Base Layer Tops
Recent Base Layer Top Reviews
Smartwool Men's 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 Men's 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
Black Diamond Men's Solution 150 Merino Base Crew
Black Diamond's Solution 150 Merino Base Crew 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. (Preliminary review based on the first month of use) Black Diamond’s Solution… Full review
Kari Traa Rose Long Sleeve
The Kari Traa Rose Longsleeve 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 Longsleeve from December 2018 to December 2019 as a member of the Trailspace Review Corps. Testing conditions ranged from -25 to 20 degrees… Full review
Houdini Desoli Zip
The Houdini Desoli Zip is labeled as a base layer, but the 150g/sqm weight of the 100 percent Merino wool makes it double as an excellent backpacking shirt. The slim fit combined with the long arms and torso work well with various pack sizes. Soft wool and precise, flat stitching provide wonderful comfort that held up very well to use and abuse. Houdini impressed me with their Alpha Houdi a few years back so I took a chance on a couple of their Desoli Zip Merino wool shirts this year. I meant to… Full review
Minus33 Isolation Midweight Merino Zip-Neck
The Minus33 Isolation Midweight Merino Zip-Neck makes an excellent base layer top. I typically wear this to bed when camping. It helps keep you nice and warm, and is very comfortable. This product makes an excellent base layer. It keeps me nice and warm no matter what I’m doing, whether it's camping or working outside. It’s pretty lightweight but does its job very well. Whenever I’m camping in the summer (I sleep in a hammock) I’m usually good with just wearing a t-shirt with this base layer… Full review
Mont Slinx LS Zip
The single most comfortable fleece base or mid-layer around. I have to say, I've never been a fan of fleece, but this item changed my mind! Also, there is a distinct lack of Australian brands on this site and I think it's time to rectify that. The Mont Slinx LS Zip shirt is a long sleeve "polar base-layer" made from Polartec Power Stretch Pro. The cut is very form fitting, but the material moves with you like a second skin. I first tried this garment when on a guiding trip a co-guide (pictured right)… Full review
Outdoor Research Alpine Onset Crew
The Outdoor Research Alpine Onset Crew is a comfortable baselayer that blends merino wool with nylon and spandex to form a highly flexible, non-restrictive baselayer. It's best used for active pursuits in moderately cold temps, like hiking in chilly weather. Conditions and Temperatures:I tested the Alpine Onset Crew baselayer top along with its bottom counterpart, the OR Alpine Onset Bottoms. These items are a part of Outdoor Research's Alpine Onset collection, which includes an array of men's… Full review
Patagonia Men's Capilene Air Hoody
The Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody is 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 that results in a very stretchy insulation layer that is both light and warm. The integral hood is close fitting and works well under other hooded jackets, hats, or a climbing helmet, but I found it most useful as a scrunchie for keeping my neck warm. Overall this is a great base layer,… Full review
(2)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(6)
(3)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
