Best Base Layer For Winter Hunting For 2022

When it comes to selecting the best undergarment insulation layer for your hunting trip, there seems to be a lot of labels that need to be sifted through.


Best Overall
Thermal Underwear for Men, Winter Gear Long Johns Base Layer Top and Bottom Set for Skiing Running Green
CL 2 Pack Men's Thermal Underwear Long Johns Winter Long Underwear Base Layer
TSLA Men's Thermal Underwear Set, Microfiber Soft Fleece Lined Long Johns, Winter Warm Base Layer Top & Bottom, Soft Micro Fleece Hunting Camo, Large
MEETWEE Men's Thermal Underwear Set, Winter Ski Gear Fleece Lined Long Johns Base Layer Warm Top & Bottom for Skiing Running Green
Best Pants
ScentLok BaseSlayers Heavyweight Base-Layer Bottoms, Thermal Pants for Men and Women (Realtree Edge, Large)
Our Rating
9.7
9.4
9.2
9.0
9.6
MSRP
$26.99
$38.99
Price not available
$26.98
Price not available
Material
92% Polyester, 8% Spandex
91% Polyester, 9% Spandex
92% Ultra-Soft Microfiber, 8% Spandex
Polyester and micro-fleece fabric
100% cotton
Size
S/M/L/XL/XXL
M/L
XS/S/M/L/XL/XXL
S/M/L/XL/XXL
S/M/L/XL/XXL/XXXL
Elastic
Best Overall
Thermal Underwear for Men, Winter Gear Long Johns Base Layer Top and Bottom Set for Skiing Running Green
Our Rating
9.7
MSRP
$26.99
Material
92% Polyester, 8% Spandex
Size
S/M/L/XL/XXL
Elastic
More Information
CL 2 Pack Men's Thermal Underwear Long Johns Winter Long Underwear Base Layer
Our Rating
9.4
MSRP
$38.99
Material
91% Polyester, 9% Spandex
Size
M/L
Elastic
More Information
TSLA Men's Thermal Underwear Set, Microfiber Soft Fleece Lined Long Johns, Winter Warm Base Layer Top & Bottom, Soft Micro Fleece Hunting Camo, Large
Our Rating
9.2
MSRP
Price not available
Material
92% Ultra-Soft Microfiber, 8% Spandex
Size
XS/S/M/L/XL/XXL
Elastic
More Information
MEETWEE Men's Thermal Underwear Set, Winter Ski Gear Fleece Lined Long Johns Base Layer Warm Top & Bottom for Skiing Running Green
Our Rating
9.0
MSRP
$26.98
Material
Polyester and micro-fleece fabric
Size
S/M/L/XL/XXL
Elastic
More Information
Best Pants
ScentLok BaseSlayers Heavyweight Base-Layer Bottoms, Thermal Pants for Men and Women (Realtree Edge, Large)
Our Rating
9.6
MSRP
Price not available
Material
100% cotton
Size
S/M/L/XL/XXL/XXXL
Elastic
More Information

Many underlay garments are designed to be moisturizing and provide some relief from natural irritation caused by sweat.

Let’s take a closer look at our top five base layers of clothing to offer you a solid start for your hunting mission.

Best Overall: MeetYou Men’s Thermal Underwear Set Base Layer

MeetYou Men’s Thermal Underwear Set Base Layer Review

Product specifications: 

  • Material: 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex
  • Size: S/M/L/XL/XXL
  • Elastic: Yes

Let’s begin with positive stuff, it’s very long-lasting, and it’ll last you a long time if you handle it properly. The item is also washable and can be dried out in the sun. It consists of 92 percent polyester and 8 percent spandex blend, which is one of the skinniest base layer fittings. 

This base layer will perform ideally on warm days. It is incredibly lightweight and contains a decent level of breathability. Another plus is that it’s very simple on the body, unlike any other inexpensive polymer base layer.

While all that is good, there are only a few drawbacks. One of the greatest is that it’s going to be hard to keep you dry if you start burning up too much. That’s a serious problem for most budget polymer base layers because they’re not perfect for handling your temperature changes and can quickly make you jump out in perspiration if it’s not too chilly outside and you keep on moving too much. 

Due to thinner material and less fragrance insulating layers, you will be spotted in close distance. You should consider men’s thermal underwear sets and Sport long Johns base layer for males, as well as winter gear compression suits for skiing and running.

