{"id":29001,"date":"2025-11-10T11:23:24","date_gmt":"2025-11-10T11:23:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.walkhighlands.co.uk\/news\/?p=29001"},"modified":"2025-11-10T12:08:07","modified_gmt":"2025-11-10T12:08:07","slug":"review-long-sleeve-baselayers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.walkhighlands.co.uk\/news\/review-long-sleeve-baselayers\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Long sleeve baselayers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

La Sportiva: Beyond Long Sleeve<\/h2>\n\n\n
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RRP: \u00a358 (currently on offer at most outlets)
Weight: 153g (women’s S)
Fabric: 100% recycled polyester with 15% elastane on reinforcement panels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A versatile top for cooler days, the mainly recycled polyester fabric of the Beyond Long Sleeve has polygiene antibacterial treatment which should keep it smelling fresh for multiple days without washing. A step up in terms of thickness from a summer tee, the fabric is soft and comfortable and there are wide mesh panels under the arms which help reduce overheating. The stretchy, reinforced panels at the shoulders and lower sides are a good addition and means it can be worn directly under a backpack with minimal wear and the fabric isn’t prone to catching and has proved robust so far. The cuffs (no thumb loops) are not too tight so the arms can easily be pushed up and allow a little ventilation. The fit is regular but the sizing is designed to fit fairly closely, and therefore works well as a baselayer, but you may want to go up a size if you prefer a looser top. A newer version, with slightly different fabric, is just reaching some outlets meaning this version can sometimes be found substantially discounted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Available in women\u2019s XS – XL and men\u2019s S – XL and 2 colours.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mammut: Aenergy Half-Zip<\/h2>\n\n\n
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RRP: \u00a375
Weight: 108g (men’s M)
Fabric: 100% recycled polyester<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This very lightweight top has that “barely there” feeling ideal for a base layer that is versatile enough to be worn as a warm weather single layer. The fabric has a comfortable, very light feel with a thinner mesh on the back and under the arms; it has proven to be very breathable and good at wicking sweat. Adding to the comfort is a good fit and smooth seams so there’s no chance of chafing under a pack or belt. There is a half zip for ventilation and the low collar is useful for keeping sun and wind off the neck. The fabric is treated with HeiQ Fresh FFL which Mammut says is a bio-based technology which uses amino sugar to remove fat and protein from sweat which reduces the food for smell-producing bacteria. It is said to be sustainable and durable as it is regenerated after washing. I’m always doubtful about these sort of treatments but can say that having worn this shirt non stop on a multi-day backpack including sleeping in it, it genuinely didn’t smell. If you did want to wash it on the go, it’s very quick drying. The only downside is that the fabric is not very resistant to snags so it’s not the top to wear if you going to be pushing through gorse bushes or against abrasive rock. The design incorporates reflective logo and strips on the front, back and sleeves making it a useful option for low light running. No thumb loops. I expect to be wearing this a lot both as an all season base-layer and on its own in hotter weather. Bluesign and Fair Wear accredited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Available in women\u2019s XS – XL and 3 colours and men\u2019s S – XXL and 2 colours<\/em> – round neck and short sleeve versions available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sprayway: Dornie Half-Zip<\/h2>\n\n\n
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RRP: \u00a336
Weight: 265g (Men’s M)
Fabric: 95% polyester 5% elastane<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The gridded fluffy inner of the Stretch CoreC\u2122 fabric makes the Dornie one of the warmer base-layers in this test. The outer face is smooth which helps avoid any pilling; I’ve found it wicks very well too, with the air trapped by the grid helping to avoid to avoid an overly-sweaty feeling, in spite of being polyester. Both the cuffs and the hem have stretchy elastane to make it even more snug. The fitted collar further emphasises the warm feel, whilst there is crew neck version is also available – alongside one with a hood. The half zip enables easy venting if you are working harder. I’ve found the Dornie great to wear on the hill as the weather takes a turn for the colder – certainly it would be too much in the summer. This is a well-made garment which will last well; it’s excellent value for money. Fair Wear accredited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Available in women\u2019s (female version is called Effra) 8 – 18 and 4 colours men\u2019s S – 2XL and 3 colours.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keela: Merino Hoody<\/h2>\n\n\n
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RRP: \u00a399.95
Weight: 460g (Men’s M)
