If youre still trying to figure out the secret to staying warm when its cold outside, its all about the layers. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This baselayer will keep you comfortably toasty when running in cold weather. Its not quite as simple as deciding between an all-merino or all-polyester baselayer. Minor knubs may appear after several months, Comfortable and warm polyester construction, Half-zip allows for easy temperature adjustment, Lightweight fabric keeps you warm without overheating, Flat-seam design prevents skin irritation, Grid interior creates a toasty layer of warm air, Next-to-skin fit allows for easy layering, Four-way stretch construction for easy movement, ActiveDry tech acts as a powerful moisture barrier, Soft Merino wool with a durable nylon core, Flatlock seams allow for comfortable layering, Tight, slim fit not usually ideal for casual wear. Material: 100% polyesterCategory: HeavyweightWeight: 10.2 oz.What we like: Warm for the weight yet still breathable and quick-drying.What we dont: Too warm for most baselayer applications. Simply turn it inside out and toss it in the wash with your other clothes. Of note, REI does offer a warmer version (the Midweight Crew) for $50. Whether or not thats a deal-breaker is up to personal preference and your tendency to overheat. Our Merino wool base layers help regulate body temperatures and wick away moisture for comfort in all climates. Two lightweight wool layers will keep you warmer than one thicker one. The same shirt that keeps you warm in the winter will keep you cool when youre sweating up the skin track in the shoulder seasons. And their Black Spider Hoody is one of our favorite baselayers: Its comfortable, warm and breathable, and has unmatched durability. This means that for high-exertion activities where you will be working up a sweat (think ski touring, cross-country skiing, biking, and climbing) its probably worth spending more to get a higher-performing baselayer like the Smartwool Intraknit 200 or Icebreaker 150 Zone. They fully seal and have a tight latch, designed to keep out both moisture and bugs. Merino Wool Compared to the warm 250 above, the 150 is lighter in weight and ideal for uses like spring skiing, shoulder season hiking, and cool summer nights. It just cant keep up with merino or polyester in terms of moisture wicking and turns into a sweat lodge during high-output activities. Added up, we really like what Odlo has done with the Natural + Kinship Warm, making it one of our favorite merino blends here. As your next-to-skin article of clothing, a baselayer plays a fundamental role in pulling moisture away from the body and regulating core temperature. The headliner is the Lifa fabric, which is made from Polypropylene and specializes in wicking moisture away from the skin (it does so much better than polyester). Instead, our revenue to operate this website comes from affiliate links, including Amazon, Zappos, REI, and others. I understand that it is my continuing responsibility to read and know its contents and abide by it when making purchases both online and in store. Materials: 84% polyester, 16% elastaneCategory: Light/midweightWeight: 7.6 oz.What we like: Soft and cozy for a polyester baselayer and features a zip pocket.What we dont: Expensive and not versatile as an outer layer. Here is where the tide changes: Merino is super soft but prone to developing small holes over time that eventually hamper the performance of the product, whereas synthetics should last for multiple seasons. Merino: ExcellentBlends: ExcellentPolyester: Very goodSilk: Not good. The semi-relaxed fit conforms to your body shape while remaining loose enough to allow productive airflow. For high-output activities, such as hiking, backpacking and climbing, breathability is top priority. This depends on the specific kinds of skiing you enjoy mostskinning up a sunny ridgeline in the North Cascades is far different than bracing See the Women's Patagonia R1 Air Zip-Neck, See the Women's Smartwool Merino 150 Crew, Odlo Natural + Kinship Warm Long-Sleeve ($100), See the Men's Odlo Natural + Kinship Warm, See the Women's Odlo Natural + Kinship Warm, Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Crew ($135), Ortovox 185 Rock'N'Wool Long Sleeve ($110), REI Co-op Lightweight Base Layer Crew ($40), 52% merino, 29% polyester, 13% nylon, 6% elastane. Woolx holds it shape without shrinking wash after wash. Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more , Welcome to the best night of sleep of your life, Shipping, Exchanges, & Return Information. ), then you can buy it at a deep discount (like 50% or more). Merino Wool clothing is expensive, and its no fun pulling them out again to find them full of holes. While you may be tempted to put them through a heavy-duty wash on high heat, most wool clothing makers recommend a delicate or handwash in cold water with wool-specific detergent. Silk cant compete with merino or polyester in terms of warmth, moisture wicking, and durability, but its not without its place in the baselayer world. This breathable base layer has the features you want when running. But for winter mountaineering, extreme cold, or low-output activities around camp, a heavyweight baselayer can be the height of coziness. Learn more here. Two of our testers put the Macai through a season-long test in Washington state A baselayers primary job is to keep you comfortable while wicking moisture as you sweat. And while synthetics aren't blameless when it comes to their environmental impact (they often rely on fossil fuels for production and can leach plastics into the water with each washing), it helps that Patagonia crafts the Capilene Midweight with 100-percent recycled materials. In general, lightweight merino wool will offer the best in terms of breathability, although some high-quality lightweight synthetics are close. Along with a nice athletic fit, the Lifa Stripe is great for active skiers and other high-output activities like climbing and hiking. Buying and wearing merino wool base layers instead of synthetics is just one small way I can protect the natural world that I love so much. Unlike synthetic fabrics that cling to odors and body oils, Woolx performance clothing naturally repels sweat and body oils so you always feel confident. Overall, the shirt is breathable and lightweight. The downside of Polypro compared to polyester or nylon is that it isnt as warm. We really like the thumbholes on the womens shirt. Material: 100% merino woolCategory: MidweightWhat we like: A soft, stretchy, and well-made baselayer. This long-sleeved base layer shirt combines comfort, warmth, and safety. Its like wearing a flexible suit of armor that protects you from the cold! You can wear a base layer on its own, or add a warm jacket over it. Even if merino wool is worth the higher price tag, that doesnt mean you shouldnt look out for a great deal. It can be a little frustrating for a sustainable product to arrive in plastic packaging, and I really appreciate the effort Isobaa has made to create a fully sustainable supply chain. Weve also begun to see more companies utilizing recycled materials, which cuts down on fossil fuel consumption and reduces the amount of plastics being produced overall (Patagonia's Capilene Midweight is made from 100-percent recycled polyester). Subject to terms and conditions. Merino: ExcellentBlends: Very goodPolyester: GoodSilk: Good. Best Shoes Similar to the Brooks Ghost in 2022, Best Running Shoes for Muddy Trails in 2022. But here is where the RockNWool stands out: First, the Ortovox Wool Promise ensures that their product comes from ethical and certified sheep farms. The base layer has 4-way stretch so you have freedom of movement while you run. Out of all the fabrics weve mentioned, merino has the best heat-trapping properties. That said, its hard to go wrong with Arcteryxs qualitythe Rho is built to last. The focus on sustainability has been increasing in the outdoor industry over the past several years, and baselayers are no exception. Among the growing cadre of merino options, we think Smartwools 250 provides the best balance of versatility, quality, and value.See the Men's Smartwool Merino 250See the Women's Smartwool Merino 250. Some performance-oriented brands are experimenting with blends that aim to offer the comfort and performance of merino wool with the durability and moisture-wicking of polyester. Stacked up against our top heavyweight pick, the Patagonia R1 Air Zip-Neck, the Woolx Glacier Long Sleeve Crew is noticeably thicker and warmer. Below are our picks for the best baselayers of 2022. We got this great tip from Nui Organics! We havent noticed much of a drop in terms of comfort or performance, but merino/synthetic blends are a step up in durability. Merino wool is super comfortable, sustainable, and its unique characteristics work to keep you cool in warm weather, and warm in cold weather. This lightweight, long-sleeved shirt is soft and stretchy. Much like the chart-topping Smartwool, its made with 100 percent wool, which means you get uncompromised odor resistance, great temperature regulation, and a cozy, soft touch. Both are comfortable, wick moisture well, and dont trap odor like synthetics. But is it worth the hype? Logically, lightweight baselayers are the best breathers but do the least in keeping