How to Choose Base Layers

These women's base layer bottoms keep you warm and dry in seriously cold weather during technical alpine routes.
$9
10% Reward
on this and every eligible full-price item*
+
$30
Bonus Card
valid for 60 days after joining*
=
$39
Value
Keep shopping
Imported.
View the Patagonia Capilene Product LineView all Patagonia Women's Base Layer BottomsBest Use | Multisport |
---|---|
Fabric | 92% recycled polyester/8% spandex |
Moisture Wicking | Yes |
Quick Drying | Yes |
Underwear Weight | Heavyweight |
Inseam (in.) | Unavailable |
Gender | Women's |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | 00 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Numerical Size | 00 - 0 | 2 - 4 | 6 - 8 | 10 - 12 | 14 - 16 | 18 - 20 | 22 | 00 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 |
Chest | 31 - 32 | 33 - 34 | 35 - 36 | 37 - 38.5 | 40 - 42 | 44 - 46 | 48 | |||||||||||||
Waist | 24.5 - 25.5 | 26.5 - 27.5 | 28.5 - 29.5 | 30.5 - 32 | 33.5 - 35.5 | 37.5 - 39.5 | 41.5 | 24.5 | 25.5 | 26.5 | 27.5 | 28.5 | 29.5 | 30.5 | 32 | 33.5 | 35.5 | 37.5 | 39.5 | 41.5 |
Hip | 34 - 35 | 36 - 37 | 38 - 39 | 40 - 41.5 | 43 - 45 | 47 - 49 | 51 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41.5 | 43 | 45 | 47 | 49 | 51 |
Inseam | 30 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
Inseam varies depending on style. Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated.
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
The Patagonia Women's Capilene Thermal Weight tops and bottoms are well constructed and stretchy for movement. As a base layer, they seem best for mild cold temperatures from 40-60°. Although the waist band is soft of the skin, the design is a "low or pelvic" height waist band, not a true band that rises to the actual waist. If you prefer your pants to reach your actual umbilical level waist line, these can be uncomfortable and I find them so. The pant fit for any women's design should designate whether they are low waisted or standard waist line. I would recommend this product for construction that will last, but not fit.
I had originally purchased a pair of midweight base layer pants that have wool in them, but decided that they were too itchy, so I ended up purchasing these and love them. I also have a couple of tops in the thermalweight and midweight in this brand as well. I am 5' 3" and 105 pounds and a struggle to find clothing that is small enough. These fit perfectly. They are not as tight as a legging but are fitted close enough to the body that they can be layered underneath sweatpants or hiking pants, etc. Currently I wear mine to walk the dog in 30° weather, but I will also be taking them on trips to layer underneath hiking pants. I highly recommend these pants. I get very cold very easily, so heavy weight is a perfect weight for me.
Loved them until they got holes. I do a lot of bushwhacking and even though I wore fleece over them, they seemed to get snagged easily and once they have a hole, they run, like nylon tights. So $89 for a few months of wear. They are super warm for their weight, but once they have holes, their effectiveness dwindles. I would not recommend them for deep woods activities. I also agree with others that the waistband does not hold up in terms of comfort. After a few wears it rolled and cut into my waste instead of laying flat.
As others have mentioned these look more like tights when you are wearing them. You definitely couldn't take your ski pants on to run into the grocery store after a day on the slopes. I found the sizing off as well. The medium had a tight elastic band at the top that cut into my waist while the rest of the pant was far too baggy. They also stretched out a ton while I was wearing them (but not in the pesky elastic waist band). I was really hoping these would be the end all be all thermal tights, but I'm still looking...
I bought these bottoms for my AT thruhike as camp pants in the winter. They were a perfect fit, totally comfortable, and didn't hold odor. I LOVED these bottoms, except for one thing: once you get a hole, it's over, folks. I got a hole in the inner thigh, even though I didn't do a ton of walking around in these pants. (Remember - used for camp pants.) Once the hole started, it quickly went to the size of a quarter. I sewed it up, but soon another hole appeared on the OTHER thigh, then the crotch, then further down the leg, always around the seams. The cloth seemed to be very thin, and the holes grew even as I stitched them shut. I did wash them in the clothes washer with my other clothes, but I never put them in the dryer. They managed to make it to Maine (they were sent home for about 2.5 months in the summer), but didn't last long after that before they were totally shredded. I loved these bottoms, but they didn't hold up to the test.
I love the capilene thermal weight line. Super thin that I can wear under tight jeans or slim sweaters when it’s really cold in the city and of course makes a great base layer for skiing or winter outdoor activities. At home I sometimes lounge in them on their own and they’re warm and cozy. I’ve had mine for four years, have worn them religiously, and washed them frequently and they have held up great. I can’t recommend them enough.
Have worn these a couple of times and I think I prefer the SmartWool which seem warmer. I'll need a few more trial runs to compare them. I do like the way they fit. I'm long-waisted with a short inseam.
These worked well for recent x-country ski trip. Glad I ordered size M instead of my usual small (I'm 5'7" 130lbs). Although slightly big, they served the purpose under 2 other layers. Only complaint is that they leave a waffle print on your legs after use. Otherwise, they were warm and comfy.
So lightweight, yet toasty warm. I was amazed when I put them on. I wear a woman's XL and they fit great, if not a bit roomy. I've had them on all day, both outside in Michigan cold and inside. Don't want to take them off!
These pants were not warm at all. My light-weight pants are much warmer!