10 Reviews: Best Base Layers for Extreme Cold (Mar 2024)
Here is the list you've been looking for to help you find a proper base layer to wear in such cold weather!
by S. M. Rosyida · updated on · price $89.00 - $145.00 · 859 views · 29 visitors liked products on this page
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Comparison Table
Product Image |
1
Smartwool
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2
Smartwool
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3
Smartwool
|
4
Smartwool
|
5
Arc'teryx Store
|
6
Triple Aught Design
|
7
Helly Hansen
|
8
Helly Hansen
|
9
Kari Traa
|
10
Arc'teryx Store
|
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Product Name | Intraknit™ Merino 200 Crew | Merino 150 Base Layer 1/4 Zip | Merino 250 Base Layer Hoodie | Merino 250 Base Layer 1/4 Zip | MOTUS AR ZIP NECK LS MEN'S | ALCHEMY HALF-ZIP | W HOD LIFA MERINO LIGHTWEIGHT | W LIFA MERINO MIDWEIGHT HOODIE | Rose Half Zip Top | Rho AR Zip-Neck Long Underwear Top |
7 | 4 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
Features | Base Layer with Mesh Ventilation | Lightweight Base Layer | Higher Neck Base Layer | Thermoregulation Base Layer | Base Layer with Moisture Management | Versatile Base Layer | Base Layer with Stay Warm Technology | Base Layer with Hoodie | Feminine Cut Base Layer | Moisture-Wicking Base Layer |
MATERIAL | 53% Merino Wool, 45% Polyester, 2% Elastane | 87% Merino Wool, 13% Nylon | 100% Merino Wool | 100% Merino Wool | 100% polyester with FC0 yarn and DAO™ finish | 69% Polyester/31% Merino Wool | 100% Merino Wool exterior | 100% Merino Wool | 100% Wool | 90% polyester/10% elastane |
COLOR | Deep Navy-Ocean Abyss, Black-White, Acorn-Twilight Blue, Pomegranate-Deep Navy, Blue Spruce-Twilight Blue | Indigo Blue - Plant Base Dye, Light Gray Heather | Military Olive Mountain Scape-Black, Black-Charcoal, Golden Olive-Black | Military Olive Heather-Black, Black, Charcoal Heather, Deep Navy, Woodsmoke Heather-Charcoal Heather | Black Heather, Forcefield Heather, Anecdote Heather, Figment Heather | 5 Options | Offwhite | Offwhite | Syrup, Sail, Black | n/a |
SIZE | XS, S, M, L, XL | XS, S, M, L, XL | S, M, L, XL, XXL | S, M, L, XL, XXL | S, M, L, XL, XXL | XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL | XS, S, M, L, XL | XS, S, M, L, XL | XS, S, M, L, XL | n/a |
GENDER | Women | Women | Men | Men | Men | Men | Women | Women | Women | Women's |
price | $120.00 | $90.00 | $94.50 | $105.00 | $89.00 | $90.00 | $130.00 | $120.00 | $110.00 | $145.00 |
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When you plan to go camping or hiking in such cold weather, you must ensure that you have everything you need to keep your body warm. And a base layer is essential for it. A good base layer should keep you warm while also acting as a second skin, keeping you dry and wicking away moisture quickly. Well, you don’t have to be confused about which one to choose as we’ve compiled a list of the top ten best base layers for extreme cold. Explore the features and materials, then select the one that best suits your needs.
Table of contents
Product list
- Smartwool Intraknit™ Merino 200 Crew: Base Layer with Mesh Ventilation
- Smartwool Merino 150 Base Layer 1/4 Zip: Lightweight Base Layer
- Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer Hoodie: Higher Neck Base Layer
- Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer 1/4 Zip: Thermoregulation Base Layer
- Arc'teryx Store MOTUS AR ZIP NECK LS MEN'S: Base Layer with Moisture Management
- Triple Aught Design ALCHEMY HALF-ZIP: Versatile Base Layer
- Helly Hansen W HOD LIFA MERINO LIGHTWEIGHT: Base Layer with Stay Warm Technology
- Helly Hansen W LIFA MERINO MIDWEIGHT HOODIE: Base Layer with Hoodie
- Kari Traa Rose Half Zip Top: Feminine Cut Base Layer
- Arc'teryx Store Rho AR Zip-Neck Long Underwear Top: Moisture-Wicking Base Layer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
In case you don't know
What is the purpose of a base layer?