Fabric: 100% merino wool<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coming in at a little under half a kilo, the Merino Hoody, from Fife-based brand Keela Outdoors, is the warmest of all the baselayers in this test. Indeed, with a full-length zip and two zipped hip-pockets – as well as the hood – this also can be worn as a warm mid-layer, though the merino wool actually feels very comfortable and very soft against the skin when worn as a base. The seams are all flat stitched, and there’s a flap behind the zip to avoid any chance of rubbing. Merino is naturally odour resistant compared to oil-based fabrics like polyester, so you can go a little longer between washes – which do need to be done on the gentler 30 degree wool setting to retain shape. In the past I’ve found some Merino baselayers to be less durable, but with the thicker 260gsm fabric used here I’m expecting long service. It makes a lovely luxurious-feeling cosy baselayer for the winter, whilst also serving as a handy mid-layer at other times of year. There are also round-neck and half-zip versions available, but these use a thinner, lighter merino fabric. Keela are known for their value-for-money and although this is the most expensive item on test, I think it’s worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Available in women\u2019s 8 – 20, 1 colour and men\u2019s XS – XL and 2 colours.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Montane: Dart Long Sleeve T-Shirt<\/h2>\n\n\n
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RRP: \u00a335
Weight: 120g (women’s UK 10)
Fabric: 100% recycled polyester<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This crew neck top has proved to be versatile for cooler weather both as a base and outer layer. The fabric, made from recycled plastic bottles, has been treated with Polygiene which has proved completely resistant to turning smelly despite a constant wear over two weeks including a number of longer walks. The fit is slim to relaxed rather than close-fitting and the fabric is very comfortable against the skin with flat seams and good arm movement helping this. No thumb loops. Still lightweight and packable but a lot thicker than the Mammut and less warm than the Jack Wolfskin tops on test here, this has proved to be warmer than many summer tops but with good wicking properties so does not feel overly sweaty when working hard. It seems well made and the fabric is fairly tough and has not snagged. Great value, huge range of colours and decent range of sizes. Bluesign and Fair Wear accredited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Available in women\u2019s UK6 -18 and 9 colours and men\u2019s XS – 3XL and 10 colours.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smartwool: Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer 1\/4 Zip<\/h2>\n\n\n
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RRP: \u00a390
Weight: 195g
Fabric: 88% Merino wool, 12% nylon<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Together with NZ-brand Icebreaker, US-based Smartwool were one of the pioneers of using merino wool as base-layers. This is a much lighter weight top than the Keela Hoody above, at 150g\/m, and as such Smartwool claim it is for year-round use rather than a dedicated winter baselayer (they do have a 250g\/m Thermal version at \u00a3115, still marginally lighter than the Keela). It is very comfortable to wear in most seasons, though I still think it would be a little too warm at the height of summer, even with the 1\/4 length zip. There are no thumb loops. Merino wool is naturally odour-resistant, so you can get away with multiple days between washes – which should be done on a cool wool-wash setting. Thinner merino garments can have a tendency to lose their shape after multiple washes and wears – which is where the 12% nylon core comes in on this item to help extend durability – but you still get that lovely soft feel of the merino wool itself against your skin. It is also available without the zip in a crew-neck version (\u00a380).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Available in women\u2019s XS – XL and men\u2019s S- XXL, both in two colours.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jack Wolfskin: Infinite Warm<\/h2>\n\n\n
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RRP: \u00a345 Women’s \u00a350 Men’s (currently on offer)
Weight: 125g (Women’s S)
Fabric: 92% Polyester (recycled) 8% Elastane<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This close-fitting, stretchy grid fleece top offers a great warmth to weight ratio. The furry fleece on the inside of the fabric makes it comfortable and cosy to wear next to the skin and although warm it wicks reasonably well when you’re working hard. Flat seams help reduce bulk and the fit is slim. Teamed with the leggings this makes a very warm and comfortable sleep option for camping overnights. The fabric is treated with Microban, an anti-microbial which reduces odours and it is slightly prone to snagging but overall the design and construction is robust. No thumb loops. A decent value baselayer option for colder weather days. Available in a good range of sizes. Bluesign and Fair Wear accredited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Available in women\u2019s XS – 2XL and men\u2019s S – 3XL and 4 colours.<\/em> Matching leggings available.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

La Sportiva: Beyond Long Sleeve RRP: \u00a358 (currently on offer at most outlets)Weight: 153g (women’s S)Fabric: 100% recycled polyester with 15% elastane on reinforcement panels A versatile top for cooler days, the mainly recycled polyester fabric of the Beyond Long Sleeve has polygiene antibacterial treatment which should keep it smelling fresh for multiple days without washing. A step up in terms of thickness from a summer tee, the fabric is soft and comfortable and there are wide mesh panels under the arms which help reduce overheating. The stretchy, reinforced panels at the shoulders and lower sides are a good addition…<\/span> <\/p>\n

Read more ›<\/div>\n

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