine Black Spider Hoody above.

The Lifa Stripe Crew falls into our lightweight category, meaning that it provides some insulation but requires a good midlayer or insulated shell in cold conditions. A base layer is meant to be a breathable layer that wicks moisture away from the skin, so keep it light. Sitting atop Arcteryxs venerable ski lineup is the Macai, a Gore-Tex-equipped, down-insulated ski shell built for frigid conditions and serious resort use. It just cant keep up with merino or polyester in terms of moisture wicking and turns into a sweat lodge during high-output activities.

Depending on how warm you want your merino wool baselayer, Ridge Merino has lightweight, midweight and heavyweight options. I wear merino wool t-shirts during the warm months, and layer up with wool during the winter, starting with a lightweight merino wool base layer. I know some merino wool clothing says its machine washable, but personally I always default to a handwash if the fabric is mostly wool. This lightweight, long-sleeved shirt is soft and stretchy. Durable: In fact, its eight times stronger than cotton. Handwash: The best way to wash wool is in cold water with no agitation and a wool wash. Shop Womens: Icebreaker, REI, Backcountry | Shop Mens: Icebreaker, REI, Backcountry. Blending merino wool with a nylon or polyester core can reduce costs and actually make the fabric more durable, all while keeping the warmth and moisture-wicking capabilities of wool. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry location. And when you do start to sweat, the polyester effectively wicks moisture and dries out quickly. The downside is the collars can flop around if you unzip the shirts while running, and having a zipper on your next-to-skin layer isnt as comfortable as the cleaner crew style. Perhaps most importantly, base layers should wick sweat away from your skin, keeping you dry.

Woolx merino wool clothing targets sweat and quickly transfers it away from your skins surface. We share both our love for exploring and photography by creating helpful travel and gear guides. It also costs an additional $30 more than the Patagonia, doesnt come in a womens version, and has a decidedly relaxed fit that leaves more room for air to move around. This is helpful if youre wearing a backpack as the seams are offset from any straps. If its around a 50% blend (like 50% wool 50% tencel), then Ive used the gentle cycle on the washing machine without any issues. Keep in mind that you dont need all of your insulation from a single article of clothing, and as a result, you can always add warmer layers on top of a light or midweight baselayer. A former running store owner, he now shares his knowledge and experience writing these articles. Its right on the same playing field as heavy hitters like Smartwool and Icebreaker, which is quite a feat given that those companies specialize in wool layering pieces.

In terms of bang for your buck, its hard to top REI baselayers. In general, lightweight merino wool will offer the best in terms of breathability, although some high-quality lightweight synthetics are close.

The build quality is similar: Smartwool adds 13 percent nylon to the mix for a boost in durability, the weight goes down significantly to 6 ounces (the lack of the zipper matters here too), and you get the same minimalist seams for comfort. You can find them consistently online at a few places like The Container Store) andAmazon. And for only $50, L.L. But nothing beats merino in keeping you dry and stink free.

Furthermore, the extra coverage you get with the raised collar is a nice boost in warmth, and weve even found that quarter or half-zip long sleeves have a decent look for around town. In this category, there currently are two key trends: responsibly sourced wool and the use of recycled synthetic materials. The semi-relaxed fit conforms to your body shape while remaining loose enough to allow productive airflow.

Smells attract bugs, and bad odors will set in if theyre stored that way.

Silk cant compete with merino or polyester in terms of warmth, moisture wicking, and durability, but its not without its place in the baselayer world. The seamless design is great for preventing chafing and hot spots. With polyester, youll likely have to wash and change your baselayers quite frequently, whereas wool keeps performance high over the course of a multi-day backcountry or ski trip. Patagonias R1 collection has long been a staple of their lineup, and the R1 Air more recently joined the team with a highly technical design. Weve found the lightweight model works well for mild resort skiing days, hiking, and casual use, but you may not be warm enough in frigid temperatures. Using Icebreakers BodyFitZone construction, it combines 260-weight merino (spun with elastane for durability and stretch) with strategically placed panels of airy merino mesh in moisture-prone areas like the underarms and back. But for mild summer temperatures, the Merino 150 is $35 less and likely all the insulation youll need.See the Men's Smartwool Merino 150 Crew See the Women's Smartwool Merino 150 Crew.