A base layer that acts as a second skin, protecting your real skin from cold and even the sun. It is a garment or layer that is closest to your skin and provides warmth while absorbing and evaporating sweat to keep you warm and comfortable.
What makes a good base layer?
A base layer should be snug enough to trap air next to the skin and insulate the body from cold temperatures. The cold is more likely to enter if there are gaps between the fabric and your skin, that’s why it’s better to choose a base layer size you normally wear because they are made slightly smaller with this in mind.
Can you wear two base layers?
Absolutely, yes. Wearing two base layers is socially acceptable, normal, and safe as long as you feel comfortable. It usually does while out in such cold weather since you need extra protection from the cold.
Is merino wool a good base layer?
Merino wool is high-quality wool derived from merino sheep, which are found primarily in New Zealand. It’s a great fabric for active base layers because it’s soft, breathable, moisture-wicking, and naturally odor-resistant. However, some brands combine it with other materials to increase the durability of the base layer itself, which is also something to consider.
10 Reviews: Best Base Layers for Extreme Cold (Mar 2024)
1.
Smartwool
Intraknit™ Merino 200 Crew
Base Layer with Mesh Ventilation
Begin with this Smartwool base layer, which is made of Merino and polyester that makes it a perfect base layer to choose from. The merino material keeps your body warm, while the polyester material ensures the base layer’s durability. Furthermore, mesh ventilation is knit in gender-specific zones to keep the body dry and comfortable.
Extremely warm and comfortable. Bought them before a ski trip and loved it.
by Angelia
MATERIAL | 53% Merino Wool, 45% Polyester, 2% Elastane |
---|---|
COLOR | Deep Navy-Ocean Abyss, Black-White, Acorn-Twilight Blue, Pomegranate-Deep Navy, Blue Spruce-Twilight Blue |
SIZE | XS, S, M, L, XL |
GENDER | Women |
2.
Smartwool
Merino 150 Base Layer 1/4 Zip
Lightweight Base Layer
Smartwool’s lightest weight baselayer is another option worth considering. It is made of Merino and nylon material to provide you with a comfortable feel. This base layer’s stretch merrow stitching design provides maximum comfort, range of motion, and fit.
I have been wearing my 150 baselayer for training for a mountain climb this May...The weight is perfect for under my soft shell and with my 50lb backpack...no drama with seams irritating me and having to shift around. Dries quickly and of course, doesn't smell like the synthetic pieces I have. I like it so much I bought it in a second color...would definitely purchase again.
by Lori
MATERIAL | 87% Merino Wool, 13% Nylon |
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COLOR | Indigo Blue - Plant Base Dye, Light Gray Heather |
SIZE | XS, S, M, L, XL |
GENDER | Women |
3.
Smartwool
Merino 250 Base Layer Hoodie
Higher Neck Base Layer
You can select the one you like from a variety of stunning color and pattern options. Unlike the previous base layers, which were made of a combination of materials, this base layer is made entirely of Merino wool fabric, so you can imagine how comfortable it is to wear. As you can see, it has a higher neck on the hood to provide additional neck coverage and warmth.
Keeps you warm and is super cosy
by Eric
MATERIAL | 100% Merino Wool |
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COLOR | Military Olive Mountain Scape-Black, Black-Charcoal, Golden Olive-Black |
SIZE | S, M, L, XL, XXL |
GENDER | Men |
4.
Smartwool
Merino 250 Base Layer 1/4 Zip
Thermoregulation Base Layer
This 100% Merino wool base layer, as the name suggests, has a center front zipper with a semi-locking slider for an extra cool and dry comfort. Don’t worry, it will keep you warm because it has thermoregulation, which is a great feature for dealing with cold and hot weather.
My go to base layer. Comfortable, soft against the skin. Warm and oder resisitant. Non absorbant. Whther hunting, skiing,hiking or just out doors. Washes and dries easily .Its perfect.
by John
MATERIAL | 100% Merino Wool |
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COLOR | Military Olive Heather-Black, Black, Charcoal Heather, Deep Navy, Woodsmoke Heather-Charcoal Heather |
SIZE | S, M, L, XL, XXL |
GENDER | Men |
5.
