The 9 Best Ski & Snowboard Base Layers of 2022-2023
By: Kevin Katsafanas: Men's Techwear Buyer | October 12, 2022
Comfort on the mountain, whether you’re a skier or a snowboarder starts at your base…..layers. These are the layers that you wear closest to your skin, and while it’s easy to just slip into a favorite shirt or pair of underwear, choosing the best base layers makes a huge difference in your comfort through a long day on the slopes. That’s because thermal underwear does two jobs. First, it adds insulation and comfort between your sensitive skin and less comfortable insulating layers. Second, your base layer actually needs to wick moisture away from your skin. As you ski, your body produces sweat to cool you down, but if you allow it to saturate your base layers, it will cool you off too much and make you cold. So good base layers wick that sweat away from you and allow it to evaporate so they stay dry and toasty.
New This Year:
This year, base layer manufacturers have stepped things up by using multiple materials. Instead of just choosing between wool or synthetics, now you can get hybrid layers that provide the best of both materials. And brands are using new anti-odor technology to keep you smelling fresh day after day, ensuring you stay warm and dry once you're done choosing base layers.
Smartwool Merino 250 Bottoms
All great days start by slipping into a solid base layer. The Smartwool Merino 250 Baselayer Bottoms make it easy with full-length 100% merino coverage for the coldest of days. And with an updated fit to improve functionality, this is one long john you won't want to leave the house without. The 250 bottoms are versatile and comfortable, they work well in a variety of temperatures and weather patterns.
| Material | Weight | Style | Original Price |
| Merino Wool | Midweight | Long Underwear | $110 |
Smartwool Merino 250 Crew Top
Set yourself up with some of the best core warmth around with the Smartwool Merino 250 Baselayer Crew Top. This merino wool top stays warm, wicks moisture, and has natural odor-resistant properties so you can slide it on and get riding without thinking twice. It’s a great fit for any day that involves spending time on skis or a snowboard.
| Material | Weight | Style | Original Price |
| Merino Wool | Midweight | Long Sleeve Top | $110 |
Airblaster Classic Ninja Suit
The original one-piece hooded base layer for all your stealthy needs. The Airblaster Classic Ninja Suit is a 4-way stretch full-length piece to get you suited up and ready to rip. HI-YA! Don’t worry about your shirt riding up or your pants sagging down, with the Ninja suit there are never any gaps or drafts.
| Material | Weight | Style | Original Price |
| Lycra®, Polyester | Midweight | Long Johns | $139.95 |
Oyuki Hitatech Pants
Developed specifically for those who prefer a synthetic performance garment, the Oyuki Hitatech Pants are super warm with superb moisture-wicking properties. Four-way stretch ensures you can move freely while the flat lock seams provide chafe-free comfort. The Hitatech is comfortable and high-performance, just what you need to take your riding to the next level.
| Material | Weight | Style | Original Price |
| Polyester, Spandex | Midweight | Long Underwear | $64.95 |
Oyuki Hitatech Longsleeve
Featuring thumb holes for a customized fit, and Agion odor control to fight any signs of stench, Oyuki Hitatech Longsleeve is ready for a long winter. Developed specially for those who prefer synthetic layers, this long-sleeve base layer is super warm with superb moisture-wicking properties. The Hitatech top has all the comfort and style you need.
| Material | Weight | Style | Original Price |
| Polyester, Spandex | Midweight | Long Sleeve Shirt | $69.95 |
Burton Midweight X Three-Quarter Boot Pants
The Burton Midweight X Three-Quarter Boot Pants are a classic, comfortable base layer for all occasions, with a three-quarter cut to prevent interference with riding socks and allow for a performance boot fit. The Midweight Living Lining fabric is the perfect thickness for versatile riding, offering added warmth for colder days and added moisture-wicking for hot days and high-exertion climbs. They’re a great starting place for a smart set of layers.
