Best Base Layers for Skiing & Snowboarding

Base layers don't keep you warm; they keep you dry. So, I tested three of the best base layers for winter and put them to the ultimate test in a sauna, followed by a cryotherapy chamber to test which of them had the best moisture-wicking properties. These base layers will help keep you warm and prevent you from getting wet and cold while you're out adventuring this winter. These base layers for snowboarding are great options to use for all of your favorite winter sports. You can even wear these base layers for skiing while you're snowshoeing or even just

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There are 3 things to consider when purchasing winter base layers for snowboarding or other adventures.

1. Material
2. Weight
3. Fit

I tested 3 different baselayers, including wool and synthetic, lightweight and midweight.

1ST BASELAYER:
Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer
Light Gray Heather
IntraKnit: 150
$85

SHOP TOP - Women's XS

SHOP BOTTOMS - Women's M

FABRIC: 87% merino wool/13% nylon
WEIGHT: Lightweight

A lot of people think you’re supposed to have a light, mid, or heavy weight base layer for each of the different weather conditions, but my preference is to always use a lightweight base layer and add additional warming layers on top of it, as needed.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned winter resident, this video is a great way to find the best base layer for your needs. I tested three different base layers and explained which one is the best for you. So if you're looking for a winter layer that will keep you warm and comfortable, check out this video!

2ND BASELAYER:
Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino Crew Base Layer
Black Cherry
IntraKnit: 200
$125

SHOP TOP - WOMEN'S XS

SHOP BOTTOMS - WOMEN'S M

FABRIC: 53% wool/45% polyester/2% elastane
WEIGHT: Midweight

3RD BASELAYER:
Kari Traa Fryd Long-Sleeve Base Layer
Murk
$50

SHOP TOP - Women's S

SHOP BOTTOMS - Women's M

FABRIC: 90% polyester/10% elastane
WEIGHT: Lightweight

[HoneyLust]

Gear Lady! You popped back up in my feed today! I remember watching your "Beginner Snowboarding Gear on a Budget" video two years ago. Happy to see you're still making content. I havent hit the slopes yet, since being excited about it two years ago.. life happens.. But thanks for the insight on the base layers!

[NOURSEPOWER]

That was fun! Thanks for suffering to help me learn. 👍🏻 . Happy to find your channel.

[Brother-Huff]

I love riding in the winter.This was very helpful.Thank you!

[dogsnskiing]

What a great expeiment! I find the polyester baselayers to be super warm, and are great if you are just standing around, not doing an activity where you are sweating. I always use the wool baselayers (merino tech, meriwool) for skiing or hiking, much better at wicking.

[jaimeharvey]

This is a great video! Doing this experiment is speaking my love language! Super fun and informative.

[k_sr]

Nice little test haha.

A note about “Intraknit”. This is the name for a different design that smartwool makes all together; an offshoot from the classic merino 150 and 250 designs. (The normal 150 is the one you tested). Intraknit models have less merino (53%) and were hyped for having all of this new paneling tech etc.. but like you I dislike the way they feel lol. My guess is they’re less apt to stretch out; they also have a more snug fit than usual smartwool on most people. Some reviews say they’re amazing during activity and the roughness softens out but I haven’t tried them.

The normal smartwool 250 that’s not Intraknit but heavier than the 1st you test is amazingly comfortable if you ever get a chance to try it. :)

[TBeinarovic]

Well done, thanks for testing that out :)

[johndenver]

It decreased bc you sweat which cooled you off

[jeremyjlavender]

The thickness of the fibre, measured in microns, affects the feeling on your skin. Thicker is more scratchy, thinner is more expensive! Thanks for going through the pain for science!

[amandapanda]

Dang this was a super interesting video

[Bagle]

I was just wondering, did you get sick afterwards?