The Best Base Layers, 2018: Merino Wool, Under Armour, More
![](https://pyxis.nymag.com/v1/imgs/154/7f6/5fdaaf56be094429142e0b0132f9e6b435-Under-Armour-Base-Womens.rhorizontal.w600.jpg)
We asked runners, cyclists, skiers, and hikers to recommend their favorite cold-weather base layers. Their picks include tech fabrics and merino wool from Icebreaker, Smartwool, Tracksmith, Nike, Under Armour, Craft, Mammut, and more.
Instead of padded cycling tights, which he says never seem to fit right, Walton prefers wearing leg warmers on colder days, saying that you want the most protection over the areas on your body that break the wind. When cycling, that means the knees, not the working muscles of the upper leg that are covered by a regular short. “Pearl Izumi is always good because they’re a staple in the cycling world,” he says, and these leg warmers let you wear your favorite cycling shorts while protecting the rest of your legs.
Blended with Lycra, this similar wool half-zip for women offers unlimited mobility without sacrificing warmth.
![](https://origympersonaltrainercourses.co.uk/files/img_cache/14308/1920_1623165046_bestbaselayerforwinterrunning.jpg?1623241296)
Best Running Base Layers Of 2023
![](https://roamscapes.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Winter-in-Banff-Canada.jpg)
A Cold-Hater's Guide to the Best Base Layers for Women (2020)
![](http://woolfmerino.com/cdn/shop/products/MattPainWOOLF3250-Edit-2_1024x.jpg?v=1663279787)
Executable negative sunset under armour merino wool base layer Net Pharmacology Approval
![](https://images.evo.com/imgp/zoom/180635/945139/smartwool-classic-thermal-merino-base-layer-crew-top-men-s-.jpg)
Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew Top - Men's
![](https://cdn.road.cc/sites/default/files/styles/main_width/public/2021-specialized-seamless-ls-baselayer.jpg)
16 of the best cycling base layers rated by our expert reviewers
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71wv2tV893L._AC_UY1000_.jpg)
Merino.tech Merino Wool Base Layer Women 100% Merino Wool Lightweight Long Sleeve Thermal Shirts + Wool Socks (X-Small, 165 Black) : : Clothing, Shoes & Accessories
![](https://cdn.backpacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/womens-baselayers-wgg24_h-1.jpg)
Baselayer Reviews Find the Best Baselayers for Backpacking - Backpacker
![](https://guides.wiggle.co.uk/sites/default/files/styles/770x480crop/public/hero/skinlayers_spring-fall_3.jpg?itok=Y1FCnFnE)
Best Cycling Base Layers for Winter Rides
![](https://smartwool.ca/media/catalog/product/cache/7b241bfd6c26fd1ffc0d56d7717f5c2b/s/w/sw016719010-1-p.jpg)
Women's Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/2 Zip Hoodie
![](https://www.sarakurth.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Icebreakerpin.jpg)
Icebreaker Merino Wool Base Layer: Product Review ·
![](https://cdn.outsideonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/29/womens-baselayers-lead_s.jpg)
The Best Base Layers for Women
![](https://d1nymbkeomeoqg.cloudfront.net/photos/29/8/412363_23705_XL.jpg)
The 5 Best Base Layers of 2024
![](https://pyxis.nymag.com/v1/imgs/7ea/8ee/aa822a66a47b4884f63586d635ce7c3c55-Under-Armour-Base-Mens.rhorizontal.w600.jpg)
Men's UA Base Crew Under Armour, 57% OFF
![](https://www.rei.com/media/52a68c05-4c36-4ec2-aa91-88772e359a97.jpg?size=576x768)
Under Armour UA Base 3.0 Crew - Men's