That said, I dont own these base

2021/05/21

That said, I dont own these base layer bottoms so I cant speak to them personally! If you are looking for a layer that better suits highly aerobic activities or you want versatility across seasons, you will likely benefit from choosing a lighter-weight layer that is designed to breathe a bit better. I do find the bottoms a bit scratchy, so I havent been using them lately. meriwool Our latest Finding the right UPF sun shirt can be a challenge. Even though it is firmly in the midweight category, the extra-fine spun wool used to create this layer is more breathable than other directly comparable models, making it a great option for folks engaged in high-output activities like ski touring. Theres no pilling, no thinning, no tears or anything. In addition to the above, you can consider the following factors as well: Style and Design: Some people just want plain black base layers and thats totally fine. As expected with natural fibers, this top will begin to slouch and sag a bit through consistent wear. Casual alpine cows. Though the Solution may be the only base layer you need to get you through the winter, it's nearly twice the price of many other tops we tested. woolx explorer base merino wool layers But based on our collective experience, we do expect a strong correlation between drying speeds and breathability that is, tops that dry faster on the clothesline also tend to dry faster on our bodies. Fabric weight is the weight of the merino wool fabric itself, measured in grams per square meter (the higher the number, the warmer the fabric). No ads.

They arent the most durable leggings either. This climb is a true test of a base layer. We try our best to give as subjective of an opinion as possible when considering all the factors that play into a layer's comfort and fit. It has retained its shape, shows no sign of wear or pilling and is still very warm. The Ibex Woolies 2 Bottoms pair perfectly with the Woolies 2 Crew. We hope that a future design of this shirt moves the seams off the shoulder top, which can rub when wearing a heavy pack. It is the perfect companion for cool-weather camping during the shoulder seasons, works well for both resort and backcountry skiing, and is certainly a stylish top to be worn casually. Outdoor educator and guide Roland Mott also adds experience and expertise to this review. This superior performance does come at a cost. Neck Opening: Having a zip on the shirt allows you to let some air in when you start to feel toasty. The thick merino fabric makes it the most durable merino layer that we tested. However, base layer should not be so tight that you feel your movement is restricted. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, We tested men's base layers from Smartwool, Patagonia, Black Diamond, and more to find the warmest and most comfortable options. The Kari Traa Rose Thermal Leggings are excellent, inexpensive merino wool base layer bottoms. While all of these layers perform well next to skin, a few work great layered in other ways, too. This fabric holds an uncanny power to resist body odor, whereas synthetic fabrics are infamous for holding onto and sometimes even enhancing stink. What about mobility? It excels in practically any cool- or cold-weather activity, from resort skiing to winter alpine ascents to hanging on chilly mornings on desert climbing or rafting trips. One of the greatest qualities of a base layer is its versatility to be worn as a standalone top or to be layered in a myriad of ways to keep you warm and comfortable in any temperature or situation. Put together they deliver great breathability even when hiking on sweaty, humid days. Sometimes the moisture comes from outside sources, like rain or snow. He has also taught land stewardship and environmental ethics as a Master Educator for the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. After stopping, we time how long it takes for our skin and the inside of our shirts to dry. When it comes time to pack for the outdoors, I just dont gravitate toward the Icebreaker Oasis 200 Thermal Leggings. If youre a brand looking for a partnership, please visit my Work With Me guidelines. As a ski patroller and avalanche educator, you can often find him huddled in a snow pit, happily freezing his butt off to discuss the finer details of stellar dendrites. When I got the leggings, they fit really well, although after two years they are starting to sag at the bum a bit. Hood during a winter ascent. Both are excellent and provide abundant warmth on cold nights or chilly days. But for the sake of producing quality reviews, alas, we must decide from time to time what materials are the best for certain situations. A quality breathable layer will help regulate your body temperature through a range of environments, regardless of your energy output. Though it is a versatile, lightweight option, the Spectra won't provide you with any of the insulation you may need to make it through the coldest days of winter. She previously worked as a canoeing guide in Canada, and spent a season guiding hiking and kayaking tours in the high Arctic. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. Then we develop appropriate tests to carry out in the field and lab to test each metric individually. Voyageur Tripper is a blog dedicated to outdoor adventure for those of us who arent professional explorers.

