Long underwear tops that do best in this category feature slippery face fabrics, a thinner construction, and thumb loops. It offers similar performance to our synthetic competitors, showing no durability issues even after heavy use and several washes. It has a good fit - I bought Large and I'm 5'8" and 155lb average build. Silk is also known for its superior wicking qualities. This synthetic and Merino wool blend shirt is similar to our top performers and does an amazing job in the field for a fraction of the price. It fits true to size and seems to be a very good quality. : Would purchase many more to wear daily if they had colors. : Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The 100% synthetic construction of the Patagonia Capilene Midweight is also quite breathable. FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. Help others learn more about this product by uploading a video! Tops like the Ortovox 185 Rock'N'Wool (185 g/m) and Carhartt Base Force Heavyweight still receive high scores but offer just a little less warmth. During our testing period, we shimmied through canyons and bushwhacked through forests to see if the fabric snagged or tore. This is a great shirt, well made, and the perfect weight on those really cold days. The frictionless face fabric slides smoothly against even the fleeciest of mid-layers, and we slid it over lightweight tops and under pretty much anything we wanted to layer over it. COMFORTABLE & CONVENIENT: These quick-drying shirts with a UPF Rating 50+ are perfect for your next trip, whether your camping, hiking, hunting, playing sports, skiing, or partaking in any outdoors activity. The Rho LT Zip is best for someone seeking a synthetic layer that's durable, technical, and looks great. Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2019. Discover more about the small businesses partnering with Amazon and Amazons commitment to empowering them. Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2021. Without great breathability, you will not have much warmth during your cold-weather adventures. We also looked at the relative lengths of the arms and torso to see which provided the best overall coverage. Your bags are packed, the itinerary is set, and there's Seeking a deliciously warm fleece jacket? Your question might be answered by sellers, manufacturers, or customers who bought this product. Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2020. Our only caveat is that the fabric retains a little smell, and we have some pit stains. Not only does this innovative design look cool, it also offers strategically placed ventilation panels to allow the layer to breathe and release moisture. Package Includes: 1 - Womens 400g/m merino wool thermal crewneck top Black / XS. Still, we were surprised when this base layer exceeded our expectations and became one of the top performers. Crafted from 51% RWS-certified Merino wool and 49% recycled polyester, the unique 3D lofted knit design notably sets this layer apart from the rest. This layer features increased breathability through its Nuyarn Merino wool stretch technology and is a joy to wear. The length through the arms and torso is about medium, but because it doesn't stretch, you can't pull the arms to get a little more length, which is also true for the torso. Our team assesses each product across key performance factors like comfort, warmth, and breathability. This product is from a small business brand. The nylon fibers are shorter and have proven to be more durable and a better option for those needing a top for high-friction sports like canyoneering, bushwacking, or rock climbing. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Its polyester-wool construction brings about the best of both worlds when it comes to materials. After all of this, we inspect each product to evaluate the craftsmanship. Please try again. The Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody and the Patagonia Capilene Air Crew feature a loose weave that does an impeccable job wicking and offloading moisture. The Smartwool 150 is another durable hybrid that continues to perform after a year of hard use. Our testers love the well-engineered knit design as well as the strategically placed ventilation panels. Related: How We Tested Base Layer for Women. The thumbholes help increase the ease of layering this hoody. : We also wore each layer with a loaded backpack. For fit, sizing up was key for our lead tester. We suggest using this drawback to your advantage and wearing this layer as a stand-alone piece during the change of season to create a barrier between your sensitive skin and those cold north winds. Please try again. Editor's Note: This review was updated on June 20, 2022, to include new offerings from Black Diamond, Patagonia, and Smartwool. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. Brief content visible, double tap to read full content. Its for very cold weather so Im going to wear the lighter weight tonight and will review that later but the heavier weight is very sturdy, will last forever. It'll last you for many years with a low overhead cost. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we dont use a simple average. Of all the layers mentioned above, look for designs with longer arms so you can grab the cuff of the fabric and avoid the fabric bunching while pulling on a mid-layer. The porosity of the fabric provides great airflow while you sweat your way uphill and through the backcountry. Merino wool tends to cost more money than synthetic fabrics, and this higher price is passed on to the consumer. We take these tops trail running, backpacking, rafting, climbing, backcountry splitboarding, and hiking to determine how each performs during unique experiences in the backcountry. The arms are long and can be held when layering. One of the many ways we test our base layers. We love the fitted design that is stretchy and incredibly easy to layer over and under, plus the zippered neck for optional ventilation. Your opinion matters to us and will help us create a better experience. Very pleased so far. Not at all scratchy and warm. Soft. The price and quality are terrific. Most of the polyester tops we've tested don't offer the same "sitting around" warmth as Merino wool. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. For example, the Smartwool Merino 250 1/4 Zip is the warmest and most insulating base layer in this review, packing in 250 g/m of Merino wool. One other great contender for superior comfort is the Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody, whose innovative and seamless 3D knit weave construction conforms to the body and eliminates chafe points to increase overall comfort. There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. WOMENS SIZE OPTIONS: XS to L. 400g OF WARMTH: Our most popular 250g midweight crewnecks just got an upgrade! Our lead tester (5'6", 130 lbs) prefers size Small in most of these tops but found the Kari Traa Rose Half Zip, Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Hoody, Carhartt Heavyweight and Icebreaker Oasis to fit better in size Medium. The materials are a bit stiffer than 100% Merino wool, meaning the fabric doesn't stretch as much. While these models breathe adequately for light to moderate activity, some athletes might find them too thick and warm for intense activity. This layer also grew on us thanks to the Black Diamond specific Nuyarn Merino stretch technology that wraps the merino wool fabric with a nylon core to increase strength, durability, and improve wicking capabilities. : When moving from warm to cold, tops like the Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew and Arc'teryx Rho LT will typically adapt to their environment more readily than Merino wool. The perfect base or mid layer for cold to freezing conditions make these thermal tops our warmest and thickest base layers yet! With a nicely layered system, the Roman Trail Outfitters also works well beneath a midweight fleece or jacket. Tried, tested, and truly awesome. Wondering which top offers the best performance relative to their price? Throughout testing, we rate each product using five key metrics: warmth, breathability, comfort and fit, layering ability, and durability. When comparing fabrics, Merino wool stands out as the best thermoregulator. All trademarks property of their respective owners It's no wonder it offers some of the best value of tops tested. We love how the slim fit hugged our curves and kept its shape, even after multiple adventures without washing. The Carhartt Base Force is a top with heavy synthetic construction and Merino wool. The Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino features thumbholes which help increase the ease of layering, as they hold the layer in place while putting on gloves or a midweight layer over the top. GearLab is reader-supported. When evaluating the fit of each base layer, we handed these shirts to a group of women that varied in height, weight, and body shape to offer the most objective recommendations possible. Most importantly, a durable top shouldn't easily succumb to snags and tears after just a few times out on the trail. WICKING & ODOR RESISTANCE: Merino wools natural wicking and odor-resistant properties keep you dry and comfortable while active in cold weather. This top was not warm at all.I have continued to wear my 32s as the base for all tops,living in the mountains you need as much warmth as possible.I purchased this and the bottoms to keep warm as they advertised these as the warmest you could purchase.Not even close.Pj top warmer,unless youre wearing a warm coat on top,consider something else. Both are lighter options for excellent thermoregulation on high output days like cross-country skiing or running. One of our only complaints with this layer is that it can be a bit of a trick to layer due to its lofted fabric and slim fit though this certainly isn't a dealbreaker. Take your warmth to the next level with our new 400g heavyweight crewneck tops. This top is a little thinner than most and as a result, it's not the warmest in this review. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Additionally, this layer is very easy to layer, as the fabric hugs the body well and maintains a smooth texture. This is the yang to warmth's yin. The Air Hoody offers an exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio when compared to the other layers in this review. Love that it is somewhat stretchy and has a bit of a feminine fit. Our testers love the slim fit of the Air Hoody which kept us comfortable while also keeping its shape during our extensive testing period. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. Wool is my favorite base layer and I really like this one for fit and thickness. It also wicks well and offers durable construction, similar to a 100% synthetic top. Luna and Ruby enjoy some beautiful views while staying warm in the Carhartt Base Force. Arc'teryx is known for its bomber craftsmanship, and this product is no different. Its diamond-grid architecture promotes great airflow with a face fabric that cuts the wind when worn independently. Package Dimensions The stylish and strategically engineered ventilation panels throughout the design work to increase airflow and enhance breathability by featuring a tighter weave with a touch of elastane. Would love a navy and purple one alsoWorth the money. Warm, thick but comfortable wool. When we first tried on the hoody, the fabric didn't feel as soft and cozy next to our skin as other layers featured in this review; however, after a few romps and washes, we noticed that it started to soften, and slowly this layer became our go-to for every mission from early morning trail runs to multi-pitch rock climbs. Read review: Smartwool Intraknit Merino 200. Our favorite value-based purchase of all models tested is the Carhartt Base Force Heavyweight 1/4 Zip. The Arc'teryx Rho LT Zip top gave us reason to celebrate during this rest day in Indian Creek. If you like the way a top sounds, check to see what other fabric weights are available. Full content visible, double tap to read brief content. A midweight base layer is typically a good compromise. The interior is fleece lined with wicking power that does a good job moving moisture. Not only that, but you want to ensure you can throw layers on top and remove them without much effort. If you run hot, lightweight fabric is the way to go, but if you get cold easily, opt for midweight construction. A good base layer is versatile and easy to use within a layering system. Our testers love the versatility of a hood which allows the layer to trap essential heat and maximize warmth. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. Also, a wonderful layer under my jacket for errands, walks and hikes. Great for layering under or over garments. Incredible comfort after some break-in time. Support small. While Carhartt calls it "heavyweight," our team agrees that it is similar in performance to other midweight options on the market. The Oasis feels thinner than the Rock'N'Wool but has a tighter knit construction. EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER CARE: If your MERIWOOL Womens Heavyweight Baselayer Crew doesnt perform to your satisfaction, return it to us within 30 DAYS with proof of purchase for a hassle-free refund, exchange, or replacement. We understand the importance of the return on your investment. In general, we love Merino wool tops with a fitted, stretchy design simply because they offer the maximum level of comfort. We've bought and tested dozens of innovative women's base layers over the last 5 years. Hiking uphill in Leavenworth, WA had us pushing the limits of breathability. When wearing it for many days on end, without washing it, the materials didn't build up odor, nor did the layer stretch out. Got feedback? During our testing, we only reviewed lightweight and midweight models. The Carhartt Base Force Heavyweight is a high-value base layer top that our testers love. That said, it does well as a base layer in colder weather and is easy to layer. Please make sure that you are posting in the form of a question. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. The Patagonia Capilene Midweight keeps us super dry and warm while on the go. The base layer tops we chose are composed of either synthetic materials, Merino wool, or a blend. When testing for this metric, we assess each top to determine which fabric has the coziest and most versatile fit. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. This updated review features 17 of the market's best options, tested side by side in all kinds of conditions. When making our selection, we take hours researching the best options on the market before selecting the very best and subjecting them to our rigorous side-by-side testing plan. How confident are you in finding a size that will fit you well? Quality heavy weight , extremely warm thick underlayer, Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2019. I bought a M and it hugs me at 38 full bust, 32 under bust measurements, but it doesn't squeeze me. Whether we were ascending thousands of vertical feet or out for an early morning run on the trails, it was clear to us that this high-performing base layer was our favorite crew. Not itchy at all. Many are constructed with hollow polyester fibers. The Arc'teryx Rho LT offers stand-alone warmth with its cozy fleece-lined interior. It's been many years since we first started testing the Arc'teryx Rho LT Zip, and it's still going strong. This layer is more expensive than other synthetic options, however, given that it is one of the most time-tested pieces that we've had the opportunity of using, the