Comfort and warmth are paramount when skiing, and this Decathlon second skin will take you merrily up and down the mountains. The material (96% polyamide) feels more premium than that of some pricier tops on test, but you might wish to layer up, as some testers wanted to feel cosier. If you’re on a budget, it’s a solid all-rounder. Lightweight wool layers are often labeled as 100 merino wool or 150 merino wool weight. Those numbers refer to the approximate fabric weight of the material in grams per meter (g/m)-so these layers are often the lightest piece of clothing in your outdoor wardrobe. A synthetic lightweight layer is often labeled “lightweight” because they’re usually heavier than their wool counterparts. MIDWEIGHT

I must admit that I use thumb holes a lot and can find a few persuasive benefits to them (Image credit: Emily Woodhouse) Toddlers and kids also need warm, cozy baselayers. Some of our favorite brands for this age group include Helly Hansen, Ik’splor, Icebreaker, Smartwool, Sloomb, Reima and Isbjorn. Helly Hansen It turns out we have lots of favorite brands for baselayers for different ages and stages. Thankfully, there are lots of great options out there. Are thumb holes a sign of high performance gear, or a marketing ploy to get you to spend more money? Like the Icebreaker 150, the Trift has body-zone specific placement of material structures to regulate body temperature. Areas on the body that tend to retain too much warmth during movement, like the armpits, have a looser mesh weave. The seamless construction means that the varying material structures are highly effective yet comfortable. Seamless designs also reduce the chance of chafing or rubbing against the skin.Patagonia Infant Capilene baselayers are made with 100% recycled polyester. The onesie has fold over cuffs and reinforced elbows. The bottoms also have reinforced knees. If it’s cold, you may intend to pile on the layers. But having a lightweight layer as your next-to-skin layer gives you more flexibility for temperature adjustment while doing something active. This allows you to keep the warmth against your body and adjust as needed. Many folks will layer a heavyweight base layer over a lightweight one for very cold aerobic sports. Reasonably priced given its sustainability credentials (it’s made from 100% recycled polyester fibres), this top is best kept for wintry wear when strolling round the park or popping to the shops. Finally, using thumb holes can protect areas of skin that see a lot of sun otherwise. We often forget to apply sunscreen to our hands and find it wears off faster than other areas so while it won't provide total protection, it may offer a useful shield. Do you need thumb holes in your outdoor gear? As mentioned, the Cotopaxi Liso isn't the warmest option, as it's thinner and less warm than many of its rivals. It's also less warm than wool shirts of the same weight. If gone unwashed, the synthetic fabric will develop a funk if you after a few days of wear, despite the Polygiene application applied to the fabric. Be mindful when washing the Liso: all that stretch is accomplished by using a hefty amount of spandex in the fabric, and this will lose its stretchiness after enduring too many dryer cycles. If you want a great budget wool top, have a look at the Meriwool Merino 250.

Teens tend to like that they are not itchy and feel like they’re a great, comfortable product at a great price point. The Patagonia Capilene Midweight excels as a baselayer compared to other synthetic layers we considered. It’s comfortable, which is an essential aspect of next-to-skin layers. The Good Housekeeping Institute tested 29 base layers, with our panel wearing each top for at least three outdoor workouts. If it’s warm outside, a lightweight layer might be the only layer you wear. Our men’s base layer tester, for example, gets sunburned easily, so he wears lightweight, long-sleeved base layers year-round. Most synthetics can be tumble dried on low, but air drying is best for some pieces. Conclusion/SummaryThe same can be said for Smartwool, whose simple washing tips have been drawing people who don’t want to have to think too hard on laundry day. Let’s be honest, we all fared perfectly well without them before (Image credit: Susumu Yoshioka) 5. Sun protection The teens favorite baselayers are cheap ones I got from the REI brand on clearance. TMM Team Member Rita It doesn’t matter how good (or how inexpensive) a base layer is if it doesn’t fit you properly! Most brands have sizing that ranges from XS to XL. Patagonia, Smartwool, Columbia, The North Face, and REI Co-op have more inclusive sizing, ranging from 2XS to 3XL. As more people like Jenny Bruso from Unlikely Hikers speak up about how tough it is to find plus-sized outdoor gear, we’re hopeful that more brands will step up. To test the Patagonia Capilene Midweight, I wore this base layer against the skin during an October trail running traverse of the Wasatch range. The temperatures ranged from highs in the 70s to lows in the high 30s. I wore just the Capilene Midweight from 6 am to 8 pm when I added a Patagonia Houdini wind shirt to ward off the cold. That was perfect until 3 or 4 am when I added a fleece on top of that.

If they are using them and don’t love them or avoid wearing them then it might be worth trying another brand to get a fit, fabric, or style that works better. Thru-hiking Oregon Desert Trail, Oregon Coast Trail, Superior Hiking Trail, High Sierra Trail, Mogollon Rim Trail, Iceland TraverseWhile Icebreaker baselayers are one of the priciest merino wool brands out there, their thermals are called the Oasis for a reason. These baselayers are designed to move with the body and contour to every body movement. Thinking about your budget and the needs and preferences of your child can help you make the best choice for your child. These types of questions will help guide you in the direction of what holds more importance for you as a buyer. Decide which metrics are most important for your sport or activity—whether that's ice climbing or shoveling snow in your driveway—and base your decisions on those factors first. On the flip side I have another child that is always complaining of being cold. Her teachers at school tell me every year that she wears her winter coat in the classroom all day long. If you’re after an extra layer to take the edge off during spring, try this cropped top that pairs well with high-waisted leggings. Some of our testers bemoaned their cold stomachs, but it’s a good choice if you’re keen to try a different style.

Sustainability has become an increasingly prominent focus within the outdoor industry, and this commitment extends to base layers. In the current landscape, two significant sustainability trends have emerged, reshaping how we think about base layer materials. Responsible Wool Sourcing There is no need to fret if you’re worried that you’re tough on gear. Like all Patagonia gear, the Capilene Midweight comes with Patagonia’s Ironclad Guarantee. This perk covers Patagonia gear for life. Patagonia’s environmental mission strives to repair gear instead of manufacture new items. And for a minimal price, they’ll even repair items with normal wear and tear. Of all the synthetic blend options available Shred Dog’s foundation kids baselayer seem to be the most loved by the team for the older kids. Their foundation baselayer top and bottom come in sizes small to extra large. Another thing we liked about the Smartwool Thermal is that it's available in some of the most inclusive sizes of any base layer brand, with women’s available up to 3X. The Smartwool 250 was one of our favorites in our Plus Size Outdoor Clothing and Plus Size Winter Outdoor Clothing guides. We love the Patagonia Capilene Midweight and think it shines as a running base layer. It's the best synthetic base layer out there, with decades of refinement and perfection. This synthetic base layer is versatile, suitable for wearing by itself or layering under a mid-layer. While there are less expensive synthetic base layers, the quality and durability (not to mention relative eco-friendliness) of the Capilene Midweight make it the best choice for synthetic.

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Breathable and stretchy, useful features such as hood and thumb loops, highly adaptable to wide range of conditions The Solution 150 won't be a perfect fit for everyone: the slim fit can be too tight for many body types to wear comfortably — especially if you're worried about the sleeves being too tight around the shoulders and pits. The NuYarn wool blend is a thin, stretchy fabric, but durability is a concern if worn alone and not safely underneath a top layer. Finally, we need to talk about the price: this is one of the most expensive base layers we've tested. Still, if you can swing the cost, you may never find yourself not wearing this hoody, from when the first flakes fall to when the last ski run closes.