How to Choose Base Layers

Soft, breathable and naturally odor resistant, the ultrafine merino wool of the men's REI Co-op Merino 185 base layer bottoms is beloved for sweating on the trail—and just sleeping!
Imported.
View the REI Co-op Merino 185 Product LineView all REI Co-op Men's Base Layer BottomsBest Use | Multisport |
---|---|
Fabric | 100% merino wool |
Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
UPF Rating | 30 |
Moisture Wicking | Yes |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Fly Opening | Yes |
Underwear Weight | Lightweight |
Inseam (in.) | 32 inches |
Gender | Men's |
Sustainability | Fair Trade Certified™ factory From a Climate Label Certified brand |
XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | XXXL | 24 IN Waist | 26 IN Waist | 28 IN Waist | 30 IN Waist | 31 IN Waist | 32 IN Waist | 33 IN Waist | 34 IN Waist | 35 IN Waist | 36 IN Waist | 38 IN Waist | 40 IN Waist | 42 IN Waist | 44 IN Waist | 46 IN Waist | 48 IN Waist | 50 IN Waist | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chest | 35 | 36 - 38 | 39 - 41 | 42 - 45 | 46 - 49 | 50 - 53 | 54 - 57 | |||||||||||||||||
Sleeve Length | 32 | 32.5 | 33 | 33.5 | 34 | 34.75 | 35.5 | |||||||||||||||||
Waist | 27.5 | 28 - 30 | 32 - 34 | 36 - 38 | 40 - 42 | 44 - 46 | 48 - 50 | 24 | 26 | 28 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 |
Hip | 33.5 | 34.5 - 36.5 | 37.5 - 39.5 | 41 - 43 | 44 - 46.5 | 47.5 - 50.5 | 51.5 - 54.5 | 32 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 36.5 | 37 | 37.5 | 38.5 | 39.5 | 40.25 | 41 | 43 | 44 | 46.5 | 47.5 | 50.5 | 52.5 | 54.5 |
Inseam | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated. Size chart values represent body measurements, not garment measurements.
SHORT: Some pants are available in short sizes, which generally means an inseam that is 2.5 inches shorter than regular sizes.
TALL: Some pants, shirts, jackets and parkas are available in tall sizes, which generally means an inseam that is 3 inches longer and a rise that is 1 inch longer, a shirt or jacket body that is 2 inches longer, a parka body that is 2.5 inches longer and sleeves that are 2.5 inches longer than regular sizes.
Capri or cropped pants have an intentionally shorter inseam—reference the technical specs instead of this chart.
Inseam is measured to the floor.
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.
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I took these on my PCT thru-hike this year. They ended up in the garbage somewhere in Northern California. I expected holes around the knees where there was abrasion, but not in the crotch. They just basically fell apart in a couple months and I really didn’t wear them that often.
As the title discusses, these are pretty standard base layer--probably a little more comfy than most I've worn (probably the merino?). My only knock would be that they are a bit short at the shin/calf for my 6'3" frame...but then again, this is something I encounter with most base layer bottoms out there.
My son is only 5’10” but wears a 34” inseam and hates anything that is too short, including his base layers. I bought these because he was super frustrated with his regular length ones and refusing to wear any…but WHY are people with long legs not allowed to be SKINNY? You would think a store that caters to athletic/fit people would make a SMALL size in tall pants. He was 28x34, but can sometimes almost get into a 30” waist…but really wants longer pants. I guess she has a short torso?? I returned them, and am hoping a different brand out there somewhere makes some small talls or regular ones that are longer. (And yes, he doesn’t care that socks will meet them-he’s 16 and knows what is comfortable for him.)
Nothing really wrong with these - just an average base layer. Its nice that they have a tall version, but quite honestly I always wear base layers with tall socks - so a little short on the leg isn't a big deal. Hard to test the warmth during this unusually hot PNW summer, but they seem to work well and wash/dry easily. The ankles are a little tight and the waist is a little large, but not enough to warrant a return. It may sound strange, but it would be nice to have a pocket or two. I usually wear these at night and in the morning around basecamp for a bit, and it would be nice to have a pocket for a phone/ear plugs/etc. My smartwool base layer is still my #1, its much softer and has a padded waistband... but these are nice to have as a backup pair.
Nice base layer, soft material. The problem I had with it is that the ankles are extremely tight. while the cuffs felt fine once it was on, they made tearing sounds while pulling it over my feet and I'm worried it won't last. It certainly won't work for rolling up the ankles when necessary. While this tightness might be a benefit for some, it doesn't work for me.
I bought these bottoms for an ultralite backpack along the Pacific Coast in April of 2022. Temperature turned out to be near freezing at night, and there were strong winds and rain for the several days we were hiking. I have had excellent experience with Merino wool top layers, and so I specifically looked for bottoms made of Merino wool. Why? Because they are typically very lightweight and very warm, and don't accumulate body odor. I was very pleased with their warmth, their low weight, and of course they they didn't begin to smell after a couple of days like cotton or other fabrics. The only negative I have is the waist band; the elastic isn't very strong, and I found that I had issues with them slipping down from my waist from time to time. I solved that problem by clipping them into the suspenders that I was wearing with my rain pants, but it may be something to consider.
Merino wool will always be itchier than polyester, but good quality merino should still come close and offer all the benefits of merino. The issue I had with this base layer was how uncomfortable it was against skin. It improves with cold wash and air dry, but for the 20-30 it saves you vs. name-brands like SmartWool and Icebreakers, I don't think it's worth the compromise (unless you typically do not notice any issues with merino).
Bought these for my boyfriend who is 6’3” and they fit perfect! They cover his ankles and are a great base layer for him as he works overnight outside
I've worn my Merino 185 bottoms on a couple of hikes and once shoveling snow at home. I'm tempted to say they're warm, but really, I didn't feel warm or cold -- they were perfect; I didn't even remember I was wearing them. Temperatures were in the 20s with wind chills in the teens. I do not know how they'll hold up long term, but for now I could not be more pleased.