This is a gear review of the best backpacking base layers for 2024.
They are usually combined with a high-quality hiking mid-layer, fleece jacket, down jacket, and rain jacket to form part of your backpacking layering to protect you from the elements.
I don’t know what’s worse. A base layer that doesn’t keep you warm, one that isn’t breathable, or one that doesn’t dry out quickly after a shower of rain. A quality base layer is a good solution. Keep reading to find out the best hiking base layers for 2024.
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Best Backpacking Base Layers 2024
The Best Backpacking Base Layers for 2024 are:
- Smartwool Merino Classic All-Season Base Layer
- Smartwool Merino Classic Thermal Base Layer
- Patagonia Capilene Cool Crew
- Macpac Prothermals
- REI Co-op Lightweight Base Layer Long-Sleeve Crew Top
- REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Crew Top
- Icebreaker Merino Oasis Long Sleeve CreweTop
- Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew Top
- Macpac Merino 220 Top
Best Base Layer – Overall
Smartwool Merino Classic All-Season Base Layer
Pros:
> Made from 88% merino wool
> Merino wool is thermo-regulating
> Merino wool is moisture-wicking
> Most customers have made repeat purchases because as much as they love them so much
Cons:
> Not much, they are great
The Smartwool Merino Classic All Season base layer is made from 88% merino wool and 12% nylon. It is a lightweight baselayer best suited to both warm and cool weather.
The Smartwool Merino Classic All Season lightweight base layer is ultra-smooth to the touch and has a luxuriously soft feel great against the skin. They also breathe well and naturally resist any body odors.
The Smartwool Merino Classic All Season is thermo-regulating, which means that it will retain a nice, comfortable temperature, without becoming too hot. It is also moisture-wicking, which is great because this means that it will disperse any sweat that may start to form on your skin. It also performs well in warm weather such as a hot desert as it can regulate body heat.
Overall, the Smartwool Merino Classic All Season is one of my favorite gear items and is the Best Lightweight Baselayer for Men and Women and the best lightweight base layer.
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Best Mid Weight Base Layer
Smartwool Merino Classic Thermal Base Layer
Pros:
> Made with 100% Merino wool
> Breathable & they lock in heat
> Soft feel against the skin
Cons:
> This is a midweight thermal layer, some people are expecting something heavier weight.
If you are looking for a Merino Base Layer and are confused with all the choices, the Smartwool Men’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew is probably the one you should get. It is a midweight Merino suited to cool to cold weather, unlike the all-season version above which is thinner and better suited to both cool and warm weather.
The Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew for Men and Women is made with 100% Merino fabric, and that makes them perfect for hiking and backpacking.
They work to lock in the heat but are also breathable and work to wick sweat away so are a great insulating layer for hiking and backpacking.
The Smartwool Merino is comfortable enough to wear all day long. They come as a slim fit and offer plenty of stretch.
There are more color choices than any other Base Layer in this review so whether you want plain black or a bright color they have you covered.
The size that you buy does not affect the price, and neither does the color.
Overall, the Smartwool Men’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew is the best midweight Merino base layer for backpacking. The hard decision is whether you choose the Merino 150 version mentioned above or the heavier fabric weight of the Merino 250 version mentioned here!
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Best Lightweight Base Layer
Patagonia Capilene Cool Crew
Pros:
> Made with 100% recycled polyester
> Lightweight
> Soft feel against the skin
> It stretches to allow ease of movement
Cons:
> Premium product at a premium price
If you’re passionate about the environment, then this is the Patagonia Capilene Cool Base Layer for you.
It’s made of 100% recycled polyester synthetic fabric for warmth with odor control added to reduce bad body smells.
The fabric feels soft against your skin and it stretches to allow movement, eliminating any chafe points. And it’s nice and warm too.
The Patagonia Capilene Cool is durable and is designed to last. It provides moisture wicking for when you start to sweat, and it dries out quite quickly too.
It’s available in several different colors and there are also styles of Patagonia Capilene Cool Shirts, including hoodies, long sleeve, and short sleeve shirts
Overall, these are a great environmentally responsible baselayer for backpacking and a good blend of natural fibers and synthetic fibers to help with temperature regulation.
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Best Lightweight Base Layer for Australia and New Zealand
Macpac Prothermals
Pros:
> It offers excellent warmth
> It wicks away your sweat
> There’s an elastic waistband
> Best warmth-to-weight ratio of all the baselayers in this review
Cons:
> Only available in Australia and New Zealand.
The Macpac Prothermals are made with Polartec Powergrid which offers exceptional warmth to weight. They are one of the warmest synthetic base layers in this review. It also uses Polygiene to help reduce body odors and the half zip can be used to regulate temperature when needed.