you warm. Patagonias R1 collection has long been a staple of their lineup, and the R1 Air more recently joined the team with a highly technical design. For sustainably, warmth, and durability, Ive found merino wool base layers and clothing to be worth it. Unbound ensures the quality, sustainability and ethicality of their supply chain by using Woolmark and RWS (Responsible Wool Standard) certified merino wool. Isobaas 100% merino wool shirts are some of the softest Ive ever felt, and all come from non-mulesed sheep. This performance piece is nearly half polyester/elastane (its 53 percent merino), incorporates low-profile seams, and has body mapping with mesh panels throughout for improved ventilation. You can run in pouring rain without the shirt becoming soaked and freezing. There are important considerations when making a purchase: What is your skill level? I hereby acknowledge that I have read and understand the VF Associate Discount Policy. Materials: 87% merino wool, 13% nylonCategory: LightweightWeight: 6 oz.What we like: A great option for cool days and summer nights. Simply machine wash on warm on the gentle cycle and then tumble dry on low. Everything we publish is free. The added elastane gives the fabric some stretch. A former running store owner, he now shares his knowledge and experience writing these articles. After theyre clean and dry, freezing your clothes for a few days (or weeks) in an airtight plastic bag will help make sure youve killed any unhatched pests (yuck, I know). Merino wool clothing is expensive. The former indicates that sheep were treated humanely and in accordance with strict animal welfare and environmental standards (there are a number of certifications, including the Responsible Wool Standardand ZQ-certified wool). Instead of shoulder seams, the shirt uses shoulder panels. As a baselayer, its decidedly heavyweight, which means youll want to save it for particularly cold winter days. Blending merino wool with a nylon or polyester core can reduce costs and actually make the fabric more durable, all while keeping the warmth and moisture-wicking capabilities of wool. Keeping the garment clean is easy. Material: 100% merino woolCategory: Light/midweightWeight: 6.9 oz.What we like: Great styling and super-soft hand feel.What we dont: Expensive and lacks durability. Machine washable and dryable. Wearing wool means you dont have to sacrifice performance to be environmentally conscious. This is where merino wool shinesit does an admirable job of temperature regulation for the weight and thickness. We share both our love for exploring and photography by creating helpful travel and gear guides. At 185 g/m, its lighter than the Smartwool 250, meaning its more suitable for shoulder-season or high-output activities. Besides myself, we have a team of runners, cyclists, and cross-fitters who research, write, and edit everything on the website. For working hard in cold weather, the Icebreaker 260 Zone Crew offers one of the best combinations of warmth and breathability. And most importantly, it can handle everything from backpacking to cross-country skiing with ease. The Kora Yushu Long Sleeve stands out on this list because its made of a merino wool and yak wool blend. Ibex offers both mens and womens merino wool base layers. If your ski gear is even a few years old, theres new technology out there that will help make good days on the snow even better. It can also be used as a base layer in very cold weather. Merino wool, despite a higher cost than synthetics, is our recommended baselayer material for a number of reasons. A base layer is meant to be a breathable layer that wicks moisture away from the skin, so keep it light. We may make a small commission if you buy something when you click on a link. A base layer is first and foremost meant to keep you dry by wicking moisture away from your body. I like these WeatherTight boxes. Four-way stretch construction allows you to move in any direction without hindrance. The fabric is so soft and comfortable! For all these reasons, the Capilene Air is best worn under a layer or two, unlike a highly durable baselayer like the NW Alpine Black Spider Hoody above. You may be able to find a synthetic base layer with performance similar to a merino wool base layer, but synthetics are made from plastics, use large amount of chemicals in production and emit toxic waste. This versatile fabric can be worn all year, and is also great for lightweight merino wool tees meant for warm weather. Plus, flatlock seam construction prevents stitching from rubbing against your skin. To top it off, build quality is excellent, with both our top and bottoms holding up great after