Check out this quick list of our favorites if youre in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews. Compare. Couple that with a slim, stylish fit, and you have a layer you can take from the mountain straight to aprs-ski. The ability to layer well is an often overlooked consideration but is important for practical outdoor use. Men's HeatGear Armour Compression Shorts. Another solid choice is the Cotopaxi Liso Top, which is looser, stretchier, and warmer. To find the best base layers, we considered 75 of the top-rated lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight men's and women's tops. Most impressive in this metric was the Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Hoody, which comes packed with more features than any other base layer we've tested: thumb loops, long sleeves you can roll up, a hood, and a front zip all provide a plethora of options to regulate temperature. We test each layer side-by-side in temperature-controlled indoor environments and use the same short, rigorous exercise routine to work up a sweat. The handsome cut and smooth fabric of the Liso performs excellently as a base layer, allowing you to move freely underneath the shirt and layer up with whatever kit you'll need throughout the day to stay warm, dry, and comfortable. 9 Colors. 23.00 (69% off) Buy Now. Compare. Looking for the best ski jacket? Best for: A great overall pair of shoulder pads. Standard base layers act as a simple thermal barrier. The slim fit and seamless design of this top make it easy to layer and especially comfortable when worn under a backpack. Multiday backcountry treks call for a . . Compare. We all know that how much beneficial is online . $40.00 + $8.00 shipping. Sponsored. The gusseted pits give great freedom in the shoulders especially helpful when you layer up and want to avoid pinch points. Of all the base layers we have at our disposal, the Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Half Zip Hoody is the one we've been reaching for no matter the day's objective. Soft, thin Merino wool blend layers up well, Slim, athletic fit won't work for everyone. An example of a layering system. Best Seller. If softness can never be secondary, look no further than the 100% Merino Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Zip. Plus, it dries fast after the game or after youve put it through the wash. Free shipping for many products! We offer this comprehensive review to help you land on the best base layer for your own needs. Read more New videos, trip reports, gear reviews, inspiring stories and more. This adds no cost to our readers and helps us keep our site up and running. Sometimes the moisture comes from outside sources, like rain or snow. For ultimate stretch with surprising softness, the Cotopaxi Liso Top delivers. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 3 x Kids Black Sports Base Layer Tops at the best online prices at eBay! Luckily, we've got the scoop on how to nail your layering system, from comfortable underwear to protective outerwear. The higher price point alone, when compared to other base layers, may be enough to dissuade you from purchasing this one. Of all the synthetic materials weve used, Patagonias proprietary Capilene blend is the softest, stretchiest, and the best at wicking moisture. We constantly update our guides when new products launch. Plus, you wont have to worry about getting too sweaty during a game. Hockey players demand a lot from their gear, and base layer performance apparel is no exception. Patagonias Capilene layers are our favorite synthetic shirts. To test durability, we inspect the strength of the fabrics, the quality of the stitching, and the construction of the pieces as a whole. SAVE 20%. Read more: Meriwool Merino 250 Long Sleeve review. Wool layers may not last as long as synthetic ones and they tend to pill after washing and hold onto lint and pet hair. The story of the Solution 150 starts out as a solid 150 g/m Merino wool blend base layer that hits a sweet spot between light and medium base layers, then builds upon that foundation with a helmet-compatible hood, 1/2 zip, and extra long sleeves with thumb loops all of which help you cover up or expose some skin depending on the conditions you face. FREE delivery Tue, Jan 24 +5. $74.99. Its nearly see-through fabric allows for air to pass through it with ease making it extremely versatile for conditions ranging from super cold when layered, to warm weather as a stand-alone layer. 