Base layers not only draw moisture away from the body, but also regulate your body temperature. Having a great base layer can be the difference between make or break when it comes to expeditions, so make sure you have the best one possible!
The MERIWOOL goes over and above for you pure, avid mountaineers. Known for its soft feel, this base layer is also super breathable which helps a lot in humid conditions.
If you are looking to save a penny or two, check out the Carhartt Lightweight Crew, starting as low as $25.
Whether it's hitting the slopes, climbing a face or running a trail, I'm a huge fan of the Under Armour Base 4.0 Crew for its 4-way stretch construction the helps you move better in every direction.
Best Base Layer (Top Picks)
Check Latest Prices
Best Value
Check Latest Prices
Best Technical
Check Latest Prices
This article contains affiliate links. If you buy something through the links on this page, we might get a small commission. It will not affect your price but helps keep our site alive!
Best Base Layers For The Outdoors
(Detailed Reviews)
We reviewed over 12 base layers for this article. Below are the best base layers that made our short list.
- SmartWool Merino 250 Crew - Best Overall
- Carhartt Men's Force Lightweight Crew - Best Value
- Merino.Tech - Best Heavyweight Base Layer (For Cold)
- Under Armour Base 4.0 Crew - Best Technical
- Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew - Best Lightweight
Read our complete buyers guide for base layers.
1. Best Overall Base Layer
The reason why we put our trust in MERIWOOL is because the 100% Merino Wool regulates temperature incredibly well, while eliminating the discomfort usually associated with wool.
It is a versatile option, available for men and women.
We enjoy the fact that this layer provides an easy transition between weather conditions, from colder areas to areas that are warmer.
The slimline design gives it a nod above the rest, while being really comfortable and dependable.
With an excellent moisture repellant worked into the knit of the layer, you can understand why it keeps you dry and warm.
It does provide significant UPF and can be used during a hike, or climb too. You can rest assured that working up a sweat is not a concern, as the material prevents odor build-up.
Main Features
What we like
What we dislike
Key Takeway
The MERIWOOL is a reputable, dependable option. It is suitable for a variety of activities and works well on its own or under other layers. The concern would be its longevity.
2. Best Value Base Layer
4.5/5 Overall Rating
The synthetic polyester material used in the construction of Carhartt Lightweight Crew provides breathability when you are on the move.
The benefit of a synthetic option is that it is more durable than a 100% wool choice.
The fast drying capacity and gusseted stretch does not constrict but gives you the freedom to move around while protecting you from the elements.
It is the warmest option and is better suited for activities requiring more rapid movement. So if you need an option that will remove moisture, dry fast have good packability, this is your pick.
The inclusion of flatlock seam designs, loops for your thumb, and a longer torso makes it a great choice for: layering and transferring moisture.
The satisfaction that this layer is a great option for women and men, puts it in the top of the charts too.
Together with the fact that it is less expensive than a merino wool option, it also has a choice of weight options giving you the freedom to invest in the one best suited for you.
Main Features
What we like
What we dislike
Key Takeaway
The Carhartt Lightweight Crew is a durable, lightweight option. It's perfect for layering in cold spaces, or single use in warmer climates. Its breathability makes the strenuous activities more comfortable, as your movements are not restricted.
3. Best Heavyweight Base Layer (For Cold)
The flatlock stitching and integration of the design makes the Merino.Tech a winner for extreme cold conditions.
The 100% Merino Wool of this garment ensures that you remain warm and insulated throughout your trip.
Even though it is a thick option it still has really good breathability and the capacity to wick away moisture really well.
You don’t end up sacrificing warmth for a breathable material. The wool is soft against the skin providing you with good comfort.
Together with its great warmth it also has good odor control because it pulls moisture away from the body instead of keeping it close to the skin.
However it isn’t the best solution for high-impact activities, where the heaviness of the material might end up being a liability instead of an advantage.
A nifty thumb hole is included in the design, making sure that your hand is also kept warm which is a nice added benefit.
Main Features
What we like
What we dislike
Key Takeaway
If you are going on a really cold expedition it's best to choose the Merino.Tech because it is designed specifically for conditions that are tremendously chilly and you don't want to be left unprepared.