While you may not see any issues and youll want to clean your clothes anyway, its helpful to see if there are pieces that need some extra cleaning and attention. This doesnt mean that your Capilene will get stinky super quicklyand Patagonia has made strides in this area with an anti-odor HeiQ Fresh treatmentbut you will find yourself putting it through the wash more often. Material: 100% merino woolCategory: Light/midweightWeight: 6.9 oz.What we like: Great styling and super-soft hand feel.What we dont: Expensive and lacks durability. With a balaclava-style hood, seamless construction, and a heat-trapping merino/polyester blend, the Capilene Air provides a massive amount of warmth in a relatively thin and lightweight package. Merino wool, wool blends, and synthetics all perform well as base layers for cold weather.

A zipper on the mens version lets you control your body temperature as you run. Youll stay comfortably warmnot hot and sweaty. For the widest variety of conditions, a midweight baselayer makes the most sense.

Merino wool, despite a higher cost than synthetics, is our recommended baselayer material for a number of reasons. The womens version costs a bit more but is made with thicker, warmer material. The extra thickness inhibits breathability and its easy to start sweating even on short walks. Arcteryx places a premium on high performance, which shows in their baselayer collection. Weve already listed the Smartwool Merino 250 as our top pick, but wed be remiss not to include another stellar baselayer in the 150 Crew. Woolx is a small New York-based company that doesnt get the hype of a Smartwool or Icebreaker, but their thick Glacier is a cozy and well-built heavyweight baselayer. Choosing the right ski jacket is all about managing the conditions that you might encounter on the mountain. Learn how your comment data is processed. However, the shirt still fits snugly enough that you can easily layer other garments on top. Made with 100 percent merino wool, this piece is much warmer and more substantial than the midweight and lightweight options on the list. Plus, flatlock seam construction prevents stitching from rubbing against your skin. I know photos ar, There are over 1,500 black bears that call Great S, How I layered my baby for camping on a cool ni, Trying to savor every sunset 5 Airtight Storage. They have a few fun color options beyond the standard black and grey, and look chic enough as an only layer in warmer weather. Technically considered a fleece, the R1 Air toes the line between our baselayer and midlayer categories. While not a true compression shirt, its snug fit works well as a tight-fitting base layer to help keep you warm. These 100% merino wool long sleeve shirts feature flatlock stitching to reduce chafing, offset shoulder seams to prevent rubbing from backpacks, and an underarm gusset panel so there arent any annoying seams in your armpit. It can also be used as a base layer in very cold weather. The garment is also quick to dry. That said, we far prefer merino for its coziness, temperature regulation, ability to insulate when wet, and resistance to smell.

Compared to the warm 250 above, the 150 is lighter in weight and ideal for uses like spring skiing, shoulder season hiking, and cool summer nights. As usual, it will help to identify what youll be using your baselayer for before determining what features you need. As such, take the time to put together mid and outer layers that are as high-performing as the baselayers listed above.

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The selection is much more limited, but if they do have something youre looking for (like a merino wool base layer! Even if merino wool is worth the higher price tag, that doesnt mean you shouldnt look out for a great deal. Thoroughly wash wool clothes and base layers to get rid of any sweat or dirt.

midweight patagonia trailspace

Along with a nice athletic fit, the Lifa Stripe is great for active skiers and other high-output activities like climbing and hiking. Both models are made from 100 percent merino, and the prices are similar (the zip-neck version of the Oasis is $105). Subject to terms and conditions.

Machine washable and dryable.

What we like: Snug fit and great ventilation is ideal for active pursuits.What we dont: Not our first choice for resort skiing. Materials: 92% polyester, 8% spandexCategory: MidweightWeight: 11 oz.What we like: Durable enough to be worn as an outer layer.What we dont: Expensive for polyester. When autocomplete results are available, use tab key or down arrow to enter the results. This breathable base layer has the features you want when running.

Keeping the garment clean is easy. Overall, the shirt is breathable and lightweight. What are the downsides of the REI? The shirt has a short zipper at the top which drops down to about mid-chest.

Bean Silk Crewneck See the Women's L.L. I think of Icebreaker as the OG merino wool clothing company. The fabric is so soft and comfortable! Seamless stitching also means youll avoid uncomfortable scratching and prevent chafing. You may be able to find a synthetic base layer with performance similar to a merino wool base layer, but synthetics are made from plastics, use large amount of chemicals in production and emit toxic waste. Some synthetics do fine for odor prevention, provided you arent working up a huge sweat. We Guarantee you've never worn wool like this before!Softness like no other, all made with ethically sourced non-mulesed merino. Some performance-oriented brands are experimenting with blends that aim to offer the comfort and performance of merino wool with the durability and moisture-wicking of polyester.

