New Balance Men's Compression Thermal Crewneck Long Sleeve Baselayer

Product Information

While merino wool is one of the best base layer materials, it does only last so long and it can lose its shape, which is why many brands use a mix of wool and hardier synthetic fabrics. Environmental concerns Main fabric: Phasic AR II (100% polyester with DAO finish), Zoned panels: Nucliex 150 (87% Wool, 13% Nylon, RWS wool) The merino brings with it natural antibacterial and anti-odor properties, while the Lifa is more hard-wearing and helps keep the top in shape. A really comfortable top, with flat seams, this is the only base layer on test that had a hoodie, which people will either love or hate. If you’re out and about in seriously cold conditions, your ears are going to love it – it fits under climbing or bike helmet no problem, and really adds to the protection level of the top, making it suitable for high level epics on serious mountains. If you’re adventuring at a more modest level, this is still a lovely top, but you might find it a little too substantial to wear as a base layer.

The Solution 150 won't be a perfect fit for everyone: the slim fit can be too tight for many body types to wear comfortably — especially if you're worried about the sleeves being too tight around the shoulders and pits. The NuYarn wool blend is a thin, stretchy fabric, but durability is a concern if worn alone and not safely underneath a top layer. Finally, we need to talk about the price: this is one of the most expensive base layers we've tested. Still, if you can swing the cost, you may never find yourself not wearing this hoody, from when the first flakes fall to when the last ski run closes. Breathable and stretchy, useful features such as hood and thumb loops, highly adaptable to wide range of conditions Cornish brand Finisterre has long offered a range of merino underwear, but they’ve always been an environmentally conscious company, and last year they added bamboo base layers to their range. A natural product, bamboo is both sustainable to produce and the end product will eventually biodegrade, unlike synthetic poly tops, which will outlast us all and release micro fibres into the water system and food chain every time they’re washed. While there are myriad styles to choose from, the best base layers are there to do one job well: keep the wearer warm and safe. Additional features will add comfort and functionality, but the thermal properties are the most important factor. The following are some things to consider. Thermal insulation One of our favorite super stretchy, soft, and warm synthetic base layers for cool to cold conditionsIt’s tempting to go cheap on your base layers – after all, they’re not generally the most exciting bits of kit. But we think a top-quality technical layer like this one is well worth it.

Our base layers testing used six rating metrics with the following weightings to the overall final score: These types of questions will help guide you in the direction of what holds more importance for you as a buyer. Decide which metrics are most important for your sport or activity—whether that's ice climbing or shoveling snow in your driveway—and base your decisions on those factors first. The Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino wins top honors for its weight class thanks to its innovative seamless knitting technology that blends swaths of warm fabric with panels that add durability and ventilation — all without requiring additional seams, which saves on weight and bulk. We think this is a pretty cool innovation, and it seems to work. The slim, athletic fit excels as a base layer, allowing you to top it off with additional layers for a complete system to prepare you for the harshest of conditions. Extra long sleeves, torso, and a drop tail hem ensure that the Intraknit Thermal covers you no matter how you move. The midweight Merino wool blend fabric is a great "just right" weight to use for most cool to cold days outdoors. Unique features like thumb loops and a hood makes this Merino wool blend base layer super versatile Thin and lightweight Merino blend, 1/4 zip enhances thermal regulation, extra long sleeves and torsoOur tester felt the sizing was somewhat generous, with extra room on the waist and arm length; she reports that a small felt more like a size 12 – so this is worth bearing in mind if you’re after a more fitted top.

For a decade, our team of experts has bought and tested dozens of the best base layers on the market. For this update, we compare 17 of the most popular options side-by-side. 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. We score all base layers across key areas of performance, like warmth, breathability, and drying speed. Whether it's for the warm or cold season, a quality base layer is sure to keep you dry and comfortable, no matter where your next outdoor escapade takes you.Combining strict ethical production standards and technical functionality is a hard task, but the Smartwool Women’s Merino Sport Long Sleeve Top delivers on both fronts. Proudly boasting ZQ certification, not only does it feel good from a consumer perspective but the top also performance perfectly.