A base layer is an insulating layer worn next to your skin. Base layers help regulate your body temperature by moving perspiration away from your skin, which will help keep your dry. Staying dry allows you to stay warm and happy in the winter. Base layers come in many forms, from t-shirts to leggings, tights, briefs and sports bras. Some are designed to contour to your body while others are more loose fitting. Base layers also come in different weights or thicknesses to suit different temperatures and activity levels. Learn more about baselayer "weights," what baselayers are usually made out of, and differenet baselayer styles below!
Baselayers are loosely organized into light, mid and heavy weight categories based on the fabric's weight per square meter (or sometimes ounce per square yard). Every brand has different cut offs for what light, mid and heavy weight actually means, so take this classification with a grain of salt!
This is a thin first layer that goes next to your skin with the ability to easily add layers over it. Lightweight base layers are a crucial step in layering as they must be comfortable on the skin and are designed to fit tighter for the best moisture management. Worn alone, they are best suited for mild to cool conditions with high levels of activity like running, climbing, cross-country skiing, touring etc.
A midweight layer can be worn as a warmer first layer or as a second layer over your next-to-skin layer, providing a combination of insulation and moisture wicking. Alone, it is best suited to cool or moderately cool to cold conditions with medium levels of activity where you will be moving some of the time but standing still at others. It can be combined with lightweight layers underneath or heavyweight layers over it to accomplish the desired warmth.
This is designed for cold conditions combined with any level of activity and often referred to as "expedition or thermal weight." Almost always worn over a lighter weight layer, heavyweight layers are designed to add insulation and are worn looser with less focus on moisture management. These layers are thicker due to their higher loft for insulation.
The majority of base layers in today’s world are composed of Merino Wool, synthetic fabrics like Polypropylene, or a blend of the two. Rather than absorbing moisture, these fabrics wick (transport) moisture and perspiration away from the skin and disperse it on the outer surface where it evaporates. Both of these fabrics do roughly the same things: efficiently transport moisture away from the skin, dry much faster than conventional cotton and reduce the risk of dramatic swings in body temperature.
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One piece base layers are the ultimate in base layer protection. They seal out any drafts and cover the majority of your body, making for a perfect base layer in cold conditions. Some one piece base layers even have a hood because 40% of your body heat can “escape” through your head.
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