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Stay dry and comfortable with these top tested base layers for use in both sun and snow.

Women’s Flatiron 185 Quarter Zip

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These are our top-tested picks for backpacking, hiking, sightseeing, and more.

The matching pants feel a little long and bunched around our ankles.

This is the set we reach for during winter activities and lounging around the house alike.

Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip

Credit: Smartwool

These are 100 percent Merino wool, which is less common than a Merino/synthetic blend.

There is also amen’s version of the topandMerino bottoms.

These layers are synthetic, so they arent as odor resistant.

Person wearing jacket over Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip.

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A two-pack of these synthetic tops will run you less than half the cost of other base layers.

The fit is more draped, which makes it trickier for tight layering.

Where thisshirt for menand women really stands out is in daily wear.

Person wearing Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip.

The hood can feel bulky and in the way if youre trying to layer.

Overall, this is a great option for everything from travel tosun protectionto a base layer on cold days.

Nuyarn Merino isnt as soft as other fibers and can feel scratchy next to skin.

Person taking off jacket with Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip underneath.

The shirt wicks sweat and breathes well, helping it stay stink-free even during all-day wear.

The material isnt the softest weve tested.

Themens versioncomes with the same tall neck, but with the addition of a hood.

Person wearing Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip.

Despite the fact that it is made primarily with Merino wool, its not itchy at all.

While some we liked for leisurely activities, they had some minor flaws that we just didn’t love.

Before putting the layers on, we examined the stretch, feel, and overall quality of the materials.

Folded Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip

Each layer was worn as a standalone piece and underneath heavier outer layers.

After each wear, we washed and dried each layer following manufacturer care instructions.

Look for durability

Base layers can be tricky when it comes to durability.

Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip

That is: base layer, mid-layer, and outer layer.

you could mix and match the weights of these layers depending on the conditions and activity output.

Some base layers have a touch of spandex for shape retention.

Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip with open collar.

Tencel, a soft fiber made from bamboo, is great for ultralight summer base layers.

Base layers are usually tight.

The best fit is one that hugs your body but is made with articulation and gusseted body-mapping.

Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Maggie Slepianis a Montana-based writer, editor, and outdoor lover.

For this piece, she combined her own testing experience with feedback and tested items from T+L editors.

Person wearing Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip.

Person wearing Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip.

Front side of person wearing Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip.

Person wearing jacket over Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip.

Person wearing Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip.

Person taking off jacket with Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip underneath.

Person wearing Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip.

Folded Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip

Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip

Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip with open collar.

Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip

Person wearing Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip.

Person wearing Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip.

Front side of person wearing Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip.

Free Country Women’s Microtech Heat Base Layer Long Sleeve Two-pack

Credit: Amazon

Person wearing Free Country Women’s Microtech Heat Base Layer Long Sleeve.

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Person wearing Free Country Women’s Microtech Heat Base Layer Long Sleeve.

Free Country Women’s Microtech Heat Base Layer Long Sleeve Two-pack

Close up of Free Country Women’s Microtech Heat Base Layer Long Sleeve.

Close up of Free Country Women’s Microtech Heat Base Layer Long Sleeve.

Person wearing Free Country Women’s Microtech Heat Base Layer Long Sleeve.

Person wearing Free Country Women’s Microtech Heat Base Layer Long Sleeve.

Person wearing Free Country Women’s Microtech Heat Base Layer Long Sleeve.

Free Country Women’s Microtech Heat Base Layer Long Sleeve Two-pack

Close up of Free Country Women’s Microtech Heat Base Layer Long Sleeve.

Close up of Free Country Women’s Microtech Heat Base Layer Long Sleeve.

Person wearing Free Country Women’s Microtech Heat Base Layer Long Sleeve.

Paka Women’s Aire Long Sleeve

Credit: Paka

Person wearing a light coat over Paka Women’s Aire Long Sleeve.

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Person wearing Paka Women’s Aire Long Sleeve.

Person wearing Paka Women’s Aire Long Sleeve.

Person unzipping light coat with Paka Women’s Aire Long Sleeve underneath.

Person unzipping light coat with Paka Women’s Aire Long Sleeve underneath.

Close up of Paka Women’s Aire Long Sleeve.

Person wearing a light coat over Paka Women’s Aire Long Sleeve.

Person wearing Paka Women’s Aire Long Sleeve.

Person wearing Paka Women’s Aire Long Sleeve.

Person unzipping light coat with Paka Women’s Aire Long Sleeve underneath.

Person unzipping light coat with Paka Women’s Aire Long Sleeve underneath.

Close up of Paka Women’s Aire Long Sleeve.

Free Fly Women’s Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie II

Credit: Free Fly

Side view of person wearing light jacket over Free Fly Women’s Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie II.

