We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Travel Products Activity + Adventure Sports + Leisure The 8 Best Base Layers of 2024 Keep warm and comfortable on your outdoor adventures with these top-rated pieces. By Marisa Petrarca Marisa Petrarca Marisa Petrarca is a writer and editor specializing in beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. She has over five years of editorial experience and is known for researching and recommending products to consumers, from the buzziest new skincare launch to affordable fashion finds. Her work has appeared in Cosmopolitan, POPSUGAR, SELF, and more publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on February 20, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L Photo: Travel + Leisure / Brian Kopinski Base layers are essential for braving chilly temperatures, whether you’re running, skiing, or walking your dog. When choosing base layers to add to your wardrobe, you have options galore — the key is to choose layers that align with your lifestyle and activities. A good place to start is looking for high-quality fabrics. “Merino wool is a natural choice sourced from merino sheep and is known for its breathability and warmth, making it a better choice for cooler climates,” Eli Getson, Senior Vice President and General Merchandising Manager of Apparel at Academy Sports and Outdoors, says. “It is also naturally antibacterial and odor resistant.” Synthetic materials on the other hand — like polyester with lycra or elastane — are stretchy and comfortable base layers. “They are quick-drying and hard-wearing, so they are not as odor-resistant as their natural counterparts.” We curated a list of the top base layers to help you find your perfect match from lightweight options, budget-friendly choices, heavyweight styles, and more that have your back for everything from daily-wear to intense winter workouts. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Smartwool Classic All-Season Base Layer Long Sleeve at Amazon $85 Jump to Review Best for Hiking: Artilect Flatiron W-Flatiron 185 Crew Andorra at REI $70 Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Paka Women's Everyday Baselayer at Pakaapparel.com Jump to Review Best Merino Wool: Kari Traa Rose Half Zip Base Layer Top at Amazon $110 Jump to Review Best Heavyweight: Icebreaker Long Sleeve Half Zip Thermal Top at Amazon $158 Jump to Review Best Synthetic: Helly Hansen Long-sleeve Crew Base Layer at Amazon $45 Jump to Review Best for Running: Patagonia Midweight Crew at REI $39 Jump to Review Best Budget: Thermajane Women’s Crew Thermal Top at Thermajane.com Jump to Review Best Overall Smartwool Classic All-Season Base Layer Long Sleeve PHOTO: Smartwool $80 at Amazon $67 at REI $90 at Backcountry.com Why We Love It It’s both lightweight and warm, ideal for cool spring mornings or winter layering. What to Consider It may not be suitable for extreme cold. Merino wool is the star of Smartwool's product lineup and, thus, an integral component of this all-season base layer. Made in styles for both women and men with 88 percent merino wool and 12 percent nylon, you can even complete your look with a matching pair of bottoms. It's equal parts soft and durable, but what makes this layer stand out from the rest is that it truly lives up to its promise of all-season wear. The secret to its versatility lies in Smartwool's Core Spun technology. Merino wool fibers are wrapped around a nylon core to level up the fabric's resilience while retaining the temperature-regulating benefits that merino wool is regularly praised for. As for the fit, it has raglan sleeves, so it's free of pesky shoulder seams that could cause uncomfortable friction during exercise. The top has smooth merrow stitching that won't irritate your skin, and since it has a super-secure seam, it'll stand up to multiple washes without snagging or pilling. The Details: XS-XL | Merino wool and nylon | Lightweight Best for Hiking Artilect Flatiron W-Flatiron 185 Crew Andorra PHOTO: Artilect $70 at REI View on Artilect.studio Why We Love It It's warm, yet ultra-breathable, boasting mesh panels and eyelets to prevent overheating. What to Consider The wool/nylon blend can feel a bit itchy. The Artilect Flatiron 185 Base Layer collection was named after the Boulder Flatirons rock formations in Colorado. The top for both women and men along with the matching leggings are made with Nuyarn Australian merino wool. The fabric has merino wool on the outside for comfort and a synthetic material on the inside for durability and breathability. The result is a lighter and faster drying fabric than traditional merino wool alone. Beyond its fabric, these base layers have superior ventilation. The top features eyelets in areas that are more prone to overheating to help with ventilation, as do the bottoms, located