Arc'teryx Store
MOTUS AR ZIP NECK LS MEN'S
Base Layer with Moisture Management
Due to the obvious moisture management, this base layer is ideal for wearing in any weather, cold or hot. The Phasic™ AR II material wicks moisture away from the body while providing soft, comfortable thermal performance. It even has a deep front zipper for heat regulation and a tall collar to keep you warm.
... Believe me, could not make a better choice. Got a great feeling since the start, always the impression to get my skin warm enough, but not too much. The motus managed to keep me always dry, I tell you until the end. I simply love the high neck as keep me protected from the light breeze. ...
by DBGFBWBE
MATERIAL | 100% polyester with FC0 yarn and DAO™ finish |
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COLOR | Black Heather, Forcefield Heather, Anecdote Heather, Figment Heather |
SIZE | S, M, L, XL, XXL |
GENDER | Men |
6.
Triple Aught Design
ALCHEMY HALF-ZIP
Versatile Base Layer
Multi-climate. Multi-mission. Resilient. This baselayer will shield your body from any weather conditions that may arise. Yes, the merino wool material will provide you with a comfortable feeling. It can be worn as a base layer beneath your jersey or jacket, or as a light mid-layer in your layering system.
MATERIAL | 69% Polyester/31% Merino Wool |
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COLOR | 5 Options |
SIZE | XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL |
GENDER | Men |
7.
Helly Hansen
W HOD LIFA MERINO LIGHTWEIGHT
Base Layer with Stay Warm Technology
Helly Hansen is here with a unique 2-in-1 base layer made of 100% merino wool and LIFA® Stay Warm Technology in an extremely lightweight 2 layer construction, so you can imagine how effective this base layer is in protecting your body in such cold weather. You can wear it for any activity that requires cold protection and ultimate comforts, such as skiing or snowboarding.
I bought the dark blue and I like the combination of warm zip neck and pop of color on the sleeves. I usually wear a 10-12 and the large fit well.
by Laurie C.
MATERIAL | 100% Merino Wool exterior |
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COLOR | Offwhite |
SIZE | XS, S, M, L, XL |
GENDER | Women |
8.
Helly Hansen
W LIFA MERINO MIDWEIGHT HOODIE
Base Layer with Hoodie
Another Helly Hansen base layer with a two-layer construction for maximum comfort and warmth, but this time it includes a hood to ensure maximum warmth. It allows you to wear it as a base layer under your jacket or alone, giving you a warm feeling in such extreme cold.
This baselayer with the merino wool kept me warm during a recent hike. I was able to pull the well fitting hood up when I was up top of the hills. the fit is perfect and I like the aqua contrast stitching on the white exterior. The black stretch panels are very flattering. Color, construction, detailing are all excellent.
by Louise H.
MATERIAL | 100% Merino Wool |
---|---|
COLOR | Offwhite |
SIZE | XS, S, M, L, XL |
GENDER | Women |
9.
Kari Traa
Rose Half Zip Top
Feminine Cut Base Layer
This half-zip top base layer, which comes in three colors, can be your best friend when it comes to keeping your body warm in the winter. As you can see, it has a feminine cut that will definitely enhance your look if you wear it alone. You can’t deny the warmth and moisture-wicking properties of this one thanks to the merino wool material used.
MATERIAL | 100% Wool |
---|---|
COLOR | Syrup, Sail, Black |
SIZE | XS, S, M, L, XL |
GENDER | Women |
10.
Arc'teryx Store
Rho AR Zip-Neck Long Underwear Top
Moisture-Wicking Base Layer
Comes with a thermally efficient zip-neck foundation, this base layer is perfect to wear in such cold weather or temperature since it guarantees your body to feel warm. Don’t worry, the fabric used is also moisture-wicking, so that you will stay cool in case you wear it in normal condition. You can’t doubt the comfort feel because it is designed with flatlock construction.
I recently purchased this fleece and I absolutely love it. This is one of my favourite Arc’teryx pieces, it’s so warm and fits snug to your body. This would be one of my top recommended products.
by Bre37
MATERIAL | 90% polyester/10% elastane |
---|---|
COLOR | n/a |
SIZE | n/a |
GENDER | Women's |
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Conclusion
Well, having a set of base layers is essential if you want to feel comfortable while doing your activity, whether it is in cold or warm temperatures. Now it’s time for you to choose the one you require; don’t forget to consider the material, size, and even style to ensure that it fits you perfectly!