If you don’t like wool in your base layer, then these are for you.
It’s nice and smooth and the athletic fit matched with increased stretch allows you to move around as much as you please.
It is my current base layer of choice in Australia and I wear it all winter as my base layer when on early morning runs. All I need is an outer layer like a windbreaker or rain jacket and I am well protected from the cold weather and quite warm.
The construction of the Polartec Powergrid makes it a very breathable base layer and one of the best materials for wicking moisture away from the skin.
There is not much in the way of color choice but overall, this is the best non-merino base layer in this review and the warmest base layer for winter in this review. Unfortunately, it is only available in Australia and New Zealand.
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Best Budget Lightweight Base Layer
REI Co-Op Lightweight Base Layer Long-Sleeve Crew Top
Pros:
> Bargain, affordable price
> Keeps you cool in the sun
> Keeps you warm in winter
Cons:
> Not made with Merino wool
If you’ve found the base layers above to be a little expensive, then the REI Co-Op Lightweight Crew may be the better option for you.
It’s a slightly looser fit than most other base layers on our shortlist and it stretches for easy movement thanks to the spandex which allows 4-way stretch. It is constructed using flat seams so there is less chance of chafing when you are out on the trail all day.
Made with polyester rather than Merino it still keeps you warm when you need it and will wick away sweat when you warm up.
Overall, the REI Co-Op Lightweight Crew is available in several colors this is one of the best budget base layers on the market.
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Best Budget Midweight Base Layer
REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Crew Top
Pros:
> It’s very reasonably priced
> It’s midweight, not lightweight
> Wicks away all your sweat
> Good stretchy material
Cons:
> Not made with Merino wool
The REI Co-Op midweight base layer is very reasonably priced. You may even argue that it’s a bargain.
As a midweight base layer, it’s a little thicker and hence warmer than its lightweight counterparts. But you don’t have to worry about getting sweaty while wearing it because the fabric is designed to wick sweat away.
It has a nice smooth outer, and a cozy brushed interior. And there’s a 4-way stretch to it, so you can move around comfortably.
There’s flat seam construction to reduce bulk and chafing. But better yet, there are also rolled-forward shoulder seams to prevent your backpack straps from chafing you.
It’s available in a nice choice of color options and the REI Co-Op thermals are one of the best budget options in this review of base layers.
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Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Crew Top
Pros:
> Lots of different color options
> It’s made from 100% Merino wool
> Thermo-regulating and moisture-wicking
Cons:
> Premium product at a premium price
Now, if you want to change up your look for your backpacking, this is the way to do it, since this base layer is available in many different color options.
Most of these colors are quite understated and subdued, but there are also some bright eye-popping colors in there too. There are some which are one color all over and others with different colored sleeves or with graphics on the front.
It’s made from 100% Merino wool, which means that it’s both thermo-regulating and moisture-wicking, which means that you will be toasty warm but won’t feel sweaty at all. This is the only product that is made from 100% New Zealand Merino, which adds to the higher price tag.
I like that it features a drop-tail hem to keep you better covered.
And better yet, it’s suitable for a machine wash and does not have to be washed by hand, or taken to the dry cleaners.
Overall, these are the highest-quality Merino base layers for backpacking.
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Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew Top
Pros:
> Loose fitting base layer top
> Durable and designed to last
> Strategically placed underarm panels
Cons:
> A limited number of colors and sizes.
If you’re looking for a loose-fitting base layer top, the Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew could well be the very one for you.
The Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew features a double-weave construction and is a midweight garment, so it’s far more durable than its lightweight alternatives and is designed to last.
I love the raglan sleeves and the strategically placed underarm panels since this helps provide a full range of motion.
The inside is brushed for softness and warmth, while the outer is nice and smooth, which is perfect for adding other layers on top.
It has a nice stretch to it and it wicks sweat away really well.
Overall, the Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew is a great mid-weight base layer for backpacking and traveling. They will be a good option for your layering system.
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Macpac Merino 220 Top
Pros:
> Made from 100% Merino wool
> It’s thermo-regulating
> It also wicks away sweat
Cons:
> Only available in Australia and New Zealand.
The Macpac Merino base layer is made from 100% Merino wool.
It’s thermo-regulating, which means that it will keep you cool in the heat, and cozy and warm when you’re out in the cold. It also wicks away sweat and is naturally anti-odor. And the fabric feels really soft against your skin. And it is machine washable.
What makes it so great for wearing backpacking is the displaced shoulder seams, which won’t dig in from wearing a backpack.
It’s available in limited color options but comes in Women’s Base Layer and Men’s Base Layer sizing.
Overall, the Macpac Merino Base Layer is the best merino base layer in Australia and New Zealand.
