Base Layer Reviews

Every review is field-tested and scored across six criteria. Filter to find the right merino for your climate and activity.

All Men's Women's Unisex

12 reviews

Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Crewe Editor's Choice 9.2
Icebreaker· Midweight

Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Crewe

The benchmark midweight merino base layer that every other top is measured against.

$110 Read review
Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Crew 9.0
Smartwool· Heavyweight

Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Crew

A plush 250gsm interlock knit built for genuinely cold days on snow.

$125 Read review
Icebreaker 200 Oasis Leggings 9.0
Icebreaker· Midweight

Icebreaker 200 Oasis Leggings

The bottom half of the benchmark 200 Oasis system, tailored for women.

$105 Read review
Icebreaker 260 Tech Long Sleeve 8.9
Icebreaker· Heavyweight

Icebreaker 260 Tech Long Sleeve

Icebreaker's warmest everyday base layer for serious winter conditions.

$135 Read review
Ortovox 185 Rock Nasty Long Sleeve Editor's Choice 8.8
Ortovox· Lightweight

Ortovox 185 Rock Nasty Long Sleeve

Body-mapped alpine base layer with breathable mesh zones for high output.

$130 Read review
Smartwool Intraknit Merino 200 Crew Editor's Choice 8.8
Smartwool· Midweight

Smartwool Intraknit Merino 200 Crew

Body-mapped engineered knit with ventilation zones and a second-skin fit.

$140 Read review
Ridge Merino Aspect Midweight Crew Best Value 8.7
Ridge Merino· Midweight

Ridge Merino Aspect Midweight Crew

A nylon-core merino blend that boosts durability without losing the wool feel.

$89 Read review
Woolpower Crewneck 200 8.6
Woolpower· Midweight

Woolpower Crewneck 200

A Swedish terry-knit classic that traps astonishing warmth for its weight.

$95 Read review
Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Long Sleeve Best Value 8.6
Smartwool· Lightweight

Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Long Sleeve

A featherweight 150gsm layer that travels and breathes beautifully.

$100 Read review
Minus33 Chocorua Midweight Crew Best Value 8.5
Minus33· Midweight

Minus33 Chocorua Midweight Crew

Full-grade merino warmth at a price that undercuts the big brands.

$70 Read review
Ridge Merino Convict Lightweight Bottoms 8.4
Ridge Merino· Lightweight

Ridge Merino Convict Lightweight Bottoms

Durable nylon-core merino bottoms at a friendly price.

$75 Read review
Minus33 Katahdin Lightweight Crew Best Value 8.3
Minus33· Lightweight

Minus33 Katahdin Lightweight Crew

Affordable lightweight merino that competes well above its price.

$60 Read review