When choosing an ultralight hiking baselayer, it’s crucial to consider factors like material, moisture management, breathability, fit, and layering potential.
Our guide is designed to assist you in navigating through the array of options, ensuring you make the best decision.
Key Specs
Weight: 3.17 ounces (90 grams)
Material: 100% Polyester (recycled)
Price: $
PROS
✅ Ultralight
✅ Relatively affordable
CONS
❌ Only three colors available
The Montane Women’s Dart Lite Long Sleeve T-Shirt is a versatile and lightweight choice for all outdoor activities. Its clever design offers the right balance of warmth, moisture management, and breathability, making it perfect for hiking, running, and more.
With its eco-friendly fabric and odor control, this base layer ensures you stay fresh and comfortable during your adventures.
Key Specs
Weight: 6.45 ounces (183 grams)
Material: 100% merino
Price: $$
PROS
✅ 100% merino
✅ Resists odor
CONS
❌ A bit heavy
The Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe is a superb choice for hikers seeking a dependable and versatile base layer. Crafted from soft merino wool, it excels in providing warmth and regulating body temperature during various hiking conditions.
Its thoughtful features, such as gusseted underarms for mobility and offset shoulder seams to prevent friction, cater to the specific needs of hikers on the trail. The base layer’s long length offers extra coverage and comfort, ensuring it stays in place even during active movements.
We can commend its sustainable and lightweight design, along with its ease of washing.
Key Specs
Weight: 3.7 ounces (105 grams)
Material: 100% Polyester
Price: $$
PROS
✅ Good for hot weather
✅ Fast drying
CONS
❌ Not the warmest option
The RAB Sonic LS Zip baselayer shines as an essential companion. Its protective design, quick-wicking capability, and lightweight nature make it a perfect choice for both mountain running and fast-paced hikes.
We were pleased with its performance in hot weather, but we also yearn for more color options. This baselayer proves to be a fabulous addition to your hiking gear, especially for those seeking comfort and functionality in their outdoor adventures.
Key Specs
Weight: 7.69 ounces (218 grams)
Material: 100% merino
Price: $$$
PROS
✅ 100% merino
✅ Warm option
CONS
❌ A bit heavy
The Women’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew by Smartwool proves to be a versatile choice for outdoor enthusiasts. With its 100% Merino wool fabric, it offers enhanced comfort, breathability, and odor resistance.
The updated fit accommodates different body shapes while the added shoulder panels and flatlock seam construction enhance comfort and prevent chafing.
Key Specs
Weight: 7.37 ounces (209 grams)
Material: 92% polyester (recycled), 8% spandex
Price: $
PROS
✅ Affordable
✅ Comfortable
CONS
❌ A bit heavy
The REI Co-op Women’s Midweight Base Layer Half-Zip is a fantastic companion for chilly hikes. Its versatile design provides warmth on cold-weather adventures and allows easy ventilation with the front zipper.
We admire its comfort and versatility, using it as a sleep layer while camping, a pull-over for different activities, and an extra layer under a jacket on boat trips.
Considerate features like flat seams and a diamond-like pattern in the armpit area ensure comfort during extended wear.
Choosing the right hiking baselayer is your initial step in creating a comfortable layering system for outdoor adventures. This is the layer closest to your skin, crucial for overall comfort. When picking a baselayer, consider three key factors:
Baselayers come in different fabric options, each with unique qualities:
The weight of your baselayer should match your metabolism and activity level: “lightweight” for moderate to cool temperatures, “midweight” for cold temps, and “heavyweight” for freezing conditions.
Keep in mind that your primary source of warmth is your insulating midlayer, not your baselayer. To become an expert in choosing the right midlayer, explore our detailed guide here.