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Other Base Layers
The following items are good quality and worth considering.
Hiking Baselayer Comparison Table
| Brand | Material |
|---|---|
| Smartwool Merino Classic All Season Base Layer | 87% merino wool, 13% nylon |
| Smartwool Merino Classic Thermal Base Layer | 100% merino wool |
| Patagonia Men’s Capilene Cool Crew | 51% merino wool, 49% polyester |
| Macpac Prothermals | 90% polartec powergrid fleece, 10% polyester |
| REI Co-op Lightweight Base Layer Long-Sleeve Crew Top | 92% polyester, 8% spandex |
| REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Crew Top | 92% polyester, 8% spandex |
| Icebreaker Merino Oasis Long Sleeve CreweTop | 100% merino wool |
| Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew Top | 100% polyester |
| Macpac Merino 220 Top | 100% merino wool |
Base Layer Buyers Guide
Size and Fit
You must get the right size base layer for your frame. Base layers that are too tight will be particularly uncomfortable, and base layers that are too baggy will allow the breeze to get to your skin and make you too cold.
As a general rule, the next-to-skin layer should be a snug fit. As they are incredibly stretchy it should not restrict movement too much. Some also have thumb holes or thumb loops to ensure the sleeve will stay down to the cuff when needed.
If you are buying online rather than in-store, I would strongly recommend that you check out the size charts and whether the garments are true to size.
Fabric Properties
What fabric you use should be your second consideration after size and fit. You need fabrics that will keep you comfortable during your backpacking trip, whatever the weather happens to be doing. I have both Merino and Synthetic as my thermal underwear and each has advantages and disadvantages.
Merino Wool
Merino is a natural wool fabric that is well known for its anti-bacterial qualities and ability to reduce odor. It also has a natural ability to regulate body temperature. I love hiking in this fabric in warm weather such as a hot dry desert. It can keep me warm when needed and cool me down when needed. But in the tropical humid heat, they are horrible.
I also like using this fabric as a hiking base layer for many days before I start to offend others with my body smell.
But it does have some downsides. It tends to be heavier than synthetics for the same level of warmth and it is not as durable. They can also stick to your skin when you get sweaty and leave wet patches that stay there until they dry. They do not wick as well as most synthetics.
I love to use a Merino Wool Base Layer for sleeping. They make a great alternative to a sleeping bag liner and do a great job of keeping your sleeping bag or ultralight backpacking quilt clean and free of body oils, sweat, and dirt.
Synthetics
Synthetic Base Layers are improving year on year. One of my favorite materials for a synthetic layer is the Polartec Grid fabric and the newer styles of blends that mix synthetics and wool.
This means that the base layer should help to maintain a comfortable temperature by locking in heat. At the same time, however, they also have to be breathable, and if necessary, offer excellent moisture wicking of sweat and moisture. And if it can also resist body odor, that’s a great plus, too.
Synthetic material does not make good warm-weather base layers. They are best suited to cold weather.
There are other materials such as a silk base layer or bamboo. Silk is great for sleeping in but not much else.
Odor Resistance
Merino Wool baselayers have an amazing natural resistance to body odor control. The natural anti-bacterial properties lend it well to being used on hiking and backpacking trips which tend to make most people stinky. For that reason, merino wool has no equal odor resistance.
Synthetics tend to hold in bad body smells and don’t do well for odor resistance. But in recent years some fabrics have added polygiene which reduces the growth of smelly bacteria that cause body odor. Having used many items with polygiene I can advise that it works well, but not quite as well as Merino Wool.
Most high-end fabrics used in this review will do a good job of reducing the chances of making your body smell offensive to others.
Wicking
Wicking is the ability of the fabric to take moisture present on the skin and transfer that moisture to the outside of the fabric so it can evaporate and ensure the body does not cool down in cold weather. It is the moisture-wicking ability of the fabric that makes it best for use close to your skin.
Wicking and breathability work together to allow the sweat to move from the skin to ensure you do not cool down too quickly. But in mild weather, it also serves to allow the moisture to move to the outer fabric to let the wind evaporate and therefore cool you down.
Breathability
A lightweight layer on your skin serves the purpose of keeping you warm and wicking moisture from sweat away from your skin to allow it to evaporate.
The base layer is the item of clothing next to your skin and it is required to allow the skin to breathe. Therefore, the base layer material should be weaved in such a way to have a moisture-wicking capability that allows moisture to move from the skin to the outer fabric. The more open the weave the better.
In practice, wool layers are not as breathable as most synthetic layers.
When you want to prevent the fabric from becoming too breathable you should use a layering system.
Base Layers and the Layering System
A lightweight base layer is the first item to be considered when talking about layering. As it is the layer touching the skin it should be comfortable, have good breathability, good temperature regulation, and the ability to wick moisture. They can also be used as a warm weather base layer.
