Base Layer for Hunting Review
Hunting is a fun outdoor activity that not only requires you to have the right hunting tools but also to have ideal hunting gear. Most hunting environment is usually rough thus you need to have the right attire to protect you from the harsh conditions. Hunting during adverse weather conditions can especially be challenging if you do not have the best base layer for hunting to protect you.
If you love to hunt during the winter or during the cold weather, investing in a quality base layer is important. Base layers are designed to protect your skin from the cold and to keeps you dry and warm. The best base layers for hunting are made using merino wool which comes from a breed of sheep that can withstand extreme temperatures.
These base layers are expensive thus you might have to dig deeper into your pocket to get a merino wool base layer. However; if you are on a tight budget and you need a quality and reliable base layer for cold weather hunting, we can help you identify some of the affordable and reliable base layers.
Top 5 Best Base Layer for Hunting
There are so many base layers for hunting available in the market, making it hard for most people to identify the best base layers. We have tested some of the top-rated base layers for cold weather hunting to determine how reliable and durable they are. Here are reviews of top 5 of the best base layers for hunting based on our findings.
#1) Meriwool Baselayer T
The Meriwool Baselayer T is one of the best base layers for cold weather hunting. It is made of the soft type of wool Merino wool fabric which has a density of 250 g/m2. The base layer is soft and comfortable on your skin. The wool used to make the base layer is naturally thermoregulated to keep you warm while hunting in snowy winter without overheating.
The base layer T regulates the temperature to keep you warm, dry and comfortable. The base layer provides you with wicking, fast drying and odor resistance. It doesn’t lose heat when wet and is very easy to clean since it is machine-washable. It is a breathable base layer that comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
Pros
- The base layer is soft and comfortable on your skin.
- It doesn’t lose heat when wet and is very easy to clean since it is machine-washable.
- The base layer provides you with wicking, fast drying and odor resistance.
- It is a breathable base layer that comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
- The wool used to make the base layer is naturally thermoregulated to keep you warm while hunting in snowy winter without overheating.
- The base layer T regulates the temperature to keep you warm, dry and comfortable.
- It is made of soft type of wool Merino wool fabric which has a density of 250 g/m2.
Cons
- The base layer may not be as durable as the base layers made from synthetic material.
#2) Yukon Gear Men’s Scent Control Mid-weight Base Layer
The Yukon Gear Men’s Scent Control Mid-weight Base Layer is one of the best base-layer pants for the hunter on a budget. The pants feature flat-lock stitching which improves comfort. The base layer bottoms have Mossy Oak break-up patterns incorporated within the stitching.
They include tapered ankles to make it easy to add layers over the top. The base layer has a flap that makes it easy for you to answer the call of nature. It is made of 92% polyester and 8% elastane to make it comfortable and to wick moisture away from your body. The base layer includes Silver ion treatment to help control scent, and conceal it from animals. It has a reinforced elastic waistband that provides you with freedom when crouching or walking.
Pros
- It features flat-lock stitching which improves comfort.
- The base layer includes tapered ankles to make it easy to add layers over the top.
- The base layer bottom has a flap that makes it easy for you to answer the call of nature.
- It is made of 92% polyester and 8% elastane to make it comfortable and to wick moisture away from your body.
- It has a reinforced elastic waistband that provides you with freedom when crouching or walking.
- The base layer includes Silver ion treatment to help control scent and conceal it from animals.
- They are ideal for hunter on a budget.
Cons
- The are not very durable since the stitching can pull away after a year of use.
#3) Smartwool Men’s NTS Zip T
The Smartwool Men’s NTS Zip T is a warm and comfortable base layer for cold weather hunting. It is made of 100% Merino wool which provides you with great properties such as softness, wicking, fast drying, thermoregulation, and heat consistency even in wet conditions. The base layer features a thick fabric which makes it ideal for winter hunting and other activities in cold weather.
The base layer has a density of 250 g/m2 to ensure good insulation. It comes with a 25 cm center front zipper that allows you to open the turtleneck when temperatures are warm and close when you are outside hunting in the snow to keep your neck warm without layering with a scarf.
The base layer has a slim fit which is the ideal measurement of a base layer. It is a breathable base layer that is machine-washable in cold setting only and safe to tumble dry at low heat. It is also odor-resistant and wicks moisture from your body.
Pros
- The base layer has a density of 250 g/m2 to ensure good insulation.
- It comes with a 25 cm center front zipper that allows you to open the turtleneck when temperatures are warm and close when you are outside hunting in the snow to keep your neck warm without layering with a scarf.
- It is a breathable base layer that is machine-washable in cold setting only and safe to tumble dry at low heat.
- The base layer is odor resistant and wicks moisture from your body.
- It is made of 100% Merino wool which provides you with great properties such as softness, wicking, fast drying, thermoregulation, and heat consistency even in wet conditions.
- The base layer features a thick fabric which makes it ideal for winter hunting and other activities in cold weather.
Cons
- The base layer is not as durable as base layers made of synthetic fabrics.
#4) Sitka Men’s Core Bottom
The Sitka Men’s Core Bottoms are quality and durable base layer hunting pants that are polyester blended to keep you warm even in the chilly winter weather. The pants feature four-way stitching to prevent stretching out. The stitching also provides you with the freedom of movement. The bottom is made using anti-microbial scent blocking technology to help control scent and conceal it from animals.
The core bottoms are ultra-lightweight and quiet, making them ideal for hunting. They can also be used for any outdoor activity when the temperatures drop. The base layer allows you to remove layers, and still maintain cover. The bottoms have an open fly to make it easier to answer to the call of nature. It comes in a variety of camouflage and colors.
Pros
- The base layer comes in variety of camouflage and colors.
- The pants feature four-way stitching to prevent stretching out.
- The stitching provides you with the freedom of movement.
- The bottom is made using anti-microbial scent blocking technology to help control scent and conceal it from animals.
- The core bottoms are ultra-lightweight and quiet, making them ideal for hunting.
- The base layer allows you to remove layers, and still maintain cover.
- The bottoms have an open fly to make it easier to answer to the call of nature.
Cons
- The fit of the base layer runs half size smaller than the true size.
#5) Under Armour Base 4.0 Crew Black
The Under Armour Base 4.0 Crew is a durable and reliable base layer for hunting. The base layer is made of 92% Polyester and 8% Elastane to create durable, abrasion resistant fabric that will be able to withstand cold winter hunting. Polyester is extremely strong, resistant to most chemicals, stretching and shrinking, wrinkle resistant, abrasion resistant and essentially unyielding. The fabric dries easily and retains its shape which makes it ideal for outdoor clothing for harsh climates. Elastane provides you with a 4-way stretch construction that is flexible and fits perfectly tight on your body, making you feel like you are on your own skin. It utilizes anti-odor technology to prevent the growth of odor-causing microbes and to control and conceal your scent from animals.
Pros
- The base layer features a brushed negative grid interior that traps hot air to provide you with superior warmth.
- It wicks sweat and keeps you dry, warm and comfortable.
- It utilizes anti-odor technology to prevent the growth of odor-causing microbes and to control and conceal your scent from animals.
- The fabric used is extremely strong, resistant to most chemicals, stretching and shrinking, wrinkle resistant, abrasion resistant and essentially unyielding.
- The base layer provides you with a 4-way stretch construction that is flexible and fits perfectly tight on your body, making you feel like you are on your own skin
- It is made of 92% Polyester and 8% Elastane to create durable, abrasion resistant fabric that will be able to withstand cold winter hunting.
Cons
- The base layer can feel tight and uncomfortable for some body shapes.
- It lacks thermoregulation.
- The base layer is not ideal for skiing or any other winter sport.
Conclusion
When shopping for the best base layer for hunting, you need to consider the material used to make the base layer as well as the fit. The base layer for cold weather hunting should not only be durable but it should also be warm and comfortable to the wearer. It should be able to keep you warm, dry and comfortable. The base layer should keep you warm without making you feel overheated. It should be thermal regulating to keep you warm but comfortable. Base layer for hunting with scent control is a plus since it makes it easy for you to camouflage and hide your position from the animals when hunting. Any of the five base layers we have reviewed can be a great choice for the best base layer for cold weather hunting.