1/2/3 Pack Boys' Youth Compression Leggings Pants Tights Athletic Base Layer for Running Hockey Basketball. BOTTOM LINE: Smartwools Classic Thermal Merino (mens / womens) and Classic All-Season Merino (mens / womens) base layers do an excellent job of wicking moisture. Warmest: Woolx Merino Blizzard Zip. By Aaron Rice and Justin Simoni. The compression leggings are tight-fitting so they ensure nothing slides around underneath. Includes briefs, pants, compression sleeves, glove liners, socks, hoods, shirts, shorts, and more. The HeatGear fabric easily wicks off sweat and dries really fast. The synthetic Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew is a worthy base layer to wear under your kit during high output activities like cross country skiing or all alone like when you're off for a run. This is great since it helps prevent annoying chafing and bruising, giving you a bit more comfort during the game. CCM Tacks 9080 Shoulder Pads. It is the perfect companion for cool-weather camping during the shoulder seasons, works well for both resort and backcountry skiing, and is certainly stylish enough to be worn casually. The Patagonia Capilene Air proving its versatility, keeping us cool and comfortable in the fall Utah Sun. Best base layer bottoms: Patagonia Capilene Midweight (mens / womens), Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino (Mens / Womens), Odlo Performance Wool Warm (mens / womens) & REI Midweight (Mens / Womens), The Odlo Performance Wool Warm (mens / womens) base layer bottoms are the warmest on our list, so theyre great for trips where temperatures can dip below freezing, WEIGHT (Mens M): 10.3 oz. If youre worried about your elbow pads sliding aroundyou can rest assured theyll stay in place thanks to the ArmourGrips on the sleeves. Be mindful when washing and drying too, as improper care can cause undue wear to the Classic Thermal, shortening its lifespan. We hope that a future design of this shirt moves the seams off the shoulder top, which can rub when wearing a heavy pack. Is it loose, tight, or constricting in key areas? Base layer sports clothing comes in breathable, moisture-wicking materials, keeping bodies compressed, cool, and dry. Shop for the Kari Traa Baselayers. One thing you do lose with the price of the Merino 250 is durability: the extra-fine fibers are no match for anything abrasive, so keep this base layer away from your rock climbing and canyoneering trips. It is not just about simple heat retention but rather the complex system of thermoregulation. For cross-country and backcountry skiing, we would opt for the lightweight layers that still offer a bit of warmth, like the Outdoor Research Alpine Onset or the Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew. BASE LAYER BOTTOMS - This guide focuses on base layer tops, but don't forget about your lower half! The top shoulder panel helpfully moves the top seam that would be on the crest of your shoulders down and out of the way from heavy pack straps that can cause discomfort. 2. They also prevent chafing in your arms, knees, and groin. For cold conditions outside, the Under Armour ColdGear Base 4.0 works well and can take much more work abuse than other comparably warm wool base layers. How can we improve GearLab? Best Wheeled Hockey Bag: Grit GTFX Tower Hockey Bag. The Intraknit Thermal isn't without its weaknesses. Best warm base layer bottoms: Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino (Mens / Womens) - These bottoms are our go-tos for winter and high-alpine adventures when temperatures dip to freezing and below. Let us help you find your next hockey stick in 4 steps! As the biggest major skate retailer in the game, its safe to say that Bauer understands the problems most hockey players face when playing. Let us know! $24.99. (NHL, AHL, ECHL, Juniors), Best Long Sleeve Top Layer (Torso): Under Armour Fitted Grippy Long Sleeve, Best Short-Sleeve Top Layer (Torso): Bauer S19 Essential Short Sleeve Top, Best Long Bottom Layer (Legs): Under Armor Hockey Compression Leggings, Best Short Bottom Layer (Legs): Under Armour Hockey Compression Shorts, Bonus Base LayerSocks: Bauer Supreme Protall Skate Socks, Bauer vs. CCM Sticks (Everything You Should Know), Stretch-mesh underarm prevents overheating, ArmourGrip helps secure your pads in place, Pretty expensive compared to other options, Merino wool to keep sweat and moisture out. The Warroad Tilo Pro Stock Cut Resistant Pants are one of the most advanced and revolutionary hockey performance base layer pants ever created. TELALEO. ABOUT US. SAVE 10%. On its own, it kept us toasty at 20F. It's also less warm at the same weight than its wool counterparts. TELALEO 1/2/3 Pack Boys' Youth Compression Leggings Pants Tights Athletic Base Layer for Running Hockey Basketball . When dealing with dry times, you may also want to cross-reference them with warmth, as lightning-quick dry times of thinner base layers may also mean a less warm base layer. $89.99. The Patagonia Capilene Midweight (mens / womens) has been one of our go-tos for years because its comfy, warm, and super durable. Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew Base Layer Top - Best Base Layers for Travel. But these design features can also keep your top from rising up and exposing your back and belly when bending over to put on your climbing skins or reaching for that next crimper when climbing. FORCE Hockey Referee and Linesman Girdle. Customer Service Hours are: Rebel Pro Baselayer Pants (YT) Performance enhancing and perfectly tailored to the needs of a youth hockey player - because tomorrow's hockey stars deserve it! These shorts are simply the short version of the Under Armour Hockey Compression Leggings. The synthetic fabric will develop a funk if you haven't washed it after a few days of use, despite the Polygiene application applied to the fabric. 