The Best 2016 Men's Base Layer
Lightweight Base Layer
The Best Lighweight TopIcebreaker Sphere Short Sleeve T-Shirt |
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The Best ValueIcebreaker Anatomica Short Sleeve Crew |
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Icebreaker makes great lightweight base layer shirts and the Anatomica continues this tradition. This shirt has a tight fit, while maintaining comfort, which we found was great for outdoor exercise; especially hiking and running. The Anatomica can be purchased at a lower price than the Sphere, while still enjoying the benefits of Icebreaker shape, style, and wool quality.
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Editor's ChoiceWoolPro Juno V-Neck 135g Short Sleeve
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The WoolPro Juno is a new player in the light base layer market, but does not disappoint with performance, price, or fit. We were impressed with the lightweight 135g 100% merino material (comfortable and nicely designed) and the ergonomic v-neck design. As with all WoolPro shirts, the price is a hugely competitive. This is a true competitor to Icebreaker's historic stranglehold on the lightweight category.
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Mid-Weight Base Layer
The Best Mid-Weight TopWoolPro Scout 195g 1/4 zip |
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The WoolPro Scout was consistently good to excellent across all of our categories, and the price simply cannot be beat. The fit is athletic but not uncomfortable, and the Activeseam Stitch is both innovative and a dramatic improvement over the more common flatlock seam. Depending on color, this shirt can be found between $40-59, and is an awesome value. The Scout receives our TWR 2016 gold star.
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The Best ValueIcebreaker Sonic Half Zip |
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The Icebreaker Sonic Half Zip is comfortable, well designed, and great looking. The Half Zip high-necked design is innovative in the merino market, and the Icebreaker fit is always great. This is a looser design around the waist than some of the other highly rated competitors, which makes it a very comfortable mid layer over a thin base layer.
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Editor's ChoiceSmartWool
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The SmartWool Mid 250 Pattern Top is an excellent looking mid layer; it wears well, looks good, and (most importantly) feels great. The fit is much tighter than some competitive mid layers, making it uncomfortable when worn over a lighter weight baselayer. However, we were sold on the positive design elements and thoughtful collar construction.
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