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Thru-hiking Oregon Desert Trail, Oregon Coast Trail, Superior Hiking Trail, High Sierra Trail, Mogollon Rim Trail, Iceland Traverse To identify what qualities to look for, we interviewed Tucson-based professional trail runner Ashleigh Thompson (she/hers). A member of the Red Lake Ojibwe Nation and a Ph.D. Candidate in Anthropology at the University of Arizona, Ashleigh believes being outside is paramount to healing and happiness. She promotes recreating respectfully on Native lands and creating outdoor spaces that are welcoming to everyone. WARMTH It fits well and is easy to take off once you’ve warmed up, but save it for lower intensity exercises like hiking and jogging, as our panel found it too hot for higher impact workouts. It’s ideal for lounging in, too. This comfortable base layer’s soft fabric is embedded with tiny moisturising microspheres and its four-way stretch material moves with you, whether you’re skiing, sprinting or star-jumping. There are thumbholes for optimum fit, too. What we liked: Softness, comfort, fit, sleeves and torso that are long enough, performance and good looking, stylish
My boys love their Reima baselayers but often the don’t wear them because they get too warm. Go figure! TMM Team Member Rita Not only is the Patagonia Capilene Midweight relatively affordable compared to other technical base layers, but they come in a broad range of colors and a more comprehensive size selection than most companies offer, ranging from XXS to 2XL (or 3XL in men's). They even have kids’ sizes if you want the whole family to match! As more outdoor brands are offering plus-size options, we hope that Patagonia will add at the very least a 3X to women's and more sizes, too. 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.For many folks, it’s much easier to throw a base layer in the washer and dryer without having to think too hard about it. Some brands, like Smartwool, design their fabrics with this in mind. Other layers are a little more complicated in their care. Weak durability keeps this top a dedicated base layer, seams found converging in pinch points, pricey Made from bamboo, this top is kinder to the planet than most synthetic alternatives. Featuring thumb holes for optimum comfort, the fabric is also naturally hypoallergenic, making it a sound choice for those with sensitive skin.
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? 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. I’ve always prioritized the gear on the outside but with time I’ve discovered that one of the best secrets for truly keeping kids warm is the layer on the inside. 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 While we may love the fabric of a base layer top, if the base layer bottom doesn't fit right, it won't feel comfortable. Worse yet, with a merino base layer bottom, we've sometime seen the same fabric we love for a top not have enough stretch for a bottom…and to develop holes in unfortunate areas.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. The Cool Daily is also treated with a Polygiene anti-odor technology called HeiQ® Fresh Durable Odor Control, which seemed to work even after a week of continuous use. The fabric is 50% recycled, bluesign certified for environmentally-friendly dying, and sewn in a Fair Trade factory. Whichever detergents or washes you use, always opt for machine washing, as handwashing can leave behind residues and films.