How to Choose Base Layers

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Featuring an airy blend of merino wool and recycled polyester, the men's Patagonia Capilene Air hoodie wicks moisture, resists odor and dries in a flash.
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View the Patagonia Capilene Product LineView all Patagonia Men's Base Layer TopsBest Use | Multisport |
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Shirt Type | Mock / Turtleneck |
Fabric | 5.6 oz. 51% merino wool/49% recycled polyester |
Moisture Wicking | Yes |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Underwear Weight | Midweight |
Sleeve Length | Long Sleeve |
Gender | Men's |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | XXXL | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | |
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Chest | 33 | 35 | 37 | 40 | 44 | 47 | 50 | 56 | |||||||||||||
Sleeve Length | 30 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | |||||||||||||
Waist | 26 | 28 | 29-30 | 31-33 | 34-36 | 37-40 | 42-44 | 49 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 39 | 41 | 43 | 45 |
Hip | 32 | 34 | 36 | 39 | 43 | 46 | 49 | 55 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 45 | 47 | 49 | 51 |
Inseam | 30 | 31 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated.
Inseam varies depending on style.
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I bought this specifically to use as a baselayer for cold runs (<10F or so). I am a heavy sweater and often after an hour or so in the cold, I inevitably start to freeze. This baselayer does the job, period. I wore this today along with the Houdini in -7F (I run hot) for about an 1:40 and never reached the point where my body starting cooling off drastically, like it normally would after sweating in the cold for that long. This kept me in the comfort zone the whole time, even tho I was sweating underneath. The only real downside to this garment is the fragility. I wear a hydration vest (over a baselayer and under my shell to keep my water bottles from freezing on my run commutes to work), and this pills pretty much instantly with any rubbing of straps/vest of any sort. After only 2 runs in this, the areas where my vest sits look real rough. Fortunately this does not seem to influence the warmth, but it kinda sucks that its so fragile. Bottom line: The superb performance of this baselayer outweighs the unfortunate looks of the pilling (for me anyway, it might not look pretty but it does the job). If this garment were more robust, this would 5 stars, no brainer.
This is an awesome baselayer that works as a light midlayer if you add a wind shirt. The neck is turtlenecky so if that bothers you maybe go hoodless. A number of reviews describe this piece as fragile and I guess regarding pilling/cosmetic stuff that’s maybe true, but I’ve put over 2500 miles of thru hiking on this thing using it as my primary warm layer and it’s still going strong in terms of structure and warmth. And that includes bushwhacky trails like the Pacific Northwest Trail and Oregon Desert Trail
Patagonia nailed it with this one. The wool/synthetic blend is light and plenty warm. While I have worn holes through the bottoms in the crotch, the tops don't show any wear. I appreciate the hood for temperature regulation (there is a non-hooded version), whether in a sleeping bag, airport/train station, or actively skiing, biking, or running. This is never used as an outer layer for me, so I haven't had the snagging and other wear issues reported by others. Thanks to the wool, this is pretty odor resistant for several days of use. Understand that there is no wind resistance at all; while it could be used as a sweater indoors, I think it is really meant to be used with some type of shell.
I have a closest full of about 30 base layers (a few still have the new tags on them) from SmartWool to every Capilene base layer made by Patagonia, and this is by far my favorite. This one is a game changer. This is the warmest and most breathable, and arguably one of the most comfortable base layers you can put next to your skin. To me, this design is a major evolutionary advancement in base layering. In my opinion, the next nearest competitor would be the SmartWool Merino 250 hoody that weighs 2.7 ounces more, but is just as warm. For the weight where every ounce counts, for me, this is the new standard that all other base layers will aspire to be like. Yes it is expensive, but you get what you pay for. I'm 5 ft 10 inches, 178 pounds, and wear a medium. You want a base layer to fit somewhat snug. Read the excellent review in Outdoor Gear Labs. The only thing I would recommend is that with the somewhat open very breathable yarn pattern, it might be more acceptable to catch a tear if a branch was to grab it, even though this has never happened to me. But being a base layer, I almost always wear a protective cover over it anyway, but I would be cautious and never let this base layer be exposed to bushwhacking. I will not leave home without this technical major breakthrough in layering. Now I do not know what to do with my now obsolete base layers, except give them to the poor, who probably do not want them.
I LOVE Patagonia. When I got this, I wore it all afternoon. The only problem is the hood - first if you leave it down, it is a little constricting on the neck. Not tight, just uncomfortable. When I put it on, it's loose enough where it does not neatly go over your head. Maybe this is a bald thing, but seems like as stretchy as the material is, it should fit just right on your head. Taking it back for the regular version
Used casually at home and for city errands. Comfortable and cozy. Great for very lightweight, layered travel.
Seriously warm for the weight. The hood is nice, but I wish there was an option without the turtleneck-like collar. The weave is a bit delicate, one touch on velcro and I have some loose stitching. This is a great baselayer for skiing.