Base Layer
Used to be called “long underwear.” Next-to-skin performance apparel.
The Best Base Layers: Wool and Synthetic Tops for Any Adventure
Base layers, ultralight to heavyweight, are critical pieces in your winter kit. We sifted through the heap to find 27 of our favorites with options to fit every budget.
Hike, Run, Travel: Best Women’s Leggings
One-year test: Here are the best women’s leggings — for yoga, hiking, running, travel, and winter — and three tips to keep them healthy.
Icebreaker: History of the ‘Original Natural Base Layer’
A chance meeting with a merino sheep farmer: It was one of those defining moments that marked a new direction for the outdoor industry.
Technical Performance Intimates? MATEK Introduces Racy Baselayer Category
Woman-owned MATEK peddles recycled nylon base layers that slide on like silky pajamas under your ski pants.
Point6 Merino: The Godparents of Wool Release Base Layers
The founders of Smartwool spun off to create a new merino wool base layer brand, Point6. Learn the history of the Point6 brand, with user experience on Point6 base layers.
How to Pick Waterproof Socks That Work
You might want a pair of waterproof socks next time you’re caught in a nasty mountain bike slog. This is how to chose the right ones for you.
Green Guide to Buying Outdoor Apparel
Do you know how much environmental harm your outdoor apparel does? Here are some signposts to help you buy with confidence.
Columbia Omni-Heat 3D Review: Thermal Tech Introduces Warm Nano Fuzzies
A base layer unlike any other, Columbia’s Omni-Heat receives a microscopic upgrade with noticeable effects.
Outdoor Hazards: Sunburn (In Your Mouth and Beyond)
The most painful sunburn I’ve ever had was on the roof of my mouth. Sound crazy? Read on to learn how to avoid it there, and everywhere else on your body.
New Ninja Suit Is A ‘Woolverino’ Onesie
Like a onesie for adults, this Ninja Suit base layer from Airblaster is stealthy enough to wear almost anywhere.
We Tested Yak Wool, And It’s Awesome (but pricey)
Kora makes high-end outdoor apparel made from wool collected from molting yaks in the Himalayan Mountains.
Patagonia R1 Hoody: Three Weeks, No Stink With Polygiene
Synthetic insulation is great, except for the stink factor. Our reviewer spent weeks in the Patagonia R1 Hoody to see how the anti-stink agent Polygiene performs against funk.
In-Depth Review: Patagonia Merino Air Base Layer
David Freeman has been wearing this next-level base layer for more than 80 days in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
Year Of The Package: Men’s Underwear Redefined
Men’s underwear got an upgrade in 2015, so we tested and reviewed four pairs of “the most comfortable underwear out there.”
Patagonia Unveils ‘World’s Most Advanced Base Layer’
What sets it apart? Merino-poly yarn is exposed to a type of high-pressure air gun, resulting in “exploded” fibers that are soft and stretchy in the hand.
Huckberry/GearJunkie: Spring Shop
GearJunkie has partnered with Huckberry to bring you a curated selection of the best outdoor gear for your next rainy day adventure.
Rohner Backcountry Socks – Merino Wool With A Synthetic Backbone
Hiker puts the Rohner Backcountry Sock to the test for this review of the merino and synthetic blend.
Dress Right: 13 Essential Pieces For Backpacking
Andrew Skurka explains his system to use just 13 items of clothing for outdoor comfort in any 3-season condition.