Base Layer

Five Smartwool Base Layers to Keep You Warm and Dry This Winter

Smartwool makes a range of high-performance merino wool base layers. Learn which is best for your outdoor winter needs.

The Best Base Layers for Women of 2024-2025

We tested and found the best base layers for women including top picks from Smartwool, Icebreaker, Black Diamond, and more.

Written by Morgan Tilton and Julia Spadaro November 12, 2024

The Best Base Layers for Men of 2024-2025

We tested the best men’s base layers of 2024-2025 with options for every budget. Top picks include Patagonia, SmartWool, and more.

Written by Steve Graepel and Austin Beck-Doss October 28, 2024

Trash Into Treasure: Mammut Albula IN Hooded Jacket Review

Made with recycled plastic bottles, this winter puffy is not only eco-conscious, but also expertly designed.

Written by Meghan LaHatte October 10, 2024

Where to Buy Used Gear (The Best Sites to Shop & Save)

If you like playing outside, it requires gear. And gear is often expensive. Luckily, it doesn’t always have to be. Here are the best places…

Written by Mary Murphy June 11, 2024

From Trail to Treadmill, Fishnet Base Layers Are Best: Brynje Thermo Review

With an old classic coming back into vogue, we take a hard look at Brynje mesh wool base layers to see how they fared on…

Written by Ian Graber-Stiehl April 30, 2024

Layer Up With Helly Hansen for Year-Round Performance Apparel & Gear

Helly Hansen is celebrating the transition to spring with a rundown of its latest performance apparel and gear.

Winter Base: Let Smartwool Performance Apparel Keep You Warm & Dry

Smartwool taps the power of wool for head-to-toe apparel that can keep you warm and dry through winter activities.

Save Up to 40% at REI With These Just-in-Time Gear Deals

The Holiday Warm Up Sale is a great time to save on gifts for your friends, family, or self.

A Fit That Feels Custom, But Isn’t: Alpine Fit Base Layers Review

Alaska’s Alpine Fit has made an impressive mark when it comes to comfortable, performance base layers.

Written by Mary Murphy December 06, 2023

REI Co-op Cyber Week Sale: Save Up to 50% on Outdoor Gear

Save up to 50% on outdoor apparel and gear during REI’s Cyber Week Sale.

Don’t Wait for Black Friday: Save Now With REI’s ‘Gear Up Get Out’ Sale

Save up to 30% on in-season gear during the REI Co-op ‘Gear Up Get Out’ sale.

Free Gear Fridays: Win a Prize Pack of Cold Weather Gear From Seirus

This week, two lucky winners will receive an insulating prize pack ($658 value) from Seirus, including baselayers, mitts, gloves, and more!

I Wore This Layer Every Day for 2 Months: Free Fly Bamboo Sun Hoodie Review

I lost my first sun hoodie near the halfway point on the PCT. After trying a lot of replacements, I can confirm the Free Fly…

Written by Sam Schild August 03, 2023

Stoko K1 Summit Supportive Tights Review: Knee Surgery to Splitboarding in 3 Months Flat

Toss out your other knee braces — the Stoko K1 Summit tights are a near-perfect solution for those of us who need a bit more…

Written by Nick Belcaster and Riley Marshall June 12, 2023

Patagonia Women’s R1 Air Hoody Review: Your Favorite Fleece Takes a Deep Breath

The Patagonia R1 Air Hoody is a sleek and technical layer, perfect for outdoor athletes getting after it in chilly weather.

Written by Katie Griffith April 18, 2023

Patagonia Recalls Infant Base Layers for Possible Choking Hazard

The snaps in the bodysuit of the recalled base layer sets can detach, posing a choking hazard if mouthed by infants, Patagonia said.

Written by Andrew McLemore March 02, 2023

Eddie Bauer Thermal Hooded Sweater Review: Warm Waffle Knit, Balaclava Included!

This hooded sweater ended up being a highly technical, great-for-anytime winter-layering piece. Here’s everything we loved about the Eddie Bauer Thermal sweater.

Written by Mary Murphy January 31, 2023

Free Gear Fridays: Win an Alpaca Wool Package From Arms of Andes

This week, two lucky winners will receive a package that includes a pair of Alp Mate Winter Boots (men’s or women’s), a pair of Puez…

Hot Chillys Micro-Elite Chamois Base Layers Review: Reliable Warmth, Fewer Winter Layers

Hot Chillys Micro-Elite Chamois is a midweight foundation layer that is soft and warm, has lots of elasticity, and reduces the need for additional layers.

Written by Rebecca Ross January 11, 2023

The North Face Summit Series Could Change Your Winter Layering Strategy

The North Face Summit Series winter apparel emphasizes breathability and warmth during heart-pumping efforts. It could change how you layer.

Free Gear Fridays: Win a Winter Layering Set From Ibex

This week, four lucky winners will each receive a set of winter layering essentials from Ibex, including hoodies, base layers, and neck gaiters.

Enter the ‘Whitespace’: Shaun White, Backcountry Launch Snowboard Gear Brand

Whitespace is Shaun White’s latest venture, a namesake brand he’s launching with plans to make snow apparel so fly it can be worn out on…

Written by Will Brendza October 17, 2022

ARTILECT A/SYS 1 Wool Base Layer Review: Optimized Layering for Chilly Adventures

ARTILECT sprung up as a new brand in January 2022 and already is bringing some awesome apparel to market — like base layers made with…

Written by Mary Murphy October 05, 2022

First Lite Goes Duck Hunting: Debuts Typha-Patterned Waterfowl Gear

First Lite designed these waterproof and windproof layers with Typha camo for shooting fowl in foul conditions.

Women-Founded Carve Designs Honors Mothers in Brand Film

Exploring the idea that we borrow Earth from our children instead of inheriting it from our ancestors, Carve Designs’ film, ‘Mothers, Purpose, and the Future,’…

Written by Heather Hendricks May 27, 2022