Base Layers and Underwear

Recent Base Layer Reviews

Thinx Classic Undies

Dealing with periods in the backcountry can be incredibly frustrating. But Thinx unswear just might offer a solution. Periods are a regular part of most women's life. And yet they're still taboo to talk about. Instead of weighing all of our options, we pace along the period aisle in the grocery store, opting to use the most popular products (pads and tampons). But what other options are there? And how do you begin to handle periods in the backcountry? As someone who spends a lot of time in the wilderness,… 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 Men's 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

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

Omni-Wool Men's 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 Men's 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

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