Pros:

  • Pretty affordable 
  • Set-top and bottom 
  • Great compression 
  • Decent respirability 
  • Simple on your skin 
  • Won’t get in the way of your maneuverability 

Cons:

  • Only 3 sizes available
  • Can quickly overheat you in warm weather conditions
  • You will struggle with moisture if you sweat a lot

Runner Up: CL Convallaria Thermal Underwear Set Winter Hunting Gear Base Layer

CL Convallaria Thermal Underwear Set Winter Hunting Gear Base Layer Review

Product specifications: 

  • Material: 91% Polyester, 9% Spandex
  • Size: M/L
  • Elastic: Yes

Customers have expressed an extreme passion for this thermal underwear set and winter hunting gear sport long Johns base layer bottom top. They said it increased their expectations and did not involve any discomfort to their skins. Besides, the fabric surprised a lot of people and achieved great success in restraining the cold. With that said, people are enjoying using these thermal underwear sets.

Made of 91 percent polyester and 9 percent spandex, this pair of thermal underwear works brilliantly in cold weather. It not only keeps the body’s heat in check, but it also improves body movement due to its four-way stretchability. 

It gives excellent breathability, so you wouldn’t sweat pointlessly, and it wouldn’t stay damp for a long time. Instead, it immediately starts to dry up and helps prevent the penetration from both UV rays and outside elements. 

To avoid heat leakage, this package of long underwear was made from 91 percent high-quality polyester and 9 percent spandex. Its material encourages fresh air while retaining maximum protection. This could therefore be the perfect companion for hunting in cold weather conditions.

Pros:

  • Super compact and easy to wear 
  • Easy-to-reach pockets included on the trousers. 
  • Provides maximum warmth at cooler altitudes 
  • The fleece liner on the trouser maximizes its heating capacity. 
  • Kit contains a full-sleeved t-shirt and long, close-fitting pants. 

Cons:

  • Trousers can be too long for short-height and obese people.

Alternative: TSLA Men’s Thermal Underwear Set Base Layer Top & Bottom

TSLA Men's Thermal Underwear Set Base Layer Top & Bottom Review

Product specifications: 

  • Material: 92% Ultra-Soft Microfiber, 8% Spandex.
  • Size: XS/S/M/L/XL/XXL
  • Elastic: No

The materials of this two-piece polyester get woven with argan oil, (fleece-lined Set) which gives it a very fluffy feeling as if it were pure cotton. The material is also stretchy, which ensures that you would gain from the same strength you will have without it. 

Serving as an important layer between you and the weather, the fabric can capture anybody’s temperature and make you feel as cozy and relaxed as you need to be within these early cool mornings. If you notice yourself sweating quite often after a lot of exercises, you’ll be proud to learn that the product is also sensitive to the aroma.

Several advantages come with this item, the biggest feature is that the soft microfiber is also coated with argan oil, which makes it an extra soft texture, ideal for delicate skin. If you start sweating, you’re definitely going to benefit from the anti-odor smell stuff, you can walk for hours and yet not smell a thing. 

A further advantage of this two-piece will be the lightweight material that enables full mobility with no limits. The only disadvantage is that if you sweat, you won’t be able to handle it as much as natural fabrics, because you could start to get a little sweaty for a while after sweating, it will also imply you’d start to develop a cold sweat that could force you to sweat.

Pros:

  • Flexible   
  • Soft Ultra  Microfiber,   
  • No Unpleasant Smell odor 
  • Argan Oil softens the fabric 

Cons:

  • Not a strong absorber

Alternative: MEETWEE Men’s Thermal Underwear Base Layer Top & Bottom

MEETWEE Men's Thermal Underwear Base Layer Top & Bottom Review

Product specifications: 

  • Material: Polyester and micro-fleece fabric
  • Size:/S/M/L/XL/XXL
  • Elastic: Yes

One of the two most commonly used synthetic resources are polyester and micro-fleece, and they are the softest and perhaps the most satisfying. These baselayers consist of, easy-care technology that ensures that the fabrics are machine washable and this would not adversely impact the clothes themselves. 

The fabrics are also able to improve and provide you with a complete range of movement, and there is a promise that you will never be restricted in your movement because of this ultra-soft fabric. These ten’s Thermal underwear winter gear fleece long Johns compression base Layer set skiing warm top & bottom can also be used at the lowest temperatures of the year, such as spring, autumn, and winter.