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Person unzipping light jacket with Free Fly Women’s Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie II underneath.

Person wearing Free Fly Women’s Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie II.

Person wearing Free Fly Women’s Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie II.

Person taking off light jacket with Free Fly Women’s Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie II.

Person wearing light jacket over Free Fly Women’s Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie II.

Back view of person wearing Free Fly Women’s Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie II.

Person adjusting hoodie of Free Fly Women’s Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie II.

Person wearing light jacket over Free Fly Women’s Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie II.

Back view of person wearing Free Fly Women’s Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie II.

Person wearing Free Fly Women’s Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie II.

Side view of person wearing light jacket over Free Fly Women’s Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie II.

Person unzipping light jacket with Free Fly Women’s Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie II underneath.

Person wearing Free Fly Women’s Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie II.

Person wearing Free Fly Women’s Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie II.

Person taking off light jacket with Free Fly Women’s Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie II.

Person wearing light jacket over Free Fly Women’s Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie II.

Back view of person wearing Free Fly Women’s Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie II.

Person adjusting hoodie of Free Fly Women’s Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie II.

Person wearing light jacket over Free Fly Women’s Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie II.

Back view of person wearing Free Fly Women’s Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie II.

Person wearing Free Fly Women’s Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie II.

Artilect Flatiron 185 Quarter-zip Base Layer Top

Credit: Artilect

Womens Flatiron 185 Quarter Zip Top

Credit: Travel + Leisure/Taylor Fox

Womens Flatiron 185 Quarter Zip Top

Womens Flatiron 185 Quarter Zip Top

Womens Flatiron 185 Quarter Zip Top

Womens Flatiron 185 Quarter Zip Top

Womens Flatiron 185 Quarter Zip Top

Womens Flatiron 185 Quarter Zip Top

Womens Flatiron 185 Quarter Zip Top

Womens Flatiron 185 Quarter Zip Top

Womens Flatiron 185 Quarter Zip Top

Womens Flatiron 185 Quarter Zip Top

Womens Flatiron 185 Quarter Zip Top

Womens Flatiron 185 Quarter Zip Top

Womens Flatiron 185 Quarter Zip Top

Womens Flatiron 185 Quarter Zip Top

Womens Flatiron 185 Quarter Zip Top

Ridge Merino Women’s Aspect Midweight Merino Wool High Neck Top

Credit: Ridge

Person wearing Ridge Merino Women’s Aspect Midweight Merino Wool High Neck Top.

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Close up of person wearing Ridge Merino Women’s Aspect Midweight Merino Wool High Neck Top.

Close up of person wearing Ridge Merino Women’s Aspect Midweight Merino Wool High Neck Top under a vest.

Ridge Merino Women’s Aspect Midweight Merino Wool High Neck Top

Ridge Merino Women’s Aspect Midweight Merino Wool High Neck Top.

Ridge Merino Women’s Aspect Midweight Merino Wool High Neck Top folded.

Person wearing Ridge Merino Women’s Aspect Midweight Merino Wool High Neck Top.

Ridge Merino Women’s Aspect Midweight Merino Wool High Neck Top

Person wearing Ridge Merino Women’s Aspect Midweight Merino Wool High Neck Top.

Close up of person wearing Ridge Merino Women’s Aspect Midweight Merino Wool High Neck Top.

Close up of person wearing Ridge Merino Women’s Aspect Midweight Merino Wool High Neck Top under a vest.

Ridge Merino Women’s Aspect Midweight Merino Wool High Neck Top

Ridge Merino Women’s Aspect Midweight Merino Wool High Neck Top.

Ridge Merino Women’s Aspect Midweight Merino Wool High Neck Top folded.

Person wearing Ridge Merino Women’s Aspect Midweight Merino Wool High Neck Top.

Ridge Merino Women’s Aspect Midweight Merino Wool High Neck Top

Ibex Women’s Woolies Pro Tech Crew

Credit: Ibex

Person wearing Ibex Women’s Woolies Pro Tech Crew.

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Back view of person wearing Ibex Women’s Woolies Pro Tech Crew.

Close up of sleeve of Ibex Women’s Woolies Pro Tech Crew.

Person wearing Ibex Women’s Woolies Pro Tech Crew.

Person wearing Ibex Women’s Woolies Pro Tech Crew.

Person wearing Ibex Women’s Woolies Pro Tech Crew.

Back view of person wearing Ibex Women’s Woolies Pro Tech Crew.

Close up of sleeve of Ibex Women’s Woolies Pro Tech Crew.

Person wearing Ibex Women’s Woolies Pro Tech Crew.

Person wearing Ibex Women’s Woolies Pro Tech Crew.

Wondery Outdoors Anza Long Sleeve Base Layer

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