The Base-layer, long underwear, long johns…. A key piece of gear for any outdoor enthusiast in any season, but especially important for Pow-Slayers and Northerners alike. A good base-layer can make or break an adventure but in a multi-day trip it could also be an issue of safety. After a long day of skiing across a frozen lake, putting on a dry base-layer at camp is about the best thing you can do to stay warm and safe. Having the right pair makes all the difference!

Over the years I’ve worn several brands, styles and fabrics of base-layers. I’ve grown my quiver to my 5 favorite sets shown above (would you believe me if I said I didn’t try to buy this same color?) I’d like to share my thoughts and what I’ve learned to help you in your search! Here goes….

Wool. Wool is always going to be my #1, my first choice in any given choice…wool. Its personal, but the sustainability, smell and durability of wool wins for me almost every time!

Synthetic can be affordable, but it never feels as comfortable to me (Brandon has a favorite top from Odlo he can’t live without-pictured below) but its usually a no for me.

Silk is an option. Having lots of the same qualities as wool, but given how rarely its found in stores, it’s not in my quiver.

We don’t need to talk about cotton do we?

Let’s start with my favorite base-layer set. The Satoro AR from Arcteryx, which from what I can tell-they don’t make anymore….of course. I haven’t tried the Rho line which I believe has replaced it.

Why do I love it? The Satoro AR is the lightweight, crazy comfortable wool blend layer. The wool means that it retains little to no funk (I can’t do synthetic: if I wanted to smell like a locker room, I’d hangout with hockey players) and is incredibly durable. This particular layer has raglan inset sleeves, so seams at the shoulders are comfortable and go unnoticed, and the waist on the bottoms is high and not at all restricting. They are perfect. They dry quickly of course, and the lightweight version makes them perfect for high output activities but the comfort (solid 5/5) also means that I can sleep in them on cold winter nights in the tent.

The drawbacks? They were pricey-but I’ve worn them hard for 8+ years so I’ll over look that. Otherwise the only fault is that I can’t buy another pair. I love them. They are perfect.

This top here: Patagonia Capilene Wool layer is a close favorite as well. Again-Patagonia doesn’t appear to be making this layer anymore. The top picture is from 2018 after I’d had the layer for at least 3 years. The picture below, 2020…looks the exact same. No fading, pilling, nothing. A unique feature with this top, is the snap-down front making it perfect for custom venting.

The wool layer I am loving from Patagonia is the Capilene Air, a wool blend. This knit, seamless layer is both warm and breathable, I’ve found it to be completely adequate. My only complaint? The sweater like texture can be painful under pressure, if you’re kneeling down for a long time for example, it digs into my skin- 3/5 for comfort. Otherwise, love.

Worth mentioning in the quiver is my only synthetic layer: The standard Patagonia Capilene.

I’ve had this layer for 9+ years easy….the zipper still works, no holes, snags or major signs of wear (I couldn’t find any throwback climbing photos-it stands up great to rock). I do love it for active use, it is incredibly breathable and quick drying. My only complaint? It can get a little funky for multi-day adventures-but in comparison to other synthetics (Under Armor gives me nightmares-oh the stench) it is nothing.

Middle ground is the SmartWool Intraknit Base-layer. I could take it or leave it. I have it in the heavier weight, and it is warm-it delivers there. However I’ve snagged it a few times very easily, and had to repair the seam on the crotch of the bottoms within the first few wears. Overall comfort it ranks a 2/5…I can’t sleep in it.

I’ve had some base-layers I wanted to love. Backcountry makes a Spruce line of wool base-layers that are super attractive. In the end I got rid of them due to too tight of waist bands, and lack of stretch in the shoulder seams. After paddling for a few hours in the top on one of the coldest days camping for me, my skin was raw and they were not long for my closet.

Here is the unexpected pair that I love to love, The REI Coop Merino Base-layer.

True to REI form, they are the most affordable pair in my quiver and the fit is just shy of being the unicorn fit of the Arcteryx pair. Performance wise, they’ve proven to be warm but slightly less breathable than some others. But they get a 4/5 for comfort, and given how affordable they are I’ve worn them a lot not worrying as much if I wear them out-and I haven’t. I’ve been wearing and washing them for about 8 months and they haven’t snagged, pilled or stretched. I’m very happy with them.

There you have it folks. I hope this info sheds some light into the search for your unicorn base-layer set. Hope you’re able to enjoy some of the winter and your Days Off!