When on vacation to snow-covered mountains, it is very common to take part in some type of winter activities there, such as skiing. Now, for this purpose, the most important thing to take care of is keeping warm so you don’t freeze. The key to staying warm outdoors is layering, which is why a great base layer worn close to the skin makes a lot of sense.
Just like with outerwear, your base layer needs to be comfortable. There are some other things to keep in mind as well, such as their ability to keep you warm and dry while preventing odors. Some of these layers look really great, and you may wonder why you need to cover them up in the first place.
In this article, I’ll share with you the best base layer for skiing, just in time for your next trip to the slopes!
5 Best Base Layers for Your Skiing Trip
In A Hurry? Here Are Our Top Picks…
Here is the list of the best base layers for you to consider the next time you think of hitting the slopes.
Carhartt Men's Force Midweight Classic Thermal Base Layer...
- Waffle knit traps heat, fast dry wicks away sweat and fights odor
- Rugged flex technology for ease of movement
- Smooth flatlock seams and tagless label enhance comfort
$34.29
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This imported Carhartt base layer pant is ideal for a chilly skiing session. It keeps you warm and also works wonders in keeping the wearer odor-free and dry throughout the day. The waffle-knit fabric traps the heat and features a rugged flex that helps you move around comfortably. Apart from that, its fast dry technology wicks away the sweat.
The Carhartt also features a smooth flat-lock seam and a key-split elastic waistband for extra comfort. The pant has a concealed dry low-stitch waistband and contoured front, which makes it comfortable to wear.
Specifications
Pros of Carhartt Men's Classic Base Layer Pant
Cons of Carhartt Men's Classic Base Layer Pant
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The Under Armor all-season base layer is extremely versatile and helps to provide warmth during extremely cold temperatures. It also provides mobility for a variety of activity levels, so it is suitable for your skiing session.
The layer’s material wicks away sweat and also dries very fast. UA Scent Control Technology helps you stay fresh. In addition, the soft brushed interior traps air against your skin and manages your body's micro climate to keep you comfortable and warm. Its four-way stretch construction moves better in every direction, making it a flexible choice.
Specifications
Pros of Under Armour Men's All-Season Base Layer
Cons of Under Armour Men's All-Season Base Layer
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The Columbia Omni-heat men's base layer is super comfortable to be worn during extremely chilly temperatures. The material features polyester/elastane fabric along with Omni-wick technology through which excess moisture is brought to the outer layer of the fabric so that it can evaporate easily, leaving you feeling dry and comfortable.
Other than that, this base layer also features Omni-Heat thermal reflective technology that retains the warmth your body generates. Its antimicrobial treatment prevents various skin conditions while providing the utmost style.
Specifications
Pros of Columbia Omni-Heat Men's Base Layer
Cons of Columbia Omni-Heat Men's Base Layer
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This amazing top and bottom base layer set by HEROBIKER is a great outdoor thermal wear. It features superfine material made up of 90% ultra-soft polyester and 10% spandex that absorbs sweat and keeps you warm throughout the day. Other than that, this set is also breathable and allows you to stay fresh. Its anti-static features make it super comfy to wear under the jacket and other outwear.
Specifications
Pros of HEROBIKER Men's Tops & Bottom Base Layer Set
Cons of HEROBIKER Men's Tops & Bottom Base Layer Set
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MEETYOO Women Base Layer Set is wind and cold-proof. The inner layer features velvet and keeps you warm. The material is 92% polyester and 8% spandex and fleece, which makes it really light and breathable. It is designed with a four-way stretch compression so that you can handle outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, and climbing comfortably. It will snuggle around your body and help prevent heat loss.
The thermal set also features an accelerated dry technology, which helps absorb sweat and prevents odors when you are playing a sport in chilly weather. In addition, the material is breathable and wicks away the moisture.
The shirt also looks extremely stylish and can be worn under your coat. On a cold night, you can wear this super comfortable shirt and pajama and keep yourself warm.
Specifications
Pros of MEETYOO Women's Thermal Base Layer Skiing Set
Cons of MEETYOO Women's Thermal Base Layer Skiing Set
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Base Layer for Skiing
Layers are essential, and one of the best ways to keep you warm on the slopes. A base layer should be able to manage moisture.
