When it comes to staying comfortable outdoors, upper-body layers (aka “Tops”) may be the most important articles of clothing to get right. These garments, typically made from a single source or combination of wool, cotton, or synthetic materials, are designed to keep moisture away from the skin and regulate body temperature depending on the conditions. These can include anything from moisture-wicking base layers and athletic button-ups, to fleece pullovers and insulated puffies – pretty much anything that’s going to be placed under an outer shell. Furthermore, each brand that produces these tops does so for different intents, purposes, and audiences. In this size guide, these brands will be laid out to provide insight into their sizing, purpose, pricing, and build quality. Note, this guide will focus on the technical wear available from each brand, and disregard the common t-shirts and longsleeve shirts produced by most that are meant for casual attire.

To learn more about Men’s Baselayer Tops, reach out to a Curated expert today for personalized recommendations.

How to measure

Chest Measure around the fullest part of your chest, underneath your arms

Waist Measure around the smallest part of your waist, keeping the measuring tape slightly loose.

Neck Measure the circumference of the base of your neck

Sleeve Measure by starting at the center of your back at the base of your neck, all the way along to your wrist.

Hip Measure the circumference at the widest part of your hips, standing with your feet together

Inseam With a pair of pants of your choice, measure the seam from the crotch to the bottom of the leg.

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Arc'teryx

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for: Arc’teryx garments are known for their performance in wet climates, which is not surprising for a company based in Seattle. They carry a wide range of clothing options for men’s tops, and most layers will come in a regular or short cut option, with a fit designed to allow for unrestricted range of motion. They produce base layers, shirts, fleece pullovers, and insulated layers for a variety of activities including hiking, camping, trail running, climbing, and skiing, and are known for their high-quality build. On top of that, their Fair-Trade Certified garments are helping ensure quality livelihoods for their manufacturers around the world. They run the sizing gamut from XS to 3XL.

What to look out for: The main gripe with Arc’teryx is the price. The high-quality build and specialty in wet-climate garments come at a cost that may be too much for a casual user or weekend warrior.

Price: $70 - $350

Black Diamond

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for: Black Diamond is one of the leading names in the climbing and skiing industry, and their experience in that world helps produce high-quality garments that are great for camping and hiking. Sizes typically range from S to L and in terms of fit, the tops are fitted but aren't constricted. They allow for free movement throughout the mountains by being not too tight and not too loose. Depending on the garment, it’s common to find the use of Merino wool, stretchy nylon, or DWR (Durable Water Repellent) down fill within their construction specifications, noting the use of high-quality materials.

What to look out for: Black Diamond isn’t the most expensive brand out there, but they’re not cheap either. The quality build, brand name, and experience in producing garments for professional-level guides come at a cost, but many would claim that it’s well worth it.

Price: $70 - $250

Burton

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for: Burton offers layering systems that meet the financial and performance needs of hikers and campers regardless of the season, despite being a name mostly affiliated with snowboarding. As is common in snowboarding apparel, the tops will fit loose and there will be some clothing options available with creative prints, colors, or patterns. Sizes will range from S to XXL and materials will be made from fleece or other synthetic materials that are prime for repelling moisture from the skin.

What to look out for: As noted, Burton is mainly a snowboarding company, which means the clothes may fit looser than other brands more dedicated to hiking and camping. That being said, this is a great brand to look for a loose, free feeling fit, and colorful, unique stylings.

Price: $60 - $300

Columbia

Standard

Big

Tall

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for: Columbia Sportswear has been providing high-quality garments at economic prices for all classes of hikers and campers since 1938. Production options include everything one would need to have a complete layering system, including base layers, insulating mid-layers, and shells with sizes ranging from XS to XXL, as well as a Big & Tall selection. Prices can vary but they typically remain on the lower end and provide a good entry point for the weekend warrior. Don’t discard Columbia as a discount brand – they continue to innovate their products as shown by their Omni-heat technology.

What to look out for: Although Columbia is a good brand for a fair price, they don’t compare to the longevity of the top-end brands built for outdoor professionals. Sure, they’ll stand up for a few seasons, but for those who anticipate frequent use, don’t be surprised if they wear out faster than garments by brands with higher price points.

Price: $40 - $150

Craft

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for: Craft is a brand based in Sweden that specializes in endurance and mountain sports, and is aimed at those looking for a lightweight yet protective outerwear. Tops include typical options that would be expected for outdoor use, ranging from loose-fitting synthetic tees and Primaloft insulated vests to fitted polyester and elastane jerseys for sports like running, cycling, skiing, and mountain biking. Sizes range from XXS to 3XL for some of the more popular items, while others will be limited to XS to XXL.

What to look out for: Their garments are specifically designed for endurance sport, so they might not be suited for those who are not interested in race-like attire. The fit can range from loose to tight, but in general, the options lean more towards tight-fitting and lightweight garments meant for high energy output, something that might not work for the more casual outdoors enthusiast.

