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Best Snowboard Base Layers 2019-2020

Chosen by the Whitelines Test Team

UPDATE: Check out our reviews of the Best Snowboard Base Layers for 2020/2021 by clicking here.

Many things can spoil a day out snowboarding; the resort being taken over by 500 ski school kids who incessantly snake down the whole hill, getting stuck on a super long gondola with someone who smells like microwaved turd, realising you’re a skier…

The list is seemingly endless but is there anything more capable of spoiling your day than getting cold when you’re out snowboarding, sitting shivering on a chairlift because you didn’t layer up properly? Or perhaps you went overboard and wore 14 long sleeve t shirts underneath your hoody and now you’re the one who smells like a microwaved turd. A proper base layer will help to regulate your temperature while you’re out and about on the hill.

“A proper base layer will help to regulate your temperature while you’re out and about on the hill”

There are several different types of base layer to choose from and no matter where you’re riding, from Alaskan backcountry missions to slushy may park laps there’s a base layer to suit your needs. Different thickness’ generally will denote what climate they’re best suited to, although you’ll want to factor your own personal preference into this. The thicker the layer, the warmer it’s going to be, but some materials are warmer than others.

They’re not just for days so cold your tongue sticks to the roof of your mouth, they’re really useful for warmer climates as well. A good base layer will work to absorb moisture vapour and help it evaporate into the air leaving a layer of fresher air next to your body. Sweat gets moved from your skin into the air, leaving you feeling cool and airy.

Merino is the material of choice in most base layers these days; it exhibits all the properties you’d want from your first line of defense. Merino wool is made up of very lightweight fibres that are comfortable direct to skin and allow a nice airflow so you can cool off better. If you’re a pongy person then you’re in luck because it’s also naturally antimicrobial and doesn’t absorb odours the same way a synthetic material would. You can often wear Merino for several days without needing to wash it, although that’s not factoring in some people’s extra musky odours.

 “A good baselayer will work to absorb moisture vapour and help it evaporate into the air”

A baselayer should be fairly snug fitting (we’re not talking Jon Bon Jovi circa 1986) so it can effectively wick the sweat from your skin. Moving the sweat away from you prevents it from soaking into your clothes and letting it dry, which in the cold temperatures can become freezing, and in warm temperatures can cause a stomach-turning smell. Try to steer clear of cotton-based products are they’re notorious for collecting and holding moisture.

Generally, base layers will come as a top and bottoms, but most companies make at least one all-in-1 option, which is great for warmth, but not so great when you’re 6 beers deep and gagging for a tinkle. They’ll usually come in different lengths for different temperatures, so you can wear short sleeves in April but might want the whole shebang in February.

There’s a buttload of base layers out there, so we’ve trawled through and found the best options for winter 2019/20.

Burton AK Power Grid Hood | Eivy Autumn Landscape Adjustable Top and Bottom | Eivy Leopard Hood Top and Bottom | Ice Breaker Oasis LS Long Leggings Set | Ice Breaker Oasis LS Legless Set | Mons Royale Women’s Cornice Half Zip | Mons Royale Olympus Rollover | Nikita Straightaway LS Tee and Big Hug Legging | Smartwool Intraknit Merino 200 Crew

The Best Snowboard Base Layers For Winter 2019-20


Burton AK Power Grid Hood Snowboard Base Layer 2019-2020

PRICE: £90/€100

If you’re looking for a second skin to keep you warm from tip to toe this Burton Power Grid Hood base-layer is as good as it gets. The fabric is comfy and breathable. It’s also a slightly longer model, making it the perfect place to nest.

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    Eivy Autumn Landscape Adjustable Top and Bottom Snowboard Base Layer 2019-2020

    PRICE: Top €70/Tights €60

    Since 2009 Eivy have been making women’s specific multiFUNctional baselayers, and their signature piece is a top with an integrated neckwarmer.

    The lined neck area can be pulled up over your face for those extra chilly days or worn down and loose for slushy spring laps. They use a soft, moisture wicking material that’s able to dry quickly after a soggy day.