a couple months of frequent use. The commonality of these types is that they are among the highest priced items in this market, so these blends are more about performance than cost savings. The Co-op recently updated their Merino Midweight Half-Zip design (200g/m) to the Merino 185. And for only $50, L.L. Sorting through the various features of base layers can seem confusing, but were here to help. Hello, and thanks for stopping by! This helps the fabrics draw moisture away from your skin most efficiently. Merino wool base layers should be fitted. Although they only make a handful of items, each of their products is a study in quality over quantity. Material: 100% merino woolCategory: MidweightWeight: 10 oz.What we like: Extremely soft, warm, and resists water and stink.What we dont: Pricey and requires good care to last. For a versatile, breathable next-to-skin layer that can take you straight from skin track to aprs, the Ortovox 185 is an eye-catching but still very capable choice.See the Men's Ortovox Rock'N'Wool LS See the Women's Ortovox Rock'N'Wool LS. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. Click here to learn about our review process and affiliate structure. The lower the number, the lighter weight the fabric. That said, we far prefer merino for its coziness, temperature regulation, ability to insulate when wet, and resistance to smell. My merino wool base layers arrived in recycled and recyclable brown paper and cardboard. Both models are made from 100 percent merino, and the prices are similar (the zip-neck version of the Oasis is $105). See the Men's NW Alpine Black Spider See the Women's NW Alpine Black Spider. Under Armours microthread material wicks away sweat and body heat while a mesh panel in the back of the shirt provides increased ventilation. Its made from a soft DriFIT fabric consisting of 88% polyester and 12% spandex. Whether constructed with silk, wool, polyester, or a blend, a baselayer is made to retain your bodys heat while transporting moisture away from the skin. But for mild summer temperatures, the Merino 150 is $35 less and likely all the insulation youll need.See the Men's Smartwool Merino 150 Crew See the Women's Smartwool Merino 150 Crew. This also helps the shirt stretch to keep you comfortable while running. Choosing synthetics over merino wool has clear upsides, the most notable being cost and durability. Baselayers are worn beneath a midlayer or shell during the winter months, or as an outer layer during the fall and spring for activities like hiking, biking, and climbing. For more information about the pros and cons of the material, check out our article:Merino Wool: Is It Worth It? Interlock knitting allows for a form fit. Merino: Very goodBlends: GoodPolyester: Not goodSilk: Not good. This is the weight of the fabric. I think of Icebreaker as the OG merino wool clothing company. On the flip side, the Icebreaker wins out in next-to-skin softness, making it the better option for those that prioritize comfort above all else.See the Men's Icebreaker 200 Oasis See the Women's Icebreaker 200 Oasis. However, there are many other reasons merino wool makes the best base layer. Acceptance of the VF Employee Discount policy is required to receive the discount on your purchases. Patagonia rounds out the build with a functional 1/4-zip design to trap warmth or release excess heat, sleek off-shoulder seams, and a small zippered chest pocket. Smartwool has been the industry leader in baselayers for years, and merino wool is the most sought-after material for the job. You dont get quite as high of a warmth-to-weight ratio as down, but synthetic jackets resist moisture, can breathe better, and are more Merino wool, the ultra soft fabric most commonly found in performance baselayers and socks, is one of the most sought-after materials in the outdoor gear world. Use the enter key to follow the link to the shopping cart page, or the space bar to open and enter the mini shopping cart, pressing escape will close the mini shopping cart, Men's Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew, Men's Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer Long Sleeve, Men's Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottom, Men's Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip, Men's Intraknit Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottom, Men's Classic All-Season Plant-Based Dye Merino Base Layer Long Sleeve, Men's Intraknit Thermal Max Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip, Men's Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer Bottom, Men's Intraknit Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip, Men's Intraknit Thermal