The cold is here, the wind is blowing, I’m sure the snow is not far behind. I’m not sure that there is too much worse then the cold biting wind cutting down to my poor bones. On average it probably takes me two days to thaw out.

The more time I spend outdoors the more things I learn about staying warm, about what works and what doesn't. One thing is for sure, if you don’t have a good base layer on when you’re out and about, you might as well throw in the towel.

Nothing will ruin a great outdoor winter adventure quicker then some cold weather you’re not ready for.

Only one way to solve that problem...base layers. What is a base layer?

Base layers are the layer of clothing that lies against your skin, hence the most important part of your clothing when in cold, wet, and nasty outdoor conditions. Base layers have to deal with the moisture of your skin, probably one of the most difficult jobs, while keeping you warm at the same time.

Photo by : lululemonathletica

Let’s talk about three of the best base layers out on the market that can be used to keep your core nice and toasty when the wind starts blowing and the snow starts falling.

1. Synthetic Thermal Base Layers
These types of base layers are some of the best and most popular, with a lot of research and development that has been sunk into synthetic fibers over the years. Also, a big plus to synthetic fibers in outdoor clothing is it’s ability to handle moisture.

A lot of the good synthetic base layers out there today are great at drying out quickly and will keep you dry much better then average cotton gear.

Cheap. These days you can’t argue with price, the synthetic clothing figures out to be a little cheaper then some other materials, like down. For anyone on a budget you can get some bang for your buck by looking for a good synthetic base layer.

2. Merino Wool Base Layers
A somewhat new found love of the outdoor manufactures, all the hype these days has to do with merino wool and how wonderful it is. Merino wool has great water wicking properties which means it makes a great base layer.

Also, wool in general, especially merino wool will keep you warm wet it gets wet. Heaven forbid you start getting damp when your out in about in the cold winter, but with a merino wool base layer you can survive a little longer then you would with say a synthetic layer.
You will probably find that any type of wool is going to feel “warm” on your skin compared to a synthetic base layer. Sometimes the mind game is 90% of the battle, so how something feels is going to make a big difference.

I mean really, if the New Zealand and Australian sheep where this wool comes from use it to keep warm climbing around the mountains, then it will work for you! Baaaa.

I don’t really want to start World War III, but normally people fall hard into one camp or the other. Not sure which one is true, but I will probably fall off into the merino wool side of the fence. I like being old school and I love the feel of wool on my skin, makes me feel warm. What about you? Which would you pick?