YKK Zips: High-quality YKK zips provide long-lasting and smooth operation, making it a breeze to put on or take off the hoodie, even with cold or wet hands. The aim of a base layer is to trap warm air while remaining breathable. To do this effectively, hooded thermal shirts should be fairly close-fitting without feeling restrictive in any way. The hood should fit just the same and enclose your head instead of just sitting on top of your head like a regular coat hood. We have an entire article about how tight a base layer should be, which you can read if you want more detail. Are Hooded Base Layers Worth it?

VERDICT: The MERIWOOL Base Layer Hoodie is a super warm hooded base layer top that is ideal as a breathable warmth trapper. When you sleep in it with the hood up, it doesn’t matter how cold it is outside, you always feel cozy and warm inside your merino hoodie.

4. A lightweight zip-up hoodie

The TSLA Thermal Compression Shirts Hoodie with Mask is the best value hooded base layer for hiking, camping, and outdoor recreation. This is because instead of using expensive merino wool like the Smartwool hoodie or other options, the TSLA top is 100% synthetic using polyester and elastane. It is a tighter fitting than your average base layer because it is actually designed to be a compression shirt. The Fjallraven Bergtagen Woolterry Hoodie is an amazing hooded base layer that you will want to wear all the time. It can be worn next to the skin and is super soft or as a mid-layer hoodie over a t-shirt. It is the perfect weight to keep you warm when layered or provide just enough warmth on those late summer nights. Elasticated Cuffs: Designed to keep out the draughts, these elasticated cuffs help retain your body heat, thus enhancing overall warmth.

The Preston Celcius Zip Hoodie is a high-performance garment designed for the discerning angler who faces the elements head-on. Meticulously engineered with a dual thermal layer, this hoodie offers unmatched insulation, making it your go-to choice for those chilly winter sessions on the riverbank or lakeside. Some basic features you can look for when buying a base layer hoodie are the fit, sizing, weight, and type of material. FitPerfect as a Christmas gift for your nearest and dearest or even a little pre-winter treat for your good self? Carhartt Collinston Hoodie Elasticated Waist Band: Ensures a snug fit while allowing for ease of movement, whether you're casting or reeling in that big catch. All of the hooded base layers we have seen have either been made from merino wool, merino wool blend, or synthetic fibers. We have not seen any bamboo hooded base layers, and there is only one company that makes one with interesting patterns (number 2 in the guide). Merino wool is a premium material for baselayers because it has the most beneficial qualities over any other fabric. How is a Base Layer Hood Supposed to Fit? You may notice that most of the best hooded base layers are made from merino wool or merino wool blend. This is for very good reason. Synthetic Hooded Thermal Top