Best Women’s Baselayers (by an outdoor guide!)

September 18, 2025

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.

oh hey there! this blog uses affiliate links. That means if you choose to make a purchase based on my recommendation, I make a small kickback at no additional cost to you.

Best Women’s Baselayers for Winter Hiking:

Wether you’re tackling trails in the mountains out west or playing on and near frozen 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 means 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 few seasons 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 as sea kayak guide under my PFD for three summers straight, and on all my winter hikes for two years.

image of a hiker in baselayers standing on a path in the autumn woods

image of a hiker in base layers with her arms up in front of a lake in the fall woods

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. Merino wool is generally considered less itchy than most other wools.

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 (me, living proof that influencer marketing campaigns worm their way deep deep into your psyche).

coffee in the woods with Kari Traa, one of the best womens baselayers for winter hiking

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.

ONE YEAR UPDATE: The Sara baselayers have held up really well and continued to stay soft and comfortable next to skin after a full winter and summer season of use. I would say these are softer than Smartwools. It pilled a little immediately, but if you wash on gentle and hang dry you can mitigate the wear and tear.

READ: Best Puffer Jackets for Hiking

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 in the first few uses, I was equally surprised at how much I loved the REI synthetic half zip at a whole $50 cheaper.

image of a winter hiker deep in a slot canyon

Image of a winter hiker having tea at the edge of a snowy cliff overlooking a lake

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.

ONE YEAR UPDATE: The REI baselayer continues to go strong with no pilling and little wear and tear after subjected to every day use, a few nights on trail, and lots of runs and long walks. I do still think it runs small in the chest in a way I don’t love for hiking.

READ: 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.

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.