"Base layers, thermal underwear, long johns-whatever you want to call them, nothing in the process of layering clothing for warmth is as important as the layer that touches your skin. This layer has to do double duty, insulating you but also allowing heat and moisture to pass through it and out, away from your body. To find the best base layers for different scenarios, we've spent years testing them while hiking alpine lakes in the summer, snowshoeing through the winter, and dozens of trips between those extremes."
"Merino wool: Generally speaking, merino wool excels at keeping you warm, is nicely breathable, and makes an excellent base layer, which is why it's heavily featured in the guide. For durability, go with a blend like Nuyarn. Synthetic polyester blends: Synthetics have a slight edge in some circumstances, particularly if you're sweating a lot from highly aerobic activity. Synthetics don't hold as much water and consequently dry faster than merino."
Base layers serve as the foundational layer for warmth, insulating while permitting heat and moisture to move away from the skin. Years of field testing in summer hikes around alpine lakes, winter snowshoeing, and intermediate trips inform recommendations for different scenarios. Merino wool generally provides warmth and breathability; blended merino like Nuyarn improves durability. Synthetic polyester blends perform better during high-aerobic activity because they retain less water and dry faster. Silk offers exceptional softness and adequate wicking for low-exertion travel but is overwhelmed during intense activity. Many solid base-layer options exist beyond primary recommendations.
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