Affordable Base Layers: How to stay cozy without breaking the bank

I wrote this post for my own personal research. As we near the winter season and time to look for gear to outfit the whole family, budget is something that is high on my mind. So I’ve been asking the question: what makes decent, affordable base layers?

Below are some facts and options I’ve found. By no means are the details exhaustive or expert in nature. This page is designed to give you a simple understanding without getting too complicated.

What is a base layer?

I always got overwhelmed at the idea of finding the *perfect* base layer because I was under the impression that it had all these fancy requirements like keeping you warm, consisting of expensive material, etc.

However, once I started to look into it, there are only a few requirements to officially call something a “base layer”:

• This layer is typically tighter and closest to your skin (so yes, this includes underwear and bras)
• It’s responsible for wicking away moisture from your body (so you don’t turn into a popsicle!)

That’s it.

Okay, so why does finding a good base layer seem so complicated?

Because it’s easier said than done. The outdoor industry has given us LOTS of options for base layers and it’s overwhelming to find what works best for us beyond the technical chatter.

So let’s take a look at simple options that do and do not work as base layers.

What fabric is good for a base layer?

A moment for wool…

Yes, wool is KING, but I’m not going to drop $100+ bucks on a base layer that my toddler might wear for half a season. If you’re ready to make the investment into a high-quality pair of wool base layers, go for it! Some brands that have great options include Duckworth, SmartWool, and REI; they all carry great options for wool base layers.

One of the things I love MOST about wool is it’s ability to stay “clean.” It doesn’t hold body odor like other alternatives, and since you’d likely be using it as a base layer, you probably won’t have to wash it as often.

I will make a personal note here: wool can be complicated to take care of and has potential to shrink in the dryer. It usually has special washing instructions and if you have multiple people in the house who regularly do laundry, it’s possible you could end up with an expensive, twisted piece of fabric that is unwearable for adventures 🙁 Also, laundry is a certain constant in our household and I’m lazy about it, so adding a few special pieces in rotation that require unique care just adds more stress to my life.

So what if you’re like me and wool is not the best option for your lifestyle or budget?

The obvious alternative: polyester

Okay, it may not be as obvious for now, but once you start shopping, polyester fabrics are going to be the top hits for affordable base layers. They are often more durable (yes, this includes washing!), lightweight, and affordable. Poly fabrics also dry faster, which is a bonus for me since it seems like I always need to throw something in the dryer 20 minutes ago.

So why can’t we end the discussion here and conclude we’ve found our perfect, affordable base layer?

Well, my biggest problem with pure poly fabrics is their ability to hold onto and never let go of odor. Sure, it sounds really vain of me, but I truly cannot enjoy the nature experience if I’m distracted by smelling the waste of that garlicky pasta dinner from the night (or weeks) before.

Now I will say that not all polyester is created equal. Yes, it’s cheaper, but some brands that know what they’re doing have created polys designed for higher performance.

It’s also vegan, if you’re into that.

Another fabric that is similar to poly is silk. I honestly don’t have much experience with it, but from research, it seems like a good option for mild activities that don’t cause you to sweat as much. Pieces that are made mostly of silk will be lightweight and soft.

My favorite controversial fabric: modal

Again, I’m not a pro when it comes to the fiber and base layer comparison world, but this one is my personal favorite for many reasons. Using modal as a base layer offers all the things I’m personally looking for: soft, durable, repels stink, affordable.

Many people believe it’s a far inferior fabric for all-the-things, but for my personal needs that range from long-distance hiking to walking in the woods with my toddlers, modal blends have always served me well. Especially in the summertime when wool can feel a bit much, modal is my favorite alternative to cotton or wool.

Please note that some people are sensitive to modal (just like any other fabric — my daughter used to be allergic to COTTON!). So just take caution when choosing the layer that will be touching most of your skin.

The best of all worlds

In reality, you probably won’t find a likable base layer that is all one single fabric. Most are blends with one fiber as the lead. It may take time to figure out what works best for you and that’s perfectly normal. What may work for your trail bestie may be a terrible option for yourself. Only use gear that makes you feel comfortable in the activities you like to do!

What fabrics make bad base layers?

Apparently I have more of an opinion on base layers than I realized and this post is already getting long and boring, so I’ll try to keep this section short…

Basically, the outdoor world has a thing against cotton. And it’s *mostly* true. “Cotton Kills,” they all say as they raise their wool-filled fists to the trees.

But why is that?

Cotton does not wick moisture away from your body, nor does it keep you warm when wet. It also take forever to dry, making it a poor decision for long, extended trips.

I will say all of that with a caveat: some of my favorite hiking shirts contain cotton and it hasn’t killed me yet. Cotton is soft, durable, and feels like a reliable friend. If you decide to take your hikes in cotton shirts, I will NOT shame you for a moment! If you take an overnight trip, just be aware of the “risks” and tendencies of cotton and maybe have a backup prepared.

Affordable base layer options

*I will start this section by noting that I have not tried all the options on this list*

But I will say, these are the places I would start shopping when looking for affordable base layers:

• 32 Degrees
• Kindly Yours
• Decathlon
• Costco
• Backcountry
• Contour Creative’s Contender (shameless plug: this is my own clothing company!)

Ways to obtain affordable base layers

If you’d still like a higher-end base layer, don’t forget to check out the second-hand market! Below are my favorite places to acquire quality, used outdoor gear:

• Mercari
• Poshmark (use the code DNICHS for $10 off your first purchase!)
• GearTrade

Other resources on base layers

Now this post ended up WAY longer than I originally anticipated and there’s even MORE information that I could have put in, but didn’t want to overwhelm. If you’ve decided to go down the base layer rabbit hole, here are some resources I found helpful in the research for this post:

• This thread on The Ski Diva forum
• Woman’s Guide to the Wild
• REI’s Expert Article on Base Layers
• Nail the Trail

In Sum

As we wrap up our budget-friendly base layer overview, just remember that outdoor adventures don’t have to cost a fortune. There’s a lot of voices out there encouraging us to buy the latest and greatest, but that’s not what makes an adventure. Sure, it can help, but you can still embrace the wild while being wise with your finances. While wool may be a dreamy fabric, it’s not the only option out there.

In my Bible reading this week, I came across the passage below spoken by Jesus himself. It was a good reminder for me and I hope it is for you too!

"Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion — do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers — most of which are never even seen — don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving."
— Matthew 6:27-32, MSG —

Do you have a favorite affordable base layer? Let me know in the comments below!

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