Coffee warms from the inside, this layer effectively helps keep us warm from the outside. We score all base layers across key areas of performance like warmth, breathability, and drying speed. We assess each layer's breathability systematically to back up our findings after months of use hiking, running, skiing, climbing, and biking. In fact, most manufacturers indicate that their wool layers are not dryer safe and instead suggest lying the garments flat to dry. The breathability of a garment is determined by how quickly and efficiently a fabric can convert sweat to free water vapor. Since the fit largely depends on your body type and shape, it is best to try out different brands while giving particular attention to how the base layer fits you at your chest, arms, waist, hips and thighs. In our abrasion tests, we could barely get this top to show signs of wear. Breathability is an extremely important quality during active pursuits, as well as stop/start activities like backcountry skiing or rock climbing. These are the Patagonia Capilene Cool Lightweight, NW Alpine Spectra, Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew, and both of Outdoor Research's options: the Alpine Onset and Echo L/S.

This ultra-durable lightweight base layer is built for the rigors of rock climbing but performs equally well as a trail running top or for working hard in the skin track when backcountry skiing. We'd like to help! Overall, this is an excellent merino wool base layer top for cold weather. This 150 g/m option strikes a nice balance between mid- and lightweight, offering more versatility to wear as the season transitions from frigid winter temps to sunny spring riding. We prefer tops with sleeves that don't tend to creep up our arms, and ones with a longer torso that avoids the always undesirable belly exposure. The NW Alpine Spectra is just one piece in a line that is the first in the world to incorporate Spectra fiber an innovative material that is engineered to be lighter and stronger than Kevlar. As such, Im a huge fan of the layering system.

The Patagonia Capilene Cool Lightweight long-sleeve is a great option for warm-weather backpacking. Looking for the best ski jacket? From the ski slopes to alpine climbs to sleeping out under the stars, our in-depth analysis derives from real-world adventures undertaken while wearing each model. Base layers are typically either made from merino wool or synthetic fabric. We've worn it for days on end, both at home and out on multi-day backcountry trips. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. We scrutinize each layer and ask the following questions: How does the fabric feel next to your skin? We understand that the individual metrics that are important to some folks may not be as important to others. Models like the Icebreaker 200 Oasis and the REI Lightweight Crew have a drop-tail hem. Shoulder Season (Spring and Autumn) Hiking: This post may contain affiliate links. Keeping us comfortable even when we're working up a sweat in warm fall temps in Eldo Canyon, Spectra fabric is the most durable on the market. As mentioned above, the REI Silk Crew dries lightning-fast, closely followed by the Outdoor Research Echo L/S and the Patagonia Capilene Cool Lightweight. This highly technical, highly breathable, ultra-lightweight layer is able to easily withstand normal abrasion, rips, and tears, yet it is as soft next-to-skin as merino wool. Some use a blend of majority merino with a small blend of nylon and other synthetic fabrics. Is the fabric soft or scratchy? Mikaela has been canoeing, hiking and camping for over ten years. The standout tops for well-balanced warmth are the SmartWool Merino 250, the Patagonia Capilene Air Crew, and the Ortovox 185 Rock'N'Wool. To test layering ability, we consider all the ways a top can be layered, and we try all of the combinations with every piece. If a layer excels in all other categories but fits you poorly or is uncomfortable, it won't serve you in your quest to send. But, as I said, Ive been using them very regularly for two years now. The REI Silk Crew is an impressively warm, surprisingly thin layer that can supplement winter wear without adding much bulk. Base layers are the foundation of your layering system and are meant to wick away sweat off your body and keep you warm. Mid-layers are intended to add insulation, and a shell helps to keep you protected from the elements. Notably, the merino wool Icebreaker 200 Oasis dries quicker than the other wool layers of similar weight. This long list of critiques provides us with a lot of information to justify how each layer will fit and perform. Theyre warm and soft and cozy and perfect for the wilderness (and nice to wear around the house). Like the shirt above, these have become reserved for cold night sleeping (and Ive been wearing them less often in favor of the Rose Thermal Leggings and Icebreaker Merino 260 Tech Thermal Bottoms. To test abrasion resistance in a controlled environment, we grind the elbows of the fabric a set number of times across a one-foot distance of gritty sandstone to see how the fabrics fair (think wash-board technique). Making our way down from the summit of Mt. If you're looking for a technical, lightweight base layer that won't break the bank, have a look at the Outdoor Research Echo L/S. Even though this post is specifically about merino wool base layers, it is important to know that not all merino wool fabrics use 100% merino wool. To test durability, we inspect the strength of the fabrics and the quality of the stitching and construction of the pieces as a whole. A non-breathable shirt will prevent that moisture from escaping, leading it to condense on the inside of the garment. This merino thermal base layer feels pretty soft and is comfortable against the skin my only critique is that it is a little scratchy on the sensitive parts (so I dont love wearing it without a bra at night). Durability is paramount for base layers that are going to pull double-duty as standalone shirts for rugged activities like mountain biking. Got feedback? I personally prefer 100% merino wool when looking for the best base layer for warmth. But these design features can also keep your top from rising up and exposing your back and belly when bending over to put on your climbing skins or reaching for that next crimper when climbing. Ive also worn them as a single layer under snow pants when Ive been winter camping. For the deep cold of winter, we recommend the Smartwool Merino 250. Base layers are meant to sit right against your skin, wicking away sweat as you move around. Are there gusseted underarms, purposeful stitching patterns, or articulated zones to help freedom of movement? Again, these are available in both 150 gsm and 250 gsm, though I only own the 250 gsm pair. What dont I like? When that's not possible, opt for post-consumer products many of the polyester layers included in this review are at least made in some part with recycled fibers. This top has a raglan-style cut, with flatlock seams that isolate the shoulders and back from the torso. Durability is a characteristic that we search for in all of our outdoor gear. The fit is excellent as they sit snug but not too tight or restrictive. Is it soft, itchy, stretchy, static, warm, or cool? If youre a reader with a question, please contact me here. For those reasons, I dont wear them under hiking pants or use them during the day anymore. The shortest path to the grave for both merino wool and silk is through tumble drying. But when it comes to longevity, natural material still falls behind its 100% synthetic counterparts. When choosing between options, comfort and fit are usually at the top of the list for many consumers.