Price: $20 - $200

ExOfficio

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for: ExOfficio is a travel and hiking clothing brand that offers a wide range of loose-fitting hiking, camping, and adventure travel garments. Tops are made from different blends of nylon, spandex, and polyester to offer a soft feel with moisture-wicking capabilities. The brand is geared more towards comfort and style, offering long sleeve sun shirts and hoodies as well as button-up collared shirts made for the outdoors.

What to look out for: ExOfficio gear is great for hiking and camping, but be aware of the wear and tear it takes in mountainous terrain. Additionally, there are not many options for those looking to find more athletic-based clothing meant to handle high-energy output activities.

Price: $50 - $100

KAVU

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for: KAVU’s brand centers on a fun and stylish outdoor feel that provides cotton and polyester options, with a focus on sustainability and organic materials. Printer polyester pullovers, organic cotton-knit tees, and sherpa fleece jackets come in sizes ranging from XS to XXL. The fit is similar to its style, casual and loose.

What to look out for: KAVU makes durable outerwear and uses sustainable methods where possible, but this brand isn’t made for extreme or endurance sports like running or ultralight backpacking. The fabric will be heavier and more in line with a comfy night next to a campfire while car camping.

Price: $30 - $110

Mammut

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for: Mammut, a Swiss company dating back to 1862, produces high-end athletic outdoor clothing for endurance and mountain sport enthusiasts. Garments are made from various mixes of polyester, polypropylene, polyamide, and spandex and generally come in an athletic fit with sizes ranging from S to XXL. The brand is known for its unique soft-shell designs and ability to keep users warm in wet and cold conditions.

What to look out for: This athletic brand may be overkill for the beginner or casual outdoors person. Additionally, their soft shell technology and fitted slim fit may not work for everyone.

Price: $60 - $160

Marmot

Standard

Big

Big & Tall

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for: Marmot was started by two self-proclaimed climbing misfits that wanted to make sleeping bags and jackets for themselves and their friends. Fast forward a few decades later and the brand has expanded with the same mentality while continuing to produce outdoor clothing and gear for top athletes and weekend warriors. The style is mainly set for outdoor adventures and lifestyles with loose to slim-fitted tees, long sleeves, pullovers, vests, hoodies, and jackets made with polyester, cotton, fleece, and down insulation. Sizes range S to XXL for most items as well as a specific Big & Tall category.

What to look out for: Marmot makes gear to match a wide range of abilities, but those looking for an endurance or race-oriented brand might be better suited to look elsewhere.

Price: $30 - $200

Mountain Hardwear

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for: Mountain Hardwear produces outdoor performance clothing that focuses on mountain sports and adventures. Garments are made primarily of polyester, elastane, and/or nylon to provide moisture-wicking and temperature regulation capabilities. Sizes come in S to XXL and the fit typically ranges from loose and casual to semi-fitted. The build and construction of these clothes are meant to last and be pushed through rocky and complex terrain in the mountains.

What to look out for: The brand caters to a large audience but would not be suited for endurance-oriented activities. Racers and high-endurance athletes may need to look somewhere else and the very new beginner might want something more budget-oriented.

Price: $30 - $160

Mountain Khakis

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for: Mountain Khakis, based in Jackson, Wyo., offers rugged and durable clothing options for mountain and western lifestyles. Some garments are made with cotton while others are constructed with mixtures of nylons and polyesters to provide outdoor ready gear in t-shirt, long sleeve, flannels, pull-overs, and sweaters. The sizes range from XS to XXL and the fit is loose to slightly fitted, depending on the selection.

What to look out for: Mountain Khakis’ focus isn’t right for the high energy user. Clothing will do great in hiking and camping scenarios, but don’t expect to be running long distances or backpacking deep into the backcountry.

Price: $30 - $200

Outdoor Research

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for: Outdoor Research (OR) is a backpacking and performance-wear company that covers a wide range of activities including hiking, backpacking, trail running, climbing, and skiing. The company primarily uses a mixture of nylon, spandex, and fleece, as well as regular and recycled polyester depending on the garment. The fits are categorized as standard, trim, and next-to-skin with sizes ranging from XS to XXXL, providing a variety of options suitable for all levels of hiking and camping adventures. Additionally, their Trail Running category provides very lightweight and loose-fitting garments that could supplement other articles in summer hiking and camping kits.

What to look out for: Although OR constructs well-built clothing that has proven to be durable and reliable, the prices may be a little too high for the budget-oriented weekend warrior, with t-shirts starting around $50. Additionally, those looking for tight-fitting and race-oriented outerwear might have better luck with a more specialized brand.

Price: $50 - $200

prAna

Standard

Tall

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for: prAna is an outdoor and lifestyle clothing brand that mixes functionality and style through their hiking, climbing, yoga, and travel categories. T-shirts, longsleeves, button-ups, pull-overs, and hoodies are all available and are constructed with mixtures of polyester, recycled polyester, lyocell, and elastane, meaning that most of the shirts are synthetic and have moisture-wicking and temperature regulating capabilities. Fits range from fitted to semi-loose with sizes XS to L, with tall options for some garments as well.