Apart from that, it should be able to move sweat away from your body and keep you warm and dry from the inside. However, what may work for you may not work for someone else. Therefore, we have created this guide to help you decide which base layer to buy for yourself.
Breathability
Breathability is the ability of a fabric to absorb moisture and release it through the material. In a nutshell, it means that this continuous cycle of motion helps the fabric to release sweat whenever you wear it during heavy tasks or outdoor activities.
This is essential due to several reasons. Fabrics that are breathable help prevent overheating, especially those which are designed to provide warmth. It also prevents the body from producing too much sweat, and it allows the air to travel through the fabric and helps you stay fresh, especially when it comes to odors.
Weight
Base layers for skiing are classified into three classes: lightweight, mid-weight, and heavyweight. These are measured in grams/m2 fabric weight, where the higher the number of grams per square meter, the warmer the base layer will be.
Lightweight base layers usually range from 170 to 200 grams. These are perfect for those times when the weather is balmy, at the end of the season in March or April. When you pair them with a mid-layer or a jacket, you can easily wear them early in the season as well. However, you should not wear these in cold or icy conditions.
The midweight insulation ranges from 200 to 300 grams. These are very versatile when it comes to skiing in the early or mid-season.
Heavyweight insulation refers to a layer base from 300 grams and up. If you plan to go skiing in Norway or Sweden in early or mid-season, this is definitely the type of base layer that you should bring along. Most of the time, a heavyweight base layer is worn as an extra layer of insulation on top of a lightweight base layer.
Warmth
If you are somebody who is very passionate about outdoor activities and snow or cold doesn't really bother you, then a base layer is essential.
A base layer should provide optimum warmth so that you can enjoy outdoor activities with ease. Whether it is cycling, skiing, and snowboarding, a perfect base layer will help you stay warm.
Wicking Effect
Base layers should always have a wicking effect. Make sure to avoid cotton, since it will absorb and hold moisture instead of wicking it away. In cold temperatures, if cotton gets wet, it will turn cold – as a result, it will lower your body temperature, which is dangerous.
Material
Your base layer's efficiency is determined by the type of material it is made up of. Here's what to know.
Merino
This wool based layer offers excellent heat retention and is made up of fine fiber. It allows freedom of movement and feels soft against the skin. Apart from that, due to the lanolin and keratin wax produced by the sheep, merino has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, which means that it can be worn for days without needing a wash. The material is also great for breathability so that sweat can easily escape while keeping you dry, even when you are working out hard on the slopes.
Synthetic
A base layer made from a synthetic material usually means a polyester material. This is great for moisture-wicking and breathability. Apart from that, synthetic base layers dry quickly and reduce uncomfortable sweat. The only drawback is that they aren't as warm as merino base layers.
Silk
Silk is a great choice for layering under casual clothing, since it has a massive warmth-to-weight/thickness ratio. Anyone who wants to wear tight outerwear can easily squeeze a silk base layer underneath. Silk works great while wicking moisture compared to cotton – however, silk still isn't as effective as other base layers if you want to go skiing or snowboarding.
Just keep in mind, whichever material you use needs a quarter-zip or mesh panels on the underarms or down the spine for ventilation. These help to improve airflow and keep your temperature consistent.
Fit
The base layer that you choose should be close-fitting and trap body heat effectively.
Here is how to make sure it does.
Tops
The top of a base layer should cover all the exposed areas. In addition, you should be able to tuck it into your outer layer to stop the cold from getting in during a cold day. It should snuggle with your body to keep it warm.
Bottoms
A close-fitting bottom base layer will offer more warmth, just like a close-fitting top base layer. It should rest around your ankle by reaching the bottom of your lower leg. Choose your usual size for a perfect fit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your base layer can either make your day or break your day while you are out skiing and snowboarding. A great base layer will help you regulate your body's temperature by wicking away moisture from your skin, keeping you dry and warm.
The best base layers for skiing are typically tight-fitting and prevent chafing. Along with this, you shouldn't even notice that you are wearing them! I hope this guide helps you choose your best base layer for skiing.
