Base Layer Tops

Recent Base Layer Top Reviews

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

Bight Gear Solstice Graphene Hoody

Very protective, good fit, light weight, and reasonably priced. This is my second sun hoody after the Black Diamond Alpenglow, which I liked. The Bight Solstice Hoody has a better fit for me (not quite as loose) and the fabric is lighter in weight and has a nicer hand. In contrast to the Alpenglow, it has thumb holes which provide a bit more sun protection for the back of the hands without interfering with dexterity, plus it's a bit less expensive ($69) than the Alpenglow ($85 retail). I treated… Full review

Voormi River Run Hoodie

Who needs another baselayer or hoodie? Apparently I do. After three months of use the Voormi River Run Hoodie has become a standout in my baselayer collection. It's a versatile, lightweight, wool-polyester top that is comfortable, well-constructed, good-looking, and odor-free. While it's a minimalist design, it performs in a wide range of temps and terrain—from summer hiking to fall camping, and I'm planning to keep it in rotation for winter runs and skis. Women's Voormi River Run Hoodie I have… Full review

Patagonia Capilene Thermal Weight Zip-Neck

Uncomfortable fabric, poor fit. Worst Patagonia purchase in 35 years. Worst Patagonia item I have ever purchased. Fabric is uncomfortable on the skin. This weight is what came up when I wanted to replace my expedition weight zip top. Ridiculous. This is flimsy, textured on the inner surface. Shoulder area and neck fit is loose and loaded with excess fabric. If I could give it a negative star rating, I would.  Full review

Smartwool Merino 150 Pocket Tee

The Smartwool Merino 150 Pocket Tee is an active wear, base layer made up of 87% merino wool and 13% polyester. The high wool content maximizes one of nature's greatest insulator's ability to regulate temperature, ward off the multi-day stink, and manage moisture, while the polyester content adds durability and comfort. A lightweight wool tee allows for an endless amount of uses—from a thin sun shirt on hot summer days, to an excellent next to skin layer as part of a clothing system in winter. Full review

Appalachian Gear Company All-Paca Crew

The All-Paca Crew is a lightweight, medium thickness base-layer suitable for active wear or just lounging around the house during a lock-down. It's made from 100 percent Alpaca fiber. It fills my niche as a three-season hiking/sleep layer, to be paired with a t-shirt on cold mornings and with a shell when the wind or rain begins to cut. It offers a good warmth-to-weight ratio, breathability, and also a hefty resistance to odor. It closely matches the performance of similar technical base-layers… Full review

Smartwool Merino Sport 150 Hidden Pocket Tech Tee

The Smartwool Merino Sport 150 Hidden Pocket Tech Tee is a lightweight tee-shirt, made from a comfortably soft blend of merino wool and polyester (56% merino/44% polyester). This combination makes for a shirt that breathes well, stays cool, dries quickly, and doesn’t stink after a day of hiking. An ideal shirt for warm weather adventures. Unfortunately, the hidden pocket isn't very practical. Conditions: I’ve worn the Smartwool Merino Sport 150 Hidden Pocket Tech Tee regularly for two months,… Full review

Smartwool Intraknit Merino 250 Thermal 1/4 Zip

The Smartwool Intraknit Merino 250 Thermal Quarter Zip brings 100% Merino wool in a comfortable and warm weave. This shirt works as a base, mid, outer and only layer depending on conditions, activity and the wearer's temperament. Versatile enough to handle a wide variety of cold weather activities. Smartwool takes a technical leap forward with their newly designed Intraknit Merino 250 Thermal 1/4 Zip and I've had the pleasure of extensively testing it over the last four months. Along with their… Full review

Outdoor Research Enigma Half Zip

The Enigma Half Zip is a base layer that places wicking moisture and drying quickly at a premium. That's a little unusual for a shirt that's partially made of merino wool, but in this case, the blend is 88 percent synthetic, 12 percent wool. Choose this shirt for high-sweat, high-output activities; consider a thicker/heavier base layer for bitter cold. The relatively light fabric and great moisture management makes this an attractive layer year-round until it's so warm that you're better off in… Full review