The Smartwool 150 is another durable hybrid that continues to perform after a year of hard use. The materials are a bit stiffer than 100% Merino wool, meaning the fabric doesn't stretch as much. Your question might be answered by sellers, manufacturers, or customers who bought this product. We are constantly impressed with its performance as it has seen over 400 miles of trail use and many rock climbing adventures. If you're looking for more upper body layering options, we've tested fleece jackets, down jackets, and softshells. Our only caveat is that the fabric retains a little smell, and we have some pit stains. To benefit from the increased levels of comfort and warmth due to the fleece lining on the interior of this base layer, you must sacrifice a certain amount of breathability. When evaluating the fit of each base layer, we handed these shirts to a group of women that varied in height, weight, and body shape to offer the most objective recommendations possible. Our lead tester (5'6", 130 lbs) prefers size Small in most of these tops but found the Kari Traa Rose Half Zip, Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Hoody, Carhartt Heavyweight and Icebreaker Oasis to fit better in size Medium. The Roman Outfitters is a little warmer, providing a wider range of thermoregulation, but it also vents well due to its loosely woven fabrics. Finally, we score across the same metrics to offer a comparative assessment based on our experience. Of these, the Kari Traa Rose Half Zip and the Smartwool Merino 250 prove to be the most durable. How can we improve GearLab? Typically, the largest trade-off in this category lies in the materials used. We hope future versions ditch the seemingly unnecessary thick seams and their placement, because the wool itself is divine. , Department This layer also grew on us thanks to the Black Diamond specific Nuyarn Merino stretch technology that wraps the merino wool fabric with a nylon core to increase strength, durability, and improve wicking capabilities. One of our go-to's for performance during mountain adventures. If you think you're going to be moving a lot more with minimal breaks, choose a thinner option to avoid overheating. And not far behind is the Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino, which offers an exceptional range of thermoregulation within a very lightweight 150g/m design. The Arc'teryx Rho LT offers stand-alone warmth with its cozy fleece-lined interior. MERIWOOL Womens Base Layer 100% Merino Wool Midweight Long Sleeve Thermal Shirt, MERIWOOL Womens Merino Wool Base Layer Thermal Pants, Merino.tech Merino Wool Base Layer Women 100% Merino Wool Lightweight, Midweight Long Sleeve Thermal Shirts + Wool Socks, MERIWOOL Womens Base Layer 100% Merino Wool Midweight 250g Half Zip Sweater for Women, MERIWOOL Womens Base Layer 100% Merino Wool Lightweight Form Fit Top Thermal Shirt, Roman Trail Outfitters Merino Wool Women's Long Sleeve Top |Crew Neck Shirt | Lightweight | Moisture Wicking | Base Layer. Warm, thick but comfortable wool. This is a great shirt, well made, and the perfect weight on those really cold days. It can be challenging to find the best softshell because As you venture into the mountains or around town, a good On the hunt for a new women's ski jacket? This is perhaps the easiest metric to test for; all we have to do is record our notes while we hang around the campfire or enjoy a rest day. WOMENS SIZE OPTIONS: XS to L. 400g OF WARMTH: Our most popular 250g midweight crewnecks just got an upgrade! Here, we evaluate the knit of the fabric and spend time trying on each one with different layers. The Carhartt Base Force is a top with heavy synthetic construction and Merino wool. The base layer tops we chose are composed of either synthetic materials, Merino wool, or a blend. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. This midweight layer kept us warm enough during multi-pitch rock climbs in the Fall while also dumping enough heat to get after it on long trail runs during the shoulder seasons. If you run hot, lightweight fabric is the way to go, but if you get cold easily, opt for midweight construction. However, once you get your body in motion, the layer will conceal the heat generated during your activity. Many are constructed with hollow polyester fibers. The Icebreaker Oasis 200 was just what we needed to stay warm, comfortable, and dry during this fall training run in Indian Creek. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. This is the yang to warmth's yin. FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. While these models breathe adequately for light to moderate activity, some athletes might find them too thick and warm for intense activity. The Smartwool Intraknit Merino 200 really stood apart from the rest, featuring a stylish and functional design that offers gender-specific ventilation panels to enhance overall breathability and wicking capabilities. Not only that, but you want to ensure you can throw layers on top and remove them without much effort. A must have layering piece. When moving from warm to cold, tops like the Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew and Arc'teryx Rho LT will typically adapt to their environment more readily than Merino wool. This product is from a small business brand. Tried, tested, and truly awesome. We suggest using this drawback to your advantage and wearing this layer as a stand-alone piece during the change of season to create a barrier between your sensitive skin and those cold north winds. Enjoy it while hiking, running, and more. We'd utilize both layers throughout the summer months but would leave the REI Co-op Silk at home during the winter. When comparing fabrics, Merino wool stands out as the best thermoregulator. It also wicks well and offers durable construction, similar to a 100% synthetic top. Comfortable, excellent breathability, with wonderful comfort. The REI Silk V-neck wicks and breathes a little better than the Roman Trail Outfitter because it's ridiculously light (only 2.4 ounces) and has plenty of holes to allow ventilation through the fabric. The Oasis feels thinner than the Rock'N'Wool but has a tighter knit construction. Most of the polyester tops we've tested don't offer the same "sitting around" warmth as Merino wool. Full content visible, double tap to read brief content. When we first tried on the hoody, the fabric didn't feel as soft and cozy next to our skin as other layers featured in this review; however, after a few romps and washes, we noticed that it started to soften, and slowly this layer became our go-to for every mission from early morning trail runs to multi-pitch rock climbs. WICKING & ODOR RESISTANCE: Merino wools natural wicking and odor-resistant properties keep you dry and comfortable while active in cold weather. Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2022, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates, Learn more how customers reviews work on Amazon. The fibers are full of air which will keep you cool but aren't the best choice during the summer months because of the amount of insulation. Not at all scratchy!!! We love the way this top fits. In addition, we test each base layer continuously throughout the year and will update this section with our most current recommendations. This layer is more expensive than other synthetic options, however, given that it is one of the most time-tested pieces that we've had the opportunity of using, the value of performance you get out of it is definitely worth the investment. Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2021. We found these seams to be distracting and uncomfortable, and they also caused bunching issues when we piled other layers over the top. I've washed and worn it a couple times now and still looks and fits well after hanging on line to dry. Choose lightweight fabric for any of the tops we reviewed if you want something that'll breathe easier. However, throughout the colder seasons of the year, these layers are hard to beat due to their massive range of thermoregulation. We wear them everywhere we go and have tested them across the world, from the high glaciers of Alaska to the rainy and cool landscapes of Iceland. Please make sure that you are posting in the form of a question. I absolutely love this 400g weight, not surprised it looks like theyre not making it anymore, quality like this is so hard to find these days. The porosity of the fabric provides great airflow while you sweat your way uphill and through the backcountry. COMFORTABLE & CONVENIENT: These quick-drying shirts with a UPF Rating 50+ are perfect for your next trip, whether your camping, hiking, hunting, playing sports, skiing, or partaking in any outdoors activity. Your opinion matters to us and will help us create a better experience. For example, the Smartwool Merino 250 1/4 Zip is the warmest and most insulating base layer in this review, packing in 250 g/m of Merino wool. This top is a little thinner than most and as a result, it's not the warmest in this review. For stand-alone warmth, they're among the top contenders. We've Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Quarter Zip - Women's, Smartwool Intraknit Merino 200 Pattern - Women's, Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Quarter Zip, Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Crewe - Women's, Carhartt Base Force Heavyweight 1/4 Zip - Women's, Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew - Women's, Ortovox 185 Rock'N'Wool Long-Sleeve - Women's, Roman Trail Outfitters Merino Long Sleeve - Women's, REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Crew - Women's, Roman Trail Outfitters top is a Merino layer, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Breathable, excellent thermoregulation, extra warmth with hood, easy to layer, Super comfortable, excellent breathability, stylish, eco-conscious, no odor, Cozy fleece interior, easy to layer, warm, versatile, stash pocket, tight fit, Wide range of thermoregulation, cozy materials, no odor after long wear, longer fit through torso and arms, versatile, Stylish and functional design, excellent durability and fit, comfortable, no odor, Expensive, takes a few washes to increase next-to-skin comfort, Expensive, lacks durability of thicker fabrics, tricky to layer, Stretches after wearing for several days, thick construction isn't ideal for warmer days, A top-notch lightweight performer featuring exceptional thermoregulation and breathability with an innovative Merino wool technology that gets softer with every use, A high performing lightweight base layer featuring blended Merino and recycled polyester fabrics for a wide range of thermoregulation, This high performance synthetic layer is ready for pretty much any adventure you dream up, This top provides cozy comfort, top-notch thermoregulation, and resists odor build-up better than any model we tested, This base layer offers an excellent, slim fit and a wide range of thermoregulation thanks to strategically placed ventilation panels that release excess moisture, Torrent 190 with Polygiene (84% polyester, 16% elastane), 53% Merino wool, 45% polyester, 2% elastane, Built for high-output adventure, this lightweight base layer hoody offers an excellent warmth to weight ratio and maximum breathability, This lightweight base layer doesn't sacrifice on overall performance when it comes to warmth and breathability, Versatility and cozy comfort all in one well-built synthetic package, Comfort and excellent thermoregulation with quality construction, A stylish, comfortable, and functional design that performs well during activity, A lightweight base layer that packs in amazing comfort and versatility, A high value contender built to take on the elements of all seasons, This durable base layer is easy to layer and great for those colder days but lacks overall comfort and sufficient breathability for year-round performance, A high value synthetic base layer that should be considered for high output activities, A light base layer built to breath and wick away sweat, Layering issues aside, it's one of the warmest and most breathable base layers out there, If not for the unnecessary and uncomfortable seams, we would more readily recommend this top that thermoregulates well, A nice, lightweight base layer that won't empty your wallet, While we respect the lower price offering of this top, it failed to impress our testers in any significant area of performance, A silk top that is both stylish and breathable, Versatile with great value and a synthetic construction, A super durable merino wool contender with cute design and style. Still, we were surprised when this base layer exceeded our expectations and became one of the top performers. Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2021. If you like the way a top sounds, check to see what other fabric weights are available. . Our testers love the slim fit of the Air Hoody which kept us comfortable while also keeping its shape during our extensive testing period. : Merino wool contenders are less durable than synthetic options, but they don't hold onto odor. When we chose the Carhartt Base Force Heavyweight 1/4 Zip as part of our testing fleet, we expected the strong durability and functionality that this manufacturer is known for. Love the feminine fit! Please try again. Sleeves are a good length and the fit is stretchy enough to be flattering without being too skintight. The Patagonia Capilene Midweight is another great layering option with built-in thumb loops that keep the arms in place, while the REI Co-op Midweight Crew has frictionless face fabric and a super stretchy design that hugs your body. Our testers love the versatility of a hood which allows the layer to trap essential heat and maximize warmth. We love how the slim fit hugged our curves and kept its shape, even after multiple adventures without washing. Not at all scratchy and warm. The REI Co-op Midweight is also fairly durable, but the fabric is thin and pills easily after just a few washes. Synthetic layers typically have more rigid fibers that, in combination, make for easy layering. The length of the slim fit on the Smartwool Intraknit is slightly longer in the back than the front, offering adequate length in the torso. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. Most importantly, a durable top shouldn't easily succumb to snags and tears after just a few times out on the trail. We've tested the Arc'teryx Rho LT Zip over many years and several iterations, and it still stands out as our go-to synthetic for all technical missions. GearLab is reader-supported. True to size. However, we recommend sizing up if you find between sizes as this layer features a slim fit. This piece sits closest to the skin, wicks away moisture, and ultimately keeps you warm and comfortable while tackling summits or lounging around the chalet. During our testing, we only reviewed lightweight and midweight models. A good base layer is versatile and easy to use within a layering system. With high quality construction, the Arc'teryx Rho LT is one of the most durable layers that we've tested. Furthermore, its thermoregulation is very impressive it wicks well and efficiently moves moisture. When worn in a layered system, breathability enables fabrics to move moisture from the skin and through the fabric to the next layer, keeping your skin dry. This synthetic and Merino wool blend shirt is similar to our top performers and does an amazing job in the field for a fraction of the price. Our favorite value-based purchase of all models tested is the Carhartt Base Force Heavyweight 1/4 Zip. SOPHIA YANG Women's Merino Wool Sweater V-Neck Long Sleeve Pullover, ROSKIKI Womens Long Sleeve Button Down Ribbed Knitted Pullover Shirt Tops, Amazon Essentials Men's Lightweight Performance Long-Sleeve Base Layer Shirt, MERIWOOL Womens Base Layer 100% Merino Wool Heavyweight 400g Thermal Pants Leggings for Women, Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in, MERIWOOL Womens Base Layer 100% Merino Wool Heavyweight 400g Thermal Shirt for Women, Select Size to see the return policy for the item. Wool is my favorite base layer and I really like this one for fit and thickness. Brief content visible, double tap to read full content. The Ortovox Rock'N'Wool is one of the softest wool options that we tested, featuring a lighter construction and 100% Merino wool sourced from Tasmania; we loved how soft the wool felt next to our skin. We have used and abused it while climbing, hiking, split-boarding, trail running, and canyoneering. While Carhartt calls it "heavyweight," our team agrees that it is similar in performance to other midweight options on the market. Package Includes: 1 - Womens 400g/m merino wool thermal crewneck top Black / XS. Layers like the Kari Traa Rose and the Smartwool Intraknit Merino 200 work well because of their skin-tight fit, making sliding layers overtop easy. Long underwear tops that do best in this category feature slippery face fabrics, a thinner construction, and thumb loops. I have a waist and get really sick of how American clothing is now being made so boxy. Of all the layers mentioned above, look for designs with longer arms so you can grab the cuff of the fabric and avoid the fabric bunching while pulling on a mid-layer. When looking at comparable weights, it offers more insulating warmth and breathability, which equates to better thermoregulation overall. Perhaps most notable is that the layer is incredibly versatile, functioning as more of a midweight warmth, thanks to the hood option and 3D knit weave technology, but within a lightweight layer. This versatile layer performed well in nearly every metric. Tops like the Ortovox 185 Rock'N'Wool (185 g/m) and Carhartt Base Force Heavyweight still receive high scores but offer just a little less warmth. The hood on the Solution 150 is fantastic. The Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody and the Patagonia Capilene Air Crew feature a loose weave that does an impeccable job wicking and offloading moisture. : Here we run up a steep trail in the San Juans of Colorado while wearing the REI Co-op Silk V-Neck on a cool day. Love that it is somewhat stretchy and has a bit of a feminine fit. The first snowfall of the season. EASY CARE: Heavyweight long sleeve crew top shirt is machine-washable and dryer-safe, so its ready when you are for your next adventure.