Hunting Base Layer

Our Editor’s Choice, the Meriwool Midweight Thermal, embodies everything base layers should be.

To start…

For me, softness is vital in regard to any clothing. We all hate itchy wool.  

Fortunately, this item is really soft. 

The use of superfine, natural merino wool is a characteristic we adore. I vividly remember opening this package.  And If I’m being entirely honest, it’s the material I wish my sheets were made of.

Of all the foundation layers we tested, this has undoubtedly been my favorite.

However…

The durability of this layer first caused us some concern. And despite being subjected to wear and tear in the field for months, it only displayed slight surface damage.

In my opinion, improper washing and drying have a higher chance of damaging it than physical activity outdoors, such as hunting.

Moreover…

This 250 g/m2 shirt may be too thick to keep you cool in the summer.

There might be better options than this, depending on how your summer is going for you.

But all in all…

I would not describe the Meriwool garment as “budget” but rather as a value choice. When the weather is cool, it’s great to sleep in while covered by your fleece or tucked inside your sleeping bag.

Our Best Value, Thermajohn Fleece Lined Base Layer, is a quality baselayer everyone can afford.

We all love a good Merino wool baselayer – I know I do. It provides insulation and is moisture-wicking, comfortable, and durable.

However…

Merino requires the piggy bank to come out sometimes.  The Thermajohn is a synthetic baselayer, but it’s on par with its Merino wool counterparts – without making a dent in your savings.

The synthetic blends of this material work so well that you won’t even know you’re out in cold weather until you see a deer shivering its tail off. I know what you’re thinking, won’t I get too hot?

The baselayer maintains your body temperature comfortably, so overheating shouldn’t be a concern.

Too big, too small, just right…

Most budget-friendly pieces are cut from a standard-sized pattern. Adjustments for petite and tall aren’t made.

You might find yourself with Capri-length pants or a top that’s loose on the wrists. These are minor flaws, though, and they didn’t take anything away from the item’s functionality for me. I found long socks to be an easy fix on too-short pants.

I look fly; I look good!

This base layer for hunting is the most flattering I’ve seen in a long while. Don’t be shocked if the game you’re hunting flock to you instead of running off. Yes, I know they won’t be able to see it under your gear, but you’ll feel charming enough to lure them.

The material is lightweight and thin. It doesn’t sacrifice any body heat, though. My body heat kept me plenty warm when I wore this in cold weather. 

I’d recommend this particular baselayer for low-intensity activities. It can get quite toasty when you move around a lot, for example, running.

Have your cake and eat it too…

Don’t you sigh when it’s time to retire your favorite base layer because of the weather? You have to switch things up at some point, whether it’s cold weather or warm.

Boy, do I have good news for you. I didn’t think twice when grabbing this base layer throughout the season. Merino wool base layers are famous for temperature control, and this one didn’t disappoint. 

It was great as a baselayer during cold weather and as an outer layer during warm weather.

I worried that the garment would develop an odor – yes, I wore it that much. My fears were in vain because it held to its odor-resistant claim.

The price you pay for only one top is rather steep. 

But…

If you consider that it’ll be the only one you’ll need all season, that makes sense.

This is my favorite invention, seriously.

I was doubtful of the HECS claim that this lightweight baselayer set makes you practically invisible to animals. You can imagine my shock when a deer stood feet away from me without being aware of my presence. 

The magic lies in the print, which blocks your electromagnetic signal from prey and predator alike. 

I like that the base layer came in a set and included a face mask. I didn’t have to shop around for good quality garments.

The fit of these is great, but only when you size up. 

Bottoms up!

Base layers consist of a top and pants. We’ve gone through plenty of top base layers in this review. It’s time for the bottoms to be in the limelight.

I trialed these midweight pants in 40 F and 60 F weather and didn’t feel the cold at all. Anything colder than that calls for heavyweight base layers.

Cold weather hunting can be uncomfortable. Your limbs are all stiff, and your gear starts feeling heavy after a few hours.

This baselayer shoots two birds with one stone. The comfortable gusseted pants felt like skin and kept me warm.

Like all the best base layers, these bottoms wick moisture and are odor resistant.

The material is prone to pilling after a few washes, but I successfully removed it using a fabric shaver without an issue.

You’re hot, like a heater!

Modern base layers are a far cry from what base layers used to be. This one comes with a heating pack – I felt like the hottest thing since humans discovered fire.

There are three built-in heaters on the chest and upper back of the baselayer. You don’t have to worry about them dying on you. A rechargeable 6000mAh 5V power bank powers them. 

The powerbank can charge any USB device. This came in handy when I was stuck with a dead phone out in the wilderness. It does reduce the heating capability of the baselayer, though.

I’ve alluded to fires and heaters, but the heat provided is not scorching at all. 

The three heat settings range between 130 F, 110 F, and 90 F. The settings are indicated with red, white, and blue, respectively. The highest heat can be used for 2+ hours, and the lowest for 4.5+ hours. The charging time is about 6 hours.

The product images show big, glowing heating packs. Not great for hunting, but pretty cool looking. I could do without the light, but I would’ve appreciated bigger heating panels as was advertised.

A good hunter knows half the work lies in your gear. Base layers form the foundation of that gear – and this one is a piece of art.

I felt that every contour in my body was accentuated in a good way. The skin-like fit of the baselayer made moving my body a smooth affair. The fleece lining offered insulation without leaving me sweaty.

Craftsmanship lives at Sitka Gear. The drop-tail design, thumb loops, flat lock stitching, offset shoulder seams, and high-quality quarter zip earn this baselayer its Best Designed rating.

I was able to wear this midweight baselayer without any outer layers on mild days. 

Because it served as an outer layer at times, I appreciated the camo print of this top. In hunting, the saying goes, why stand out when you can blend in? 

All art has critique…

Everything was going great until I bent over and a gust of cold air snuck up my back. I had such a big shock I almost missed my shot! 

I don’t think this is too much of a drawback, though, since I just tucked my shirt and went on my merry way.

Base layers are made to be just that – the first layer of your hunting gear. It’s meant to be tight, but this particular baselayer bordered on too tight after a good meal.

Good hunting base layers don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. The best base layers wick moisture, keep you warm, fit great, and look good.

Winner winner, turkey dinner – this lightweight baselayer checks all those boxes and more.

I liked how fast the sweat dried off my skin. They’re also odor resistant but bear in mind that the baselayer is still synthetic. Synthetic base layers are inevitably susceptible to odors. You can’t traipse around in the woods for too long in these.

Cold weather hunting calls for form-fitting base layers. These are just that. I felt snug as a bug while wearing them. That could be because they run a bit small, though.

The inside of this baselayer feels like everyone’s favorite childhood blanket. I’d honestly buy it again just because of that! 

Something else to remind you of childhood – tucking your t-shirt in. This baselayer top tends to ride up. The issue was easily fixed by tucking my top in.

Guess who’s back…

Merino wool makes a repeat appearance, folks. It makes sense for odor-resistant base layers to be made of merino wool. Scent control is one of its properties.

After trying merino wool, I think I prefer it in base layers. The cold weather was an afterthought when I wore this thermal. It doesn’t get hotter than body temperature, so I felt like I was lounging in a mild climate all day.

The quarter zip provides more control in different temperatures and looks good.

On the other side of the coin, literally…

This merino wool base layer costs a pretty penny.

 I’d say it’s money well spent, but it does start pilling after a few washes. That may have been a user error, though. Have a go at it yourself and test my abilities.