Material on GearLab is copyrighted. To test layering ability, we consider all the ways a top can be layered, and we try all of the combinations with every piece. The shirt strikes a nice balance between being lightweight and providing warmth. We also drag them up against rocks, roll them in the dirt, bushwack through manzanita and chaparral to get to beautiful places, and subject them to merciless amounts of washing and drying cycles. 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. Despite the negatives, I absolutely love these leggings for their warmth, softness and durability. Merino wool is the warmest base layer material. The tops that really do a great job of balancing fit and comfort are the SmartWool Merino 250, Patagonia Capilene Air, Icebreaker 200 Oasis, and the Patagonia Capilene Cool Lightweight. We try our best to give as subjective of an opinion as possible when considering all the factors that play into a layer's comfort and fit. They hang loose and have gotten looser over time. No ads. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. 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). When choosing between options, comfort and fit are usually at the top of the list for many consumers. 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. 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. So lets dive into, what I deem to be, the best merino wool base layers for women! Put together they deliver great breathability even when hiking on sweaty, humid days. Are they too tight? We'd like to help! Another pro is that they are surprisingly inexpensive (as far as base layers go). But when it comes to longevity, natural material still falls behind its 100% synthetic counterparts. Making our way down from the summit of Mt. What you can't see is that our buddy is climbing in a puffy, while we had no problem hanging out for long-belays in the shade. Both tend to wear holes through quickly and/or shrink and lose their shape after repeated washings. Outdoor educator and guide Roland Mott also adds experience and expertise to this review. We often spend on high-quality products to own fewer things that will both last us longer and stay out of the landfill. 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. Regardless of weight class, the NW Alpine Spectra is hands-down the most durable layer we tested. The REI Silk Crew, with its ultra-lightweight design, had the fastest flat drying time. Both the shirt and the bottoms are made with 260 gsm merino wool and provide amazing warmth. Merino wool fabric is made in different weights, measured in grams per square meter. 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. a fit that is close to your skin but not too tight. In addition to camping and hiking, you can wear the Vertex when skiing as the gusseted underarms enable full mobility. 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. Thus, a higher number indicates greater warmth. Yes, merino wool can shrink. These are the Patagonia Capilene Cool Lightweight, NW Alpine Spectra, Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew, and both of Outdoor Research's options: the Alpine Onset and Echo L/S. Despite all of the advances this top is making in the world of base layers, it still falls victim to some common pitfalls of full synthetics even casual efforts leave this top smelling as if you just pushed for an FKT. If youre unsure of what you want by the end of this post, just get the Smartwool Classic Base Layer Top. The Outdoor Research Echo L/S is one of the most valuable synthetic layers on the market today. Thinner base layers, like the Patagonia Capilene Cool Lightweight, are designed to keep you dry and comfortable at skin level. We wore these layers through the varying temperatures of fall and winter to test every quality that results in you successfully staying warm and dry. But these design features can also keep your top from rising up and exposing your back and belly when bending over to put on your climbing skins or reaching for that next crimper when climbing. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. Keeping us comfortable even when we're working up a sweat in warm fall temps in Eldo Canyon, Spectra fabric is the most durable on the market. 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. Hood. And I dont find they wick sweat away as well as other bottoms on the list, so I dont wear them when Im active. We offer this comprehensive review to help you land on the best base layer for your own needs. The well-articulated seam patterns of the Outdoor Research Echo L/S and Black Diamond Solution pull seams down from the shoulders where they often rub under the weight of a backpack and both tops add an extra side panel for increased upper-body mobility. We prefer tops with sleeves that don't tend to creep up our arms, and ones with a longer torso that avoids the always undesirable belly exposure. The Black Diamond Solution also fits this mold and is the only layer to incorporate thumb loops. The Icebreaker Oasis 200 Base Layer Top is one of the most versatile baselayers by Icebreaker. 