What to look out for: prAna’s commitment to style, sustainability, and build quality requires that the clothing costs a little extra, making the price range potentially out of reach for some beginners or budget-oriented recreationists. They offer good clothing for casual wear at a decent price, but their activewear is a more expensive category.

Price: $30 - $150

RAB

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for: RAB is a mountaineering clothing and equipment company that was born from the unique style and needs of climbing the Peak District National Park in northern England. The company, originally specializing in backpacks and jackets, has grown to include athletic and everyday clothing for all types of mountain sports such as climbing, hiking, camping, trail running, and backcountry skiing. Tops, coming in sizes from XS to XXL, mostly include a mixture of polyesters, elastane, and fleece to provide moisture-wicking and temperature control with some including their Polygiene® Stays Fresh technology, which uses small amounts of recycled silver salt to neutralize odor-causing bacteria.

What to look out for: RAB makes comfortable clothes for the active outdoor enthusiasts but their sizing only goes up to XXL.

Price: $35 - $200

Royal Robbins

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for: Royal Robbins provides athletic and leisure clothing that works everywhere from the office to the tent, and is a brand named after its founder, a legendary Yosemite climber from the 1960s. The use of organic cotton, recycled polyesters, hemp, and Merino wool is found mixed together through their button-ups, long sleeves, sweaters, and fleeces. Fits include standard, relaxed, and active with sizes ranging from XXS to 4XL depending on the garment. Their style is self-described as “understated, classic, and smart.”

What to look out for: Although they offer clothing that is more than capable of handling hiking, camping, and backpacking adventures, don’t expect to find race-oriented or high-energy output styles. The brand does a great job balancing a classic and clean aesthetic with outdoor capabilities; however, that balance means there are better options for high-performance outdoor activities in harsh weather and tough terrain.

Price: $35 - $150

Salomon

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for: Salomon is known for its high-performance mountain clothing and equipment that focuses on hiking, (trail) running, skiing, and snowboarding. Their tops are mostly race and action oriented, and use fleece, polyester, polyamide, and elastane to provide moisture-wicking and temperature regulation capabilities. A wide range of base and mid-layers, as well as insulated jackets and vests, come in sizes ranging from XS to XXL with fits categorized as relaxed, regular, tapered, tight, and active.

What to look out for: Salomon is a trend-setting company, bringing new colors and technologies into the outdoor industry regularly. That being said, don’t expect to find a large selection of classic styles in their catalog. Additionally, their wide selection of clothing seems to put a limit on the sizes they are able to produce, so they don’t have many options in big and tall sizes.

Price: $35 - $250

Sherpa Adventure

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for: Sherpa Adventure, originating in 2003 by Tashi Sherpa and his family in Nepal, provide hiking and mountain lifestyle clothing for everyday use with a purpose: the company uses profits to provide schooling for Nepalese children. Button-ups, tees, long sleeves, pull-overs, and sweaters are made from fleece, recycled polyester, hemp, Tencel, spandex, organic cotton, and yak yarn, with sizes ranging from XS to XXL.

What to look out for: Sherpa Adventure has a limited selection for those needing more performance-based activewear. Their clothing options for hiking and camping are good, but it’s a brand that’s more geared towards the mountain lifestyle.

Price: $35 - $100

Smartwool

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for: Smartwool started as a sock company and has expanded to include activewear for sports ranging from hiking, backpacking, skiing, and snowboarding, to cycling. Using a mixture of Merino wool and recycled polyester Smartwool produces base layers, tees, longsleeves, mid-layers, and insulated vests and jackets. Sizes range from S to XXL with fits categorized as slim, athletic, and regular.

What to look out for: Smartwool produces clothing that works great for hiking and backpacking that's lightweight and comfortable, but its main focus remains on its wide variety of socks, which limits its high endurance and performance offerings.

Price: $35 - $150

The North Face

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for: The North Face has been providing high quality hiking and camping clothing for years and is constantly seen as an industry leader thanks to their innovative product designs and commitment to exploration and expeditions. Tops are made with mixtures of fleece, polyester, and elastane within DWR goose down insulation in their wide range of t-shirt, long sleeves, pullovers, button ups, vests, and jackets. Sizes range from XS to XXXL and fits are relaxed, active, or fitted.

What to look out for: The North Face clothing can get expensive, especially when purchasing the top-level equipment. Still, they offer other budget-friendly options that are still consumer friendly.

Price: $35 - $280

Toad&Co

Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are in inches.

Good for: Toad&Co produces sustainable, organic, and eco-friendly clothing made for travel, hiking, camping, and leisure. Organic cotton, recycled fibers, hemp, Tencel, and vegan product options are available for their button-ups, hoodies, jackets, fleeces, and t-shirts. Sizes range from XXS to XXL and come in semi-fitted to relaxed options.

What to look out for: Toad&Co is a lifestyle brand and their gear probably isn’t going to work for the high energy and endurance athlete.

Price: $35 - $140