The Under Armour Womens ColdGear Base 3.0 Crew. REI Co-op Mens Midweight Base Layer Bottoms. And if so, youll probably find a set of comfortable, functional base layerslightweight pieces of clothing to wear under sweaters or jackets or pantsto be a worthwhile investment. 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. They can also be made of merino. The nylon adds some stretch and durability, so the Ridge Merino Aspect will last longer than if it were made of pure wool. Its pieced together with different fabric panels, so its form-fitting yet doesnt restrict movement, a rare combination for a wool garment. Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL | Fabric: Merino wool | Care: Hand wash. If you wanted something similar, we think youd be happier with the Ridge Merino Aspect crew or even with the Under Armour ColdGear Base 3.0 (which is a synthetic shirt like the Hot Chillys). If, for example, you attend a football game and then go home, or if you finish skiing and then sit around the fire, its nice not to have to change out of your clothing immediately. However, they are Eves new favorite snow gear items. We did an in-person fit test, in addition to going by the specs listed online. That way, if you have a backpack on, the seam wont rub into your shoulder; several of our winning layers have a raglan or offset sleeve specifically for this reason. However, after looking at hundreds of garments, we have definitely identified a difference, and it involves how you use them. Style shouldn't be prioritized over performance when it comes to activewear. That means theyre hard to wear under jeans and sweatersbut when theyre paired with rain gear, they offer the perfect combination of thickness and softness. In addition, we conversed with Outi Pulkkinen, then the design director of merino wool apparel company Duckworth, and Pierre Kim, SVP of product development for mens apparel company Rhone at the time of our interview. The heavyweight panels cover places that are exposed to the cold, such as your shoulders, quads, and calves; the lightweight panels cover the places that generate heat, such as your armpits and the backs of your knees. Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL | Fabric: Merino wool, polyamide, elastane | Care: Hand wash. Microfiber wont keep you the warmest in the outdoors, but finding a set that can get you by in multiple situations at a budget-friendly price is a win and an excellent item to have in your cold-weather layering quiver. And finally, they shouldnt make you itch. The womens version of the Ridge Merino Aspect Midweight Wool Base Layer Long Sleeve Shirt. You dont need to change out of it to be comfortable, either when you stop backpacking for the day or when you sit down for some food after a long day hike. Thermals, on the other hand, are meant to keep you warm. The Smartwool Intraknit base layers for men and women impressed some testers but not others. This shirt is made with a wool blend: The blend is 84% merino wool and 16% nylon. We independently review everything we recommend. Minus33s Kancamagus Midweight Wool Bottom. The first thing I liked was the pattern: a fun, seasonal design that I wanted to wear, even if it would only be under my other clothing. Runners, specifically, may not need a functional fly on their bottoms because theyre going to get their workout done before they have to go to the bathroom. Flaws but not dealbreakers: After a full season of wearing the shirt, one tester found that it had developed tiny holes. Always follow the manufacturers instructions, but a good rule of thumb is to hand wash silk, and wash wool and synthetic fibers in a cold gentle cycle and tumble dry on low to avoid any shrinking. These days, the merino wool construction may seem run-of-the-mill, but Smartwool gives it a tech-focused boost thanks to the brands Intraknit design. Winter-adventuring duo Justin Lichter and Shawn Forry suggested that a base layer top should have a relaxed fittrim enough to layer over without being bulky. The mens DuoFold by Champion Brushed Back Baselayer Pants are soft and almost fleece-like. These pieces are the most durable layers in this guide. She's also a product reviewer who's tested out everything from airplane pillows to travel adapters for TripSavvy. If you want a shirt you could wear to dinner after a day of outdoor activity: The mens and womens Smartwool 250 Base Layer Crew and mens and womens Smartwool 250 Base Layer Bottom would be the layers to get. Erika Owen is a travel writer and a cold-weather enthusiast. But sometimes you just need something cheap. Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL | Fabric: Nylon, wool, elastane | Care: Hand wash. The Kora Shola 230 Crew for men and women was a midweight yak-wool base layer, similar to our Smartwool pick. I recently wore it backpacking California's Ansel Adams Wilderness, then hiking Duck Pass outside of Mammoth Lakes, then fly-fishing on Crowley Lake just outside of Mammoth, and even the local brewery. It absorbs water, which when trapped next to skin in winter weather can make you cold (or hypothermic, in a worst-case scenario). The BodyfitZone Merino 260 Zone Leggings (in mens and womens sizes) do the same. I expected to feel extra heat but didn't. There is also a mens style in this option. Or maybe you enjoy engaging in outdoor sports or playing in the snow? All of this makes the shirt less technical-looking and more versatile. It also has thumb holes to help keep it in place if youre pulling a sweater on over it. Sizes: S to XXXL; fits a 30- to 54-inch chest, Sizes: XS to XXL; fits a 32- to 46-inch chest. Weve moved the 32 Degrees and Le Bent layers to our Other good base layers section. My favorite aspect of this layer? Chances are good theres some outdoor activity you do in the winter months. But thats the extent of this shirts outdoorsy styling, and those thumb holes disappear into the cuff, so theyre not noticeable if you dont want them to be. Every garment in this guide is machine-washable, and we did wash all of them in testing to make sure. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Because these pieces are specifically great for hunting, fishing, and wearing under snow pants and jackets, theyre not as versatile as other options. Why theyre great: The REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Crew Top (mens and womens) and Midweight Base Layer Bottoms (mens) or Tights (womens) are made of a mix of polyester and spandex that is extremely comfortable. Sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XXL, 3XL | Fabric: Polyester, spandex | Care: Wash cold, tumble dry low. These layers fit the curves of her body as well as the Le Bent base layers do (our current top choice for next-to-skin contact). The Best Wool Socks That Are Soft and Breathable. These leggings are thick enough to wear without a top layer, as well, for chillier days. Kari Traa also makes a synthetic version of these base layers, the Perle Top and Perle Pant. They are comparable to the thicker Minus33 base layers. If you want bottom layers that you can wear on their own as pants, try the Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layers, which we discuss in the Competition section. Function: Among mens pieces, we looked for bottoms that had a working fly. In addition to the durability, these layers remain soft, and theyre thick, too. Sizes: S to XXL; fits a 36- to 53-inch chest, Sizes: XS to XL; fits a 32- to 42-inch chest, Sizes: S to XXL and L to XXL Tall; fits a 28- to 46-inch waist, Sizes: XL and XL Petite; fits a 36-inch waist, Colors: black/asphalt (heathered black and gray). This pair ranks among our all-time favorite merino leggings. ", Best Set: Thermajane Ultra Soft Thermal Underwear Long Johns Set at Amazon, "Thermajanes thermal long john set is fleece-lined and softer than soft. It has a raglan sleeve (like the Ridge layer), so the shoulder seams are offset (meaning theyre not directly on top of your shoulder). Every ski bum we know has, at some point, worn a pair of 32 Degrees until theyre threadbare. It's now infiltrated my layering system for basically all of my cooler weather outdoor pursuits. Synthetic base layers, typically made of nylon or some type of rayon, arent bad, but they perform differently. Without the need to wick away moisture, a cotton or synthetic thermal is an okay choicethink of the classic army-issue waffle thermal. In the title of this guide, we call these layers thermal underwear because thats what most people search for when theyre looking for something to be active in. This cut allows unrestricted arm movement, and the seam is not on top of your shoulder, thus preventing chafing under a backpack strap. This gap allows you to keep a relatively consistent temperature, like being in your own temp-regulated bubble. They can certainly be worn casually, but those who put them to the test on a hike, on the slopes, or with some alpine climbing experience them at their best. A built-in brushed lining makes these all the more comfortable and