For outdoor activities, a good base layer is essential. Here are 6 of the best to consider if you’re in the market.
Choosing a base layer isn’t as simple as picking out an everyday T-shirt or pair of jeans. A base layer needs to perform the important function of wicking away moisture, which means you have to think about things like material composition and fabric weight.
And with all of the options out there, it’s tough to comb through all the details and decide on one that’s best for you — especially if you’re not 100% sure about what you’re looking for.
Whether you’re brand new to base layers or a layering veteran, this article will help you identify the base layer that’s right for you.
What Is a Base Layer?
Generally speaking, a base layer is any clothing that makes complete contact with your skin and is worn under other clothing.
However, to fully understand what a base layer is — and what it does — you need to understand the three-layer system.
The three-layer system is a conventional approach to layering designed to provide maximum warmth and protection. Typically, the three-layer system is used by people who participate in intense cold weather activities like backpacking and skiing.
The system is comprised of these three layers:
- Base layer: Also called the underwear layer, the base layer’s main job is to draw moisture away from your skin.
- Mid layer: This layer insulates by trapping heat.
- Outer layer: The outer layer protects you from the elements, so it’s commonly waterproof and windproof.
This tried-and-true system helps you quickly and safely regulate your body temperature, which is especially important when traversing the backcountry.
This also means that moisture-wicking ability is the most important factor when it comes to base layers. If a base layer offers some extra insulation, that’s great, but it should, first and foremost, excel at keeping you dry.
How To Choose the Best Base Layer
Here are a few considerations to make when looking for a base layer:
Activity Type and Intensity
The best base layer is the one that suits the activities you’re planning to do. In fact, if you plan on participating in cold weather activities with wildly different intensity levels, you might opt for specialized base layers for each use case.
Material
It’s crucial to choose a fabric with excellent moisture-wicking capabilities. Overall, Merino wool is your best option. Merino base layers tend to perform better than synthetic fabric because wool is naturally moisture-wicking, insulating, and anti-microbial (a fancy term for odor resistance).
Polyester is a popular choice for base layers, but it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. Polyester is durable and affordable; its breathability, insulation, and odor-fighting levels pale compared to wool. (And polyester is also pretty bad for the environment).
Merino wool is more expensive, but it’s well worth it, given how well the material performs. That said, if you absolutely have to go synthetic, look for recycled polyester.
Fabric Weight
Base layers are often classified as lightweight, midweight, or heavyweight. Unsurprisingly, midweight base layers are generally the most versatile, but that doesn’t mean they’re right for everyone.
Lighter base layers are usually the best at wicking moisture and are also the most breathable. Heavier base layers provide more insulation but don’t wick moisture or breathe as well.
As a rule of thumb, the more intense the activity is, the lighter your base layer should be. This is where it’s especially important to consider the kinds of activities you’re planning to do.
Fit
In most cases, a base layer should have a snug fit that’s just about skin-tight. If you want a bit of extra airflow, you can go with a slightly looser fit, but a base layer shouldn’t hang on your frame.
The 6 Best Base Layers for Men
Now that you know what to look for in a base layer, check out these 6 excellent base layers (tops and bottoms) that cover a wide range of activity types and levels.
Best Moisture-Wicking Base Layer Overall: Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer
Smartwool makes some of the best base layers, and the Classic Thermal Merino line is the cream of the brand’s crop. These 100% Merino wool layers are excellent at wicking moisture and insulating, which makes them perfect for cold weather activities.
The entire Classic Thermal Merino range is widely acclaimed, but the Men’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip gets the most accolades. That’s mostly thanks to the zipper, which provides a convenient way to dump heat and cool down.
All Classic Thermal Merino pieces are 100% Merino wool and feature flatlock seam construction for minimal chafing. They’re some pricier items on this list, but you’re getting what you pay for here.
While these are perhaps the best overall base layers you can buy, they’re not insanely durable, which may or may not be a downside. Unless you’re participating in especially rough activities where you get tossed around like a sack of potatoes, you’ll get a lot of mileage out of these Merino base layers.