value of performance you get out of it is definitely worth the investment. The Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody is an excellent option for the consumer looking for style, function, and versatility. We've Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Quarter Zip - Women's, Smartwool Intraknit Merino 200 Pattern - Women's, Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Quarter Zip, Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Crewe - Women's, Carhartt Base Force Heavyweight 1/4 Zip - Women's, Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew - Women's, Ortovox 185 Rock'N'Wool Long-Sleeve - Women's, Roman Trail Outfitters Merino Long Sleeve - Women's, REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Crew - Women's, Roman Trail Outfitters top is a Merino layer, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Breathable, excellent thermoregulation, extra warmth with hood, easy to layer, Super comfortable, excellent breathability, stylish, eco-conscious, no odor, Cozy fleece interior, easy to layer, warm, versatile, stash pocket, tight fit, Wide range of thermoregulation, cozy materials, no odor after long wear, longer fit through torso and arms, versatile, Stylish and functional design, excellent durability and fit, comfortable, no odor, Expensive, takes a few washes to increase next-to-skin comfort, Expensive, lacks durability of thicker fabrics, tricky to layer, Stretches after wearing for several days, thick construction isn't ideal for warmer days, A top-notch lightweight performer featuring exceptional thermoregulation and breathability with an innovative Merino wool technology that gets softer with every use, A high performing lightweight base layer featuring blended Merino and recycled polyester fabrics for a wide range of thermoregulation, This high performance synthetic layer is ready for pretty much any adventure you dream up, This top provides cozy comfort, top-notch thermoregulation, and resists odor build-up better than any model we tested, This base layer offers an excellent, slim fit and a wide range of thermoregulation thanks to strategically placed ventilation panels that release excess moisture, Torrent 190 with Polygiene (84% polyester, 16% elastane), 53% Merino wool, 45% polyester, 2% elastane, Built for high-output adventure, this lightweight base layer hoody offers an excellent warmth to weight ratio and maximum breathability, This lightweight base layer doesn't sacrifice on overall performance when it comes to warmth and breathability, Versatility and cozy comfort all in one well-built synthetic package, Comfort and excellent thermoregulation with quality construction, A stylish, comfortable, and functional design that performs well during activity, A lightweight base layer that packs in amazing comfort and versatility, A high value contender built to take on the elements of all seasons, This durable base layer is easy to layer and great for those colder days but lacks overall comfort and sufficient breathability for year-round performance, A high value synthetic base layer that should be considered for high output activities, A light base layer built to breath and wick away sweat, Layering issues aside, it's one of the warmest and most breathable base layers out there, If not for the unnecessary and uncomfortable seams, we would more readily recommend this top that thermoregulates well, A nice, lightweight base layer that won't empty your wallet, While we respect the lower price offering of this top, it failed to impress our testers in any significant area of performance, A silk top that is both stylish and breathable, Versatile with great value and a synthetic construction, A super durable merino wool contender with cute design and style. Choose lightweight fabric for any of the tops we reviewed if you want something that'll breathe easier. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. The Roman Trail Outfitters top is a Merino layer that retails for almost 50% less than our top performers. While our testers were initially skeptical of the new Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Hoody, we were ultimately impressed as this layer kept up with us during a variety of mountain adventures. Not at all scratchy!!! The hood on the Solution 150 is fantastic. Fits true to size. And not far behind is the Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino, which offers an exceptional range of thermoregulation within a very lightweight 150g/m design. A base layer top is an integral part of any women's outdoor wardrobe. True to size. Related: How to Choose Base Layers for Women. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, We put women's base layers to the test from Smartwool, Black Diamond, Icebreaker, Patagonia, Carhartt and more to find the warmest and most versatile options. If you think you're going to be moving a lot more with minimal breaks, choose a thinner option to avoid overheating. However, we were disappointed that the latest version of this shirt is designed with bulkier flatlock seams across both forearms. , Date First Available While most long-underwear tops are presumably the "next-to-skin" layer, it is a bonus when you can wear a tank or tee beneath when conditions are expected to warm up. Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2021. No sponsored content. No tops in this review contain cotton. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. We also evaluate how the fabrics feel next to our skin after several days of wear without washing, so we can determine whether or not the feel of the fabric changes over time. Shop products from small business brands sold in Amazons store. 2001-2022 evo - All rights reserved, all wrongs reversed |, Everything, the newest and freshest, plus, Rojo Outerwear Baselayer Hoodie - Women's, BlackStrap Cloudchaser Hooded Top - Women's, Icebreaker 260 Zone Long Sleeve Half Zip Top - Women's, Burton Heavyweight X Base Layer Pants - Women's, Smartwool Intraknit Merino 250 Thermal Color Block Bottoms - Women's, Smartwool Intraknit Merino 250 Thermal Colorblock Crew Top - Women's, Smartwool Intraknit Merino 250 Colorblock 1/4 Zip Top - Women's, Smartwool Merino 250 Drape Neck Hoodie - Women's, Rojo Outerwear Velvet Funnel Neck Base Layer Top - Women's, Burton Heavyweight X Quarter-Zip Base Layer Top - Women's, Icebreaker Merino Long Sleeve Roll Neck Top - Women's, Icebreaker 260 Zone Legless Bottoms - Women's, Rojo Outerwear Velvet Full Length Pants - Women's, Rojo Outerwear Full Length Baselayer Pants - Women's, Patagonia Capilene Thermal Weight Pants - Women's, MONS ROYALE Olympus Half Zip Top - Women's, Patagonia Capilene Thermal Weight Zip-Neck Hoodie - Women's, Rojo Outerwear Skivvy Base Layer Top - Women's, Patagonia Capilene Thermal Weight Zip-Neck Top - Women's. In general, if you know you will be sitting around in cold weather, choose a thicker option. Layers like the Kari Traa Rose and the Smartwool Intraknit Merino 200 work well because of their skin-tight fit, making sliding layers overtop easy. An avid trail runner, rock climber, and splitboarder, Trish wears base layers frequently while climbing thousands of vertical feet and on long-distance trail runs in cool to cold weather in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, her current home. Read review: Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody. Sleeves are a good length and the fit is stretchy enough to be flattering without being too skintight. Keep in mind that most of the options listed here have different weight options. Very warm but breathes nicely so low chance of overheating if weather changes. The Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody and the Patagonia Capilene Air Crew (147 g/m) are other surprisingly warm contenders that do excellent work at regulating heat output. The Icebreaker Oasis 200 was just what we needed to stay warm, comfortable, and dry during this fall training run in Indian Creek. When looking at comparable weights, it offers more insulating warmth and breathability, which equates to better thermoregulation overall. The Black Diamond Solution features 78% Nuyarn merino wool and 22% polyester to maintain strength and durability, with a bit of stretch, as well as flatlock hemlines. Typically, the largest trade-off in this category lies in the materials used. To benefit from the increased levels of comfort and warmth due to the fleece lining on the interior of this base layer, you must sacrifice a certain amount of breathability. Easy to care for and re-blocks easily if there is any shrinkage or change of shape when washed. The fibers are full of air which will keep you cool but aren't the best choice during the summer months because of the amount of insulation. With high quality construction, the Arc'teryx Rho LT is one of the most durable layers that we've tested. Wicking refers to a fabrics ability to pull moisture away from your body and keep you comfortable. The best at proper ventilation are those constructed from thinner materials and a fabric knit that isn't too tight so moisture to escape. We found this layer more versatile than the rest, thanks to a hood, a 1/4 zipper, and thumbholes which can all be utilized to maximize warmth. Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them. I've washed and worn it a couple times now and still looks and fits well after hanging on line to dry. This piece sits closest to the skin, wicks away moisture, and ultimately keeps you warm and comfortable while tackling summits or lounging around the chalet. After many long years of use, there are still no significant areas of wear and tear. Does look like underwear, not decorative, but ample, good solid coverage. Comfortable, excellent breathability, with wonderful comfort. We love the way this top fits. , Manufacturer Our testing team is led by Amber King and Trish Matheny. For best results: hand wash and lay flat to dry. Of the Merino wool competitors, thinner options like the Roman Trail Outfitters, Smartwool 150 Crew, Icebreaker Oasis 200, and Ortovox Rock'N'Wool are much easier to layer than thicker options. Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2022, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates, Learn more how customers reviews work on Amazon. Synthetic layers typically have more rigid fibers that, in combination, make for easy layering. Of these, the Kari Traa Rose Half Zip and the Smartwool Merino 250 prove to be the most durable.