Best synthetic wicking base layer?

[wvhunter304]

What is a great, long sleeve, early season base layer? Something wicking that I can add a layer to later in the year. Looking for recommendations. Thanks.

 

[Hilljackoutlaw]

32 degrees heat/cool

 

[WNC2500]

I have used Sitka core lightweight hoody and core lightweight crew. I have been pleased with both.

 

[Bulldog0156]

I have no complaints about my sitka stuff. Dries fast and doesn't get stinky. I don't like merino because it doesn't dry quick in my opinion.

 

[perma]

You’ll get a lot of Sitka recommendations here for good reason. I use first lite, the wick is a good base layer from theirs. Big plus if you have a long torso like mine, they seemed to fit better for me.

 

[brownbear932008]

I've had great experience with some Under Armour cold gear I bought at clearance price years ago. Dries quickly and I've worn them for days without stinking.

 

[WildWill]

For synthetic I like my kuiu Gila long sleeve. They also make a hoodie but it's less handy for layering. For wool I like my first lite base layers.

 

[perma]

You’ll get a lot of Sitka recommendations here for good reason. I use first lite, the wick is a good base layer from theirs. Big plus if you have a long torso like mine, they seemed to fit better for me.

Oh my bad, I didn’t read the synthetic part.

I got their trace system as well. Seemed okay, breathed decent. Smelled to high hell though.

 

[WIbiggame]

The Stone Glacier Avro hoody is what I wore for 9 days this fall. No smell, wicks extremely well, dries fast, chest zipper goes almost to to belly button to vent. Has thumb holes in the sleeves. Worked great in mid 20s am hiking in and mid 70s during the day.

I also used it last year whitetail hunting here in WI as a base layer under a fanatic hoody, worked great in that role too.

 

[Hilljackoutlaw]

I've had great experience with some Under Armour cold gear I bought at clearance price years ago. Dries quickly and I've worn them for days without stinking.

I love my under UA cold gear but hot damn that stuff smells rotten if I sweat at all in it. Haha

 

[Wild Bill]

32 degrees heat/cool

I'll second 32 degrees.
Nice too because the 32 degree stuff is DIRT cheap. It isn't the highest quality, but for the price you can afford to get a couple and use and abuse them and replace them.

 

[EastTNHunter]

I’ve always like the waffles that seem to breath and channel moisture well. They tend to be heavier sometimes when you can still find them, but they don’t cling to my skin the same way that others do. I may be a little weird in this preference though

 

[Fireguy22]

I’ve always used scent blockers stuff (blockeroutdoors). They have a good variety of different thicknesses

 

[Rainer]

I like the Outdoors Vitals Altitude Performance Tee

 

[nrpate05]

I use the Outdoor Research Echo baselayers through the summer and early season. I don't think there is anything lighter. It does get stinky pretty quickly, however. I'm not sure any synthetics combat stink well.

 

[Robert N]

32 degrees heat/cool

This is the Way.

Cheap, highly effective, comfortable. Available at Costco.

 

[Hilljackoutlaw]

This is the Way.

Cheap, highly effective, comfortable. Available at Costco.

Literally can buy 7 tops and 7 bottoms for a 7bday back country hunt and put cleans ones on everyday for the price of 1 bottom and 1 top of UA or any name brands.

 

[gwhunter]

I love my under UA cold gear but hot damn that stuff smells rotten if I sweat at all in it. Haha

Me too!

 

[achadwick]

I like Patagonia for base layers.

 

[Bambistew]

I have a drawer or two full of "base layers" from cheap to expensive. They all works about the same if they're made of plastic. YMMV Base layers are great, but if you trap the moisture in layers over the top, it doesn't really matter much how well they wick moisture.