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. Notably, the merino wool Icebreaker 200 Oasis dries quicker than the other wool layers of similar weight. They allow ample circulation and the moisture-wicking keeps your legs dry throughout the day. The Smartwool 250 rules in these environments. Some tops in our selection stand out for their superb comfort and fit, while a couple leave much to be desired. Choosing a layer that balances active drying and warmth is crucial for sports like backcountry skiing. For this update, we compare 15 of the most popular options side-by-side. All trademarks property of their respective owners Well, I find them a little scratchy and quite see-through in the but. Theres no pilling, no thinning, no tears or anything. Depending on the situation, a great base layer will effectively work to keep you dry and warm, or dry and cool, depending on how it's designed. It has retained its shape, shows no sign of wear or pilling and is still very warm. NuYarn is an innovative technology that specifically layers merino wool over synthetic fibers to best replicate the natural loft and breathability that makes the all-natural fiber so special. Our expert for all things comfortable and cozy is Aaron Rice. Merino wool is excellent at wicking moisture and drying quickly, so itll keep you warm even if you sweat. GearLab is reader-supported. Our lead tester is 5'10" and 160lbs, wearing a size medium. The Kari Traa Rose Thermal Leggings are excellent, inexpensive merino wool base layer bottoms. The SmartWool Intraknit is impressively warm for its weight. 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. As we describe before, a thoughtfully articulated design increases mobility in the Black Diamond Solution. As a bit of an outlier, the Patagonia Capilene Air continues to impress with its unique ability to masterfully balance warmth and breathability. As is evident from this post, the best base layers depend on what youll be using them for. By submitting them to the wear-and-tear of everyday use and a variety of outdoor activities across a spectrum of temperatures and environments, we are best able to dial in which types of layers work best in what situations. 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. That said, I rarely use this shirt for active activities. From the highest mountains, to the deepest canyons, a versatile base layer is key to keeping you dry, comfortable, and on-the-move across the seasons. The Kari Traa Rose Half Zip may not be my favorite, but it is an excellent choice for those that want maximum value for money. Slim-fitting sleeves and waists, combined with well-stitched hems and cuffs, tend to do the best. I'm Mikaela and I'm the voice behind Voyageur Tripper, a blog dedicated to outdoor adventure travel. In addition to the above, you can consider the following factors as well: Style and Design: Some people just want plain black base layers and thats totally fine. This top is not only versatile as a standalone shirt for activities like running, but it performs impressively well as a technical base layer. 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. Getting the fit right not only ensures comfort and mobility but also keeps you much warmer by preventing unwanted air circulation between your skin and the base layer. Since base layers fit snug, having an odour-free, moisture-wicking fabric right next to the skin keeps me feeling fresh and warm longer. Casual alpine cows. That said, I dont own these base layer bottoms so I cant speak to them personally! 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. Coming in close behind with admirable dry times for synthetic layers are the Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe and NW Alpine Spectra. We purposefully choose to test the best layers on the market, so a low score in our testing does not mean a product is not worth its mettle. Ski patrollers are up and working hard well-before first chair (perks of the job.) Merino wool claims that it can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture before feeling wet to the touch. Whereas a turtle neck or a high neck midweight are great choices for cooler weather. Even though this post is specifically about merino wool base layers, it is important to know that not all merino wool fabrics use 100% merino wool. In our abrasion tests, we could barely get this top to show signs of wear. Its made from what feels like a thin material and is form-fitting, which makes wearing it under fleece sweaters comfortable. 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. When the going gets steep, this layer kicks into gear by efficiently wicking moisture away from our body, keeping us dry and happy all day. Honestly, I havent found much use for these leggings. The standout tops for well-balanced warmth are the SmartWool Merino 250, the Patagonia Capilene Air Crew, and the Ortovox 185 Rock'N'Wool. Then we develop appropriate tests to carry out in the field and lab to test each metric individually. In fact, most manufacturers indicate that their wool layers are not dryer safe and instead suggest lying the garments flat to dry. We wore them as we skinned up windblown ridges in the Northwest, rowed through desolate canyons in the Southwest, slept on the frozen dirt after climbing sunny sandstone cracks, and explored trails by bike and foot in Colorado and New Mexico. I find it doesnt quick sweat away as well as Icebreaker merino wool. Couple that with a slim, stylish fit, and you have a layer you can take from the mountain straight to aprs-ski. But, as I said, Ive been using them very regularly for two years now. How are the cuffs? Ive also worn them as a single layer under snow pants when Ive been winter camping. 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. Merino wool has come a long way in terms of durability particularly considering merino wool/polyester blends. Its made with high-quality 240 gsm merino wool, making it great for colder months. Our testers' favorite aerobic layers are the Patagonia Capilene Cool Lightweight and Outdoor Research Echo L/S these tops are perfect for 3-season activities like backpacking or trail running. Read review: Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino. The four-way stretch makes the top very comfortable, even while moving around. 