3. MonkeySports Loose Fit Senior Long Sleeve Shirt by Monkeysports. Whether it's for the warm or cold season, a quality base layer is sure to keep you dry and comfortable, no matter where your next outdoor escapade takes you. $18.99. We purposefully choose to test the best layers on the market, so a low score in our testing does not mean a product is not worth its mettle. PROS: Very comfortable, excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, ultralight, hypoallergenic, easy to layer, CONS: Not as versatile, not as durable as others, requires extra care when washing, sheer. Theyre very form-fitting and the waistband lays super flat, so theyre very comfortable for layering and under backpack hip belts. A good base layer should trap heat to keep you warm in cold temperatures and also allow excess heat to escape when your heart rate climbs and body temperatures rise. The fabric is very water-repellant to prevent excessive moisture during play. Best budget base layer bottoms: REI Midweight (Mens / Womens) - If youre on a budget, REIs Midweight bottoms are a great choice. Men's HeatGear Armour Short Sleeve. We're a little surprised that the Intraknit tech doesn't extend to the shoulders, where instead there are some not-awesome seams. Most hockey players tend to wear long-sleeve undershirts and long compression pants that are made from a special moisture-wicking material made for athletics. Need Help? 2. Icebreaker 260 Zone Half-Zip Base Layer Top - Best Base Layer for Extreme Cold. This shirt feels like cotton, so its excellent for those with sensitive skin. We wore these layers through the varying temperatures of fall and winter to test every quality that results in you successfully staying warm and dry. Source for Sports Compression Base Layer Men's Jock Short - Source Exclusive. Any bonus multiplier is based on the base rate of collecting CT Money. The longsleeve features stretch-mesh underarm panels for additional ventilation. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. For a decade, our team of experts has bought and tested dozens of the best base layers on the market. While it doesnt trap heat quite as efficiently as some wool base layers, the Capilene Midweight top is still highly versatile and easy to layer. Given that I started hockey religiously wearing sweats (baby grow) I much prefer using 2 piece now. What sets it apart from the pack is its Merino wool fabric, which we found to be thin yet soft. $8.22. Staying dry is a foundation of being comfortable in the outdoors. For this update, we compare 18 of the most popular options side-by-side. It includes a stretch-mesh cup pocket so you can easily slide your cup in your pants without a jock strap. View: Showing 30 results per page. Shop Baselayer Collection for Hockey on the Under Armour official website. Video. Below well detail some pros and cons of the most common base layer materials. $199.99 - $299.99. Justin Simoni lives for the rarefied air of his backyard mountains in Colorado and keeps his wits sharp with year-round ascents of Longs Peak usually with a bike-from-town approach. There are certainly pros and cons to each material type. Smartwool Merino 150 Crew Base Layer Long-sleeve Top - Best Everyday Layer. One of the greatest qualities of a base layer is its versatility to be worn as a standalone top or to be layered in a myriad of ways to keep you warm and comfortable in any temperature or situation. Keep up with our latest tutorials and gear reviews on YouTube. Our Team's Hockey Bag Picks. It simply means that it performed poorly in relation to the competition. The midweight Merino wool blend fabric is a great "just right" weight to use for most cool to cold days outdoors. C$19.99 CAD. 5. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Free shipping over $100 and easy returns. If youre wanting to improve your performance on the ice, then adding a nice pair of skate socks like the Bauer Supreme Protalls is a great overall option. Read more: Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino 1/4 Zip review. We We put in the cold hours and the nitty-gritty research to Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino 1/4 Zip review, Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Half Zip Hoody review, Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino review, developed appropriate tests to carry out in the field and lab, which types of layers work best in what situations, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Supremely warm, exceptionally comfortable, front zip, shoulder panels keep things comfortable with a heavy pack, Unique seamless fabric paneling, warm and lofty Merino wool blend fabric, long sleeves and torso, Breathable and stretchy, useful features such as hood and thumb loops, highly adaptable to wide range of conditions, Thin and lightweight Merino blend, 1/4 zip enhances thermal regulation, extra long sleeves and torso, Soft and stretchy fabric gives freedom of movement, great value, thumb loops, More delicate than others, pricey, wool may lose shape and sag without proper care, Weak durability keeps this top a dedicated base layer, seams found converging in pinch points, pricey, Slim athletic fit requires a slim athletic body type, expensive, not as durable as cheaper synthetics, Slim athletic fit may not work for all body types, thin fabric less durable than other