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Base Layer Tops

The best base layer tops, reviewed and curated by the Trailspace community. The latest review was added on October 19, 2022. Stores' prices and availability are updated daily.

user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Fjallraven Bergtagen Woolmesh Sweater
$106 - $111
user rating: 5 of 5 (2)
Voormi River Run Hoodie
$129
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1)
Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Base Crew
$33 - $675
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1)
Kari Traa Rose Long Sleeve
$77 - $110
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1)
Smartwool Merino 150 Pocket Tee Base Layer Top / Short Sleeve Performance
$64
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1)
Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody
$87 - $111
user rating: 5 of 5 (2)
Helly Hansen HH LIFA Stripe Crew
$23 - $45
user rating: 4 of 5 (2)
Patagonia Capilene Air Crew
$14 - $129
user rating: 4 of 5 (1)
Smartwool Intraknit Merino 250 Thermal 1/4 Zip
$78 - $320
user rating: 5 of 5 (2)
Smartwool Midweight Zip T
$70
user rating: 4 of 5 (4)
Smartwool Lightweight Zip T
$53
user rating: 4 of 5 (1)
Outdoor Research Alpine Onset Crew
$40 - $99
user rating: 3 of 5 (2)
Patagonia Capilene Thermal Weight Zip-Neck
$50 - $109
user rating: 3 of 5 (1)
Minus33 Isolation Midweight Merino Zip-Neck
$100
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Patagonia Merino Air Hoody
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Ridge Merino Inversion Heavyweight Crew
$90 MSRP
user rating: 5 of 5 (6)
Patagonia Capilene 2 Lightweight Zip-Neck
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (3)
Smartwool Microweight Tee
$65 MSRP
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1)
Outdoor Research Enigma Half Zip
$79 MSRP
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1)
Appalachian Gear Company All-Paca Crew Long Sleeve Performance Top / Top
$145 MSRP
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1)
FORLOH Deep Space Half Zip Long Sleeve Top
$129 MSRP
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1)
Helly Hansen HH Lifa Merino 1/2 Zip
$100 MSRP
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1)
Smartwool Midweight Funnel Zip
$100 MSRP
user rating: 5 of 5 (3)
Icebreaker Bodyfit 150 Long Sleeve Crewe
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (3)
Smartwool Microweight Crew
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Woolx Everyday Long Sleeve Crew 230 Midweight
$74 MSRP
user rating: 5 of 5 (2)
Patagonia Capilene 4 Expedition Weight Zip-Neck
user rating: 5 of 5 (2)
Icebreaker Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe
user rating: 5 of 5 (2)
Icebreaker Everyday Long Sleeve Crewe
user rating: 5 of 5 (2)
Stoic Alpine Merino 150 Crew - Long-Sleeve
user rating: 5 of 5 (2)
U.S. Military Gen III, Level 2 ECWCS Top
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Mont Slinx LS Zip
user rating: 5 of 5 (2)
Icebreaker 260 Midweight Tech Top
$110 MSRP
user rating: 4 of 5 (1)
Woolx X704
$170 MSRP
user rating: 4 of 5 (1)
Smartwool Merino Sport 150 Hidden Pocket Tech Tee Short Sleeve Performance Top / Top
$65 MSRP
user rating: 5 of 5 (2)
Marmot Lightweight Crew LS
$45 MSRP
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Polarmax Tech Silk Crew
$30 MSRP
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
First Lite Chama Hoody
user rating: 5 of 5 (2)
Patagonia Merino 2 Lightweight Crew
$70 MSRP
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Bight Gear Solstice Graphene Hoody
$69 MSRP
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1)
Craft Active Extreme 2.0 CN LS Top
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Mountain Hardwear Power Stretch Zip T
$95 MSRP
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1)
Patagonia Merino 3 Midweight Crew
$85 MSRP
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Ibex Indie Zip T
$95 MSRP
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1)
Eddie Bauer First Ascent Midweight Crewneck Baselayer
$45 MSRP
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Smartwool NTS Mid 250 Hoody
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Smartwool Midweight Turtleneck
$85 MSRP
user rating: 3 of 5 (2)
Icebreaker Oasis Crewe S/S