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. Not only can a sopping top severely inhibit your ability to find happiness and joy, but it can also be downright dangerous under the right conditions. But you can opt for a merino wool-synthetic blend if: Fabric weight is different from the weight of the garment. Ladies, we've got you covered, too check out our women's base layer review here. This long list of critiques provides us with a lot of information to justify how each layer will fit and perform. The only thing you wear under a base layer is underwear (and a bra, if you wear one). Is the neck comfortable? As the foundation of your layering system, warmth is one of the most important qualities to consider in your decision. Roland holds a degree in Outdoor Recreation Leadership and has guided rivers, backpacking, and climbing for 12 years throughout the US and Central America. Let us know! The Merino wool/polyester blends of the Patagonia Capilene Air and Smartwool Intraknit 200, in particular, do a great job at resisting absorption. While we wish that the ActiveFresh odor control did a better job of keeping us smelling fresh, the Echo's small pack size and quick dry time mean we're still going to bring it along on our next expedition trip, no matter the climate. Secondly, we consider how the garment generally fits: Is it too loose, too tight, does it constrict in particular areas like the shoulders? Is the fabric soft or scratchy? Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. This top is incredibly breathable and super lightweight, designed for sweat-inducing activities through the warmest months of the year. This climb is a true test of a base layer. Wake up and be awesome! An example of a layering system. If I could only have one base layer top thats a tough one. 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. The fabric weight signifies how much warmth the merino wool will provide. They have all the odour-free, moisture-wicking qualities of merino wool and come in at a super attractive price point. Other factors that contribute to staying power are flatlock seams, which you will find featured on the majority of the layers in this review. A quality breathable layer will help regulate your body temperature through a range of environments, regardless of your energy output. 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. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. While it excels as a backcountry skiing base layer, this is a great choice for any cold-weather alpine endeavor. Your email address will not be published. Some annoying things that can happen when base layers dont fit you well: leggings can get saggy at the buttocks or the waistline elastic can roll down while moving. As the heaviest 100% merino layer top we tested, this top is designed specifically with snow sports in mind. We appreciate the fit of the Icebreaker 200 Oasis, the Patagonia Capilene Cool Lightweight, and the NW Alpine Spectra. The broad consensus is that merino wool is, generally speaking, less durable than synthetic fabrics. Mikaela has been canoeing, hiking and camping for over ten years. When I got the leggings, they fit really well, although after two years they are starting to sag at the bum a bit. Is it loose, letting cold air draft in like a barn door, or is it too tight? If youre a brand looking for a partnership, please visit my Work With Me guidelines. Your support is much appreciated! 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. Like the shirt above, these have become reserved for cold night sleeping (and Ive been wearing them less often in favor of the Rose Thermal Leggings and Icebreaker Merino 260 Tech Thermal Bottoms. Overall, this is an excellent merino wool base layer top for cold weather. But for the sake of producing quality reviews, alas, we must decide from time to time what materials are the best for certain situations. Our drying speed test is a simple one. The fabric weight reviewed here is 250 gsm, but it also comes in 150 gsm (and I also own that shirt). Are there gusseted underarms, purposeful stitching patterns, or articulated zones to help freedom of movement? As a result, I own way too many. Base layers and thermals are the same thing. When the fabric becomes completely saturated, this top is comparatively slow to dry. If you'll be wearing this top to scrape through slot canyons and drag yourself up rock chimneys, then durability is probably a quality you'll want to think about first. Base layers should fit snug against your skin, without bunching or sagging anyone. The SmartWool Merino 250 shining in its versatility across temperature ranges. The Meriwool Midweight Thermal offers near top-quality performance at a fraction of the cost of most of the 100% Merino tops we tested. We target the most important qualities to analyze and test these layers side-by-side according to these metrics. A comfy, cozy base layer like the Meriwool Midweight Thermal will almost certainly put a smile on your face the next time you're on a backpacking trip. Here is a quick guide: When choosing a merino wool base layer, or for that matter, any base layer, it is best to opt for a snug fit. It is important to note that the scores we assign are determined relative to the other products in the review. One of the greatest qualities of a base layer is its versatility to be worn as a standalone top or to be layered in a myriad of ways to keep you warm and comfortable in any temperature or situation. She previously worked as a canoeing guide in Canada, and spent a season guiding hiking and kayaking tours in the high Arctic. If you have the resources, you can invest in a few pairs each suited to an activity. We understand that the individual metrics that are important to some folks may not be as important to others. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi! The added UPF 15 treatment not only helps protect your skin but also increases the longevity of this already durable crew neck.