    The cuffs are extended at the wrist and have thumb loops, and the body is extended in the back to drop down over your bum. The trousers are designed to be worn high waisted for a bit of extra warmth and are stretchy and supple for your comfort.

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    Eivy Leopard Hood Top and Bottom Snowboard Base Layer 2019-2020

    PRICE: Top €75/Tights €60

    Eivy make damn good base layers, and if that wasn’t enough, as a bonus – they look cool as shit too. This snazzy leopard print number is made of a moisture wicking fabric, so it’ll dry quickly when you’re being a sweaty betty.

    The sleeves have thumb loops to stop it riding up your arms as you’re riding round, and the seams are flatlock to stop it rubbing and chafing. To keep you toasty warm it’s hooded and the neck comes up higher than normal, so you can wear it as a facewarmer on those extra frosty days.

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    Ice Breaker Oasis LS Long Leggings Set Snowboard Base Layer 2019-2020

    PRICE: €130

    100% merino wool made – the Ice Breaker Oasis base-layer. This combo will keep you comfy and warm even in the coldest of weathers. You can choose from either the long or short leggings to go with your top, and ladies do not despair, you can get this combo for women too.

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    Ice Breaker Oasis LS Legless Set Snowboard Base Layer 2019-2020

    PRICE: €130

    As with the longer leggings set, the shorter ones too are made out of 100% merino wool. If you prefer to give your legs some extra space to breathe, we’d suggest getting yourself some.

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    Mons Royale Women’s Cornice Half Zip Snowboard Base Layer 2019-2020

    PRICE: €130

    Mons knows how to make durable merino wool base layers – this is a fact. The ladies looking for a slim fitted base layer top, that is 100% responsibly sourced merino wool, should definitely check out the Cornice Half Zip. It’s body temperature regulated, breathable, and lightweight so if you feel the need to take it off mid-day… it won’t add any extra weight when thrown into the backpack. It’s a winning choice.

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    Mons Royale Olympus Pullover Snowboard Base Layer 2019-2020

    PRICE: €130

    When you think merino, you think Mons, they’re the wool experts and the high-quality products they make reflect that fact. The fabric is moisture wicking and super soft, and as a bonus is doesn’t absorb odour like a traditional fabric.

    Thumb loops down the arms to keep everything ship shape, and the body is contoured to keep close contact with the skin. Mesh underarm panels promote airflow and increase breathability. Flat locked seams allow for added comfort and stop the irritability sometimes found with stitching.

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    Nikita Straightaway LS Tee and Big Hug Legging Snowboard Base Layer 2019-2020

    PRICE: £45/€50 per piece

    Nikita are the queens of making high quality, good looking pieces, they’re fashion meets function to a T. Fast drying for those unfortunate snow down the trousers scenarios, and ergonomically designed to offer support and compression where you need it most. These are high waisted leggings, to make sure your butt crack isn’t on show and to keep the heat in. Perfect for cold days on the hill, or lazy days in the chalet.

    The Straightaway Tee pairs perfectly with the Big Hug Leggings for frosty mornings. Designed to be worn as a first layer, it’s a plush material that won’t irritate skin when you’re wearing it for long days shredding.

    Slightly longer arms ensure it won’t ride up during the day and it comes down a little lower than normal so it will tuck in well and keep your butt warm. Coming in a bunch of jazzy colours this is a top for any discerning fashionista.

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    Smartwool Intraknit Merino 200 Crew Snowboard Base Layer 2019-2020

    PRICE: £110/piece

    Smartwool’s produced a base-layer that isn’t just comfortable, but also has a ventilation and insulation system to prevent your sweat leaving that unpleasant odour in the very core of the layer. How you may ask? Well, Smartwool have come up with a cutting edge 3D-knitting technique.

    Not only does the intraknit technique leave you smelling like roses, but it also allows your body to move more freely and efficiently – making it easier to perform in whatever weather you’ll be facing.

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  • Selected for The Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2019-2020 Smartwool Intraknit Base Layer here

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