[UPDATED FOR 2023] Set yourself up for success with the perfect base layer for your running or hiking
When it comes to besting the elements while running and hiking, a quality base layer is the ultimate ally. That’s especially true when you’re heading out in cold weather, but don’t sleep on the benefits of a base layer when it’s sunny out, because the right kind of material can help you keep cool even as the mercury rises.
The main choice to make with your base layer is whether you want a synthetic one or one made with a natural fabric like merino wool. The former are usually cheaper, dry rapidly and can be designed for hot or cold weather, but often tend to smell after one use, though there are now odour-resistant synthetic fabrics.
For its part, merino wool naturally resists odours, offers good temperature regulation in both hot and cold conditions depending on the weight of the material, and is more comfortable to wear, but takes longer to dry and will hit your wallet harder.
If you’re looking to buy a running base layer you’ll want a lightweight, fitted layer that will wick sweat away so you don’t get clammy during exercise. For hiking, the fit can be a little looser and you’ll probably value more warmth and odour resistance so you can use the top for several days in a row.
Below you’ll find a range of base layers to suit both runners and hikers in all conditions.
The best all-round running tops
Soar WoolTech Trail Top
The Soar WoolTech Trail Top is much more than your average base layer. Despite its lightweight design, the technology used to create the fabric means that it’s one of the warmest pieces of kit we’ve tested. That makes it a perfect option if you’re a winter runner who is focused heavily on speed training and you don’t want bulky clothing slowing you down.
The thermo-regulating merino wool used in the design combines with the windproof outer layer to offer an impressive balance between protection and comfort. There’s also a 4-way stretch that allows for a high level of movement so the top isn’t holding you back when you’re picking up the pace.
We’ve found that the WoolTech Trail Top works well as a standalone layer for winter training, being able to handle temperatures down to about 5°c. But add a lightweight gilet or jacket and you’re ready to tackle the coldest of days.
BAM Black Rocks Zip Neck Bamboo Base Layer
Technical base layers aren’t always the softest items to wear, but the BAM Bamboo Base Layer feels like you’re putting on a silky smooth pyjama top. What’s even more surprising is the level of performance features the top includes, making it one of our favourite options for activewear that you’ll want to throw on all the time.
Made from sustainable bamboo, it offers moisture-absorbing properties that make it easier to regulate your temperature when you’re training hard or help to keep you warm during winter sessions. For the latter, there are also handy thumb holes for extra protection – especially useful at the start of a chilly run.
The other thing we like about the BAM Base Layer is the stretchy design. Not only does it offer a more comfortable, looser-feeling fit, but helps with mobility, whether you’re swinging your arms during the last 100m sprint of a race or strength training in the gym.
Brook Dash 1/2 Zip
This long-sleeved number from Brooks is a great all-rounder option that excels in one important area: comfort. The fabric feels instantly soft against the skin from the first time you wear it, something that’s surprising considering the technical nature of the top.
The DriLayer fabric manages to be both breathable and sweat-wicking, whilst still feeling rich and cottony to the touch. Brooks has also included underarm mesh panels to help keep air circulation going when you pick up the pace and things start to heat up.
There’s a slightly relaxed fit to the Dash 1/2 Zip that makes it a nice option if you’re not into tight garments, and the material is thick enough to offer a good level of protection from the weather in the spring/autumn.
The best running tops for the cold
Under Armour Run Anywhere Pullover
The Run Anywhere Pullover sits somewhere between a running top and a jacket, which makes it a great option if you want something that you can wear with a t-shirt in the winter months or on its own during spring and autumn.
Unlike some of the more performance-based options on this list, there’s a more casual style to this top and the loose fit will be a big win for runners that want a more relaxed feel to their kit. That’s largely due to the four-way stretch material that leaves plenty of room inside to comfortably swing your arms around when you’re going all out.
As well as a handy waterproof overlay on the front to protect you from the occasional shower, it features UPF 50+ protection, laser perforations on the back for increased ventilation and is made from a microthread fabric that both wicks sweat away and won’t stick to skin.
Our favourite feature of the jacket is the big kangaroo pocket at the front, which can be used to keep your hands warm or to stuff your shopping in on the way back from your run. It even comes complete with a separate inside pocket to stuff your essentials.
BAM Novea Crew Neck Base Layer
The Novea Base Layer is the perfect example of how sustainable design doesn’t have to skimp on performance. A combination of bamboo viscose and Naia, a fibre made from responsibly sourced wood pulp, produces an impressively soft and comfortable base layer that can be worn with layers or on its own in the winter months.
The sign of a good base layer is that you’re happy to wear it when you’re not even doing any sort of activity, and we’ve been wearing the sleek black version of the Novea Base Layer for anything from Zoom meetings to trips to the pub.