options, Not as warm as wool layers of the same weight, risk of smelling if left unwashed after use, An uber comfortable, warm, and breathable 100% Merino wool base layer for the coldest of conditions, One of the best midweight base layers for when you need warmth and freedom of movement thanks to its fabric blend and seamless ventilation pattern, Unique features like thumb loops and a hood makes this Merino wool blend base layer super versatile, This baselayer is sensationally lightweight for a wool blend and notably breathable because of it, One of our favorite super stretchy, soft, and warm synthetic base layers for cool to cold conditions, 53% Merino wool, 45% polyester, 2% elastane, Flatlock seams (mesh inserts are seamless 3D). We own and field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm. Compare. MATERIAL - The material a base layer is made from can be a good indicator of how it will perform in various conditions. Breathability is an extremely important quality during active pursuits, as well as stop/start activities like backcountry skiing or rock climbing. I caught this fellow hiker coming around a bend and boy does he make a great prop! Black Lives Matter Synthetic layers dont insulate as well as wool and they can actually sap a lot of your heat if they get wet. But they offer benefits like superior body-temperature regulation, moisture-wicking ability, and odor resistance. Hockey base layers usually have a Velcro attachment point for the socks, similar to mesh jock shorts. The Cotopaxi Liso's super stretchy synthetic fabric gives you absolute freedom of movement underneath all your top layers. That's why we start with only the best tops on the market and then proceed to field test the heck out of them. $30.00. Add. 11 Colors. The following base layers didnt make our final list, but theyve still got a lot of good things going for them. Other metrics, like durability, call for a combination of field use (i.e., chimney climbing and bushwhacking) and lab testing (repeated dry and wash cycles and an abrasion test.) Editor's Note: This review was updated on November 12, 2022, after reassessing our full lineup and bringing on 9 new products. Bauer Neckprotect Long Sleeve Base Layer Top - Youth. That said, the Oasis Crewe is a bit softer against the skin so we still think its a great choice for low-output activities when youre not at risk of overheating. The Under Armour Hockey Compression Leggings are a great choice if youre looking to pick up a longer bottom base layer. The front 1/4 zip on the Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino helps with dumping excess heat quickly, coming in handy when you're layered up and conditions change quickly. $129 Patagonia (All-Season), FABRIC/WEIGHT: Midweight merino wool (Thermal) & lightweight merino wool + nylon (All-Season), PROS: Good value, excellent moisture wicking, warm when wet, breathable, odor-resistant, stylish enough to be worn on its own (250), CONS: Can pill after washing, may hold onto lint and pet hair, not as durable as synthetics in the long run. . Odlo Performance Wool Warm (mens / womens) base layer bottoms have a flat comfy waistband for backpacking. A passion for winter weather led him to a bachelor's degree in snow and climate science. $74.99. The Outdoor Research Echo L/S works great as a warm weather base layer perfect for those temperate late autumn afternoons. Curbside Pickup Available NOW! It is made of 100% LIFA fibers which pushes moisture away from your skin, so you stay warm, dry and comfortable. Every shift is a tryout. Theyre ultralight, luxuriously soft, and thin for easy layering. By testing and rating each of these layers relative to one another, we can highlight which products score highest in the metrics that are significant for how you intend to use your base layer. Minnesota got their first NHL team in the 1967 expansion. We tested men's base layers from Smartwool, Patagonia, Cotopaxi, Black Diamond, and more to find the warmest and most comfortable options. Bauer Elite Seamless Baselayer Pants - Adult. Our top pick for a bottom base layer for hockey players are the Under Armor Hockey Compression Leggings. 19.98 25.00. A quality, breathable layer will help regulate your body temperature through a range of environments, regardless of your energy output. Both the Cotopaxi Liso and Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew two other lighter synthetics held up almost as well and would fit well for a variety of outdoor activities, be it hitting the slopes, going on a snowshoe, or exploring some slot canyons. Picking the wrong socks can leave your foot soggy, uncomfortable, and even itchywhich can be a real pain during a game. Terry Sawchuk Louis Jaques/Library and Archives Canada (PA-209513) Many people have called Terry Sawchuk the greatest goalie in hockey. C$5.99. We've also selected our favorite long underwear bottoms and the best and warmest fleece jackets to keep you toasty. . You may be surprised to discover that you actually don't have to pay an arm and a leg for a superb Merino wool top. BOTTOM LINE: Base layers arent just for keeping you warm; the Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail (mens / womens) actively helps cool you down.