What are some of the best base layer brands?

montanan

Active member
yo , i get cold as fuck while i ride mainly because i have a condition where my body has to work like 10x harder than the normal person to make/maintain warmth ( Wilson's syndrone i think what it called). i got some HH base layers but the are too thin, don't know if i just got a thinner pair or what but i have to double up with those. Under Armor has treated me the best , but again i just cant keep warm and have to double up still. what would you suggest doing ? buy some new base layers , or should i spend a lil more , live with what i have, and buy a nice insulated windbreaker thing to wear under my coat. space not really an issue as i where pretty large outer where, but any ideas or good brands that you know of that make a freaky warm base layer lemme know ! thank-you for looking and any response is greatly appreciated.
 
Honestly, the best I have ever used in my life is an EMS product, (eastern mountain sports).

They have a base layer brand called techwick, which comes in 3 levels of thickness rated for cold, with t3 being the most warm. I use level t2, and it's always more than enough warmth for me. But I know my girlfriend who works outside in the wintertime uses level t3 and It works well for her.

Definitely check em out. They aren't cheap, but they work wonders. And if u don't like em, EMS, Has a pretty amazingly lenient return policy. They don't have much available online yet because they probably haven't started selling much of this years winter gear, but give it a few more weeks or just go to the store.
 
those EMS products sound pretty legit, ill deff check those out as price is not an issue, id rather spend my hard earned money on a good product that works ! and from what you stated those sound bomb ! thank-you for a good response .
 
I've always like UA. If you still get cold I think you may just have to bundle up and accept it. I have the same problem with my hands, they are always cold
 
Try some merino wool if you're cold. Layer properly with it, so that if you get too warm, you can strip it off.

I use Mons Royale, incredibly soft, incredibly warm, and pretty nice style and fit.

I know people like Icebreaker as well, same deal as Mons Royale.

Merino will cost a bit more than other types of layers, but it's worth it all
 
Go with 100% merino wool. I personally like stoic base layers, I'll do a tight form fit , then a looser second base layer, hen a Patagonia micro puff vest, then a fleece liner, then my shell. I can sport this for riding into 0- single digits! And be plenty warm! Anything below 0 , issue is not with base layers, but with fighting to keep hands warm enough! Good luck
 
Forgot to say the SUPER IMPORTANCE of keeping my neck sealed! All my base layers have a neck zip, then so does my sport fleece and wear a neck gator! Seal out the cold air leak and it's a world if difference ! Just like a house, air infiltration is our enemy !
 
You're a sucker if your base layers aren't merino wool. It's arguably the most breathable and warm material out there. It's expensive but will treat you well. Icebreaker, Patagonia, and Smartwool all make solid pieces. You can wear them all season long no matter what the weather is like due to the breathability.
 
thankyou for all the replies, some great info , and that merino wool (spelling sorry) sounds like something i should check out for sure. thanks again for the replies, appreciate it .
 
ibex is pretty sweet, but expensive.

patagonia capaline is, in my experience, the best out there. I use capaline and their R3 stuff exclusively.
 
I get mad discounts on Icebreaker and I love that shit. Without a discount, it's absurdly expensive, so try Redram. Almost the same stuff, half the price
 
I have been a huge Smart Wool fan for years. Base layer + mid layer + shell handles most everything except the super cold days
 
Don't know why anybody hasn't mentioned it but the columbia omni heat base layer is crazy warm. I honestly can't wear the thing unless its -40 because other wise I start sweating. From the sound of your situation I think it would be perfect
 
If you get cold, and baselayers aren't really helping, I'd suggest getting a down midlayer. Find something with a heavier weight (8 oz+) with 800 fill. That will keep you warmer than any amount of wool layering. Obvious downside is there is relatively little flexibility if you get hot. Patagonia and mountain hardware offer some of the best quality jackets, but you'll be paying for it.

I have a GoLite for the days below zero, it keeps me warm enough.
 
Another vote for merino, and get a Patagonia nano puff to go under your jacket. It is synthetic insulation (primaloft) so it will maintain warmth even off wet.
 
yeah Merino wool base with a goose down mid layer and then shell is totally sweet. something small and light so you can move and don't look like puffy man. Patagonia down sweater for example
 
Back
Top