How to Choose Base Layers
REI Co-op Merino 185 Base Layer Bottoms - Women's
$79.95
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Whether you're sweating on the trail or sleeping in the tent, the women's REI Co-op Merino 185 base layer bottoms keep you comfy with ultrafine merino wool that's soft, breathable and odor resistant.
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- Ultrafine 185 g merino wool offers a soft feel without any itchiness
- Made with 100% merino wool that naturally breathes, wicks away sweat, dries quickly and resists odors, making it an ideal multiday trip companion
- UPF 30 sun protection
- Flat seams and merrow stitch construction eliminate chafing
- Crotch gusset allows full range of movement
- Soft elastic waistband has a low profile so it's comfortable under other layers
- Designed to hug the body for optimum performance
- Weight: 5.6 oz. (size Medium)
- Machine wash warm, gentle cycle, with wool wash product; do not twist or wring; remove promptly; do not bleach; tumble dry low; dry cleaning not recommended
- Field-tested on its own and as a base layer while hiking, running, rock climbing, cycling, skiing and camping in diverse climates across the U.S.
- REI Co-op brand is certified to The Climate Label; we actively fund efforts to reduce carbon emissions across our business and support climate projects around the world
- Made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory
Imported.
View the REI Co-op Merino 185 Product LineView all REI Co-op Women's Base Layer Bottoms| Best Use | Multisport |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Merino wool |
| Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
| UPF Rating | 30 |
| Moisture Wicking | Yes |
| Quick Drying | Yes |
| Underwear Weight | Lightweight |
| Inseam (in.) | 29 inches |
| Gender | Women's |
| Sustainability | Fair Trade Certified™ factory From a Climate Label Certified brand |
REI Co-op Clothing - Women's
| XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | 1X | 2X | 3X | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18W | 20W | 22W | 24W | 26W | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Numerical Size | 00 | 0-2 | 4-6 | 8-10 | 12-14 | 16 | 18 | 20-22 | 24-26 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 26 |
| Bust | 31 | 32-33 | 34-35 | 36-37 | 38.5-40 | 41-42.5 | 43-45 | 47-49 | 51-53 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38.5 | 40 | 42.5 | 45 | 47 | 49 | 51 | 53 |
| Sleeve Length | 29.5 | 30 | 30.5 | 31 | 31.5 | 32 | 32.5 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 30 | 30 | 30.5 | 30.5 | 31 | 31 | 31.5 | 31.5 | 32 | 32.5 | 33.5 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 34.5 |
| Waist | 24.5 | 25.5-26.5 | 27.5-28.5 | 29.5-30.5 | 32-33.5 | 34.5-36.5 | 37.5-39.5 | 40.5-42.5 | 44.5-46.5 | 25.5 | 26.5 | 27.5 | 28.5 | 29.5 | 30.5 | 32 | 33.5 | 36 | 38.5 | 40.5 | 42.5 | 44.5 | 46.5 |
| Hip | 34 | 35-36 | 37-38 | 39-40 | 41.5-43 | 44-46 | 47-49 | 50-52 | 54-56 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41.5 | 43 | 45.5 | 48 | 50 | 52 | 54 | 56 |
| Inseam | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 |
Sizing Notes
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated. Size chart values represent body measurements, not garment measurements. Some women's pants are available in petite and tall sizes. Typically petite sizes fit women 4'11" to 5'3". Regular sizes fit women 5'4" to 5'8". Tall sizes fit women 5'9" to 5'11".
PETITE: Generally, as compared to regular sizes, petite sizes are 2.5 inches shorter in inseam, 1 inch shorter in body length, 1.25 inches shorter in sleeve length and Âľ inch shorter in total rise.
TALL: tall sizes are 3 inches longer in inseam, 2 inches longer in body length, 2.5 inches longer in sleeve length and 1.25 inches longer in total rise.
Capri or cropped pants have an intentionally shorter inseam—reference the technical specs instead of this chart.
Inseam is measured to the floor.
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
Room to move
Hikergirlchi4 years ago
Received free productI love the cut of the waistband on these bottoms. There's a small yolk to the back which gives a little more room for movement in the rear than some other wool base layers. I found these to be true to size based on REI sizes, potentially a little generous for a base layer, and the standard-length bottoms were comfortable even though I usually wear petites (I'm 5'3"). I did turn the hems up about two inches (see photo). I have wide calves and these fit without being constricting. The fabric was soft when I first got them, but stiffened up after the first wash. It says to wash in wool wash and I used regular detergent in cold water, so that's probably on me. I usually itch from wool until it's washed several times and I was able to sleep comfortably in these right away. No issues with shrinkage when washed in cold water and hung dry.
HikergirlchiReceived free product
Chicago, Il
28 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Don't survive a squat!
KatieM3 years ago
I used these once for a base layer for skiing, but they have mostly been used for sleeping pants while camping and backpacking this past spring. They haven't really had any hard use, and didn't fit me too tightly, but when I wore them to filter water on a cold morning they ripped above the knees when I squatted down. They only survived about seven months.
KatieM
49 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
milk
Develop a new hole each wear
3 years ago
I really liked these when I received them. Within the first wear they developed a hole in the crotch. I mended the hole and wore them again - they developed a hole in the knee. I mended the knee and wore them again, they developed a second hole in the crotch. This has continued on in the four months that I’ve owned them. The fabric just isn’t high quality and I cannot in good conscience leave a good review for these. I really wanted to like them, because they are comfortable, but I cannot spend time mending a pair of bottoms after each wear.
Age:18–24
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'5"
No, I do not recommend this product
KatieM
Don't survive a squat!
