Base Layers and Underwear

Recent Base Layer 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 Bottoms

The Outdoor Research Enigma Bottom is a base layer whose forte is wicking moisture and keeping you dry when you’re active; though the fabric has some wool content, it’s mostly synthetic (12% merino, 88% polyester). The fabric is relatively thin and very stretchy and slightly prone to pilling in high-friction areas. It’s an outstanding option for high-output cool and cold weather activities (four-season if you live in a cooler place), except you’ll want to wear them under a shell or fleece… 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

Outdoor Research Enigma Boxer Briefs

Close-fitting as a boxer brief intended for active use should be, the Enigma Boxer Briefs feel good, wick extremely well, and appear to be durable. This is mostly-nylon with 12 percent merino wool. It's quite stretchy and performs more like nylon than wool. Though the fabric is thin, it seems like it should last. Mixing in wool helps blunt the odor factor, too. HOW THEY FIT The Enigma Boxer Brief is a relatively short (6 1/2 inch inseam) and stretchy boxer made from the same material as Outdoor… Full review

Black Diamond Men's Solution 150 Merino Base 3/4

Black Diamond's Solution 150 Merino Base 3/4 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. 3/4 length works with high plastic cuff ski boots. (Preliminary review based… 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

Kari Traa Rose Pant

The Kari Traa Rose Pant 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 Pant from December 2018 to December 2019 as a member of the Trailspace Review Corps. Testing conditions ranged from -25 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit in… Full review

Smartwool Merino Sport 150 Brief

Super comfortable undies, which will help you stay sweet smelling for days, with no chafing. Yeah, I'm reviewing underwear. Being a big Merino fan, I decided it was time to take the final step towards full commitment, by going right down to the basics. I decided to give these a try.   Fit: The overall fit is good. I'd read a couple of reviews criticizing the extra wide waistband, but in my opinion, it makes them much more stable and keeps them in place better than other briefs I've used. I like… Full review