| Material | Weight | Style | Original Price |
| Synthetic | Midweight | ¾ Long Underwear | $64.95 |
Burton Midweight X Crew Top
The Burton Midweight X Crew Top is the perfect comfortable base layer shirt for a variety of scenarios. Its midweight Living Lining fabric is a great thickness for riding no matter the temp or moisture levels. This midweight top is a great choice for any day on the snowboard.
| Material | Weight | Style | Original Price |
| Polyester | Midweight | Long Sleeve Shirt | $69.95 |
MONS ROYALE Cascade Merino Flex 200 3/4 Leggings
The MONS ROYALE Cascade Merino Flex 200 3/4 Leggings were designed to keep their shape and last longer compared to traditional merino baselayers. The Merino Wool blend keeps you warm while the 4-way stretch allows for all-day flexibility. The 3/4 length of this legging is perfect for the days you want a little less fabric in your boots. The Cascade Merino is one of the nicest sets of base layers on the market.
| Material | Weight | Style | Original Price |
| Elastane, Merino Wool, Nylon | Midweight | 3/4 Long Underwear | $89.95-$99.95 |
MONS ROYALE Yotei Power Hood Long Sleeve Top
The MONS ROYALE Yotei Power Hood Long Sleeve Top is an all-around layer for almost any situation. The lightweight merino construction means it will be warm in cold weather, but remain moisture-wicking and breathable when it gets hot. It's equipped with a hood that fits under a ski helmet and protects you from the sun on summertime excursions. This is one of those base layers you’ll find yourself reaching for all year round.
| Material | Weight | Style | Original Price |
| Merino Wool | Lightweight | Hooded Top | $140-$149.95 |
Learn More With Our Other Outerwear & Layering Guides:
- Waterproof Ratings & Breathability Guide
- Skiing & Snowboarding - What to Wear Skiing & Snowboarding
- Outerwear - How to Choose a Ski & Snowboard Jacket
- Outerwear - How to Choose Ski & Snowboard Pants
- Outerwear - Fit Guide & Jacket Length
- How to Wash Waterproof Jackets & Clothing
- Outerwear - How to Choose by Region
- Outerwear - Construction, Fabric & Features
- Insulated Garments - How to Choose
- Insulated Garments - How to Wash Down & Synthetic Jackets
- Base Layers & Long Underwear - How to Choose
- GORE-TEX® Fabric - How it Works & Product Testing
- GORE-TEX® Fabric - How to Wash & Keep Waterproof
- Backcountry - How to Dress
Learn About Our Favorite Gear
- The Best Men's Ski Jackets
- The Best Women's Ski Jackets
- The Best Men's Snowboard Jackets
- The Best Women's Snowboard Jackets
- The Best Kids' Ski & Snowboard Jackets
- The Best Men's Ski Pants
- The Best Women's Ski Pants
- The Best Men's Snowboard Pants
- The Best Women's Snowboard Pants
- The Best Men's Ski Bibs
- The Best Men's Snowboard Bibs
- The Best Women's Ski Bibs
- The Best Kids' Ski & Snowboard Pants
- The Best Men's Down & Puffy Jackets
- The Best Men's Ski & Snowboard Mid Layers
- The Best Men's Ski & Snowboard Base Layers
- The Best Women's Snowboard Bibs
- The Best Men's Fleece Jackets
- The Best Women's Down & Puffy Jackets
- The Best Women's Fleece Jackets
- The Best Men's Rain Jackets
- The Best Women's Rain Jackets
- The Best Men's Hardshell Jackets
- The Best Women's Hardshell Jackets
- The Best Women's Ski & Snowboard Mid Layers
- The Best Women's Ski & Snowboard Base Layers
- The Best Down Vests
- The Best Fleece Vests
The Selection Process:
Our techwear buyers have an endless amount of knowledge on all things outerwear stemming from years of experience in the outdoor industry in tandem with their countless hours spent outside in all conditions around the world. From hot to cold, snow, rain, wind, and even sunshine, they know what clothing will keep you comfortable. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
