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, comes in super fun prints, and is so soft to the touch. We’re huge fans of the Airblaster Ninja Suit for snowboarding especially since we’re up and down and moving around a lot and nothing ever creeps. And when we get home and all our other layers come off, this one stays on for cozy aprés ski couch lazies. The cuffs and ankles are snug, though, so if sizing is on the line, size up.
Uyn Energyon Baselayer
We love Uyn for many reasons, but the number one: almost everything they make is crafted from plant-based synthetics. You read that right: base layers made of natural materials, not plastic, but that still function like synthetics. And this layer dries fast, doesn’t stink as fast as polyester, is super stretchy, and feels more like natural materials on your skin, not clingy or itchy. Bonus: many items are made in the USA. This option is perfect for high-output activities in warm to cool weather, but we like it for fall and winter hikes best. There are also options available that are more thermal in nature, and therefore warmer.
Backcountry Pines Microgrid Ultra-LT
One new perfect baselayer for skiing and snowboarding as well as hiking is the new Pines collection from Backcountry. Off you’re not familiar with the brand, it’s a Salt Lake City-based company with a strong online presence and they carry not only all the top brands but craft their own gear and clothing, too. And we love the Pines collection because the pants and tops fit like a glove, are warm but still plenty breathable when you’re moving fast thanks to the interior microgrid pattern, wick sweat, dry quickly, and are stretchy (read: not restrictive). The Quarter Zip top and Baselayer Bottoms are perfect for layering, but there’s also a hooded top and crew neck available. Bonus: They’re made of 67% recycled materials. So not the most sustainably made on this list, but still a decent option.
