Baselayer Reviews

You’ll get your money’s worth out of this spendy but multifunctional merino hoody

This midweight merino top sports a hidden 7-inch diagonal zip

With Columbia’s Omni-Heat technology you get the warmth of a much thicker baselayer from a thin fabric

It looks like a button up, but is amazingly functional in the backcountry

Keep your top and bottom warm and dry through any outdoor activity with these baselayers.

Welcome to accessory and apparel heaven: puffy jackets, stoves, windpants, knives, iPad apps, solar panels, GPS, hydration, first aid, socks, camp food, baselayers, and more.

A wool boxer brief for him (even if he hates wool).

A sports bra with a very supportive wraparound design.

A little bit of spandex helps these boy boxers (for her) stay in place.

For outdoor kids, a baselayer that will keep them dry and warm.

A heavyweight baselayer that's soft and fitted, and stretch and warm.

This 70/30 silk/wool baselayer keeps you warm while also wicking.

A 100% polyester t-shirt that feels just like cotton.

A polypropylene/polyester blended baselayer that wicks away sweat.

5 near-perfect pieces of gear in our 2011 Editors' Choice testing

Buy now, wear forever.

Skivvies for your bivy.

Our own gear diva met with Martha on December 20th to talk about cold-weather layering. Here's the gear Kristin suggested:

This merino wool layer keeps all your bases covered, without smelling like a sock drawer.

Made from 50% recycled polyester (and 50% virgin poly) the Sahara has a relaxed fit, a soft cottony feel, and no-fuss styling.

Active ladies need active undies, and this ensemble fits the bill and still looks cute.

Keep your bod warm & toasty all fall and winter long.

A new fabric makes this synthetic zip-t odor free.

A superthin merino layer that is deceptively durable.

The softest baselayer we've tested...ever.

Baselayer bottoms that you can wear solo.

A bargain layer that's pretty and tough.

A short-sleeved baselayer for year-round wear.

A built-in neck gaiter for her and a built-in hoody for him give this shirt head and neck protection.

Patagonia updates this perennial favorite making it lighter, faster-drying, and softer then previous Capilene layers.

A full-body baselayer (a.k.a. pilot or "union" suit) that's as warm as they come.

Nordic skiiers and runners will love this moisture moving layer.

Although perhaps not as sexy as a brand new Gore-Tex Pro hardshell, the most basic of baselayers is a crucial component of your backcountry enjoyment. We put three mens' styles to the test.

Check out Kristin Hostetter's author page.

For $35 or less, keep your core warm and toasty.

Check out Katie Herrell's author page.

Recycled polyester and bamboo makes this a super green baselayer.

A fuzzy top that never smells.

Lightweight and fast drying

Outlast fabric regulates your body temperature for you.

Ski patrol approved

A baselayer made for high-exertion activities.

A cheap(er) merino crew that stays stink-free.

Forget full price. Here's how to score deals on outdoor duds.

Toasty, stretchy tights you don't have to hide.

Winter skivvies at their finest.

These chafe-free undergarments also wick away moisture.

Underwear for the outdoorsy man.

25 years later, this Patagonia model is still the baselayer to beat.

These five finalists were close to the tops for our editors–for you they may be perfect.

Settle the wool-versus-synthetic debate once and for all: Get the best of both.

A super-versatile, fleecy layering piece

A midweight base layer for cool to cold weather hiking

A lightweight layering piece make of bamboo

A superlight wool base layer that shines 12 months a year

From shorts to tops, we've got your core coverings.

You could live in this Patagonia merino baselayer for weeks.

When it's extra cold, don this full body baselayer by Outdoor Research.

Worn as underwear, or solo, these "runner shorts" are a versatile bottom base layer.

This Icebreaker top is great for trail running and other high aerobic activities.

This First Ascent top works as a baselayer and a jacket.

This athletic baselayer feels like cotton but works like high-priced synthetic, for only $35.

Goal: Help you stay comfortable in any weather. Solution: Hike through two-week-long downpours and hurricane-force winds to bring you the best new gear for every trip.

From fit to fabric, this year's shirts upgrade performance on every front.

This tester favorite was popular for climbing, mountain biking, and layering. The Polartec Power Dry fabric aided quick drying.

Using body-mapping and blended merino wool/synthetic fabrics, this innovative baselayer is warm and versatile.

This hybrid is part merino wool and part recycled polyester&ndashthe result being a fast-drying, non-stinking baselayer.

This merino midweight baselayer is soft, stretchy, and naturally anti-stink.

This fast-drying shirt has a special ingredient&ndashCocona Minerale fabric.

The BACKPACKER ladies tested made-for-trail clothes that can double as street wear–wherever the streets may be.

Perfect baselayer: the Icebreaker Superfine 140 Henley Lite stays odor-free with style.

Our female testers pick their favorite gear for fall hikes.

Our tester spent 18 days climbing, camping, and evaluating gear on America's highest, coldest peak. If his picks made it there, they can make it anywhere.

Learn how you can shop for ethical, eco-friendly wool to lighten your planetary load.

For all-purpose performance year-round, this layering system works overtime through any weather.

Don't let a crappy forecast keep you home for the weekend. Just pack this deluge-tested system.

From the Grand Canyon to sunshine-pounded Colorado peaks, stay cool and comfortable with this ultralight system.

Our testers faced raging blizzards, pounding hail, frigid temps, and 60-mph winds to select these top clothes.

Wild weather coming? We've devised a perfect system for every condition.

We couldn't fit all of our reviews in one spot. Here, read the outtakes.