How to Choose Base Layers

With its soft and durable merino wool blend, the men's Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino long-sleeve base layer top is game for any adventure from spring skiing to winter hiking.
Imported.
View the Smartwool Classic All Season Product LineView all Smartwool Men's Base Layer Tops| Best Use | Multisport |
|---|---|
| Shirt Type | T-shirt |
| Fabric | 88% merino wool/12% nylon |
| Moisture Wicking | Yes |
| Underwear Weight | Lightweight |
| Sleeve Length | Long Sleeve |
| Gender | Men's |
| Sustainability | Contains ZQ merino wool |
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No Stink - 3 days of light hiking in Canada. Do prewash as it is a little itchier than other wool blends. It does shrink a tad with wash - so buy it looser than what you want it to fit liken. I purchased a L as it fit great in the store - but after washing it had to go back and buy an XL.
The material is magic - it does NOT stink no matter how hard I sweat! This is the nicest wool shirt I’ve ever owned, the fit is fantastic (size large for me is athletic fit and comfortable in all areas @185lbs 6ft tall athletic build) This is my favorite base layer for long winter outings, but I can also dress it up in fall and wear it with slacks or chinos going out casually. I’ve owned dozens of smartwool socks and they suck horribly - they all fall apart within a few months of active wear, but this shirt has held its own for over a year now. I’m seriously impressed with the fit and the super-powered anti-stink fabric. Picky traildad approved!
I am writing to express my disappointment with a recent purchase. The product's actual color significantly differs from what was displayed on the website. I ordered what appeared to be a yellow base layer (marmalade), specifically for a gift, but the item I received is orange. Accurate product photography is crucial for online shopping, and in this instance, it led to an incorrect purchase. While I personally like the color orange, it is not what I intended to buy. I will be returning the item.
I've used this shirt as a base layer for cold weather backpacking for five trips or so now, and it has served me well. I've been able to pair it with a rab fleece jacket, and a windbreaker and have been able to survive some cold conditions. It isn't going to fit as tight as an under armor synthetic base layer, but it's not supposed to, so don't worry if it doesn't have a skin tight fit.
I purchased this fantastic Smartwool Classic shirt knowing that my 15 days in the Northern Rockies of Alberta Canada were going to be cold. I was cozy in this shirt on early morning hikes and a few snow showers I was in at higher altitudes. This is my third Smartwool classic and they are my comfort companions when hiking and just out and about.
I love the updated version of the Merino 150 baselayer. The relocated seams are positioned so they don't dig into you no matter what pack or other layers you have. This is my go-to, year round base layer. So versatile you can wear for warmth in the winter, or to keep cool and protect from the sun in hot temperatures. While this is marketed as slim fit, don't expect form fitting. This has room for movement so it's not too constricting. I'm a thin medium and there is plenty of room for any activity. Also, an unexpected bonus is that they use plant-based dyes for the marble wash and a few other colors , which is very nice to see! #SmartwoolLove
Haven't had a chance to put it through the rigors of it's intended use as a travel base layer but it performed well on a chilly night under a down vest. Which, now that I think about it is pretty good for how thin it is. The temp was high 30's and I was on a patio for hours late into the evening and was comfortable for most of the evening.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I've used this product a couple of days as a wild land firefighter, and I can say the initial impressions are great. It's a light weight piece, but is extremely versatile, as it can somehow keep me warm and cool as the day progresses. Also, I can confirm after hard work and sweat, it doesn't stink. My only gripe with the garment, as other reviewers have stated, is the tag. It's located on the side, and with the shirt tucked in and other layers on top, it can be annoying. It's very thin, so I am hesitant to speak to its durability as a top layer at this point, but I suspect it will last years. Overall, very versatile and better than synthetics or cotton. #sweepstakes
I bought this top as a replacement for a silk base layer that had worn out. I have always been interested in merino, but have never tried it as the price was always a little high for me. An offer of a 15% discount for my first order swayed my decision. The weight of the 150 gram fabric is just what I was looking for. The top is well designed and fits true to size. The wool is incredibly soft and not itchy. I have used this for hiking in cold conditions as well as more sedentary activities and it was perfect. Other reviewers have raised issues of durability; time will tell as I have only had mine a short time. I look forward to trying some 250 weight garments for layering.
So far I love this shirt. I have worn it on a few alpine trips, one of them overnight, and several hiking trips and I have found this to be an excellent layer. It’s plenty warm on cold nights yet not too warm when the sun shows up. The material is thin but has a quality feel to it. I find it very comfortable too and look forward to seeing how long it’ll last.


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