3 years ago
I used these once for a base layer for skiing, but they have mostly been used for sleeping pants while camping and backpacking this past spring. They haven't really had any hard use, and didn't fit me too tightly, but when I wore them to filter water on a cold morning they ripped above the knees when I squatted down. They only survived about seven months.
No, I do not recommend this product
Hikergirlchi
Received free product
Chicago, Il
Room to move
4 years ago
I love the cut of the waistband on these bottoms. There's a small yolk to the back which gives a little more room for movement in the rear than some other wool base layers. I found these to be true to size based on REI sizes, potentially a little generous for a base layer, and the standard-length bottoms were comfortable even though I usually wear petites (I'm 5'3"). I did turn the hems up about two inches (see photo). I have wide calves and these fit without being constricting. The fabric was soft when I first got them, but stiffened up after the first wash. It says to wash in wool wash and I used regular detergent in cold water, so that's probably on me. I usually itch from wool until it's washed several times and I was able to sleep comfortably in these right away. No issues with shrinkage when washed in cold water and hung dry.
Age:35–44
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'3"
Yes , I recommend this product
Karen
CO
Warm and comfy!
2 years ago
I grabbed this baselayer in-store because my only pair of merino leggings is really too thick to use as longjohns. I liked that this one has a simple elastic waistband instead of being made like yoga pants. 100% merino/no spandex is also a good thing in my book. I’m 5’9” 120# and wear a size 2. Size XS of this item is perfect for me, even though in some brands I wear S due to my height. I bike commute in all 4 seasons and love camping, so I’m gonna wear these a lot! They’re too thin to wear as pants, if you were wondering, but that’s what I specifically wanted: a thin base layer that doesn’t make me feel constricted under the non-stretch denim I usually wear.
Age:35–44
Weight:100–125 lbs.
Height:5'9"
Yes , I recommend this product
laura309
Very delicate fabric
1 year ago
I bought these a little over a year ago and have worn them maybe 10-15 times in that time. They're a great base as the merino isn't itchy, keeps you warm & dry but is light enough that you don't feel like you're weighed down or immediately hot when you put them on. They also stay 'not stinky' when you can't wash them between wears. My qualm is with the fabric, I've machine washed delicate & line dried these, but this last time taking them out of the wash they had a tear in the bum. The price point is solid (especially when on sale), but be aware that if you purchase these they are a very delicate fabric.
Height:5'6"
Age:25–34
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Yes , I recommend this product
Anonymous
Catskills, NY
great while they lasted
2 years ago
I bought these in December 2021 and have used them for around 80 miles of hiking . This past weekend (June 2023) I did 16 miles of the ADKs and after discovered 3 large holes on one side of the thigh area. I’m a size 16 so it could be due to friction, however it’s not in a spot that usually is effected by that. I was doing a fair amount of sliding down rocks, but the pants I wore on top (also REI) didn’t rip or tear. Idk. I really loved these but wish they didn’t have holes after less than 2 years. Would recommend, but if you’re doing a lot of hiking I wouldn’t expect them to last too many years, unfortunately.
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'4"
Yes , I recommend this product
Jessica
Holes started forming after only a few wears
3 years ago
Very disappointed in these base layers. Comfy and warm, but holes started forming around the hips after wearing them only a handful of times. I'm not particularly hard on clothing. I just wore them as a base layer while skiing. Will probably be returning them next time I get the chance.
Age:25–34
Weight:100–125 lbs.
Height:5'3"
No, I do not recommend this product
Rachel W
New England
These long johns have a place in my gear closet
8 months ago
I hike and camp year round so base layers are important to me. I have these wool tights in an orange print. I am 5'9". I cut off the bottom edge at the legs so they would stop pulling and annoying me. I know it sounds weird but they just were a bit short. Trimmed off, they now sit in position better and I can move freely. The fabric is wonderful because it is soft to the touch, light in weight, and truly helpful in temperature management. You wouldn't go jogging at a full sweat but they are suitable for hiking in below freezing conditions. Otherwise they are comfortable for sleeping and wearing under other pants. The waistband is a little bit annoying because if you have any fat there will be a bit of muffin top. But it isn't too too tight. I have another brand with a wider and less tight band, which REI should start putting on these. OK so the one complaint I have is actually regarding the color appearance on REI photos. I recently ordered another pair and the photo made me think they were a red print. Upon opening the delivery box, I saw they were the color of rust or dark orange or a very muted off-red. I am returning those because I wanted a brighter red.
Age:45–54
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'9"
Yes , I recommend this product
Nicki
Received free product
Mountain View, CA
Comfortable lightweight wool warmth
4 years ago
These REI Co-op Merino 185 base layer bottoms are very comfortable and breathable. The thin wide elastic band stays put at my waistline and the combination of crotch gusset and crotch length keep the bottoms from feeling constricting no matter which way I move. The 100% wool is lightweight, smooth on the skin and fits fine under my jeans or alone as a single layer. Though the label says wash gentle cycle with wool wash, I machine washed my bottoms on a cold regular setting and then air dried. They dried very quickly and look/feel/fit like brand new.
Age:55–64
Weight:Less than 100 lbs.
Height:5'2"
Yes , I recommend this product
reviewer22
Philadelphia
Awesome for cold-weather backpacking
3 years ago
Excellent warmth, breathability, and sweat-wicking for hiking and cold weather camping! Size small (5'6", 130lbs) - true to size. I just tried these out as a base layer for camping in December in the PA/NJ area (temps 45 during the day, lowered to just around freezing overnight). These leggings kept me warm under my hiking pants without overheating as I went through more elevation with my pack. Note that I run pretty cold so as temps dropped after sunset, I put on my fleece REI pants and another base layer to stay toasty. I wore them for 36 hours straight without them starting to smell and they were breathable and sweat-wicking. Great warmth and product for the price.
Height:5'6"
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Yes , I recommend this product
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