Lightweight Additionally, a flat-seam design helps prevent abrasions and irritations against your skin. This baselayer will keep you comfortably toasty when running in cold weather. For the same price, REIs Silk Long Underwear Crew Shirtis largely similar but with a looser fit.See the Men's L.L.

But this isnt true.

These funds allow us to keep the site up and continue to write great articles. Polyester is decently comfortable but not as soft against the skin, and it doesnt regulate body temperature or repel odor quite as well as wool. Additionally, REI honed things in even further with 8 percent spandex in the construction, which gives it a nice, stretchy feel.

You can wear a base layer on its own, or add a warm jacket over it. For optimal performance, baselayers need to have a snug fit. We got this great tip from Nui Organics! For more warmth, try the Capilene Thermal Weight.See the Men's Patagonia Capilene See the Women's Patagonia Capilene. In contrast, merino wool is natural, sustainable and biodegradable.

Proof calls their merino wool long sleeve tee the 72-hour tee because, well, its made to wear for 72 straight hours. Minor knubs may appear after several months, Comfortable and warm polyester construction, Half-zip allows for easy temperature adjustment, Lightweight fabric keeps you warm without overheating, Flat-seam design prevents skin irritation, Grid interior creates a toasty layer of warm air, Next-to-skin fit allows for easy layering, Four-way stretch construction for easy movement, ActiveDry tech acts as a powerful moisture barrier, Soft Merino wool with a durable nylon core, Flatlock seams allow for comfortable layering, Tight, slim fit not usually ideal for casual wear.

Merino: ExcellentBlends: ExcellentPolyester: Very goodSilk: Not good. In addition, polyester fabrics dont regulate temperatures as well, so its more important to match the fabric weight with intended use and conditions (more on that below). After wearing the Solution 150 for six days straight while hiking in Patagonia, we were impressed with how well it held its shape and resisted odor. It can be a little frustrating for a sustainable product to arrive in plastic packaging, and I really appreciate the effort Isobaa has made to create a fully sustainable supply chain. But with synthetics, one or two seasons would be on the short end of the spectrum and we would hope for more like three or four. Combining yak and sheeps wool means you get superior performance out of this fabric. The Patagonia Capilene Air, for example, weaves together 51 percent merino wool with 49 percent polyester, while Black Diamond's NuYarn (as seen in the Solution 150 Merino) actually wraps merino fibers around a nylon core, and then weaves this manufactured thread together with polyester.

Our go-to for ski touring this past winter, their Natural + Kinship Warm blends merino wool with stretchy polyester and nylon for a long sleeve that excels in mild temperatures and while building heat.

Anti-odor materials will help prevent this shirt from smelling like yesterdays dirty laundry. Materials:92% polyester, 8% spandexCategory: LightweightWeight: 6.5 oz.What we like:Simple yet functional.What we dont:Not super comfortable or a high performer. And if you want to remove the shirt altogether, its nice not having to take off your helmet to do so. See the Men's NW Alpine Black Spider See the Women's NW Alpine Black Spider. The end result is impressive: Compared to a baselayer like the Smartwool Merino 150 above, the Solution 150 is noticeably more durable and dries out very quickly when wet (great news for those who are prone to working up a sweat). Heavyweight baselayers are specialty items for cold temperatures or if youll be relatively sedentary.

Of all of REI Co-ops in-house products, their merino baselayer is one of our favorites. Not every base layer needs to have long sleeves.

Much like the chart-topping Smartwool, its made with 100 percent wool, which means you get uncompromised odor resistance, great temperature regulation, and a cozy, soft touch. Its also an awesome midlayer. Youll feel like you are wearing much less baselayer, but the boost in coziness and moisture-wicking capabilities are still there. Isobaas 100% merino wool shirts are some of the softest Ive ever felt, and all come from non-mulesed sheep. The Wired Runner is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.

Active Fit construction allows for a complete range of movement with no chafing or mobility restrictions.