Base layers should be form fitting without being restrictive. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Smartwool Classic Base Layer Top is the best merino long sleeve base layer in my collection (and the first pair of merino wool base layers I ever got, so youve likely read about them in other blog posts). It simply means that it performed poorly in relation to the competition. The half zip makes it more versatile for changing weather conditions. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. Both tend to wear holes through quickly and/or shrink and lose their shape after repeated washings. By far without a doubt, this is the softest merino wool Ive worn. Well, I find them a little scratchy and quite see-through in the but. (It's even reasonably priced enough to appeal to truck-dwelling climber types.). This remarkably versatile mid-layer offers superior comfort next-to-skin, and its 100% merino wool weave provides excellent temperature regulation, moisture-wicking capability, and all-natural antimicrobial qualities. For our review, we identify six key metrics as essential to effectively grade a base layer top: Warmth, Breathability, Comfort/Fit, Drying Speed, Durability, and Layering Ability. The Kari Traa Rose Half Zip may not be my favorite, but it is an excellent choice for those that want maximum value for money. However, it is incredibly durable. And theyve lost some of their form-fitting shape over the years in the booty. We appreciate the fit of the Icebreaker 200 Oasis, the Patagonia Capilene Cool Lightweight, and the NW Alpine Spectra. To no one's surprise, thinner fabrics dry significantly faster than thicker ones. It's worth addressing that the drying speed of a fabric can differ depending on whether it is being worn or left out to dry. Merino wool claims that it can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture before feeling wet to the touch. From the high desert of the US Southwest to the craggy peaks of the Pacific Northwest, we wore these tops through a variety of activities mountain biking, climbing, uphill and downhill skiing, trail running, backpacking, and more testing and assessing their relative strengths and weaknesses along the way. Secondly, we consider how the garment generally fits: Is it too loose, too tight, does it constrict in particular areas like the shoulders? By submitting them to the wear-and-tear of everyday use and a variety of outdoor activities across a spectrum of temperatures and environments, we are best able to dial in which types of layers work best in what situations. Its made with high-quality 240 gsm merino wool, making it great for colder months. As a bit of an outlier, the Patagonia Capilene Air continues to impress with its unique ability to masterfully balance warmth and breathability. These tops consist of thicker, cushy fabrics that seal in heat while maintaining excellent breathability and moisture-wicking abilities.

Regardless of weight class, the NW Alpine Spectra is hands-down the most durable layer we tested. The Ortovox 185 Rock'N'Wool is similarly weighted to the Solution and is very similar in terms of offering a nice middle ground to split the seasons. I particularly love them for sleeping; I have been using them on almost all of my warm weather multi-day backpacking trips since I got them. With a little extra fabric weight compared to others in its class, when properly layered, this top will continue to keep you dry and comfortable through the winter, only adding to its value and versatility. The Patagonia Capilene Air, pictured here, traps heat extremely well in a layering system but as a stand-alone layer, air cuts right thru it.

