Base layers are crucial for every outdoor activity. It boosts your mobility and protects against the elements. Specifically, the best long underwear for women offers extra flexibility in their movements.
During high-exertion activities in the backcountry, these long underwear ensures that they can move all their limbs and joints without any restriction. In the freezing alpines and frigid tundras, they amplify the insulation of their other clothing layers.
Surely enough, choosing long underwear isn't a walk in the park. If you are searching for one, you can start on the selection below.
| Weight | Material | |
| REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Tights | Midweight | Polyester/spandex |
| REI Co-op Merino 185 Base Layer Bottoms | Lightweight | RWS merino wool |
| Kari Traa Rulle High-Waist Base Layer Pants | Lightweight | Merino wool/modal/acrylic |
| Icebreaker 250 Vertex Base Layer Leggings | Heavyweight | Merino wool |
| Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer Bottoms | Midweight | Merino wool |
| Patagonia Capilene Air Base Layer Bottoms | Lightweight | Merino wool/polyester |
| Smartwool Merino 150 Base Layer Bottoms | Lightweight | Merino wool/nylon |
You should first check out the REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Tights. This long underwear is one of the few petite-type base tights that REI offers, which is suitable for small-framed women. It features a smooth face so that you'll never have trouble with layering. Meanwhile, its interior has a brushed texture so that it can provide exceptional next-to-skin comfort.
This high-quality long underwear comes with a fabric that provides an efficient moisture-wicking mechanism. It doesn't stay wet too long either so that you can remain comfortable regardless of the temperature. With its four-way stretch, your movements will never be limited. Furthermore, its flat-seam construction minimizes chafing and bulk on this garment.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
This high-quality merino wool long underwear guarantees that any sweaty day in the backcountry would never bother any woman. The REI Co-op Merino 185 Base Layer Bottoms offers an ultra-fine construction to render a soft, comfortable feel without any hint of itchiness. Since it is made from merino wool, you can expect its utmost breathability. It doesn't stay wet for too long and offers natural resistance against odor-causing elements.
Furthermore, it includes UPF 30 sun protection so that it can shield you against harmful UV rays. It is not susceptible to chafing either, thanks to its merrow stitching and flat seam construction. Meanwhile, its crotch gusset ensures maximum mobility for its wearers. Interestingly, this pair of bottoms is tailored to embrace your body. In this way, you'll feel that you aren't restricted by anything.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Base layers work well when they provide sufficient comfort and coverage. That's the perfect formula that will never change, regardless of how many improvements these garments will witness. The Kari Traa Rulle is a proficient pair of long underwear that follows this age-old principle. Featuring a high-waist construction, the Kari Traa Rule provides extended protection to your lower body.
Its stretchable fit also ensures that this base layer doesn't sag, regardless of your body shape. Its construction isn't shabby either, as it is designed to tackle extensive jaunts and low-temperature expeditions. Specifically, it is tailored from the combination of merino wool, modal, and acrylic. It also got mirrored seams, and solid color enabled it to look aesthetically appealing.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
For snow-based athletes and enthusiasts, wearing the Icebreaker 250 Vertex Base Layer Leggings is a must-do. Constructed from authentic merino wool, this base layer boasts well-tailored jacquard knit. Because of this architecture, this garment doesn't only yield an exceptional feel; it also provides relentless breathability, which is essential for changing temperatures. Of course, the fabric is also odor-resistant and moisture-wicking.
You'll also love the fact that the Icebreaker 250 Vertex Base Layer Leggings provide decent sun protection. Specifically, it comes with a UPF 35 rating that is already capable of shielding you against harmful UV rays. Meanwhile, its gusseted design ensures that its wearer can move comfortably, regardless of the terrain. You can also expect that this long underwear is not susceptible to chafing, thanks to its flatlock seams and elastic waistband.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
The Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer Bottoms is designed to become a reliable gear during cold-weather adventures. Essentially, it displays an improved fit and a toasty warmth, which are all essential for any low-temperature outdoor activities. Since it is tailored from merino wool, you can guarantee that it provides comfort level, regardless of the weather. Moreover, its interlock knit ensures breathability, comfort, and natural defense against foul odor. This base layer has a streamlined construction for a better fit and feel for its users. It features an updated design on its back and side seams so that it doesn't sag while you pair it with other clothing layers.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Explore the outdoors without restriction with the Patagonia Capilene Air Base Layer Bottoms! Touted as the best base layer of Patagonia, the Capilene Air features supple and light construction. It is ultra-cozy to the skin and provides limitless stretch so that it can move together with your body as naturally as possible. Its merino wool fabric has been derived from New Zealand; it is then merged with Capilene recycled polyester for added insulation during cold-weather conditions. It is also known for its impeccable moisture-wicking properties without the need for a long drying time.
