Base Layer Bottoms

Recent Base Layer Bottom Reviews

Ibex Woolies Tech Bottoms

Versatile lightweight merino blend layer, perfect for winter backcountry use, chilly nights in camp, and just lounging around at home on cold days. I’ve been a huge fan of Ibex clothing for many years. The Ibex Indie hoody I bought probably twenty years ago, is still one of my favorites. I was sad when they announced that they were closing a number of years ago and have been pleased to see that they have returned. I was eager to give these bottoms a try. I received the Woolies Tech Bottoms in… Full review

Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer Bottom

A full-length base layer bottom that has real value on trail in all four seasons. Smartwool's Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer Bottom uses a 150g wool/nylon blend fabric that is heavy enough to add warmth when layered but light enough to use as a hiking tight in warm weather. Comfort and durability for use all year.   Taft Lodge on the Long Trail (Vermont) Long a fan of Smartwool layers in winter, I spent this summer testing some of their gear that works well in warm weather. Along with the… Full review

Smartwool Intraknit Merino 250 Thermal Bottom

The Smartwool Intraknit Merino 250 Thermal Bottom combines 100% Merino wool with an innovative construction that uses 3D modeling to create a warm, comfortable base layer. Made for active use it moves with a body in motion, gentle hiking or hard driven climb alike. Feels pretty good in a winter camp or home on the couch as well. Smartwool takes a technical leap forward with their newly designed Intraknit Merino 250 Thermal Bottom and I've had the pleasure of extensively testing it over the last… Full review

Outdoor Research Enigma Bottoms

The Outdoor Research Enigma Bottom is a base layer whose forte is wicking moisture and keeping you dry when you’re active; though the fabric has some wool content, it’s mostly synthetic (12% merino, 88% polyester). The fabric is relatively thin and very stretchy and slightly prone to pilling in high-friction areas. It’s an outstanding option for high-output cool and cold weather activities (four-season if you live in a cooler place), except you’ll want to wear them under a shell or fleece… Full review

Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Base 3/4

Black Diamond's Solution 150 Merino Base 3/4 is a lightweight, polyester-reinforced merino wool base layer. Cool enough to wear under light shell clothing for high intensity activity at around-freezing temperatures without overheating, but easily layered over for use in colder conditions or at lower intensity. Stretch fabric gives a comfortable fit even on a slim frame and dries a little faster than 100 percent merino. 3/4 length works with high plastic cuff ski boots. (Preliminary review based… Full review

Kari Traa Rose Pant

The Kari Traa Rose Pant is a 100 percent merino base layer that is comfortable, warm, and durable. It's thin enough to layer without restricting movement, and incorporates a range of colors and sizes to appeal to a variety of adventurous ladies! Just be prepared to size up as this base layer runs SMALL! Testing Conditions: I tested the Kari Traa Rose Pant from December 2018 to December 2019 as a member of the Trailspace Review Corps. Testing conditions ranged from -25 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit in… Full review

Outdoor Research Alpine Onset Bottoms

The Outdoor Research Alpine Onset Bottoms are soft on the skin and easy to maneuver in. They're best when on the move in cool/chilly temps like hiking or bike riding, and they are flexible enough for highly active pursuits. Conditions and Temperatures:I tested the Alpine Onset baselayer bottoms, along with their crew top counterpart, the Outdoor Research Alpine Onset Crew top. These items are part of Outdoor Research's Alpine Onset collection, which includes an array of men's and women's layers. Full review

Omni-Wool Midweight Pant

These were comfortable. They wash well. The size was correct. I would recommend these for anyone that requires a stable undergarment. These were very comfortable. They did not hike up the leg or slide down from the waist. As a police officer out in the cold these kept me warm from the elements and with the dependability that they will stay in place. They have washed well and kept their shape through multiple washings. They seem well made and durable. I do not live in so cold a region to evaluate… Full review

Patagonia Capilene Air Bottoms

The Patagonia Capilene Air Bottoms are Patagonia’s newest base layer design which utilizes a unique seamless knit construction that is composed of 51 percent merino wool and 49 percent Capilene recycled polyester. This results in a very stretchy insulation layer that is both light and warm. The knit construction provides a nice thickness that works extremely well inside of waders for long days fishing in cold streams. Overall this is a great base layer, especially for colder conditions. Overview… Full review