As the only company in the world currently using this innovative fiber in clothing, the NW Alpine Spectra stands far above all others in this review in terms of durability. Merino wool has come a long way in terms of durability particularly considering merino wool/polyester blends. Your email address will not be published. Merino wool is the warmest base layer material. Other factors that contribute to staying power are flatlock seams, which you will find featured on the majority of the layers in this review. But I think Id choose the Smartwool Classic Base Layer Top its just so soft! The argument of synthetic vs. all-natural fibers is a perpetual battle in the recreational apparel world, and we like to think of ourselves as conscientious objectors in this fight. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Is it good for sleeping or hiking or skiing or winter? The four-way stretch makes the top very comfortable, even while moving around. Another pro is that they are surprisingly inexpensive (as far as base layers go). No longer do mountain athletes have to sacrifice durability to save weight, nor do they have to substitute comfort for performance. Are they durable or will they rip after a single season? This top is one of the few midweight layers we tested that is exceptionally breathable for its weight. Growing up on the Atlantic coastline and living up and down the Rocky Mountains for more than a decade, he knows all about making the most out of cold-weather playtime. Repair when possible. Effectively, this is the ability to collect moisture (sweat) and move that moisture to the outside surface of the fabric, where it can freely evaporate. Merino wool fabric is made in different weights, measured in grams per square meter.

It is not just about simple heat retention but rather the complex system of thermoregulation. The stretch and articulated design of the Black Diamond Solution makes it an ideal alpine first layer. But, of course, there are exceptions to this rule. Yet in our abrasion test, the thick fabric of the SmartWool Merino 250 Crew displays only surface wear. It is important to note that the scores we assign are determined relative to the other products in the review. Instead, Ive been using it as a sleeping base layer for so long that I know only ever think of it as a warm sleeping shirt for cold camping nights. What do I like about the leggings? Despite the negatives, I absolutely love these leggings for their warmth, softness and durability. GearLab is reader-supported. However, youll want to ensure the larger base layer is on top so it doesnt fit too tightly. Does it glide against your skin or cling too tightly? How can we improve GearLab? So lets dive into, what I deem to be, the best merino wool base layers for women! The 250 gsm pair is very warm and great for cold nights at the campsite and an absolute go-to for my long camping trips. The Merino 250 Crew (and all other merino tops we tested) requires special care when laundering to ensure the garment's longevity. So they definitely arent the best quality leggings, but they get the job done and are significantly cheaper than some of the other base layer bottoms on the list. And these leggings are one of my favorites right now. In addition, the fabric stays odour-free, fresh and dry for multiple days. The tops that really do a great job of balancing fit and comfort are the SmartWool Merino 250, Patagonia Capilene Air, Icebreaker 200 Oasis, and the Patagonia Capilene Cool Lightweight. Instead, Im going to focus on what those details mean for the person wearing the base layers. Other metrics, like durability, call for a combination of field use (i.e., chimney climbing and bushwhacking) and lab testing (repeated dry and wash cycles and an abrasion test.) The balance between price and value is a fine line to walk when researching a product. For some lightweight tops like the Outdoor Research Alpine Onset, a blend of synthetic fibers and all-natural merino wool means that this crew will offer more warmth than its weight suggests. We fully saturate all of the products and then lay them out to dry at the same time, recording the time it takes for each layer to surface dry, as well as the time it takes for them to dry completely. Are they saggy or see-through? We often spend on high-quality products to own fewer things that will both last us longer and stay out of the landfill. If youre unsure of what you want by the end of this post, just get the Smartwool Classic Base Layer Top. Whereas a turtle neck or a high neck midweight are great choices for cooler weather. Other times, it comes from a deep well of desire to work hard and push yourself, rising up to the surface as sweat. However, you should still wash merino wool base layers in cold water and hang them to dry. A surprising turn-out concerning comfort is the NW Alpine Spectra this top is a full-synthetic blend that magically feels like merino wool, thanks to the extra-pliable Spectra fibers. We appreciate merino-blended options like the Odlo Natural + Kinship Warm Crew and Black Diamond Solution as slightly more insulated options that still prove themselves remarkably well during the shoulder seasons. Many quality brands will preshrink their merino wool base layers, so they wont shrink after you purchase them.