The Best Women’s Baselayers of 2023
We spent two months testing 46 products. These are the best.
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.
We spent two months testing 46 products. These are the best.
Ten testers checked out 50-plus baselayers before landing on this list.
This breathable baselayer is designed for performance in every season.
Best leggings
Most versatile baselayer
Best wicking
Warmest baselayer
Best value baselayer
Most durable wool
Best for expeditions
Best cold-weather wicking
Women's baselayer pick
Most versatile top
Most versatile bottoms
Unique design makes these layers extra-breathable.
Your warmth strategy starts with your next-to-skin layer. Pick the right one.
Women’s pick
Best ski bottoms
Most versatile
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.
Half zip sunshirt
Versatile baselayer
Comfy bargain
Alpine hoody
Versatile baselayer
Three different fabric weights combine to deliver a premium all-conditions baselayer.
This ultralight baselayer kept testers comfy and dry well into summertime—and it’s eco-friendly.
This pullover combines a super-soft feel with maximum range of motion.
Natural bamboo charcoal fibers make it the quickest-drying, most breathable baselayer in our test.
This quick-drying wool baselayer’s double-sided fabric delivers great wicking, insulation, and durability.
A cozy PJ feel meets powder-friendly design in a baselayer adored by backcountry skiers.
The merino/polyester construction of this baselayer top offers cold-busting insulation.
This feels like your favorite five-year-old tee but has the performance chops of a technical hiking shirt.
A workhorse for hiking in sub-45°F temps.
Get the benefits of wool—odor resistance and insulation—in a shirt that dries fast and manages a wide range of temps.
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Ideal for truly arctic conditions, it’s hands-down the toastiest layer we tested this year.
This layer works overtime regulating temperature during high-intensity outings—for a fraction of the cost of its competitors.
From subzero ski sessions to summer nights, these multisport bottoms proved superior.
Smart details make these layers ideal for skiing when temps plummet.
This affordable top makes sweat disappear.
You get versatile, quick-drying performance for a song.
Lots of baselayers promise four-season use. This one really delivers.
Cheap cotton skivvies don’t cut it for multiple days of hard wear. These wicking, quick-dry britches will keep you much, much happier.
Cheap underwear - found at Target - that are perfect for hiking.
Pricey boxers with the right amount of breathing room.
Hot-weather boxers that repel sweat.
Underwear our testers loved. Really loved.
Our female testers favorite trail undies.
A midweight merino wool base- or midlayer.
Check out Kelly Bastone's author page.
The differences between nylon and polyester workout gear.
A stink-free wool baselayer that's perfect for multiday backpacking trips.
A versatile jacket that's comfy in temps from 20 to 60.
An ultralight turtleneck that is 65 percent merino and 35 percent Cocona polyester.
This baselayer has excellent wicking and quick-dry performance.
A softshell and baselayer in one.
Even if no one else can see it, you are going to notice the difference with these worthy baselayers.
The best baselayer for the money.
Finally, a baselayer that holds hand-warmers for ultimate warmth.
When you want something thick to keep you warm, this baselayer has you covered.
You'll be feeling just right below the waist with this intricatly fitted long underwear.
If you like going up and down snowy mountains, you're going to like this simple baselayer.
The most affordable baselayer that still get the job done right.
Our top pick for baselayers in 2012.
We're still counting the uses for this versatile hoody for any layer.
Stay warmer and bunch-free in this worthy one-piece baselayer.
This layer raises the bar in moisture wicking technology.
A warm, packable down sweater at an affordable price.
HotTotties is Terramar's women's-only line, and it emphasizes femme-specific fit details–this top and bottom set is no exception.
Four trail-proven picks from the winners of our Be a Gear Tester Contest
This associate map editor likes to stay well connected.
Use this advice to hone your backcountry layers for any trip length or conditions.