Patagonia guaranteed that this base layer is using 18.5-micron yarns on its construction, which, in turn, improved the gear's loft and weight. Its 3D architecture also removed its chafing points throughout its entire structure. Overall, this long underwear is a perfect choice for outdoor adventures under moderate weather conditions.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
For mild weather adventures, the Smartwool Merino 150 Base Layer Bottoms is an exceptional choice. It has an updated fit, which is intended for female athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. It combines comfort and functionality, regardless of your body shape. Its lightweight merino wool jersey fabric has integrated a nylon core. In this way, its durability remains impeccable without losing its supple feel to your skin.
The merino wool also has a line elastic waistband that provides comfort to you as you move. If that's not enough, this base layer has stretch merrow stitching that allows you unrestricted body movements. For high-exertion adventures, these qualities will certainly amplify your comfort and performance.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
It is not a secret that women want to experience comfort whenever they go--and that includes the backcountry. Surely enough, one way they can achieve this is by wearing the proper clothing and equipment.
Long underwear are considered base layers. All outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to wear them since they can optimize your convenience, mobility, and protection against the elements. As base layers, these long underwear sit next to your skin. If their construction isn't that cozy, you'll experience itch and irritation while wearing them.
Hence, it is crucial that you understand all the considerations in choosing long underwear. In this way, you can pick the best one that suits your intended use and preferences.
Most synthetic long underwear is made from polyester or blends with polyester. These blends usually utilize a high volume of nylon so that they can reduce abrasion-related damages. In some brands, the polyester blend includes elastane and spandex. In this way, the long underwear becomes stretchable. However, keep in mind that polyester still constitutes most of the blend due to its exceptional moisture-wicking properties.
Generally, synthetic underwears are light, resistant to wrinkles and abrasion, and provide hassle-free maintenance. But at the same time, you should know that they attract odor, especially if you wear them repeatedly.
Merino wool is a special type of wool used in modern base layers. One reason that it is popular is due to its ultra-supple construction. You'll be awed that even lightweight merino wool is sufficient enough to provide superb insulation in cold seasons. At the same time, it has excellent breathability to help you vent the heat of summer days.
Wearing a garment from merino wool will give a soft feeling to the skin. It is also easy to clean, as it is machine-washable. Its wrinkle- and stain-resistance is superb, too. But since it is made from wool, it is still susceptible to shrinking. Also, you'll also notice that these merino wool base layers are only available in dark colors.
A pair of long underwear made from treated silk has application-specific construction. Usually, this material is designed to generate more insulation; hence, it is ideal for frigid seasons. The silk has been treated with chemicals to optimize its moisture-wicking properties. Ordinary silk is smooth and comfortable; however, they aren't good when it comes to dealing with perspiration.
If you are not a fan of bulky clothing, silk base layers are your best option. They also allow quick and hassle-free layering. Keep in mind that silk is prone to shrinking. It is also susceptible to sunlight damage and abrasion.
You can classify base layers via their weight.
In a nutshell, lightweight (and micro-lightweight) long underwear is ideal for summer activities and high-exertion pursuits, such as exercising. You can also wear them if you are working out. If the weather requires extra warmth provision, go for midweight to heavyweight base layers.
Here's a quick breakdown of how we classify the weight of these base layers:
Always remember that not all people are the same. Hence, there are individuals that don't get cold easily. On the flip side, others get chilly even in slight temperature drops. You should pick a base layer that matches your overall natural physique.
The best long underwear for women is there to ensure that you remain comfortable (and toasty) in your outdoor pursuits. Similar to other outdoor clothing and gear, no long underwear is designed for a similar purpose. Hence, you should inspect their construction and weight before deciding whether or not they can aid you in your next trip!
That's it for now. If you have other inquiries, feel free to ask me in the comment section below.