soft. At minimum, nearly all of our testers had thru-hiked a 2,000-plus-mile trailan experience that requires living in the same base layer for four to six months. The goal of the Icebreaker BodyfitZone Merino 260 Zone Long Sleeve Crewe (in mens and womens sizes) is to aggressively dump heat you generate while youre moving and then keep you warm when youve stopped. And we even have some picks in this guide, such as the layers from Le Bent, that are ideal to wear underneath clothing. Make sure to wash your base layers often with gentle detergent. Soft and form-fitting without being tight, these pieces are ones you could wear all day (whereas a technical wool layer can sometimes feel like something you want to peel off right after you come inside). Base layers are for being active and getting sweaty in, whereas thermals are for being stationary, like sitting or lounging. The Ridge Merino Aspect Wool Base Layer also comes in a zip-neck mens version. You may have noticed that we try to choose plain or mostly plain options as our top picks, because everyones taste is different. Both the tops and bottoms are substantial enough to be worn alone, though they do look more like long underwear (especially the leggings) than other options. ExOfficios Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6 Boxer Brief, A city-to-trail shirt: Ridge Merino Aspect Midweight Wool Base Layer Long Sleeve Shirt, The budget option: REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Crew Top and Bottoms or Tights, For hiking and backpacking: Smartwool Merino 150 Base Layer Long Sleeve, To wear under rain gear or waders: Minus33 Midweight Wool Base Layers, For sports practice and obstacle races: Under Armour ColdGear Base 3.0 Crew, Techy layers for active snow sports: Icebreaker BodyfitZone Merino 260 Zone Long Sleeve Crewe Thermal Top and Thermal Leggings, The difference between thermal underwear and base layers, Ridge Merino Mens Aspect Midweight Wool Base Layer Long Sleeve Shirt, Ridge Merino Womens Aspect Midweight Wool Base Layer Long Sleeve Shirt, Ridge Merino Aspect Midweight Wool Base Layer Long Sleeve Shirt, REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Crew Top - Men's, REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Crew Top - Women's, REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Bottoms - Men's, REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Tights - Women's, Smartwool Merino 150 Base Layer Long Sleeve - Mens, A merino wool top for long, active days outside, Smartwool Merino 150 Base Layer Long Sleeve - Womens, Minus33 Chocorua Mens Midweight Wool Crew, Minus33 Ossipee Womens Midweight Wool Crew, Minus33 Kancamagus Mens Midweight Wool Bottom, Minus33 Franconia Womens Midweight Wool Bottom, Minus33 Chocorua Mens Midweight Merino Wool Crew, Kancamagus Mens Midweight Merino Wool Bottom, Minus33 Ossipee Womens Midweight Merino Wool Crew, Franconia Womens Midweight Merino Wool Bottom, Under Armour Mens ColdGear Base 3.0 Crew, Under Armour Womens ColdGear Base 3.0 Crew, Icebreaker Mens BodyfitZone Merino 260 Zone Long Sleeve Crewe, A techy wool top for high-output activities, Icebreaker Womens BodyfitZone Merino 260 Zone Long Sleeve Crewe, Icebreaker Men's BodyfitZone Merino 260 Zone Leggings, Icebreaker Womens BodyfitZone Merino 260 Zone Leggings, L.L.Bean Mens Cresta Wool Ultralight 150 Base Layer, DuoFold by Champion Brushed Back Baselayer Pants, Dont Travel With a Rolling Bag: The True Cost of Bulky Luggage. But testers found it to be itchy, especially against chest hair. This long-sleeve shirt and legging set is moisture-wicking and fleece-lined, plus it comes in 12 color options. The L.L.Bean Mens Cresta Wool Ultralight 150 Base Layer was a former pick, but we think the Ridge will be more durable in the long run. Three primary materials are used to make thermal underwear: silk, wool, and synthetic fabric. Why theyre great: Not to be confused with our budget option (32 Degrees), Minus33 is a completely different brand of much higher quality. Merino wool is naturally odor-resistant, but synthetic fabrics can pick up slight smells. We sent 13 testers out in the winter to hike, ski, shovel snow, and run, and we found a variety of styles, fabrics, and cuts to keep all types of bodies warm. Youd like it to pass for a casual shirt, but you also want to wear it as a base layer when youre biking, hiking, or hitting the slopes. If you need a pair of thermal underwear that works well to keep you at a comfortable temperature no matter what youre doing, invest