CATEGORIES
CATEGORIESBase layers aren’t as expensive or exciting as ski outerwear, and they subsequently don’t get the respect they deserve. Let it be known—Active Junky is henceforth putting an end to all base layer blasphemy! You heard it here first: base layers are as vital to staying warm and dry on the hill as mid-layers and outerwear. In fact, in many circumstances, base layers are the most critical layer in your kit. We hold base layers in the highest regard—and it's high time that you do the same. In this Buyer’s Guide, we’ll first give you a sneak peek at our favorite base layers. Then, we’ll break down why base layers are so important. And finally, we’ll jump into in-depth reviews of the best base layers for skiing and snowboarding in 2020.
Without further ado, here’s the lineup of base layers that we’ve included in this buyer’s guide:
Tired of base layer bottoms bunching up in your ski boots? These merino Short Pants from Ortovox are the answer to your prayers.
Many skin-tight base layers sacrifice fashion for function, but the Smartwool Merino 250 Pattern Crew both performs well on the hill and looks terrific in the lodge.
Nothing is cozier—or more functional—than a onesie when powder is on the menu. For the deepest days, this Smartwool One Piece is our go-to.
Thanks to a thin band at the waist, the breathable Ultra-Warm Wool Crew never rides up, making it a favorite of female skiers and snowboarders.
Available in a classic black, striking teal, or loud, palm-patterned taupe, the versatile, quick-drying Ultra-Warm Poly Tights look so sharp that our tester rocked ‘em constantly—from the ski resort to the backcountry to nights out with friends.
With a built-in balaclava and one of our favorite base layer fabrics we’ve ever tested, Patagonia’s Capilene Air Hoodie is ideal for backcountry travel.
Burton designed these base layers to rip hard all morning and then take it easy all afternoon. Comfy and surprisingly stylish, once you put these Burton base layers on, you won’t want to take ‘em off.
Famed male model and philanthropist Derek Zoolander once said that “Moisture is the essence of wetness, and wetness is the essence of beauty.” He had a point, but only if you’re talking about skincare and being really, really, really, ridiculously good-looking. Skiers and snowboarders know that moisture is the essence of wetness, and wetness is the essence of hypothermia.
Base layers are the first piece of the layering puzzle. It doesn’t matter if you’re rocking a warm insulated jacket and a waterproof outer shell—if you’re wearing a cotton long sleeve underneath, any sweat will cling to your body and make you, at the very least, uncomfortable.
When skiing or snowboarding, we bounce between periods of high-output activity (hiking to a secret stash, zipping down a technical mogul run, etc.) and spells of inactivity in cold temperatures (waiting in lift lines, sitting on the chair lift, etc.). A good base layer acts as a second skin—it should help wick sweat when you’re working hard and keep you warm when you’re not.
What We Look For in Base Layers:
We’re always on the lookout for base layers that are warm, breathable, and lightweight. Fabrics with anti-stink properties like merino wool are a significant plus, too. In this buyer’s guide, you’ll see ultra-thin base layers that are perfect for backcountry skiing and splitboarding, mid-range base layers that are ideal for year-round use, and thicker base layers that will keep you cozy on the coldest days.
Also, it’s worth noting that base layers aren’t limited to traditional long sleeve shirts and pants anymore. Below, you'll find a pair of ¾-length bottoms, a top with a built-in balaclava, and even a full-on onesie.
We’ve rounded up some of the best base layers for skiing and snowboarding—whether you run hot on the hill or are always shivering on the chairlift, there’s something for everyone in this buyer’s guide.
Pros:
The first obvious pro of these Ortovox Short Pants is the cut: by forgoing fabric from calf to ankle, these bottoms pair well with tight ski boots. If you're familiar with awkward bunches of pant leg above your boot or painful pressure points on your shin, these Ortovox Short Pants are for you.
Additionally, Ortovox crafted these Short Pants out of their Rock’N’Wool Merino, which is breathable, warm, lightweight, and, most importantly, combats the inevitable odors of frequent use.
Cons:
We can't lie. Short Pants do look funny. Between the tight fit and the ¾-length cut, you’ll be glad to wear these capris under your ski pants.
Tester Comments:
“I admit I was a bit hesitant—I’ve skied with normal bottoms for over two decades now. But the ¾-length fit felt surprisingly natural. I didn’t have any awkward pressure points in my boots or any weird bunches of fabric above my calf. Why haven’t I made the switch before?”
Bottom Line:
Ortovox’s ¾-length base layer bottoms are perfect for skiers and snowboarders who want to fine-tune the fit of their kit.
Pros:
Onesies are all the rage right now. Why? Because they’re freakin’ awesome, that’s why. But seriously, onesies are surprisingly practical. Smartwool’s Merino 250 Base Layer One Piece cocoons you in warm, breathable wool fabric from the top of your head to your ankles. The onesie style is a plus on powder days, namely because you’ll never cringe when snow brushes against your bare skin, and Smartwool's merino wool wizardry makes this One Piece tough to beat.
The One Piece is feature-rich for a base layer. In addition to the rad hood, which fits comfortably under a helmet or hat, the onesie sports a zippered chest pocket, zippered bum flap and fly to make emergency pit stops a breeze, and thumbholes at the cuffs.