Many advantages come with these men’s thermal underwear winter gear fleece long Johns compression base layer set skiing warm top & bottom, and the biggest attraction is that you can wear them for most of the year, except summer for an instance, they’re still machine washable, which would be beneficial since the performance won’t be affected.

Pros:

  • 100% polyester and micro-fleece fabric
  • Extremely Stretchy 
  • Machine Washable 
  • Perfect piece for movements 
  • Can be used in spring, autumn, or  winter

Cons:

  • Does not include a zip open on the pants

Best Pants: ScentLok Men’s Hunting Clothes BaseSlayers Pant Leggings

ScentLok Men’s Hunting Clothes BaseSlayers Pant Leggings Review

Product specifications: 

  • Material: 100% cotton
  • Size:/S/M/L/XL/XXL/XXXL
  • Elastic: Yes

Hunting during the winter can be uncomfortable if you think your legs are going to slip out of the ground. What better way to resolve this than with a pair of highly comfortable,  heavyweight, odor adsorption and prevention pant leggings 

This pair is made of 100% cotton and is well known for keeping your body warm to give you a relaxed and warm feeling while hunting. One of the disadvantages of most cotton would be that it can’t be cleaned by a machine, unlike this fabric, which will easily stretch back when worn after being washed, due to its elastic features.

This cool and warm heavyweight, odor adsorption, and pant leggings can make you stronger in the terrible, cold winters by protecting your legs and absorbing the sweat that helps you control your temperature more easily. They are machine washable, heavyweight, odor adsorbing leggings, that will shrink when cleaned but will stretch once they have been used again. 

The super-thick elastic would also guarantee that you have full freedom of your mobility and that you will not be constrained in any way. The only disadvantage is that the top half is not available for purchase.

Pros:

  • Warm and Soft
  • Super-Thick Elastic
  • Machine Washable 

Cons:

  • Top Half Isn’t Provided

Hunting Base Layer FAQ

Why do you need a base layer when hunting?

hunter on snow

A layer is among the most important aspects of your hunting planning. If you have a strong layer, you would be secure, safe, and dry when hunting.

If you do not have a decent layer, you’re at risk of becoming very damp, very wet, and ultimately becoming a target of altitude sickness. Base layers have been a favorite for most hunters for good reason.

Base layers give you more flexibility in the countryside, helping you to lose layers when it warms up and add again as it cools off. They also have critical warmth when it’s getting colder. So what are the right base layers? Merino wool or synthetic material? Take a glance at the choices.

What Is Merino Wool?

Merino wool is indeed a ball of wool that comes from merino sheep from New Zealand and is woven into tightly threaded wool garments. Merino wool is effective at preventing body temperature, keeping you cool on warm days, and keeping you hot when it’s cold. 

Merino wool is therefore naturally immune to odor because the microorganism that spreads and produces odor cannot develop in merino wool. This ensures that you might wear merino wool for days and days without creating any smell. 

Merino wool is also effective in moisture-wicking, which keeps you dry and cool when it’s humid. Merino wool can be very itchy, especially, if the fibers of the wool are not manufactured at the highest quality.

What Is Synthetic?

Synthetics are materials such as polyester, cotton, spandex, and other fibers. It’s considered to be breathable and light (your favorite gym shorts, etc.). Synthetics are excellent at moisture absorption and humidity and dries very quickly. 

However, it shouldn’t remove the scent and begins to smell after a bit. There’s a quote, “Cotton kills and synthetic smells.” Cotton doesn’t dry easily, but if you’re damp and cold, frostbite may be on your doorstep. Synthetic, on the other hand, enables the growth of bacteria that creates odors. 

These synthetics are sprayed, wounded, coated, or processed with antibacterial materials such as polygiene, silver, gas, zeolite, and many others.

Which Is Better Merino Wool Or Synthetic?

merino woll

Merino is best in some cases and synthetics are better in others. It just depends on your desires, the location of your shooting, and the length of your hunting.

You will need to remember whether you’re packing in (so the weight is a big issue) or whether you’re traveling where you can have more clothes available. Is it going to be rainy, icy, sunny, dusty, snowy, windy? 

Are you going to do some sitting and waiting or are you going to do a lot of climbing where you’re going to sweat more? These are all aspects that you need to remember when choosing merino or synthetic.

Does the base layer prevent sweating?