Merino Base Layer Colorblock 1/4 Zip, Men's Intraknit Thermal Merino Base Layer 3/4 Bottom, Men's Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 3/4 Bottom, Men's Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip, Men's Intraknit Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew, Classic All-Season Merino Jiberish Print Hoodie, Men's Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Plant-Based Dye Logo Hoodie, Men's Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Colorblock Crew, Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Plant-Based Dye Jiberish Hoodie, Mens Intraknit Thermal Merino Base Layer Zip Hoodie, Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Colorblock Jiberish Hoodie, Black History Month Classic All-Season Merino Hoodie, Men's Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Plant-Based Dye Logo Crew. Youll feel like you are wearing much less baselayer, but the boost in coziness and moisture-wicking capabilities are still there. They have a few fun color options beyond the standard black and grey, and look chic enough as an only layer in warmer weather. In a nutshell. Furthermore, some baselayers even have the capability of blocking sun rays (measured by the UPF rating). If youre looking for a jacket that offers solid warmth at a good value, synthetic insulation is the way to go. A product like the REI Co-op Merino 185 Half-Zipis on the opposite end of the spectrum, with a roomier fit that sacrifices a little in moisture wicking and breathability. Baselayers Materials: 51% merino, 49% polyesterCategory: MidweightWeight: 6.9 oz.What we like: Amazing warmth in a tiny package; responsibly sourced wool.What we dont: Expensive; lacks durability. I know photos ar, There are over 1,500 black bears that call Great S, How I layered my baby for camping on a cool ni, Trying to savor every sunset The Smartwool 250 above is roughly the same warmth and costs $35 less, but the Icebreakers more athletic fit and body-mapped mesh panels give it the edge for truly high-output use. In terms of bang for your buck, its hard to top REI baselayers. Furthermore, it is noticeably permeable to wind, and the fabric tends to pill and act as catch-all for hair, fuzz, and more. All of Icebreakers clothing are made from merino wool, with a range from ultralightweight merino wool base layers to thick knitwear. Choosing the right ski jacket is all about managing the conditions that you might encounter on the mountain. Material: 100% merino woolCategory: MidweightWeight: 11.8 oz.What we like: Softer against the skin than Smartwool.What we dont: Slim fit and dense weave lags behind in breathability. Lightweight For example, weve hiked for extended periods in Patagonias Capilene Midweightin cool weather and have been impressed with its odor resistance. What we like: Snug fit and great ventilation is ideal for active pursuits.What we dont: Not our first choice for resort skiing. We only include one silk option on our list for a reason, but it does have its advantages as a dedicated sleep shirt or extra layer in town. We Guarantee you've never worn wool like this before!Softness like no other, all made with ethically sourced non-mulesed merino. Proof calls their merino wool long sleeve tee the 72-hour tee because, well, its made to wear for 72 straight hours. If youre taking an extended backcountry trip and dont want to carry multiple baselayers or rinse them each night, merino is the way to go. There are companies that work towards making sustainable and environmentally friendly synthetic clothing, but its hard to beat a natural fiber like wool. You can check out one of their 72 hour tests (complete with smell tests) here. Midlayers For working hard in frigid temps, we give the edge to the R1 Air, but the Woolx has its place as a premium wool alternative for less intensive activities.See the Men's Woolx Glacier. While you may not see any issues and youll want to clean your clothes anyway, its helpful to see if there are pieces that need some extra cleaning and attention. High performers include the Arcteryx Atom LT and the R line of fleeces from Patagonia. It all adds up to a wildly modern, high-performance baselayer and one of the warmest offerings here. Its made from 92% polyester and 8% elastane. Its worth noting that Smartwool also offers its techy Intraknit Merino 200, which splits the difference between the 150 here and the 250 above. Warmth The material is 87% wool and 13% nylon, water-resistant, and comes with natural antimicrobial properties to help reduce odors. We're always up for a new adventure, whether that means hopping on a plane or just exploring our own backyard. Polyester: ExcellentBlends: Very goodMerino: Not goodSilk: Not good. Each piece relies on the layers around it to perform well. Anti-odor materials will help prevent this shirt from smelling like yesterdays dirty laundry. Once spring or summer rolls around, it may be time to pack up your merino wool base layers and store them during the warmer months. At approximately half the price of a comparable merino option, the cost saving is too significant to overlook. Here are a few tips on keeping your wool shirts in great condition. Air dry: After gently washing your wool, carefully squeeze them out (dont twist or wring) and hang them to air dry. The Merino 150 has short sleeves so it can be worn alone in summer or as a base layer under warmer gear during the winter. Bean Silk Crewneck. We really like the REI and have had nothing but positive experiences with it thus far, but were not ready to dethrone the Smartwool just yet.See the Men's REI Merino 185 Half-ZipSee the Women's REI Merino 185 Half-Zip. But wool can be finicky and not everyone wants to spend $100 or more on a baselayer, which is why we love Patagonias Capilene line. NW Alpine certainly isnt a household name, but this small Portland, Oregon, company designs and constructs alpine climbing apparel on par with the best. As such, it is the one article of clothing youre most likely to swap out depending on weather conditions. Using hollow-core yarns and zig-zag patterning, the 100-percent-recycled polyester fabric traps heat yet allows air to pass from the inside out, resulting in a breathable yet warm layer thats impressively lightweight. In the end, silk falls short of the wool and polyester options above in nearly every performance category. Its fast-drying even in wet conditions. Both are excellent midweight options, and a final decision will come down to your objectives and anticipated uses (casual vs. active wear).See the Men's Icebreaker 260 Zone Crew See the Women's Icebreaker 260 Zone Crew. Both are made with warm but breathable fabric. Steps Beach, Pu, Glamping. Many manufacturers weave fibers together with merino to reap the benefits of both, but NuYarn takes it to the next level, wrapping nylon with extra-fine merino fibers for a thread that exudes technical performance down to its literal core. The thinner merino wool layer keeps you warm without overheating. The merino long sleeve base layers are made from merino nylon blend with 87% merino wool and a nylon core to make the fabric stronger and more durable. To start, avoid cotton (like the old adage cotton kills). Its also important to consider if youll be wearing your baselayer as an outer layerwhile merino doesnt do much to block wind, some polyester fabrics (such as Patagonias Capilene) are so tightly woven that they have the ability to resist light gusts. With proper care, merino wool layers can last a long time. They are less popular than lightweight baselayers for hiking or ski touring in moderate conditions as the extra warmth corresponds with a drop in the fabrics ability to regulate temperatures (even merino can get too hot in warm temperatures). Even so, if were wearing a baselayer without anything overtop, well always opt for a fully synthetic piece such as the NW Alpine Black Spider Hoody. Several pests like cloth moths and carpet bug larvae love organic materials like merino wool. Skiing is a similar story, and conditions will dictate the best midlayer for you. Seamless stitching also means youll avoid uncomfortable scratching and prevent chafing. Some folks like wearing their baselayers for casual use, and thats when a dedicated performance product like Odlo Natural + Kinship Warm is less useful. You can find them consistently online at a few places like The Container Store) andAmazon. Where can I find a great deal on merino wool clothes? Ridge Merinos goal is to make clothes that perform well in both every day life and rugged outdoor expeditions. Some merino wool tees for hiking and warm weather are also made with this midweight merino wool. Trademarks | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy Unbound Merino is a merino wool clothing company that launched with the goal of creating a simple, hard-working but good-looking travel wardrobe. The semi-fit style is great if comfort is your main consideration. Its worth the tradeoff for high-output use, but if you prefer warmth over breathability, check out REIs budget-oriented polyester lineup (including the $40 Lightweight Crew below). If you do not accept the policy, the employee discount will not be applied to purchases at this time; however you will be prompted to review and accept the VF Employee Discount policy upon your next sign in to this website.