$125 is a high price to pay for a non-merino baselayer (most synthetic options here are about half the cost), and the Rho LTs trim, technical fit means it doesnt function well as a standalone piece. One thing to note is that the mens version is hoodless but sports the 1/4 zip, great for regulating temperature. Furthermore, some baselayers even have the capability of blocking sun rays (measured by the UPF rating). Lightweight, buttery soft, and made to let your body breathe.. Merino Wool is a fabric that never gets in your way but helps regulate your body temperature, so you stay comfortable from summer running and hiking through winter skiing.

This top is also made with 75% recycled fabric, so its environmentally friendly and will keep you warm. Naturally anti-microbial. Plus, flatlock seams allow for added comfort when wearing a backpack or additional layers of clothing.

And second, we just cant get enough of the styling on the RockNWoolif you want a merino baselayer with some flair, the multi-colored designs really stand out in the conservative and largely bland baselayer market. Theres a lot to like about this lightweight active baselayer from Helly Hansen. Your complete guide to the best base layers starts right now.

We take your privacy seriously. Air dry: After gently washing your wool, carefully squeeze them out (dont twist or wring) and hang them to air dry. If you only plan to grab your insulating layer during downtimes, such as hanging around camp after the sun goes down, consider a warm and super packable down jacket.

Our review process starts with me, Ben Drew, The Wired Runner founder and head writer. Midweight (190 to 250 GSM): This fabric is a bit thicker and is often used as a mid layer. While we love the Natural + Kinship Warm for high-output activities like ski touring and cross-country skiing, its less appealing as a resort baselayer.

My merino wool base layers arrived in recycled and recyclable brown paper and cardboard. This number refers to the grams per square meter, often written as GSM or g/m2. The semi-fit style is great if comfort is your main consideration. I like these WeatherTight boxes. There are companies that work towards making sustainable and environmentally friendly synthetic clothing, but its hard to beat a natural fiber like wool. [ES_VFEMPLOYEE_DISCOUNT_TERMS_CONDITION_MODAL], To navigate this using the keyboard, please follow these instructions. The Smartwool 250 above is roughly the same warmth and costs $35 less, but the Icebreakers more athletic fit and body-mapped mesh panels give it the edge for truly high-output use.

Some folks like wearing their baselayers for casual use, and thats when a dedicated performance product like Odlo Natural + Kinship Warm is less useful. Merino wool base layers are more of a performance statement, and if youre going to be in cold weather, theyre totally worth it. Heavyweight (260 to 320 GSM): This heavyweight merino wool can be used as a midlayer or only layer in cool weather. Smartwools 150 base layers have a slim fit with raglan sleeves. This comes at no charge to you!

We have a multi-step research approach for each review (learn more about it here) before it's published. Material: 100% merino woolCategory: MidweightWeight: 10 oz.What we like: Extremely soft, warm, and resists water and stink.What we dont: Pricey and requires good care to last. 2 Add a second layer for warmth. The mens version of this wool thermal top comes in a crew neck.

Materials: 52% merino, 41% polyester/nylon, 6% elastaneCategory: LightweightWeight: 6.6 oz.

We recommend a fleece jacket or synthetic jacket for balancing warmth and ventilation. Smartwool has been the industry leader in baselayers for years, and merino wool is the most sought-after material for the job. ), then you can buy it at a deep discount (like 50% or more). All in all, we appreciate these efforts and are eager to see more brands come on board. Its like wearing a flexible suit of armor that protects you from the cold! With proper care, merino wool layers can last a long time. We check for sales on Backcountry and REI (Black Friday and Cyber Monday usually have the biggest discounts). 2 Wash. We really like the REI and have had nothing but positive experiences with it thus far, but were not ready to dethrone the Smartwool just yet.See the Men's REI Merino 185 Half-ZipSee the Women's REI Merino 185 Half-Zip.

Its ultra soft and comfortable, has superior temperature regulation, and resists odor.

For a cost-effective baselayer alternative, you can always turn to polyester. Skiing is a similar story, and conditions will dictate the best midlayer for you.

Isobaas focus on sustainability is notable throughout its supply chain, all the way down to the packaging. They not only use sustainable materials (wool), but also work with their supply chain to reduce their carbon footprint wherever possible, offsetting the rest as a climate neutral company. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The womens version features a scoop neck, which is something I look for in a base layer after having thermals with higher necks stick out from underneath sweaters.

