You only need a handful of base layers in your hunting kit. Get the best long underwear and base layer tops and use them for years to come.
The best base layers are the unsung heroes of hunting and outdoor adventure. No, they don’t get the headlines as often as shells and puffys. Generally, only your closest companions see them. But the apparel you wear next to your skin has as much impact on your comfort as any other piece of clothing, maybe more.
Over the years, the hunters at GearJunkie have put dozens of base layers through extensive, heavy use. The baselayers that float to the top over and over again are included here, and while some are more hunt-specific than others, all will keep you warmer and dryer than any cotton apparel sitting around your house.
Before we get deep into base layer materials, designs, and more, here are a few notes on how to use this guide.
Because base layers encompass both bottoms and tops, we’ve included several packages of both in our selection. A few shirts stand out on their own and don’t have a matching leg layer, but are still listed among the products below. You’ll find light, medium, and heavy layers and our favorite styles from a few brands.
If you’re a new hunter, please understand that you don’t need a special base layer to hunt. If you own good long underwear made of synthetic or wool materials, they’ll serve you well for hunting purposes. In most cases, hunting base layers are very similar to their counterparts in the skiing, hiking, or camping markets.
For the hunters out there looking for hunt-specific features, the base layers found here are the cream of the crop, with hunt-friendly colorways, odor protection, and a fit that favors mobility. For a quick comparison, check out our spec chart, and read over our Buyer’s Guide and FAQ sections for advice on staying warm, dry, and comfortable while hunting or hanging out in camp.
Best Overall Base Layer for Hunting
KUIU ULTRA Merino 120
Specs
Material Nuyarn Merino- 70% Merino / 30% Nylon
Protection UPF 50+ Rating, Naturally Odor Resistant
Weight Light (120 g/m²)
Pros
Lightweight but durable Nuyarn merino sets high bar for performance
Maintains warmth when wet
Dries fast
Zip-off bottoms removable with boots and pants on
Cons
Not as fast drying as synthetics
The KUIU ULTRA 120 merino base layers ($89 top, $99 bottom) are our favorite next-to-skin layers for hunting in 2024. Amazingly comfortable, soft, and quick drying, these 70% merino layers are pretty much perfect.
But the bottoms stand out from the crowd with a fabulously effective zip-off system that allows you to remove (or put on) your base layer without removing your pants or boots. This is super handy for Western hunters who spend the morning in colder conditions, and then move through the hotter midday hours. To remove them, just pull down your pants and zip the two side zippers off to separate the front from the back. Boom, you’re ready for hours of hiking and still have dry socks.
While the top has a simple design, it uses top-tier Nuyarn, one of our favorite materials for base layers, thanks to its durability and odor resistance.
Our team of testers has used the KUIU ULTRA Merino 120 crew top and zip-off bottoms in both men’s and women’s models. We really don’t have any complaints. These are the top-shelf base layers. They’ll hit your wallet a bit, but we’d argue that if you can afford them, these are worth every penny.