in this pair from Smartwool. Synthetic fabrics and wool tend to be best for winter athletes, while silk is great for casual wear and lounging. Especially loved by our snow sports testers because it kept them from overheating, the womens version of this top is pieced together slightly differently to accomodate a different body shape. The 12 Best Men's Insulated Jackets of 2022, We Researched the Best Hiking SocksHere Are Our Top Picks, Here Is the Best Cold Weather Running Gear, Tested by Our Experts, Here Are the Best Ski Socks to Wick Away Moisture and Keep Your Feet Warm, These Are the Best Women's Ski Jackets for Any Adventure in the Snow, The 12 Best Beanies That Offer Both Warmth and Style, The Best Rash Guards to Protect You and the Whole Family. Eve O'Neill is a senior staff writer reporting on travel and outdoors at Wirecutter. But their added benefit is that they look like clothing, not just underwear. These pieces also dont come in as many sizes as wed like. They typically cost less and can be more durable, but they also smell ickyquickly. Another season, a million new base-layer options. Thermajanes thermal long john set is fleece-lined and softer than soft. Do you like exercising, hiking, or playing outdoors in the cooler months? Never have I been complimented so much on the looks of a layer meant to go under outer layers. Available in 12 colors, this thermal underwear set is just as nice for lounging around the house as it keeps you warm under all of your outdoor gear. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Under Armour seems to favor a cut that is generous in the shoulders. If youre trying an activity for the first time and arent sure yet which layers will work best for you, this is a good starter shirt. Thats the main reason the Kari Traa layers arent currently a pick. And the smooth fibers help it shed dirt and debris more easily than a merino wool shirt. However, in our tests that meant it wasnt always able to wick away sweat. These leggings are stretchy, soft, and very comfortable on curvy bodiesone of the advantages of synthetic fabrics. She can remember the titles on her childhood bookshelf that set her in this direction: Into Thin Air, On The Road, The Call of the Wild. They also held up well in the wash. Air-drying took a few hours, but it helped avoid any pilling or shrinking. This makes a shirt a little less versatile because if its worn by itself on a sunny day, the shirt will still be too hot. Sizes: XS to 6X; fits a 33- to 61-inch chest, Sizes: XS to XXXL; fits a 32- to 47-inch chest, Colors: eight solids, two two-tone, and one camo, Sizes: XS to 6X; fits a 24- to 56-inch waist, Sizes: XS to XXXL; fits a 24- to 39-inch waist. We also spoke to Robert Thomas, then the senior apparel product line manager at Smartwool. And then we put them in a washer and dryer, even if the care instructions said not to, because this is real life. If you are looking for an inexpensive pair to wear around the house or in less strenuous scenarios, opt for the Thermajane Ultra Soft Thermal Underwear Long Johns Set (view at Amazon), which provides a thermal t-shirt and leggings at a great price. But this material is a heavier-weight fabric than most, and that thickness alone adds a significant amount of durability. After wearing the Minus33s for a full snowboarding season, Eve didnt notice that they showed any significant wear and tear. The Minus33 Chocorua Mens Midweight Merino Wool Crew and Kancamagus Mens Midweight Merino Wool Bottom (and the corresponding womens pieces, the Minus33 Ossipee Womens Midweight Merino Wool Crew and Franconia Womens Midweight Merino Wool Bottom) are thicker than the other layers in this guide. The Under Armour Mens ColdGear Base 3.0 Crew. We ran all the layers through the wash and hung them up, ordering the layers based on how moist they felt right after the spin cycle. First, we inspected the construction of each garment. Form-fitting and tight on the ankle, these wool leggings are the ultimate base layer for winter sports enthusiasts. When youre moving, the heat you generate doesnt remain trapped (as it does with waffle-style thermal underwear) but instead moves through the fibers and out the other side, away from your body. But, unlike that of the Le Bent leggings, the fabric didnt let out enough heat while we were exercising. Comfort: There are some design features that can add to the comfort of any layer. The Minus33 crew and bottom are both 100% merino, which normally would be a red flag in the longevity department.