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It’s that time of year again! Winter. And winter means layering (not sure what layering is, how to do it or why? Check out this article on layering for outdoor adventure), it’s important to layer up, and that starts with a good base layer. But not any base layer will do: we opt for fully synthetic options because they dry fast, with sweat, and don’t include any animal products (which is a personal preference). But not all base layers are created equal. Here are a few of our favorite synthetic base layers to keep you warm and dry all season long.
Synthetic Base Layers
Craft Pro Active Extreme Baselayers
When we’re tempted to say base layers are all pretty much the same, we test out something like the Craft Pro Active Extreme. These layers are available for men and women an in tops and bottoms, and are specifically designed for seriously high-output activities like winter trail running, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, but if you like to backcountry ski or enjoy serious uphill hiking, these are for you, too.
The layers are fitted without feeling tight, super stretchy, extra breathable in strategic locations, don’t pinch or creep, and we love the high neckline for extra warmth. The fabric may not seem thick, but that’s by design; the waffle-grid pattern and lightweight material wick sweat and dry faster than any base layers we’ve ever tested, making them perfect for high-output activities. But they’re so comfy you might not want to take them off when you get home.
Patagonia Capilene Midweight Zip-Neck Base Layer Top and Bottoms
Patagonia is known for responsible and sustainable apparel and these base layers are no exception. There is a quarter-zip option for those who prefer something with more venting options or easy-on, easy-off, plus a crew-neck and fitted leggings. They’re made of recycled and Bluesign approved polyester and will keep you warm and dry during activity. They wick sweat efficiently and a slightly raised pattern next to the skin helps keep you a smidge warmer but mostly keeps the fabric from feeling clingy. The fabric is smooth for easy layering, plus is impregnated with HeiQ Fresh durable odor control, so you may be able to wash your layers less (though we found anti-odor tech only worked so well when we tested it on sun shirts). One downside: there’s more horizontal stretch in the fabric than vertical stretch, which makes the pants a touch restrictive during high-stretch movements like squats.
Airblaster Classic Ninja Suit
Not gonna lie, the fact that it’s called a “Ninja Suit” had us sold right off the bat. But there are practical reasons we’re listing this one-piece base layer. First, one piece means your top will never sneak up and your bottoms never creep down, and second, there’s a zipper that goes 350º around the back of the waist to make using the toilet *actually* manageable. Plus there’s a hood (with ponytail hole in the women’s version), thumbholes, and it comes in super fun prints.
REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Half-Zip Top and Bottoms
The REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer comes in tops and bottoms, men’s and women’s, and in several styles, Opt for a 3/4 zip pullover if you want ease of use and high-neck coverage or a crew neck for no-show layering. These soft layers will keep you toasty and dry, even when you sweat. They’re made of mostly recycled materials (about 92% recycled polyester, 8% spandex), and the tops even have thump loops! REI is even Climate Neutral Certified. We haven’t personally tested these Baselayers for women and men, but they are a more budget-friendly option that’s still responsibly made PLUS they come in extended sizes, including XXXL and tall versions. And we love size inclusivity.
Need socks, too? Take a look at some wool-free synthetic socks in this post.
Alisha is a freelance outdoor journalist and photographer based in Ogden, UT. She loves backpacking, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and snowboarding (even though she’s terrible at it). She’s also pretty sure she’s addicted to coffee. alishamcdarris.com