Paired with the matching bottoms, you can pick up a full long underwear set for $80 ($25 cheaper than just a merino top from Smartwool). After theyre clean and dry, freezing your clothes for a few days (or weeks) in an airtight plastic bag will help make sure youve killed any unhatched pests (yuck, I know). Materials: 51% merino, 49% polyesterCategory: MidweightWeight: 6.9 oz.What we like: Amazing warmth in a tiny package; responsibly sourced wool.What we dont: Expensive; lacks durability. Stacked up against our top heavyweight pick, the Patagonia R1 Air Zip-Neck, the Woolx Glacier Long Sleeve Crew is noticeably thicker and warmer. Despite having a lighter fabric weight (200 vs. 250g/m), it can start to feel muggy when youre working up a sweat. Start with a merino wool base layer to stay warm on a snowy day. Its fast-drying even in wet conditions. Its worth noting that Smartwool also offers its techy Intraknit Merino 200, which splits the difference between the 150 here and the 250 above.

And most importantly, it can handle everything from backpacking to cross-country skiing with ease. But wool can be finicky and not everyone wants to spend $100 or more on a baselayer, which is why we love Patagonias Capilene line. The next-to-skin fit hugs your body tightly but remains comfortable. I hereby acknowledge that I have read and understand the VF Associate Discount Policy.

Unfortunately, you can only find these on the womens shirt, not the mens. If you do not accept the policy, the employee discount will not be applied to purchases at this time; however you will be prompted to review and accept the VF Employee Discount policy upon your next sign in to this website.

Their designs offer more pockets for storing gear or personal effects and a longer fit to protect you from snow sneaking through. Its far easier to justify purchasing a nice down jacket, but a baselayer can be just as important for activities like skiing, hiking, and climbing. A base layer is a long or short-sleeved shirt youll wear to help keep you comfy and warm when running in cold weather. All that said, the Black Spider Hoody wont earn you too many style points: It lacks the odor resistance of merino and is available in only a few simple colors. Moreover, if you want it to last, the shirt should always be layered with a mid or outer shell. You can put that claim to the testand they expect you to. Most laundry detergent is made of enzymes that are designed to break down biological molecules like food stains. The thickness and material of your baselayer will have big impacts on warmth and breathability, so make sure to keep this mind when making a purchase.

And keep in mind that warmth is directly related to the thickness of the material too, which we discuss in the Insulation Weight section below. This fabric is a merino with a nylon core for added durability. For more information, see our baselayer comparison table and buying advice below the picks. If you want to know how to keep your wool in the best shape plus tips for storing in the offseason, see the merino wool care guide at the bottom of this post. Here are the amazing properties of merino wool: Comfort: Merino wool is super soft and feels amazing as a next-to-skin layer. You can be assured that your Ibex clothing is coming from sheep and people that are treated ethically with their wellbeing at the forefront. Several pests like cloth moths and carpet bug larvae love organic materials like merino wool. For a versatile, breathable next-to-skin layer that can take you straight from skin track to aprs, the Ortovox 185 is an eye-catching but still very capable choice.See the Men's Ortovox Rock'N'Wool LS See the Women's Ortovox Rock'N'Wool LS. Youll need a fabric that will keep you warm when wet and dry out quickly, and merino wool and polyester are the most common choices. If your ski gear is even a few years old, theres new technology out there that will help make good days on the snow even better. For sustainably, warmth, and durability, Ive found merino wool base layers and clothing to be worth it. 9 Best Barefoot Hiking Boots (Wide Toe Box + Zero-Drop), 8 Best Wide Toe Box Hiking Shoes (That Dont Squish Toes).

The Long Sleeve Merino Crew is lightweight 100% merino wool, and looks great as an only layer while also performing well as a base layer.

Air them out and make sure theyre fully dry before storage. Outer layers are the most specialized part of the system, and their complex designs can get quite pricey.

If you know youll be layering a mid or outer layer over your baselayer, the simpler the better. This depends on the specific kinds of skiing you enjoy mostskinning up a sunny ridgeline in the North Cascades is far different than bracing See the Women's Patagonia R1 Air Zip-Neck, See the Women's Smartwool Merino 150 Crew, Odlo Natural + Kinship Warm Long-Sleeve ($100), See the Men's Odlo Natural + Kinship Warm, See the Women's Odlo Natural + Kinship Warm, Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Crew ($135), Ortovox 185 Rock'N'Wool Long Sleeve ($110), REI Co-op Lightweight Base Layer Crew ($40), 52% merino, 29% polyester, 13% nylon, 6% elastane.



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