Looking for the best women’s baselayers for winter hiking? From budget-friendly options to top-of-the-line, here are some the best women’s baselayers for cold weather hiking:

Why this blog? Hi there! I’m Maddy, and I’ve been spending the last six or so years exploring the midwest as a wilderness guide! I’ve worked as a sea kayaking guide and in outdoor retail both, and I’m committed to helping you find the best gear for you. Winter hiking is one of my favorite things to do when the temps drop, and I’m happy to give you brutally honest gear info.

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Best Women’s Baselayers for Winter Hiking:

Wether you’re tackling trails in the mountains out west or up on the Great Lakes like I am, here are all the baselayers I would recommend for winter hiking for women.

How to choose the right baselayers for you:

Baselayers are the layer of winter hiking or skiing clothes that you wear closest to your body. You want this layer to stay warm even when wet; this will mean that you don’t want a material like cotton. In general, wool or a synthetic material works best because they’ll retain their heat even when wet. Merino wool or wool blends are also a good choice.

Beyond material, a good baselayer in my opinion is one that lasts a long time, without wearing through, doesn’t pill much, keeps me warm, and is comfortable to wear all day.

1) Smartwool Baselayers: Longest Lasting, Highest Quality

Smartwool has been around since 1994 and continually makes some of the best baselayers on the market. I have a Smartwool baselayer (this one) that I bought before I left to teach abroad. I wore it under a sweater almost every day that winter because the school I worked in wasn’t heated. After that, I wore it to sea kayak guide for three summers straight, and on all my winter hikes for two years.

A smartwool baselayer on a rainy fall backpacking trip.

Only after four years of heavy use did it start to wear thin and get holes, which is more impressive than most of my other baselayers. I recommend the classic merino top and the classic thermal bottoms.

Smartwool layers are merino wool, and while I have no issue with itch I definitely know people with extra sensitive skin who find them itchy.

2) Kari Traa: Trendiest Women’s Baselayer

If you’re on Instagram, chances are you’ve seen Kari Traa baselayers. After a few years of lusting after a set, I decided to take the plunge and test out one of the trendiest baselayer tops online (not me, living proof that influencer marketing campaigns worm their way deep deep into your psyche).

I picked up the Sara baselayer in Murk from my local REI and gave it a whirl. First impressions:

Despite being 100% wool, this baselayer is extremely soft, and exactly as trendy as I’d hoped (several of my friends immediately remarked on it. Yay!). That said, after three wears it began to pill pretty extensively wear it rubbed into my overalls while hiking.

Overall? The Sara half-zip and pant set are easily the most classically cute baselayers on the market– very trendy, very instagram. They’re warm and soft, but at the price point I was really surprised they pilled so quickly, and probably won’t be spending the money on them again in the future.

3) REI Co-op Midweight: Best Budget Baselayer

If you’re looking for a mid-weight baselayer that doesn’t itch and is under $100 (actually under $60!) you’re looking for the REI Co-op Midwest baselayer. For as surprised I was by the Kari Traa expensive baselayer pilling, I was equally surprised at how much I loved the REI synthetic half zip at a whole $50 cheaper.

This baselayer is super soft with a flattering cut (I have really broad shoulders), with a decent amount of stretch. Reviewers say that it runs small in the chest, so it may be worth sizing up. I generally wear a size medium and prefer my clothes loose on me, and this was definitely snug but in a way I personally really liked and looked good.

Check out the best winter hiking pants for women!

4) Stio Basis Midweight: Softest Wool Baselayer

For one the softest and warmest wool baselayer options, check out the Stio Basis midweight collection. These baselayers have lasted me a long time without pilling, are less itchy than smartwool, and are an overall comfortable design.

Winter kayaking on the Bayfield Peninsula. Check out a guide to what to wear winter kayaking here.

I use the Basis Peakwool Pants as an under-the-drysuit layer for winter paddling. These baselayers are a wool blend, making them a really good compromise for someone who gets cold but finds wool itchy.

love reading about the best winter hiking baselayers for women? Check out…

• Best Women’s Hiking Pants that aren’t leggings 🙂
• The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking
• Winter Adventures in Michigan

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