As well as handy thumbholes to help keep your hands warm – an essential for winter running – the material is designed to wick away moisture. That not only helps to keep you cool on the run but also means it doesn’t become pongy like cheaper alternatives. There’s also a forgiving fit to the design which means it doesn’t cling to your chest and stomach when you start to sweat.
Proviz Reflect360 Carbon Long Sleeve Baselayer
Proviz is the go-to brand for reflective running and cycling kit, with a wide range of products designed to keep you seen when you’re ticking off the miles at night. Over the years, the brand has branched out into many areas of running gear that does much more than just offer safety features.
The Reflect360 Carbon is one of our favourite picks from the range, an impressively warm base layer that will keep you going on the coldest nights. In fact, we’ve found the top is so good at keeping the chill off that it’s far too toasty to wear on milder days.
As well as the subtle reflective detailing that only becomes noticeable when a light shines on you, the top is made from a 4-way stretch fabric, which means it expands where you need it so as not to restrict movement.
The interior is also covered with a brushed microfleece material which feels soft against the skin and there’s a clever silicone grip on the hem to stop it riding up when you’re powering through a session.
Gore Windstopper Base Layer Long Sleeve
Nothing ruins a run quite as effectively as a freezing headwind – that is unless you’re wearing this base layer, which has wind-resistant fabric all over the front along plus over your kidneys to protect your core and keep you warm even as you face down a gale.
The Windstopper base layer is particularly great for runners who fear overheating by putting on a running jacket during winter, because it’s lightweight and breathable despite offering water resistance alongside its wind-blocking properties. Pop it on under a t-shirt and you’ll feel confident tackling runs even as the temperature drops to single digits.
Unsurprisingly, it’s not so good in warmer weather and we reckon Gore’s temperature range of 5-15° is a little out of whack on the high end – you’ll likely find yourself overheating if you wear this base layer when it’s above 10 degrees. For runs in sub-10° conditions, however, it’s a godsend, especially when you’re trying to convince yourself to run into the wind.
Gore also makes a turtleneck version of the Windstopper base layer, and for those who fancy less fabric, there are t-shirt and sleeveless options as well.
Zone3 Soft Touch Technical Top
Although Zone3 is a brand largely associated with technical swimming kit, its range of running options are well worth a look if you’re after some well-made gear with a heap of nice features.
The Soft Touch Technical Top is so named because it’s made with an extremely light and comfortable material, making it a good option if you’re not so keen on the tighter technical baselayers out there. That material also has a high level of breathability and incorporates ventilation holes on the back to keep you fresh as you tick off the miles.
As well as thumb holes, a front zip and a heat-bonded collar to avoid exposed stitching, it also features reflective taping and logos to keep you visible as you run through the winter nights. One of our favorite pieces of kit for training runs when you’re not sure how far you’re going to push yourself.
The best hiking base layers
Icebreaker 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe
Kiwi brand Icebreaker offers a tremendous range of merino wool base layers, divided by the weight of the wool used. The website even has a matchmaker service that pairs you with the ideal base layer based on the activity you’ll be using it for and the climate you’ll be using it in.
However, for most of us the conditions you’ll be using the top in are likely to vary, so if you’re looking for a hiking base layer that will suit a variety of situations, opt for the 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe. The top is lightweight enough that you won’t overheat on fast hikes but has enough heft to it that you’ll stay snug on stately saunters as well.
The top is made from 100% merino wool, which means it’s beautifully soft on the skin and boasts excellent odour resistance – you’ll have no need to pack any other base layers for multi-day hikes.
Patagonia Capilene Air Crew
This versatile base layer has a loose fit which means you can also use it as a mid-layer or jumper, or wear it by itself if conditions suit. The fabric is a mix of 51% merino wool and 49% recycled polyester, which you’ll be pleased to hear results in you getting the benefits of both, rather than the opposite.
By that we mean the top is lightweight and dries rapidly, but it retains the softness of merino, along with some of its natural odour resistance, though will need washing more regularly than a 100% merino top if you want to avoid your hiking buddies giving you funny looks.
The mix of polyester with a lightweight 190g merino wool means that the Air Crew is great in milder conditions, but it’s still warm enough for frosty expeditions, and it has an entirely seam-free design, which cuts the risk of you suffering any chafing on long hikes.
Best budget hiking base layer
Wed’ze Ski Base Layer Top
It may lack some of the technical features that you’ll find in more advanced outdoor wear, but if you’re after an incredibly cheap and good value piece of kit to keep you warm whilst training in the winter months this is a great option.
Designed specifically with skiers and snowboarders in mind, this top is best suited to colder conditions where sweat and mobility is limited. It does offer a level of breathability and sweat-wicking but isn’t going to make the cut if you’re planning on using it for fitness, running or even climbing.
Features include a stretchable, lightweight fabric, a high neck for warmth and a secure fit on the arms. For £5.99 it’s a bargain.