The Best Base Layers for Hunting of 2025

Hunting Base Layer Comparison Chart

How We Tested Hunting Base Layers

The GearJunkie hunting crew is a passionate group. Between myself and the other hunters on the team, we spend months in the field each fall hunting everything from whitetail deer to elk to upland game to waterfowl. And we’ve been doing it for more than 60 collective years. So we’ve spent a lot of time in really good and bad base layers. And we know that long underwear can make or break your trip.

I’ve taken all these years of knowledge and packed them into this buying guide because I want you to have a great experience on your next hunt. All the recommendations here are the same that I’d make to my best friends, family, and hunting partners. Indeed, when they ask which ones to buy, I’ll likely forward this article. It’s the best advice I have for buying base layers for hunting.

If you’re raring to go, here’s the bottom line:

Just buy these: The KUIU ULTRA Merino 120 LT Zip-Off bottom is simply the best long underwear for hunters, and it’s a very reasonable price. Hunters can remove the simple, lightweight merino layer with long side zippers; there is no need to take off boots or pants. It’s a huge bonus in the field, and at about $100, these are tough to beat.

For tops, pick up the Sitka Equinox Guard Hoodie, a light, synthetic layer with a built-in hood and camo mesh to cover your face. Or, if you’re looking for a more traditional, hoodless base layer, the First Lite Wick Quarter Zip blends light merino wool with supercharged nylon for a breathable, fast-drying layer you can wear on its own or under many other layers in cooler weather.

If you don’t require hunting-specific coloration, check out GearJunkie’s general guide to the best base layers for men and women. Many of these would serve you (and have served me) well in the hunting arena, too.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Base Layers for Hunting

Above, you’ve seen a selection of tried and true base layers that I love. Choose the weight and style that fits your needs, and you should be set.

However, there are thousands of good base layers on the market. How should a hunter pick base layers from the crowded market? I break it down into a few attributes: materials, weight, design, and special features.

The Best Materials for Base Layers

The best base layers use either merino wool or synthetic materials such as polyester to provide soft, warm layers that dry quickly.

Of the materials available, merino wool (and sometimes alpaca) is the best material for base layers meant for hunting. That’s because it is soft, fast-drying, and warm when wet. Even more importantly for hunters, it’s naturally anti-microbial, which helps it remain odor-free for longer than most synthetic base layers. Many brands blend merino with a small percentage of synthetic material, usually nylon, to add durability. The only downside of merino is it’s expensive.

Synthetic base layers are also a great choice for hunting. They dry even faster than merino wool. And with anti-odor treatments such as Polygiene, synthetic layers are much less smelly than the synthetics of olden days. As an added benefit, synthetic polyester base layers tend to be much less expensive than merino wool. So they’re a great choice for those on a tighter budget.

Weight

The “weight” of a baselayer refers to the weight of the fabric used in production. Most of the base layers tested range from 120 grams per square meter (g/m²) to 350 g/m². On the lighter end of that spectrum, you’ll find versatile layers that you can wear under other layers in cold weather or alone in hot weather. Heavier base layers are suited only for cold weather use and will be too hot when worn alone in warm weather.

Base Layer Design

The seams are the first thing you should look at beyond materials and weight. Many high-quality baselayers (and most of the selections above) use flatlock seams to provide a smooth, chafe-free surface against your skin. While some stretch fabrics use other seam styles, the flatlock is often a sign of high-quality manufacturing in the base layer space.

Hoods are another important design consideration. A hood adds both warmth and concealment to a base layer. But if you plan to wear several layers, too many hoods can stack up on one another, leading to a lot of fabric around your neck. For next-to-skin base layers, I usually recommend no hood if you plan for multiple layers over it.

Special Features

Base layers for hunting have a few notable features. First, some bottoms have side-zipper panels that allow you to remove the base layer without taking off your pants or boots. This is awesome for those who need to strip down during the heat of the day. My top long john choices have zippers for this reason.

Face masks for concealment are another useful feature. The Sitka Equinox Guard Hoody, for example, has a hood with a built-in face cover that works perfectly for turkey or big game hunting. I love the design that keeps your face hidden any time you raise the hood.

Finally, many hunting base layers have some kind of anti-odor treatment. This is an important consideration for big game hunters, who must manage scent as much as possible.

Price and Value

In the grand scheme of hunting apparel, base layers aren’t all that expensive. What’s more, they’re rarely exposed to the outside world, meaning they won’t take the abuse that shortens the life of outer layers. Any base layer you purchase should last for years. Here’s a breakdown of the price differences.

Budget

The cheapest set of base layers on this list, the RedHead Elite Midweight Base Layer, retails for 50 bucks per piece. You can also find some slightly more affordable than that. Budget base layers are almost always made from synthetic materials. While lower in price, synthetics aren’t a bad option as they dry quicker than their wool counterparts. However, you may not find them as warm as wool, and they may retain a smell after a few days in the field.

Budget layers also may not have flat-lying seams. While that may seem like a minor complaint, bulky seams can become very annoying after rubbing against your skin all day. Still, budget layers do the job just fine, and sometimes hunters on the Gear Junkie team use cheaper, synthetic base-layers over their more expensive options.

Mid-Tier

Most base layers that cost $80-$120 could be considered the cream of the crop. You’ll find Merino wool blends that will keep you toasty, well thought out seams, and even zippered legs on the KUIU Ultra Merino bottoms.

In this price range, you’ll find some of the best options on the market that will provide excellent performance for just about every hunting situation out there. For most people, mid-tier base layers will offer everything you could ask.

Premium

Many base layers exceeding $120 are made for extreme warmth. Like mid-tier layers, you’ll find merino construction, just in greater quantities.

This is one of those situations where paying more money doesn’t necessarily benefit you. Thick base layers are awful for hunters on the move. In short order, you’ll find yourself sweating in them and having to stop to take them off. If that’s you, stick to the less expensive merino options.

However, if you plan on sitting in a tree stand in the winter, or sitting in frigid duck blinds, it’s probably worth the investment.

You’ll also find technical early-season pieces that can serve as a standalone outer layer. The Sitka Equinox Guard Hoodie is a prime example. It’s breathable, lightweight, and packed with useful features, including a facemask.

Frequently Asked Questions