That being said, while backpacking, we hiked and slept in this shirt, and at night, preferred the drawstrings to the feel of a plastic toggle or other fasteners that otherwise would be in that spot. But having a lightweight layer as your next-to-skin layer gives you more flexibility for temperature adjustment while doing something active. The Cool Daily also has a slimmer fit, which is ideal for a base layer as it allows the fabric to wick away moisture.

Thumbholes on sleeves - Football - Clothing | adidas UK

Choosing the suitable material for your outdoor activities ensures you’re getting the base layer that will serve you best. fleece, which mean I can completely block out a frigid wind (and any snow if I take a tumble) in what would usually be an annoying gap between my ski jacket and my ski gloves. They’re beneficial when it’s very cold and your planned outdoor activity doesn’t involve heavy exertion.We loved that the Ibex Woolies 2 had one of the longest torsos of any base layer we tested, keeping the lower back nicely covered.

Base Layers - Thumb Loops - Alpinetrek Merino Wool Base Layers - Thumb Loops - Alpinetrek

Synthetic layers don’t insulate as well as wool and they can actually sap a lot of your heat if they get wet. Thompson says, “Baselayers help keep me warm, so if the layer becomes wet from sweat, then it is ineffective as a clothing piece. Synthetics may also feel more comfortable during cool weather aerobic activities that work up a sweat. BOTTOM LINE: Sometimes you come across a budget option that performs just as well as higher end items, and that is certainly the case with REI’s Midweight Half Zip top ( men’s / women’s).The Fair Wear Foundation strives to provide fair and ethical working conditions for garment workers, something we wholeheartedly support. At 145 g/m2, it’s not so thin that you can see through it, but it’s also not so thick as to overheat.

Mens Baselayers | All Mens Baselayer Clothing | GO Outdoors Mens Baselayers | All Mens Baselayer Clothing | GO Outdoors

It's so odor proof, we can't remember the last time we washed it, despite multiple hikes, runs, and backpacking trips.

The polyester blend offers excellent breathability and odor control, so you can wear this layer for multiple days between washes. But even after running for 27 hours with various layers stacked on top, the Capilene Midweight did its job very well.