27th October 2022
1. Kuiu Ultra Merino 120 LT LS Crew-T
Renowned its durable, high-performance outdoor gear, Kuiu has delivered another winner with the Ultra Merino 120 LT base layer. Made from Nuyarn merino—a blend of 70 percent merino wool and 30 percent nylon—it offers all the natural thermoregulation and odor control benefits of merino wool with the added strength and low weight of nylon. The ultrafine 17.5-micron fiber diameter feels soft against the skin, while flatlock seams further reduce friction during rigorous outdoor activity.
[$89; kuiu.com]
2. FORLOH Deep Space Base Layer Crew Long Sleeve Top
Featuring NASA-certified Trizar fabric, an odor-fighting fabric treatment from Polygiene, and four-way stretch properties, the Deep Space Base Layer from FORLOH is a premium option for cold weather. Staying warm is no problem thanks to the Trizar fabric, which captures and re-radiates body heat while also wicking moisture. Polygiene’s odor-blocking fabric treatment wards off smells (a boon for any wearer, but especially important for hunters trying to avoid detection by animals), and the four-way stretch fabric allows for maximum freedom of movement.
[$109; forloh.com]
3. Ibex Woolies Tech Long Sleeve Crew
Blending natural merino wool with nylon and elastane, the Ibex Woolies Tech offers lightweight warmth, performance, and durability. Additional features like raglan sleeves, flatlock seams, and thumbholes combine to ensure a comfy fit during strenuous activity. Ibex also produces matching Woolies Tech Bottoms—an ideal set for those searching for head-to-toe comfort during cold weather activity.
[$115; ibex.com]
4. Jack Wolfskin Infinite Long Sleeve
Lightweight and flexible, the Infinite base layer’s performance starts with its poly-elastane fabric blend. The brushed interior provides a comfy feel and optimal thermal performance, while elastane adds stretch for good freedom of movement. The affordable price point makes this base layer an attractive option for any budget.
[$50; us.jackwolfskin.com]
5. Adidas Techfit Training Long Sleeve Tee
At the confluence of affordability, sustainability, and performance sits the Adidas Techfit Training Tee. Made from a blend of recycled polyester and elastane, athletes will be able to train and move without restriction in this base layer. In addition to utilizing a moisture wicking fabric, Adidas added a mesh panel on the back to increase breathability, so you’ll stay comfortable during your toughest training sessions.
[$35; adidas.com]
6. North Face Summit Series DotKnit Crew
Constructed from a blend of recycled and synthetic polyester, this base layer from North Face is a great choice for any athlete. It’s made with a proprietary double-knit construction and features engineered holes on the face fabric. These holes help pull moisture away from the skin and expel it outside the garment, keeping you cool and dry. Underarm gussets and a minimal-seam design further increase the comfort; thumbholes ensure a reliable fit even when you’re moving quickly.
[$89; thenorthface.com]
7. Patagonia Men’s Capilene Thermal Weight Zip-Neck
Constructed from 92 percent recycled polyester with a touch of spandex, Patagonia’s Capilene Thermal maximizes sustainability and comfort. The open-grid fabric pattern boosts warmth, breathability, and moisture-wicking, while a specialized fabric treatment provides optimal odor control for multi-day use. The front zipper creates ventilation when things heat up, while underarm gussets and flatlock seams allow for unimpeded movement.
[$109; patagonia.com]
8. Artilect Darkhorse 185 Zoned Crew
Designed for optimal thermoregulation and freedom of movement, Artilect’s Darkhorse base layer is a superior choice. The Nuyarn merino fabric offers improved durability and an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. The combination of gusseted underarms and carefully engineered seam and eyelet placements create maximum stretch with shape retention, so it won’t lose its snug fit over time.
[$150; artilect.studio]
9. Smartwool Men’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew
Smartwool’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer offers top-of-the-line comfort and performance. Constructed from 100-percent merino wool, its interlock knit design enhances the fabric’s natural properties—breathability, thermoregulation, and odor resistance—while new shoulder panels and flatlock seams eliminate chafing issues for all-day, all-activity comfort. Better yet, 11 colorways provide you with plenty of style options.
[$110; smartwool.com]
10. Meriwool Merino 250 Midweight Half Zip Top
Made from premium Australian merino wool, this base layer from Meriwool is surprisingly affordable. The midweight, superfine (19.5-micron) fabric offers premium comfort for cool weather, while the half zip top allows you to boost ventilation when temperatures rise.
[$60; meriwoollayers.com]
11. Icebreaker BodyfitZone Merino 150 Zone Long Sleeve Crewe Thermal Top
A lightweight base layer featuring merino wool blended with nylon and Lycra, the Crewe Thermal Top offers comfort and flexibility. It’s made with zones of breathability around high-sweat areas, a thumb loop keeps the sleeves in place during vigorous activities, and flatlock seams prevent chafing.
[$105; icebreaker.com]