on the small of the lower back. It also features strategically placed seaming that helps prevent chafing and comes in a handful of colors to suit your personality — including monochromes and duo-tone designs. The Details: XS-XL | Merino wool and nylon | Midweight Best Lightweight Paka Women's Everyday Baselayer PHOTO: Paka View on Pakaapparel.com Why We Love It The fabric is soft and smooth, made from earth-friendly materials. What to Consider Sweat marks might be visible through the lighter color options. If you’re looking for a base layer that won’t make you feel weighed down, consider the Paka Everyday Baselayer in both women’s and men’s styles. It's the ideal base layer for people who hate layering; it is temperature-regulating, yet lightweight, suitable for both heat and cold. Its versatility lies in its composition of 85 percent Tencel (derived from eucalyptus) and 15 percent royal alpaca. Tencel gives it a silky-smooth texture and moisture-wicking durability similar to polyester, whereas the royal alpaca fibers — one of the softest and finest grades of alpaca fiber — provides temperature-regulating properties. The base layers are lightweight and versatile, so you can even wear them out and about with matching joggers for a complete set. The Details: XS-XXL | Tencel and royal alpaca | Lightweight Best Merino Wool Kari Traa Rose Half Zip Base Layer Top PHOTO: Amazon $95 at Amazon $84 at REI $120 at Backcountry.com Why We Love It It’s warm and cozy and comes in several eye-catching prints and matching bottoms. What to Consider The lack of solid color options may not appeal to minimalists. Who says your base layers can't be stylish? This chic base layer top with matching high-waist bottoms, crafted from 100 percent merino wool, comes in an array of Nordic-inspired floral prints in various colors. The brand is the brainchild of three-time Olympic medalist Kari Traa, a promising guarantee for warmth on the slopes and beyond. The base layer tops offer a four-way stretch, so you can move around uninhibited. Plus, the half-zip comes in handy for when you need a little ventilation. One of the biggest draws to this base layer top — and all of Kari Traa's pieces — are their stylish designs and flattering silhouettes that enhance your figure without sacrificing comfort. The Details: XS-XL | Merino Wool | Midweight Best Heavyweight Icebreaker Long Sleeve Half Zip Thermal Top PHOTO: Icebreaker $158 at Amazon View on Moosejaw.com View on Icebreaker.com Why We Love It It will keep you warm in harsh winter temperatures. What to Consider Since it's crafted from 100 percent merino wool, it requires more delicate care than synthetic fabrics. This thermal top in women’s and men’s styles is made with Icebreaker's softest, silkiest signature fabric innovations — "MerinoFine." Its heavyweight design helps regulate your body temperature in the coldest conditions, with a half-zip for ventilation that will come in handy when it's time to warm up with après ski cocktails. And that's not all: the Polar Long Sleeve Half Zip Thermal Top has no shortage of smart features, including thumb loops to keep your sleeves in place and your hands warm and a zipper chin guard to prevent the zipper from potentially irritating your skin. It even has a drop-tail hem, which means it's longer in the back than in the front, which comes in handy for outdoor exercise. Pair with the matching thermal leggings to complete your look and keep you comfortable. The Details: XS-XL | Merino wool | Heavyweight Best Synthetic Helly Hansen Long-sleeve Crew Base Layer PHOTO: Amazon $45 at Amazon View on Hellyhansen.com Why We Love It It's made with Lifa fabric technology that helps keep you dry. What to Consider It's not as well-insulated as other mid and heavyweight options. This Helly Hansen top for men or women outshines merino wool base layers in terms of moisture resistance, making it a great option for wicking away sweat or any other external moisture. It features the brand's patented Lifa fabric technology, incorporating polypropylene — a synthetic textile — into its design. Its fabric composition keeps you dry by moving moisture away from the skin to the fabric's surface, where it evaporates and helps you stay dry, warm, and comfortable. This base layer is best for lightweight warmth, though that's not to say it won't keep you toasty for cold-weather activities like skiing or snowboarding, especially when paired with the matching base layer pants. The Details: XS-XXL | Polypropylene | Lightweight The Best Hiking Shoes for Men and Women, Tested and Reviewed Best for Running Patagonia Midweight Crew PHOTO: Patagonia $39 at REI View on Patagonia.com Why We Love It It was designed with runners in mind to prevent chafing and optimize comfort while racking up miles. What to Consider It may not be as fitted as