Base Layer Tops
Recent Base Layer Top Reviews
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
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
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