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Best Lightweight Base Layer: L.L.Bean Lightweight Base Layer
If you’re a runner, backpacker, or hiker, you’ll want a pretty light base layer to ensure you don’t overheat. L.L.Bean’s lightweight layers are great for this as they provide ample breathability and weigh in at just 130 grams.
These are about as light as base layers can get, so they’re perfect for the most intense winter activities. While they’re 100% polyester, they have some recycled material content and are also treated with an anti-microbial finish to fight odor.
Since these layers are featherlight, they’re best for warm weather where you don’t need a ton of insulation. The same goes for durability — ultimately, these are cheap polyester layers meant for slower-paced activities.
Best Midweight Base Layer: Patagonia Capilene® Midweight
These base layers from Patagonia are almost perfect. Part of the lauded Capilene range, these midweight pieces are made from 100% recycled polyester and offer fantastic moisture-wicking and insulating capabilities.
These garments have several features that are unique to Patagonia. The diamond grid pattern on the fabric boosts warmth and breathability at the same time, and the HeiQ® Pure odor control treatment reduces the level of detectable funk.
Most notably, Capilene base layers might just be the most durable base layers in existence. They can easily hold up to years (and even decades) of heavy wear without faltering, which is especially impressive since each layer is just $79.
So what are the cons? Since Capilene layers are polyester, they won’t regulate your core temperature or fight odor, as well as Merino wool. They’re also not the softest layers out there. But if you’re looking for a multipurpose base layer that’s ridiculously long-lasting, definitely check out the Capilene midweight range.
Best Heavyweight Base Layer: Arc’teryx Rho Heavyweight
For particularly arctic situations where you basically need two mid layers to stay warm, go for the Rho Heavyweight line from Arc’teryx. These thick base layers use Polartec® Power Stretch® Pro material with a soft fleece interior that traps heat and wicks moisture.
The 285g zip neck and 250g bottoms are about as heavy as base layer items can get without tipping over into normal clothing territory. The Rho pieces also feature a smooth nylon face to ensure comfortable layering, which is especially nice considering how thick these layers are.
Given just how heavy the Rho Heavyweight pieces are, they’re really only suitable for extra cold conditions. They’re fairly expensive, but they’ll quickly pay for themselves if you plan on spending lots of time in frigid conditions.
Best Base Layers for Skiing: Helly Hansen LIFA®
Along with the aforementioned Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino, the Helly Hansen LIFA is one of the best base layer options for skiers. The titular LIFA fabric was designed for technical base layers and remains a top choice today.
The most popular item in the LIFA range is the Stripe Long-sleeve Crew, a 150g shirt that does a great job of moisture-wicking. It’s also just $45, making it one of the best budget-friendly base layers. (Even better, the matching bottoms are just $40.)
The LIFA material performs better than regular polyester, but it’s not all that warm, so you’ll need at least a mid layer for colder weather. All things considered, these base layers are solid choices for skiing.
Best Cycling Base Layers: Megmeister Drynamo™
If you’re a cyclist, you’ll want to go for base layers specifically designed for the rigors of cycling. You’ll want a more breathable base layer that’s able to constantly wick moisture and dump heat, and that’s where the Megmeister Drynamo line comes in.
The Drynamo fabric is made from technical yarns that provide a performance-ready balance of insulation, breathability, and flexibility. The literally seamless design supports the body’s full range of motion, so you don’t have to worry about discomfort or pulling.
Since these are lightweight layers, they’re best for warmer weather, but Megmeister also makes Merino base layers that are ideal for colder conditions.
Base Layer FAQ
Here are a couple of quick answers about base layers:
What are the best base layer brands?
Smartwool and Patagonia are two of the best base layer brands. Both companies offer various base layers that range from lightweight to heavyweight.
Do base layers need to be tight?
Base layers should generally be extremely snug and almost skintight. This depends on your activity—typically, the more intense the activity, the snugger your base layer should be.
In need of a mid layer to keep you toasty? Check out our guide to the best men’s fleece jackets.
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