Topic: The Best Base Layers of 2023 (Read 37 times)
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It would be hard to overstate how co*fortable Free Fly’s layers are. Even after days of use, I’ll still put on one of their layers instead of switching to a more classic merino or synthetic option. Once I even pulled a top out of the dirty laundry to take with me on a 4-day backpacking trip. They just feel good, no matter how grody they actually are. They also don’t hold onto odors, functioning about as well as high-percentage merino base layers at keeping the stink at bay. The secret here is the high viscose from bamboo content, which is naturally antimicrobial (like merino wool) and soft to the touch (unlike merino wool).
In the heat of summer, when I know I’ll be out on a hike or camping under some strong sun, this is what I’d bring every time. Its co*bination of breathability and co*fort is unparalleled. But as soon as the sun goes down, or even just behind a cloud, this layer has to go. Not only does the Free Fly Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie not retain heat, the natural breathability of bamboo and loose cut of the shirt—attributes that made it so successful when the sun was pounding—will start to make you cold when the weather shifts. I’ve also noticed that this shirt doesn’t wick as fast as either the Beyond Geo-T or high-quality merino layers, meaning it’s relying on that breathability to keep you dry.
The Black Diamond Solution 150 performed exceptionally well across the full spectrum of summer conditions, from alpine snow to humid and hot. The thickness of the knit and high percentage of merino wool hit the sweet spot for temperature regulation, so that heat was dispelled while working up a sweat on an uphill climb, while keeping the brunt of a cold wind at bay when you hit the crest.
The thumbholes and hood provide excellent coverage, so that the Black Diamond Solution 150 performed just as well as a sun shirt as it did as a base layer. Even after multiple days of use (the record was five days between washes), it still felt soft against the skin and was noted to be co*paratively more form-fitting than similar layers like the Ibex Woolies Tech or the Outdoor Research Alpine Onset Merino. It’s even effective at preventing mosquitoes from biting through, something not true about the majority of base layers out there.
The Montbell Super Merino Wool Lightweight Shirt and Tights has a soft, co*fortable skin feel, great thermoregulation, good fit, and affordable price. Its great skin feel was especially surprising given the high percentage of merino wool that hugs the body, and I’ve found that this layer works equally well as a sleep layer and a base layer while hiking. The thin material is helpful for both quickly wicking sweat away from your skin and reducing bulk when you layer other clothing on top of it.
The high merino wool content meant I can go longer between washes with this layer than with the synthetic thermal underwear I’ve tested; but even so, it’s been in the wash plenty as I use it all the time. Fortunately, it still looks the same as when I first received it in the mail: no pil*ing, no stray strings, no holes. This is doubly impressive given that this layer is so thin it’s practically sheer.
People who spend a lot of time outdoors typically end up with multiple base layer options. That’s because the layers that perform best in the hottest conditions (like the Free Fly Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie) typically don’t have the insulative powers to handle shifts in temperature as you hike uphill in full sun, and then descend into the shade.
This is why you need a layer like the Patagonia Capilene Midweight. It’s highly effective at temps upwards of 70s (60s if you are being active), but provides an adequate amount of insulation for when the temps start to dip into the 50s, and can enhance the insulation of a shell layer or puffer layer. I’ve stayed dry in this layer while testing the best inflatable paddleboards on the ocean in full sun, and stayed warm while using this layer as an extra boost for some shoulder season trail running. It still looks good after dozens of washes (just a little pil*ing) and, for a fully synthetic layer, does not particularly hold onto excess smell. Even better: It’s an affordable option for people looking to add a do-it-all layer to their wardrobe.
These highly affordable layers are skin-tight, sheer, and stretchy. This makes them great for layering. If you’re looking for a light, quick-dry layer to keep you warm while active, the 32 Degrees Heat Lightweight Baselayer is great. I’m particularly grateful for them when I wake up in a tent to a morning chill. I know I’ll be warm after an hour of hiking, but it’s too cold to start in shorts. I can wear the top and bottoms underneath shorts for a co*fortable start and I won’t have to immediately strip once I start moving.
While not as warm as a thicker or merino layer, these are plenty warm when you’re active. They don’t smell after a few wears and are so thin and breathable that moisture quickly evaporates. I’ve had my pair for seven years. The top has no holes, just some light pil*ing. The leggings have quite a few runs and holes (I should’ve thrown them away last ski season).
While typically backpackers or backpack hunters might be counting grams in an effort to save weight, the weight of your base layers typically depends on thickness of the fabric. Standard base layers are appropriate for summer or high-exertion activities, while midweight layers are often seen on alpine adventures or shoulder season. Heavyweight layers are best saved for the winter months, or when you plan to be unusually sedentary for stretches at a time, such as while hunting.
Everything from the fibers used to the type of knit to the finishes washed into the fabric can affect a base layer’s ability to hold onto or dispense with moisture.
Despite the anti-odor claims of silver washes like Polygiene, I have never been impressed with how well these work. Even out of the box, they can pick up a noticeable stink without much effort, and over time, as the wash dissipates, the smell can start to permanently stick to the clothes. Base layers with a high merino wool content have long been known to keep odors down (or eliminate them entirely). During testing, I was also impressed to find that the base layers made from a high percentage of viscose from bamboo also managed odors well.
The base layer is the closest to your skin. The best material for odor control, thermoregulation, and moisture management is merino wool, which is naturally scratchy. While manufacturers have managed to do a great job of reducing the scales on merino wool fibers that make them so itchy, it can still be an issue for individuals with sensitive skin. Keep this in mind when choosing the base layer that is right for you.
Read Next: How to Layer for Hiking
Base layers work best when they are slightly loose to slightly tight. Too loose and you’ll miss out on some of the moisture management potential, which is also important for staying cool. Too tight and they can be unco*fortable or inhibit your movement.
Wearing a base layer is ultimately a preference, but serious outdoors people tend to wear them in a wide variety of temperatures, from scorching hot to freezing cold.
What you wear over a base layer depends on what the weather is like. If it’s hot, that’s it. Don’t wear anything else. If it’s windy, wear a shell layer or windbreak. Wear a rain jacket if it’s raining. If it’s cold, wear an insulation layer, like one of the best packable down jackets. If it’s raining and cold, wear an insulation layer and a rain jacket.
If your base layers are made from a high percentage of merino wool or viscose from bamboo, you do not need to wash them every day. Base layers made wholly or partially from synthetic material will start to smell if they are not washed daily.
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A great base layer is the foundation of your clothing for the outdoors, keeping you dry and co*fortable for hours on end. After testing some of the best base layers out there for over a year, I’ve co*e away impressed with how well they function in a wide variety of conditions and environments.
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