4. Best Technical Base Layer
Quite an interesting mouthful, the Under Armour Base 4.0 Crew design has a blend of Merino Wool, polyester, and elastane in order to bring you the best of all the fabric worlds.
The cosiness of the wool allows for softness against your skin, elastane and polyester ensures that moisture is not absorbed by the layer but repelled away from the skin.
Elastane enhances the mobility and comfort the shirt provides.
With good weather resistance you can use the Arc’teryx in wet, windy and dry conditions, giving you versatility and peace of mind.
The durability that it provides is found in the construction and design. It is breathable and robust, providing you with the security that it is not going to leave you in the lurch when the going gets tough.
Main Features
What we like
What we dislike
Key Takeaway
If technicality is what you are after on your trek, then the Under Armour Base 4.0 Crew is a sure win for you. The design blends the benefits of a variety of materials, providing you with a quality option for your trip.
5. Best Lightweight Base Layer
4.5/5 Overall Rating
Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew provides you with a budget-friendly option for your next trip. With the Lifa Fibre technique you are guaranteed to have a shirt that gives you significant breathability.
Polypropylene fabric and Merino Wool blend give you a lightweight layer while providing insulation and warmth.
Construction of the shirt includes mesh panelling for ventilation and allows for moisture to be repelled away from the skin instead of absorbed by the material.
The benefit of this technology means that your shirt does not get heavy when wet but remains comfortable throughout your journey.
Included in the design of the shirt means is a crew neck and that provides you with significant comfort and appropriate stretch for mobility.
It's breathability ensures that you are able to go the extra mile without feeling bogged down by the layers that you are wearing.
This shirt is versatile but does need some extra layers because it's not the warmest one available.
Main Features
What we like
What we dislike
Key Takeaway
The use of Lifa fibre in the Merino blend of the Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew ensures that your experience is breathable and enjoyable. You are provided with a long-lasting dry shirt during the high-impact activities, but it does need extra layering if you are in colder conditions.
Base Layer Buyer's Guides
It is advisable to consult the following guide to get a glimpse into the features that come together to provide you with a quality base layer.
Material
The material of your chosen shirt is most likely: Merino Wool, nylon polyester or polypropylene. These materials are known to be durable, and breathable while providing you with significant comfort during a trip.
This allows you to get the full experience of the conditions and climate that you are in. With blended materials you are able to extract the benefits from all the materials instead of relying on the benefit of one.
Where Merino Wool is really warm and cosy, nylon and polyester offer a more durable, cost-effective way to stay warm. The benefit of elastane, that's usually included, gives your fabric more stretch which would help you when you are involved in more high impact, high mobility situations.
Moisture Control
Because of the nature of the activities that these layers will most likely be used in, it is advised that you keep moisture control in mind. This specifically aims to reduce how heavy the layer gets, and to ensure that it is able to dry quickly.
It is helpful if there is some kind of breathability or ventilation that the layer offers because it is usually worn under other layers, and you don’t want to be burdened by the number of clothing items you are wearing.
It is, thus, ideal to invest in a base layer that benefits your experience and works with, and for you, rather than against you. The degree to which your layer wicks moisture away is a crucial factor to consider especially if you are engaging in high-intensity activities.
The wicking capacity means that you do not feel the moisture retained in your shirt but that moisture is pulled away from your skin so that you are kept dry and comfortable.
Comfort
The materials that work at repelling odor gives you the comfort of knowing that you're going to get a lot more wear out of your shirt. This is ideal if you are perhaps unable to wash it, often, due to extended trips.
Moreover, the comfort of knowing that your shirt dries quickly makes you aware of the fact that you're getting the best out of the option of your choice and gives you the peace of mind that the layer will not become a burden.
Design
Additional features in the design of the layer gives you some practical, and functional components to think about. These elements include: longer torsos and hemlines so that it stays tucked in regardless of your movements.
It also includes thumb loops, for additional warmth for your hands. Slimline designs complement the contours of one’s body and give you a form fitting option for your convenience.
The loose-fitting shirts will lead to heat escaping, quickly, and that's important to know.
Depending on the activity you are engaged in would either call for these additional features or not, but there is a satisfaction in knowing that these features are made available, should you find yourself needing them.
Continue browsing
See more gear reviews and our detailed outdoor clothing gear guide. Or check out these reviews:
