Burton’s Official Ski & Snowboard Base Layer Buyer’s Guide
Ski and snowboard base layers are an integral part of any cold weather layering system, adding warmth and managing sweat during physical activities. But being warm and dry isn't just a function of comfort, it's about safety too. In this way, base layers also act as a first line of defense against hypothermia when you're spending hours in snowy, icy environments.
If you’re thinking about investing in a high-quality base layer set, or have already started shopping around, this base layer buying guide is designed to answer many of the common questions you might face. Should you choose wool or polyester base layers? Do you need lightweight or heavyweight? How should your snowboarding base layer fit? Can you wash base layers easily at home?
- Why You Should Wear a Base Layer for Skiing and Snowboarding
- Ski and Snowboard Base Layer Materials
- Ski and Snowboard Base Layer Weights
- Base Layer Fit
- Ski and Snowboard Base Layer FAQs
Why You Should Wear a Base Layer for Skiing and Snowboarding
Any time you are heading outside to enjoy cold weather activities, like skiing or snowboarding, it’s a good idea to avoid wearing cotton. While there’s no denying the comfort of cotton, this fiber’s air-trapping structure (which is crucial for insulation) completely collapses when it gets damp, eliminating its ability to keep you warm.
If you don’t change out of damp cotton clothing, it slowly sucks any warmth that you generate away from your body, especially in cold temperatures. If you’ve ever heard the phrase “cotton kills,” this is where the expression comes from. A much smarter choice for skiing and snowboarding is to wear wool base layers or synthetic performance base layers.
Wool and synthetic base layers both come in a variety of weights, like lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight. Lightweight base layers don't generally provide much warmth, but they do facilitate quick transport of moisture (sweat) away from the skin, helping keep you dry and comfortable. Midweight and heavyweight base layers also help with moisture management, but because of higher "loft" (i.e., dead air space) they insulate better and are often a good choice for cold-weather activities.
There are two primary benefits provided by ski and snowboard base layers.
- Insulate, even when wet. By maintaining internal air space (the tiny air pockets between individual fibers), base layers continue insulating, even if they get damp. Wool provides more warmth. Synthetics provide less warmth.
- Help you stay dry. By efficiently wicking sweat away from your skin and transporting it to your mid, and outer shell layers where it can evaporate, base layers help you to stay dry and comfortable. Synthetics wick sweat quickly. Wool wicks sweat slowly.
Pro tip: Performance base layers work best when paired with a lightweight synthetic mid layer, as well as a high-quality waterproof breathable shell.
Ski and Snowboard Base Layer Materials
Nearly all good ski and snowboard base layers fall into two primary categories: wool or synthetic. Both types have advantages and disadvantages, and ultimately, the choice to go with one or the other comes down to personal preference.
Merino Wool Base Layers
Merino wool comes from the Merino breed of sheep and is especially fine and soft against the skin. Wool base layers excel in a wide variety of temperatures but many users find that they are most comfortable in freezing and sub-freezing environments. Wool base layers can add a good amount of warmth to your layering system and will continue insulating, even when damp. Additionally, wool has natural anti-microbial properties that slow the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Finally, wool is a natural fiber, so depending on the specific product (if it’s not blended with synthetics) it may be composted once it reaches the end of its useful life.
As a shopper, one important thing to consider is how your skin handles wool. Because despite its excellent performance as a base layer, merino wool may be irritating to individuals with more sensitive skin. Merino can also be less durable than synthetic fabrics and may have more specific cleaning demands (such as only using specialized/gentle detergents and needing to be air-dried). As a final consideration, merino wool base layers are often more expensive than their synthetic counterparts.
Pros of merino wool base layers: Is a natural, temperature-regulating fiber that performs well in a wide range of temperatures, is naturally anti-microbial, and can potentially be composted.
Cons of merino wool base layers: Can cause skin irritations, may be less durable, more expensive than other options.
Synthetic Base Layers
Synthetic base layers are primarily made from polyester or polypropylene blends. Both materials are well-regarded for their ability to wick sweat away from the skin quickly, and they usually outperform wool base layers in wicking performance. Synthetic base layers perform well across a wide range of temperatures, but the lightest-weight synthetic base layers are best for warm environments or for the highest intensity activities. Synthetic base layers are also generally more durable and less expensive than merino options.
Synthetic base layers can’t be composted, like wool, however, some recycling programs will accept synthetic items. Finally, untreated synthetic base layers don’t control body odors as well as wool, and may require more regular cleanings to avoid the classic base layer “funk.” With that said, many companies blend anti-microbial materials with synthetic materials to provide odor-reducing capabilities or apply anti-microbial treatments.
Pros of synthetic base layers: Less expensive than merino wool, may be more durable, easy to care for.
Cons of synthetic base layers: Can get stinky, made from plastic.
Ski and Snowboard Base Layer Weights
Ski and snowboard base layers are offered in a variety of different weights, or thicknesses. Ideally, you should select the weight based on your activity. Lightweight base layers are great for highly aerobic activities, like skinning, and backcountry riding, when you want to stay dry, but don't need your base layer to provide warmth. Midweight to heavyweight base layers are good for less aerobic endeavors, like resort riding where you want to stay dry but you also need your base layer to provide some additional warmth. Ultimately, you should choose whichever base layer weight will work best with your whole clothing system to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable. Keep in mind that you can always adjust your mid layer and/or shell to dial in comfort and fine-tune the warmth of your outfit for the current conditions.
Base layers are usually broken into three categories: lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight. The actual difference between these is the weight of the fabrics, which is usually measured in grams per square meter (g/sm). Heavier weights generally provide more warmth, while lighter weights generally provide better breathability (but not much warmth). Note, it is common for different weights of base layers to be knit from different fabric blends, so make sure to read the label carefully to understand what kind of performance you can expect.
Examples of lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight base layers.
Lightweight base layer: Knit from 80% polyester/20% wool yarn blend with a weight of 100 g/sm.
Midweight base layer: Knit from 60% polyester/40% wool yarn blend with a weight of 200 g/sm.
Heavyweight base layer: Knit from 90% polyester/10% wool yarn blend with a weight of 250 g/sm.
To complicate things further, some manufacturers use proprietary descriptors instead of grams per square meter to describe base layer weights. For example, “BL100” may indicate a lightweight base layer, “BL200” may indicate a midweight base layer, and “BL250” may be used to describe a heavyweight base layer. Unfortunately, there's no “industry” standard, so you’ll want to consult the specific manufacturer’s website or product tech specs to understand their rating system.
Pro tip: If you’re unsure about how to tackle the weight selection on your own, drop into your local Burton Flagship Store and let the friendly shop crew walk you through the process in detail.
Key takeaways for shoppers: If you are still uncertain about what you need, start with a midweight base layer and know that you’ll be able to fine-tune your comfort level by adding or subtracting mid layers (a sweatshirt or fleece). If you run cold and/or have circulation issues in cold weather, select a heavyweight base layer, and if you just need to stay dry but don't need additional warmth, go for a lightweight base layer.
Base Layer Fit
One thing that we've learned through laboratory testing is that base layer fit doesn't drastically affect performance. If you are concerned with being as warm as possible on the mountain, we recommend a more body-hugging fit, but as long as your base layer is worn next to your skin, it's going to do its job.
Key takeaways for shoppers: Choose a fit that is comfortable for you. If warmth is really important, opt for something a bit more form-fitting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ski and Snowboard Base Layers
Review frequently asked questions and answers about ski and snowboard base layers.
Q: What is the best base layer material for people with sensitive skin?
A: Merino wool base layers will work for most people, but if wool irritates your skin, you may want to try polyester or non-wool fabrics instead.
Q: What type of base layer is best for warm-weather activities?
A: While lightweight base layers made from merino wool or polyester can both work perfectly well for warm weather activities, some people prefer polyester or other synthetic blends for their quicker drying qualities. Additionally, base layers with long sleeves and a hood can provide sun protection (look for a UPF rating to know exactly how much sun protection these garments may offer).
Q: Will my old waffle-knit cotton long underwear work for skiing or snowboarding?
A: Cotton is a poor choice for cold weather activities because once it gets damp from sweat, it will suck warmth away from your body, causing you to get progressively colder. If you are on a budget, we recommend browsing discounted Burton ski and snowboard base layers. If you want to save even more, visit your local gear consignment store and get thrifty.
Q: Are men’s and women’s snowboard base layers the same?
A: Usually, men’s and women’s ski and snowboard base layers are tailored differently. If you are considering a specific ski or snowboard base layer, the best way to see if it will fit your body is to try it on in person. Consider visiting a Burton Flagship Store to explore your options.
Q: What is HeiQ and how does it affect ski and snowboard base layer performance?
A: HeiQ is a Swiss innovator of proprietary materials and material treatments. At Burton, we use two HeiQ treatments across ski and snowboard base layers. HeiQ Smart Temp is a heat-activated thermoregulation technology that dynamically changes the breathability of garments based on body temperature. HeiQ Fresh is a silver-free textile odor control technology that reduces unpleasant odors by absorbing VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
Q: How do you wash and store base layers?
A: It’s best to wash like materials, i.e., wash merino base layers in one load and synthetic base layers in a separate load using the recommended cleaning products. Air dry your base layers after washing, and once they’re completely dry, roll and store them in a sealed, air-tight container. Review How to Wash Base Layers: 3 Easy Tips for detailed instructions.
