Base Layer Tops

Recent Base Layer Top Reviews

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

Patagonia Men's Capilene Air Crew

Feels comfortable. Arms are pilling. Costly. Been wearing for three weeks. Shirt is comfortable to wear all day, under another shirt or by itself. Crew neck is higher than my other shirts, but it is still comfortable. Washes well, and I like that it does not retain smells. Bottom side of sleeves are pilling, even after light use. The price is really high—being my highest price baselayer. Seems to be an excellent overall design, but the fabric should not show really early wear signs. Cost to benefit… Full review

Patagonia Men's Capilene Air Crew

A relatively loose, very stretchy, and ridiculously breathable base layer. Due to the loose weave, wind runs almost literally right through it. This is a combination wool/synthetic layer that provides great warmth (under a shell or in still air) and wicks moisture well. Durability...well, be careful with it. Good for a wide range of temperatures and conditions. THE BASICS A couple of years ago, Patagonia started selling a line of base layers it called "merino air." The fabric was a very stretchy… Full review

Helly Hansen Men's Warm Ice Crew

Best winter base layer period! This base layer is made with polypropylene inside and merino wool outside. It's just a merino wool without the wool itching. I own other brands of winter base layers, but this is the one I prefer. I loved it so much I bought four (4) of them! Compare to Icebreaker base layer, it doesn't shrink. I bought the medium and it fits great! I'm 6 feet and 155 pounds. Full review

Patagonia Men's Capilene Thermal Weight Zip-Neck

Lightweight base layer that works in a wide range of temperature and weather conditions. Outstanding at wicking moisture. Extremely air-permeable worn alone, quite a bit warmer under a shell. Not as warm as previous "expedition weight" Capilene, but it wicks better and dries faster. Relatively slender fit is also unlike previous versions. This is the warmest of Patagonia's fully synthetic Capilene base layers, the thermal weight zip neck has evolved into something more of an all-purpose shirt than… Full review

MEC T3 Zip-T

Excellent thermal base-layer top. This review is for the standard (Synthetic) T3 Zip-T, not the more expensive Merino Wool version. The photo shows the 2-tone Eclipse Heather/Coal colouration. The T3 is the thickest in MEC's own line of thermal base layers. The T2 and T1 are each lighter and thinner than the previous. The Zip-T model of the shirt has a half-length zipper (as the name implies) and a tall collar when fully zipped, almost like a turtle-neck. No pockets; no cinches or draw cords; no… Full review

Helly Hansen HH Lifa Merino 1/2 Zip

An excellent base layer choice from a company that understands cold and wet weather. The HH LIFA Merino 2-layer construction keeps you warm and dry in all kinds of conditions, and feels great when wearing it. Watch out for the “athletic” fit when purchasing, but if you get the right fit this base layer will keep you comfortable in rain, sleet, and snow well below freezing. Note: This is a companion review along with the Helly Hansen LIFA Merino Pant. Product Description Helly Hansen (HH) LIFA… Full review

Fjallraven Bergtagen Woolmesh Sweater

The Fjallraven Bergtagen Woolmesh Sweater is a base layer top that utilizes wool in three different weaves to maximize heat retention in key areas (chest, back) and breathability in others (stomach, underarms). It’s a total home run of execution and since I received this top for testing I have worn nothing else. It’s exceptionally well tailored, durable, doesn’t stink on multi-day trips, and you’ll have no fear around a fire. The only possible negatives are more inherent to wool, than this… Full review

Ridge Merino Inversion Heavyweight Crew

A merino wool baselayer that is soft and warm. Perfect for cold-weather activities of all kinds. Fit and Comfort: Finally, a baselayer top that has a little extra length in the sleeves and torso and stays in place, no matter the activity. I’ve worn several merino products over the years and this is as comfortable as any that I’ve worn with a soft-to-the-skin and no-itch feeling. This top fits close but not restrictively tight to the body. The length of the torso and arms are both generous, meaning… Full review