We also loved the One Piece’s semi-loose fit—it isn’t crazy tight like some of the speed-racer onesies out there. Throw a two-tone charcoal colorway into the mix, and the One Piece actually looks sharp, too.
Cons:
The 250 merino wool interlock knit fabric, which we love, is a touch on the heavy side for backcountry touring if temps are balmy.
Tester Comments:
“Man—I do love a onesie. And this Smartwool option is one of my favorites I’ve ever tested. It’s comfy, not too tight, and breathable on the hill. Plus it has built-in hood and looks as good as a onesie can possibly look. What’s not to love?”
Bottom Line:
Whether you’re a onesie aficionado or new to the game, Smartwool’s One Piece is top-notch and our favorite option for powder days.
Pros:
A classy take on Smartwool’s classic 250 Crew, this striped base layer looks as good off the hill as it performs on the hill. The latest rendition of the Crew base layer has an improved fit, minimizes chaffing potential with flatlock seams, and is redesigned to be more comfortable when using a backpack. Crafted from Smartwool’s heaviest fabric, the 250 Crew is one of the warmest base layers out there and a go-to for cold weather.
Cons:
The 250 merino isn’t the best choice for skiers who tend to overheat, especially in spring conditions or when backcountry skiing. Perspiration-prone? Look to Smartwool's 150 merino instead.
Tester Comments:
“I find myself wearing this off the hill just as much as I wear it skiing. It’s comfortable, warm, and looks great, too.”
Bottom Line:
The 250 Pattern Crew is a versatile, warm base layer for cold weather riding and everyday life in a mountain town.
Pros:
The North Face’s spin on a standard women’s base layer, the Ultra-Warm Wool Crew has a few features that separate it from the competition. First off, our tester loved the material—the 100% merino base layer is thin, soft against the skin, extremely breathable, and warm. Our tester also raved about the band around the hem, which helps to keep the Ultra-Warm Wool Crew from riding up. The thumb holes are a handy touch, too.
Cons:
If you’re searching for a skin-tight fit, look elsewhere or size down. This TNF base layer is on the loose side.
Tester Comments:
“I love this base layer! When I’m in the backcountry—or even in the resort—sometimes I have to deal with base layers riding up. The band around the hem keeps that from happening, no matter how hard I’m pushing.”
Bottom Line:
The Ultra-Warm Wool Crew is an expertly executed base layer that winter-loving ladies will appreciate.
Pros:
Our tester loved the Ultra-Warm Poly Tights as much for their après aesthetic as their on-hill performance. Between the pattern print of palm trees gracing the soft, synthetic fabric, the form-fitting cut, and the broad, yoga-style waistband, she quickly fell in love with these tights. Once on the slopes, the Ultra-Warm Poly Tights exceeded expectations, and the fleecy interior kept our tester warm despite frigid winds and stormy conditions.
Cons:
They’re on the warm side for backcountry skiing.
Tester Comments:
“I like that there’s the mesh outer layer and the fleece-lined inner layer—it’s warm while still being breathable.”
Bottom Line:
When the temperature drops, these are the bottoms you want to be rocking.
Pros:
A blend of merino wool and Capilene recycled polyester, this stretchy, soft fabric has a lofted, structured knit that feels implausibly airy against the skin—making it our preference for backcountry skiing. The seamless construction means that chaffing is a non-issue. We’re head over heels for the high collar and under-the-helmet hood: with this built-in balaclava style, you’re always prepared for a blizzard.
While the hoodie is in a league of its own, definitely check out the Capilene Air Bottoms too, if you’re looking for pants that will keep you warm on the coldest mornings and still breathe when you’re powering up the last pitch to the summit. Keep in mind, Patagonia makes women’s specific Capilene Air Hoodies and Bottoms, too.
Cons:
There’s only one con, and it’s the price. But luckily, you’re shopping on Active Junky, so you’re already saving money when you shop for gear!
Tester Comments:
“Patagonia thought of literally everything. The fabric is super breathable—it keeps me warm, but I don’t overheat easily on the skin track. The hood is purpose-built for backcountry skiing. I love the elastic around the cuffs, too. You get what you pay for with this one.”
Bottom Line:
Pay a premium for a backcountry base layer that will keep you warm this season and next.
Pros:
Burton’s Expedition base layers look like loungewear and are as cozy as pajamas. Truth be told, the Expedition Quarter Zip and Expedition Pant are surprisingly good-lookin’: were it not for the thumbholes, you’d never be able to tell the Quarter Zip was intended to be worn underneath a Gore-Tex jacket on a nuking storm day. Likewise, the Expedition Pant has a zippered pocket and fly, defined waistband, and a loose, casual fit that means you can actually wear them around in public without worrying that you’re going to get fined for public indecency. Both are crafted from DRYRIDE Ultrawick Expedition 300—a fleecy, stretchy, heavyweight wool treated with an anti-microbial finish—so they don’t just look good and feel good, but they perform well in deep powder, too.
Cons:
Too heavy for use on warmer days or backcountry missions.
Tester Comment:
“I can wear the Expeditions all day and all night. In fact, I have—many times. I’ve worn these to sleep, rolled out of bed, thrown on my shred gear, and hustled for first chair in these bad boys. I love the weight of the fabric and the overall look, too.
Bottom Line:
Ultra-comfy and damn good-looking, Burton’s base layers are a dream for resort riding and couch surfing alike.
