Base Layers and Underwear

Recent Base Layer Reviews

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

Patagonia Men's Capilene Thermal Weight Bottoms

These fleece bottoms are awesome!! I’ve had them for five years now and I wear them ice fishing and fat biking. I will definitely buy another pair if they ever wear out. These fleece bottoms hold up in the coldest temps. They are fleece so they are so comfortable as a base layer. Will definitely purchase another pair if these ever wear out. Full review

Avalanche Wear Mogul Pant

Pants pilled (outside of fabric) like crazy after wearing one or two times. Didn't even wash yet. Pilling was on front and side of my thighs. Loved the fit but the pilling is intolerable! Would have purchased several of these; instead will be donating :( Would NOT recommend. Very disappointing! 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

Louis Garneau Arm Coolers

Costly. Fit well if sized correctly. Cool and sunburn-free. Info tag pokes. Latex! LATEX: If you have a latex allergy, do not use these. Info tag pokes your underarm soft skin if you don't fold correctly. Otherwise, they keep the sun off and feel cool. Rather expensive. Full review

prAna Sophia Bra Top

This bra does a nice "lift and separate." The plunging neckline looks great for me, which isn't usually a flattering style on my figure. I can't wear regular bras, only sports bras, and this is comfortable, supportive, AND looks great! I'm excited to wear some favorite dresses and not worry about my bra and the neckline. Full review