Mid Layers
After the base layer, a hiker needs a good mid-layer for cooler temperatures. Synthetic materials in Mid Layers and Fleece Jackets make good use of fabrics to keep you warm. In very cold weather, warm Down Jackets will be better. All serve the purpose of keeping you warm in cold weather and all come in varying degrees of warmth.
Outer Layers
The outer shell layer should be windproof and protect against the weather. A good waterproof rain jacket is the best option. It will protect against the cold wind and like most backpackers I often use the rain jacket over the top of a base layer to protect against the cold winds.
The quality outer layer will also be very breathable to allow any build-up of sweat, heat, and moisture to transfer through the fabric to the atmosphere. The outer layer also protects against rain and snow.
Aesthetic
Even when you’re out in the backcountry, it’s nice to be color-coordinated. It’s always a good idea to choose new clothing against how well it goes with what’s already in your wardrobe. Most people, myself included, spend a lot of time in base layers either at home or while in town. So having something that looks a little bit presentable is a good thing.
Women’s Baselayers
All of the items in the gear review above are available as men’s base layers or Women’s Base Layers. Women’s thermals usually have a slightly different cut than men’s to suit the body shape a little better.
They usually have a much better color selection so your women’s base layer will match up with your favorite color.
Value for Money
I would argue that “more affordable” does not always translate to better value for money. Better-quality clothing tends to cost more money than lower-quality items.
But if you do have to be budget-conscious, by all means, check prices as you go along. The REI Co-Op options represent great value for the budget backpacker.
A good set of Base Layers will last a very long time, for most people years. I still have a heavyweight base layer I bought in Canada in 1996! And I still wear it!
Care of Base Layers
Base layers are a little more delicate and less durable than a lot of other outdoor clothing. They require a little more thought when washing and drying the clothing.
I once destroyed an expensive set of merino tops and bottoms by washing them with a pair of jeans. The zipper on the jeans managed to rip a series of small holes in all of the thermals. These lightweight base layers need a little extra care when washing.
If possible wash them in a fabric bag or bra bag. This will prevent damage when washing with other items of clothing. Also, consider using a special fabric wash such as wool wash. I don’t bother with this but I know many people do.
A front-loading washing machine will be more gentle than a top-loading machine and try to avoid using a dryer, especially on high heat which may cause the fabric to shrink to an unusable level.
Conclusion
Overall, here are the best hiking base layers of 2024:
- Smartwool Merino Classic All-Season Base Layer
- Smartwool Merino Classic Thermal Base Layer
- Patagonia Capilene Cool Crew
- Macpac Prothermals
- REI Co-op Lightweight Base Layer Long-Sleeve Crew Top
- REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Crew Top
- Icebreaker Merino Oasis Long Sleeve CreweTop
- Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew Top
- Macpac Merino 220 Top
Frequently Asked Questions
What are base layers?
Base layers are the items of clothing you use next to your skin. They should be comfortable, keep you warm, and have the ability to wick any moisture away from your skin. Because they are breathable they are often used as part of a layering system when hiking or backpacking.
What are the best fabrics to use as base layers?
The best fabrics to use as base layers are synthetics and merino wool but silk and bamboo are also used. Merino wool is a great natural fabric with the great ability to regulate your body temperature and reduce bad body smells because they are naturally odor resistant. Synthetics have a great ability to keep you warm, wick moisture away from the skin, and breathe very well.
Are base layers worth it?
A good quality base layer will be money well spent. They will last a very long time and serve as the layer next to the skin that will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable. A good base layer is one of the cheapest ways to stay warm when it gets cold.
Are Merino Base Layers better than Synthetic Base Layers?
In many ways, merino base layers are better than synthetic base layers. They work well in both cold and hot weather (as long as it is not humid), and they naturally prevent bad body odor. Synthetic fabrics are often cheaper, lighter, and warmer.
BikeHikeSafari Gear Review Process
The author, Brad McCartney from BikeHikeSafari is a small independent adventurer and outdoor gear tester who owns and runs BikeHikeSafari.com.
BikeHikeSafari is not part of a large blog network and is proudly independent. All reviews on this site are independent and honest gear reviews of outdoor products by the author.
The author, Brad McCartney is a very experienced triple crown thru-hiker, adventurer, and bike tourer having spent 1000s of nights sleeping in a tent and sleeping bag (Read more). He was a manager of an outdoor retail store and is very experienced in what is important when using and testing gear for reviews like this.
BikeHikeSafari will never receive any money for reviews and they do not accept sponsored reviews on this website. All the comments about the gear reviews are from the author based on his years of experience. Hope this independent review was helpful for you.