Your base layer is just there to tolerate the very powerful sweating process, which is supposed to cool the body when it’s busy, and slow it down, enabling the body to cool down under better conditions. Using an over garment layer provides a comfortable base layer which can help to slow down the freezing rate.

As a general guideline, if the temperatures are down and you expect to be busy, the base layer is nice to have. In order to keep the skin from chilling, think about the cold and windy conditions especially at peak.  

Base layers are often more critical for stationery times than for the period you’re running, so calming down and easing muscle cramps are more crucial at this time than staying warm while you’re going. This ensures that even though you’re normally warm when driving, the base layer would be particularly necessary to make sure you don’t get too hot from sweating.

Do you wear anything under the base layer?

clothing layers

A successful solution is to wear your base layer under a light traveling tee or shorts if you feel a little self-conscious (just make sure you’re tall). Often wear the base layers next to your skin, since this is where they function best. 

Think of a simple layer as an additional layer of skin. Simple to wear and comfortable to match, base layers help warm you up without overheating, and cool in extreme heat when you’re doing things like climbing or walking. You should wear a few layers in very cold temperatures, as this absorbs the heat from the body.

What type of material is best for a base layer?

Choosing the best base layers or taking part in some outdoor sport is important. The base layer is important to preserve the proper body temperature and eliminate moisture (often caused by sweat) from the body to avoid the dampness and cold of the skin. The word base layer may be used for both tops and bottoms.

Different types of materials work in various ways to keep the body at an ideal temperature when out there in the cold or while you workout. Synthetic fabrics and merino wool are the most common materials used, mostly for base layers. Cotton is unfit for a professional base layer since the cotton soaks up moisture and draws heat away from the body, making the individual cold and uncomfortable.

Synthetic Base Layers

Synthetic base layers are made primarily from polyester and polyester mixes. These base layers keep the wearer comfortable at 8 to 10 degrees when worn in conjunction with skiing activewear. 

Polyester base layers are easy to dry, lightweight, and help remove moisture from the skin to make you dry. Our Talus base layers are also made of Langmuir adsorption fabric that provides temperature protection to keep you warm.

Pros Cons
Lightweight Not naturally antibacterial
High wicking Not as warm as merino
Quick-drying
Relatively cheap

Merino Wool Base Layers

which fabric of base layer is best

Merino wool tends to control body temperature, with tiny air bubbles in the wool helping to extract extra heat from the body that stops you from overheating while you workout for longer periods. 

They even work to keep the heat inside the fibers to keep you comfortable as the weather changes. Merino wool usually works to keep you warm at 15 to 20 degrees, but it can also be worn if it’s warmer than expected,  for example, during Spring hiking.

They have normal UV resistance that is suitable for cold yet sunny ski resorts. One of the great qualities about the base layers of merino is that they preserve heat and their heat capacity even when wet. It also keeps you cool if you’re going to have snow on your sweater from a drop.

The naturally water-absorbing and anti-bacterial properties of merino wool also help moisturize the skin dry and ensure that the base layer of merino can be worn for longer periods without feeling too unpleasant! They can conveniently be used for a week’s long skiing trip, allowing you to enjoy your trip further. 

Pros Cons
Warmer than synthetic- retains thermal properties even when wet More expensive than synthetic
Soft feel against the skin May not wick as well as synthetic
Naturally antibacterial
Breathable

Bamboo Base Layer Fabric

Bamboo is a fabric made of bamboo grass. Due to its unique properties, this natural fabric has become highly popular. This fabric is light and solid, reduces moisture, and is anti-bacterial.

Bamboo base layers are suitable for all sorts of activities. If you’re hiking in the mountains, running,  walking a dog, or working in the yard, the base layers are sure to keep you dry and comfortable

Benefits of Bamboo Baselayers

Extremely soft, smooth, and comfortable to wear UV protection – cuts out up to 98% of harmful UV rays
Moisture-wicking properties that will keep you dry Antifungal and Antibacterial
Breathable and therefore thermo-control Ideal for problem skin due to the softness of the fabric

Conclusion

Choosing the right base layer for cold weather hunting is going to be difficult, particularly if you don’t have anything very particular in mind.

As a general rule, merino wool base layers are suitable for most climate conditions, if you are allergic to the feeling of wool rubbing against your skin, you should go for any bamboo base layers that will be tighter but still much smoother and better on your skin.