The best base layers we tested Best wool base layer: Minus33 Ossipee Women’s Midweight Crew
Best synthetic base layer: Patagonia Long-Sleeved Capilene Thermal Crew
It’s officially cozy season, so it’s the perfect time to shop for a new pair of the best base layers to wear under your ski clothes or winter hiking outfits. However, with so many options and a wide range of price points, it can feel overwhelming to sort through them all on your own. Plus, there’s that looming, age-old question: wool or synthetic?
For one thing, wool apparel has come a long way since the days of scratchy sweaters gifted by grandma. Today, merino wool accounts for a significant portion of the base layer market, featuring ultra-fine fibers that effectively wick sweat away from the body and are naturally odor-resistant. Conversely, synthetic fabrics are generally more durable and don’t raise the same animal welfare concerns as wool products. Pro tip: Always look for non-mulesed wool or a note from the brand stating that the wool was gathered safely and sustainably.
I have to admit that when I first started playing hard in the snow, I was a merino-only person who loved its lightweight warmth on shoulder-season backpacking trips and frigid ski slopes. But there’s a wealth of uber-toasty synthetic long johns that dry quicker and often last longer because of their enhanced durability. I spent the last two months testing the top wool and synthetic base layers on backpacking trips in the Rockies, day hikes in Glacier National Park and chilly dog walks outdoors around Boulder, Colorado. Below are the best wool and synthetic base layers to keep you warm all season. русский анальный секс
