Check out the top 10 base layers we tested
Trail Gear Reviews - The Ten Top Base Layers
By
Simon Ingram
Gear news
03 November 2009 11:05
Trail's deputy editor Simon Ingram tested 24 base layers, putting them through their paces on walks and scrambles in the Lake District and North Wales.
With wide experience and a keen eye for detail you won't find a more authoritative review.
Here we list the top 10 as chosen by Simon.
Look out also for the overall Best In Test and Best Value.
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Best Value
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The Keela ADS Long Sleeve Zip Top base layer is a steal at the price; if it was a tenner more it would still be a bargain. Keela is very good at backing up its fine reputation for affordable quality, and this base layer is a great example of a basic yet does-the-job... Click here for full review and star rating |
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Lowe Alpine has excelled at producing base layers for many years, and the Lightweight Dryflo Zipneck is a fine exponent of this high quality. It’s exceptionally good at wicking away sweat, utilising different grades of polyester weave on the inside and... Click here for full review and star rating
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The Patagonia Capilene 2 Zip is a fine base layer: very light, with a loose fit that provides plenty of airflow, a relatively open weave that allows plenty of breathability, plus a good cut and a generous zip that means you won’t be overheating. Patagonia has used its own... Click here for full review and star rating |
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Best In Test
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Some base layers we looked at were designed to cover a number of activities – including skiing and yachting. But the Montane Dragonfly Shirt has obviously been designed for UK walking. Utilising two grades of Polartec Powerdry fabric, the back and arms get high-wicking... Click here for full review and star rating
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The Howies NBL Light Long Sleeve base layer is the surprise of the test. Howies has long been established as a funky eco-fashion brand, but it also has good technical credentials – as attested by the many mountain bikers who have picked up on it. I suspect this is due... Click here for full review and star rating
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The Páramo Cambia Base Layer is reversible, so it’s great value. One surface is for use in cold weather, and is pocked with small indents designed to trap air next to the skin. The other is for warmer conditions and is a dense, silky-smooth surface, which pulls sweat... Click here for full review and star rating
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The Marmot Midweight Long Sleeve is an exceptionally light yet weirdly substantial-feeling base layer. Put it on and it’s warm, yet it wicks well. This is down to the Polartec Powerdry fabric, which is warm, slightly stretchy and good at managing moisture. It uses... Click here for full review and star rating
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The Smartwool Sport NTS Zip T base layer is a chunky, semi-ribbed offering made of merino wool. You are getting exceptional value for money. This cut feels more contoured and purposeful than other items in the Smartwool range, with a large zip to provide some much-needed... Click here for full review and star rating
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The Helly Hansen Hybrid Top base layer is very ‘engineered’: it’s one of a new wave of hybrid tops that use a range of materials in various areas for various purposes. This includes Helly’s three systems – Cool, Dry and Warm – in one feature-stacked top. The merino wool... Click here for full review and star rating |
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Arc’Teryx has long been known as a purveyor of quality kit: they put a lot of thought into the workmanship of their products, and keep their gear lean and nonsense-free. The Arc’Teryx Rho LT Zip base layer is supremely comfortable: its fit is on the close side, forcing the... Click here for full review and star rating |