Recent Base Layer Top Reviews

rated 1.5 of 5 stars
Isobaa Merino 200 Zip Neck Hoodie

Ordered two t shirts size L. One of them had L on top tag but inside was XL—other was real L. Shop mistake. But I realised XL seems to fit better on me. I contacted them with request how can I replace the L for XL. They gave me return address and asked me to order another one and promised refund. I’ve sent it by Royal Mail Class 2 and 4 weeks after—there’s no refund. Email answer is copy/paste: Our records show the return has not been processed by our warehouse yet. Returns can take up to… Full review

rated 2.5 of 5 stars
Isobaa Merino 200 Zip Neck Hoodie

Great fit and style, but not durable and less technically advanced material. The look and fit is great. But, the material itself is far less durable than other merino shirts I own from Icebreaker or Ortovox. It gets holes quite easily and also is a bit more sweaty.  Full review

rated 1 of 5 stars
Isobaa Merino 200 Zip Neck Hoodie

I don’t recommend even being cheaper than other brands. I think it is worth paying a little more for a quality brand that lasts a long time.             I have a couple of garments of this brand and I am very unhappy with the quality. Merino wool has features like durability, warmth, or that does not smell. I have had merino clothes since years but Isobaa is, by far, the worst quality. After one year using a hooded jacket, the cuffs are shattered with holes and the general aspect is very… Full review

rated 5 of 5 stars
Voormi River Run Hoodie

A super-comfortable and versatile Merino blend hooded shirt, excels as a sun or wind shirt. This is the first time I’ve really tried a long-sleeved sun protective shirt, and I was pleasantly surprised how comfortable it is in warm conditions. Though it is marketed as a sun shirt, it is much more than that.   Morning walk in the foothills Having read several super positive reviews about this hoodie, I wanted to give it a try, but was put-off a little bit by the price tag. But having recently moved… Full review

rated 5 of 5 stars
U.S. Military Gen III, Level 2 ECWCS Top

I agree. Great layer. I live in Colorado and use this Level 2 layer—I agree with the other reviewer. You just have to make sure you are getting the authentic Polartec fabric version spec. Needs to have Polartec tags. Full review

rated 5 of 5 stars
Helly Hansen HH LIFA Stripe Crew

A classic go-to for late autumn-winter-early spring. Tough as nails and a very practical change from wool and other fibres. My “cold weather” (similar to Lester’s) version is now 10 years old and doesn’t show any signs of giving up the ghost. I will say it’s comparable to wool. Not the same AS wool but if you can find a man-made fibre shirt that is known around the world for its quality and practicality, and durability then please let everyone know. When humping a pack, I tend to wear… Full review

rated 5 of 5 stars
Helly Hansen HH LIFA Stripe Crew

An all-time classic design. Form meets function. Every competing manufacturer has tried to persuade the public that the original HH vest is outmoded. It has no zips, pockets, or gimmicks, it isn't made of a new wonder material or rediscovered 'smart' wool. The look is like something from an '80s magazine. So why do they still get made—and sold all over the world—in large quantities? Warmth and wicking. The Lifa polypropylene meets both criteria, when your body is working near maximum and the… Full review

rated 4.5 of 5 stars
FORLOH Deep Space Half Zip Long Sleeve Top

An impressive, USA-made quarter-zip synthetic baselayer that somehow doesn't get stinky, even after sweaty hikes in the mountains. With excellent moisture-wicking properties and an athletic feel, this baselayer is comfortable and ready to go on all-day adventures in the autumn or winter. While the camo-pattern is targeted toward hunters, it appears the company will be releasing solid color options too, making it more appealing to non-hunting pursuits like hiking, backpacking, skiing, snowshoeing,… Full review

rated 5 of 5 stars
Isobaa Merino 200 Zip Neck Hoodie

Isobaa's Merino 200 Zip Neck Hoodie is a high performance hoodie that looks great on the trail or around the home. Made from ethically-sourced merino wool, the top has great thermal properties, breathes well, and is quick drying and naturally odour-resistant. This hoodie will ensure you are comfortable in any weather conditions—while running, hiking, cycling, or other outdoor activities— either on its own or as part of a layering system.   It's my go-to top for trail running at dawn when it… Full review

Other Types of Base Layers and Underwear

Find more base layers and underwear reviewed in these related categories:

Base Layer Bottoms

Boxers, Briefs, Bikinis

Arm and Leg Sleeves

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