other base layer options. Designed for casualwear, hiking, and running, the Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew for men and women is made to move. Its diamond-grid design pattern helps trap heat and wick away moisture, while its raglan sleeves ensure you don't have to worry about chafing during long runs. This shirt has uniquely designed low-profile thumb loops that still give you complete mobility of your hands and prevent the annoyance of your sleeves rolling up mid-run. This base layer is made of 100 percent recycled polyester, which is stretchy, comfortable, and quick-drying. While this type of synthetic fabric isn't odor-resistant, Patagonia is the first brand to use HeiQ Pure, which adds antimicrobial properties to the fabric to prevent bacteria growth. The Details: XXS-XXL | Recycled Polyester | Midweight Best Budget Thermajane Women’s Crew Thermal Top PHOTO: Amazon View on Thermajane.com Why We Love It It has a fleece-lined interior to help lock in heat. What to Consider The lightweight fabric may not be as long-lasting as other options. The Thermajane Thermal Undershirt sports a four-way stretch, warm fleece-lined interior, and is made with recycled materials that give this top a great value. Even though it's fleece-lined, it's still lightweight (not bulky) and long, ensuring a full-coverage fit. While you might want to opt for a more breathable fabric for outdoor excursions when you might build up a sweat, this top traps body heat, making it a great option for beating the cold on outdoor walks or everyday wear. The Details: XXS-3XL | Polyester and spandex | Lightweight Tips for Buying Base Layers Consider what materials are best for you “Base layers are typically made from merino wool, merino blends, and technical polyester blends,” Tracy Murberger, category merchandise manager for accessories, footwear, and logowear at Christy Sports, says. “Stick with lightweight fabrics for your base layer to wick away moisture and midweight fabrics for middle layers. Heavyweight materials are normally thick and fall loosely on the body, overtop other layers and help weather the elements like rain or snow,” Getson adds. They can also be worn on their own in less frigid temperatures, perhaps under a peacoat or jacket. Check the weather of your destination Depending on where you’re headed, the weather may be unpredictable, so it’s imperative you consider weather variations when you’re planning your outfit for a day in the cold. If you’ll be experiencing various temperatures, remember that versatility is key. “Choose a material that’s comfortable and lightweight, and consider that your backpack will likely trap in sweat, regardless of clothing breathability,” Getson says. Frequently Asked Questions Are base layers better than thermals? Base layers aren’t necessarily better than thermals — they’re just different. Base layers come in many styles and thickness, suitable for different outdoor activities. Thermals, on the other hand, are mainly made to keep you warm. Moisture-wicking base layers are better for medium-to-high-intensity workouts in the cold. “Thermals retain warmth better but are not as moisture-wicking,” Getson says. “They are best for low-intensity workouts, walks, or other non-athletic activities.” What are the best base layers for skiing? Merino wool is highly recommended for cold-weather exercise, including skiing. “Since skiing can be a high-intensity activity, lightweight merino wool base layers are great for moisture-wicking and heat insulation,” Getson says. Should base layers be tight or loose? Base layers should fit close to the body, but not overly tight. “Base layers are meant to act like a second skin and cling to your body so clothing can be layered on top," Getson says. “Flexibility is key, so avoiding pieces that restrict your movement and feel too tight will be important for comfort during physical activity. A good rule of thumb is to buy base layers in your normal size to stay warm and comfortable.” If you’re wearing a base layer in warmer weather, on the other hand, looser (but not overly baggy) base layers may be more comfortable. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Marisa Petrarca has been testing, reviewing, and writing about fashion for nearly a decade. To select the best base layers, she conducted her own research and spoke to Tracy Murberger of Christy Sports and Eli Getson, Senior Vice President and General Merchandising Manager of Apparel at Academy Sports and Outdoors for their expert tips and product recommendations. The Best Thermal Underwear of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week. Edited by Taylor Fox Taylor Fox Taylor Fox is the Commerce Outdoor Gear Editor at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has been a writer and editor for over nine years. learn more