How to Choose Base Layers

This product is not available.
The well-loved Alpine Onset base layer top from Outdoor Research is back and better—it now has soft merino wool blended with polyester for better durability and moisture management on ski outings.
Shop similar productsImported.
View all Outdoor Research Men's Base Layer TopsBest Use | Multisport |
---|---|
Shirt Type | T-shirt |
Fabric | 47% recycled polyester/47% merino wool/6% elastane jersey |
Sun-Protective Fabric | Yes |
UPF Rating | 30 |
Moisture Wicking | Yes |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Underwear Weight | Lightweight |
Sleeve Length | Long Sleeve |
Gender | Men's |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | XXXL | 28 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chest | 33.5 - 36 | 36 - 38.5 | 38.5 - 41.5 | 41.5 - 44.5 | 44.5 - 48 | 48 - 52 | 52 - 56 | |||||||||||
Sleeve Length | 31.5 | 32.5 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 35.5 | 36 | 36.5 | |||||||||||
Waist | 26.5 - 29 | 29 - 31.5 | 31.5 - 34.5 | 34.5 - 37.5 | 37.5 - 41.5 | 41.5 - 45.5 | 45.5 - 50 | 29.5 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 39 | 41 | 43 |
Hip | 32.5 - 35 | 35 - 37.5 | 37.5 - 40.5 | 40.5 - 43.5 | 43.5 - 46 | 46 - 49.5 | 49.5 - 53 | 35.5 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44.5 | 46 | 47.5 |
Inseam | 31.5 | 31.5 | 32 | 32.5 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated.
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
Love this wool base layer. I have two of them. Light yet warm. Oh... the blue camo is awesome too.
I have used this for a full fall/winter hiking season. After much thought and a lot of comparisons, this is worth looking at. It pulls my sweat to the surface when it's my only top I have on, and I just wipe it away. It Insulates really well when used as a base layer and doesn't leave me feeling cold when I've been sweating on my ascent. I have other many other competitors in this class, and their good. But I found myself choosing this over a lot of choices made primarily of merino wool too. I would recommend this to anyone.
After being used in the field for multiple iterations of training, this base layer stood up to the test during the winter and early spring months. The only facet about this product that was slightly cumbersome was the way in which wool must be washed and dried compared to other fabrics. However, that process comes with the territory when you choose wool. All in this is a fantastic product that has served me well.
First of all - I like the fit (not super tight like most merino base layers), warmth and look of this shirt. It is definitely quite functional. It does have a huge drawback compared to other similar products - it is significantly itchy/rough compared to other technical merino wool players. I have another comparable base layer that is much softer and cheaper at the cost of durability and looks.
Great fit, very warm and durable. It is as warm as any other merino baselayer I have used the only complaint that I could have with the product is that it is a bit rough and itchy compared to some of the other merino blend baselayers I have used. That being said this is a great value for how warm it is and I would gladly sacrifice with a bit of itchiness for how warm it is an how well it dries.
This shirt can be very warm. I've washed mine a few times and it still has a slightly itchy feel but after a few minutes of wearing it, you don't notice. The fit is a bit boxy. For me, it's snug on my chest and shoulders but pretty loose near my waist and also somewhat loose on my wrists. I'm 5'10", 175lbs, 42" chest, and 30" waist. I'd recommend if you can get a deal on it.
My first impression when I put the shirt on was 'is this backwards?" The collar feels just a little too tight around the neck. Everything else about the shirt fits well, so I don't think it's a size issue. After wearing it for a while it gets comfortable and you forget about the neck issue. The fit isn't a deal breaker, but I don't plan on buying another.
Quality, sure it's good, it's OR after all! That said, the shape is not 'slim/trim' but square and uncomfortable. I own other OR products and they've been great! So I was very disappointed and surprised that this shirt was not, for me, what I expected from reading the description. Returned and had to pay for return shipping! 6'1" /180 lbs
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I keep one in my pack for dramatic weather changes in mountain weather. Works well for me as a light layer to retain some warmth since I usually wear a lightweight shirt (Argon or Echo). Putting a Ferrosi light jacket over this has made a great combo to stay warm and block some wind while packing away compact and lightweight.
This is great as an everyday shirt when the weather gets cold, or as a technical layer for outdoor activities. It's the perfect weight - not so thick it's too warm, and not so thin that it will wear out quickly. Finding a wool shirt this good is great, I'll probably get an other one in a different color while I can.