Baselayer Reviews

Good baselayers are not only essential for backpacking excursions, they are just as practical for a run in the park or an outdoor market trip. Backpacker tests a wide range of styles and fabrics to find out which baselayers perform best in different active and everyday life situations. We check for comfort, durability, moisture wicking, and other vital performance features.

Smartwool Merino 250 Asym Baselayer Bottom

Women’s pick

Helly Hanse Lifa Merino Seamless Baselayer

Best wicking

The North Face Wool Baselayer Tight

Best Ski Bottoms

Under Armour UA Base 2.0 Hoodie and ¾ Legging Baselayers

Bargain set

Terramar The Beast Half-Zip Baselayer

Most versatile

Cabela’s Merino Baselayer Top and Bottoms

Best value

wool

Baselayer Reviews

Figure out what type of shirt you need by considering how hard you'll work and how your body will likely react to the climate.

hiking in colombia

This superlight merino/synthetic top works in all temps.

baselayer henley

This midweight top performs well above its price tag.

arcteryx baselayer

Wear it all winter and still smell as good as you look.

terma

High-tech fabric delivers the year’s best warmth-to-weight ratio.

halti

Technical performance meets luxe comfort.

mypakage

An innovative pouch means ultimate comfort for dudes.

thermal bottoms

Special wool and a boot-friendly cut make these ski-ready in most conditions.

tunic top

This women’s pick pulls off flattering and functional.

powertherm

This wool/synthetic blend works as a four-season midlayer.

ExOfficio long sleeve

Half zip sunshirt

kari traa baselayer

Versatile baselayer

Terramar Airtouch

Comfy bargain

Zip Tee

Alpine hoody

Dynafit Thermal baselayer

Versatile baselayer

Cabela’s + Icebreaker Merino Thermal Zone Half-Zip Top

Three different fabric weights combine to deliver a premium all-conditions baselayer.

Patagonia Capilene Lightweight Crew

This ultralight baselayer kept testers comfy and dry well into summertime—and it’s eco-friendly.

Mountain Hardwear Butterman ½ Zip

This pullover combines a super-soft feel with maximum range of motion.