Recommend a thermal base layer?

[launcher]

Could someone recommend a good thermal base layer? I've had no luck with a couple I've purchased, mainly because I don't want a compression fit. More of a fitted with a mock neck. Tried one from Zerofit, (Absolute worst apparel item ever bought), and recently, a very nice Mizuno which according to the sizing got an XL, which fit like an XS. GT has a FJ thermal, thought I"d try that but hoping for an overview first. 

[mmoran]

I've found the stuff from Cabela's/Bass Pro to be warmer, better fitting and better priced than any of the big brand names.  The lightweight and mid weight stuff is good, the heavy weight stuff is too warm in any conditions you'd actually play golf in.

[MattM97]

Find work gear or hunting gear but mind you most of the stuff is often fitted and on the thicker side to do it's job. Might be hard to swing. 

[st1800e]

https://www.underarmour.ca/en-ca/p/shirts_and_tops/mens_ua_tactical_coldgear_infrared_base_mock/1365388.html?dwvar_1365388_color=001

[KMeloney]

I don't know about the mock aspect, but I really like the Dick's Sporting Goods DSG-branded crewnecks I have. Also don't know if they make them in different warmths, but the ones I have are slim-fitting but nowhere close to compression, and they're perfect for cool days.

[liftoff88]

Bonobos has a really good one that's on sale right now:

 

https://bonobos.com/products/playthrough-performance-pullover?color=grey

[Ruleschamp]

13 hours ago, launcher said:

Could someone recommend a good thermal base layer? I've had no luck with a couple I've purchased, mainly because I don't want a compression fit. More of a fitted with a mock neck. Tried one from Zerofit, (Absolute worst apparel item ever bought), and recently, a very nice Mizuno which according to the sizing got an XL, which fit like an XS. GT has a FJ thermal, thought I"d try that but hoping for an overview first. 

 

If you are referring to the new FJ Thermoseries Fleece base layer, you do not want that.  It is definitely compression.  I have 3.    In fact, the only FJ base layer that's not tight fitting is the old version of the FJ Thermoseries base layer that is discontinued (although you can still find some around).  But it is a crew neck and not a mock.

[launcher]

7 minutes ago, Ruleschamp said:

 

If you are referring to the new FJ Thermoseries Fleece base layer, you do not want that.  It is definitely compression.  I have 3.    In fact, the only FJ base layer that's not tight fitting is the old version of the FJ Thermoseries base layer that is discontinued (although you can still find some around).  But it is a crew neck and not a mock.

Should have posted it, but here's the one I'm looking at, 

https://www.golftown.com/en-CA/clothing/mens-golf-clothing/shirts-and-polos/footjoy/mens-thermal-base-layer-long-sleeve-mock-40011582.html

[Ruleschamp]

41 minutes ago, launcher said:

Should have posted it, but here's the one I'm looking at, 

https://www.golftown.com/en-CA/clothing/mens-golf-clothing/shirts-and-polos/footjoy/mens-thermal-base-layer-long-sleeve-mock-40011582.html

 

Those fit snug, but not as tight as compression fit for me.   Definitely not anywhere close to the compression fit of ZeroFit (I have several of their models).  Unfortunately, all of us have a different definition of "tight".    That model is not loose by any stretch of the imagination as it definitely fits close to the skin.  But it's not like a compression fit to me.   It's similar to some of the non-compression UA models where it fits close to the skin but not tight.  For what it's worth, I also didn't find that model to be particularly warming.  It was okay, but not great.

Edited September 25, 2024 by Ruleschamp

[Tyler724]

Best one I have found is Adidas Cold.Rdy mock neck base layer. They are a little looser fitting and very warm. I used to use the UA base layer that were very tight and I much prefer the Adidas for both warmth and comfort. 

[bluedot]

Smartwool.

 

Comes in several different weights, great quality, and NEVER stinks.  I gave all my other stuff to Goodwill.

[liftoff88]

12 hours ago, Tyler724 said:

Best one I have found is Adidas Cold.Rdy mock neck base layer. They are a little looser fitting and very warm. I used to use the UA base layer that were very tight and I much prefer the Adidas for both warmth and comfort. 

This one is very good, too.

 

I have Adidas, the Bonobos one linked above, a Patagonia Capilene Midweight baselayer, and an Under Armour one.

 

The Adidas I sized up so it'd be a little looser, but that and the UA one are the warmest. Bonobos and Patagonia are about the same in terms of warmth, but the Bonobos looks nicer and has the mock neck. Can't recommend that one enough. It's not compression fit, is super comfy, looks great and has a moderate level of warmth. That plus a Rhoback hoodie and I'm good in the upper 40s.

[Warrick]

All of my base layer sets are UA or North Face, light sets, medium and heavy. They fit right, hold up great and do the job well.

[Tyler724]

39 minutes ago, liftoff88 said:

This one is very good, too.

 

I have Adidas, the Bonobos one linked above, a Patagonia Capilene Midweight baselayer, and an Under Armour one.

 

The Adidas I sized up so it'd be a little looser, but that and the UA one are the warmest. Bonobos and Patagonia are about the same in terms of warmth, but the Bonobos looks nicer and has the mock neck. Can't recommend that one enough. It's not compression fit, is super comfy, looks great and has a moderate level of warmth. That plus a Rhoback hoodie and I'm good in the upper 40s.

Thanks for the recommendation on the Bonobos. Based on the Rhoback hoodie comments I would say we have similar likes. I ordered the Bonobos in grey. On sale plus 20% off code and free shipping. 

[pearls24]

Unqlo heat-tech long-sleeve thermal tops and bottoms are amazing and only around $20-$30 usually.  They have Extra Warm ones that have an amazing soft/brushed fabric on the inside.  They are very lightweight overall and provide tremendous warmth for golf.  I use them all the time.  

[th6252]

3 hours ago, pearls24 said:

Unqlo heat-tech long-sleeve thermal tops and bottoms are amazing and only around $20-$30 usually.  They have Extra Warm ones that have an amazing soft/brushed fabric on the inside.  They are very lightweight overall and provide tremendous warmth for golf.  I use them all the time.  

Second the Uniqlo Heattech extra warm.  Amazing value for what they offer and finally offered in mock necks.

[Rigby48]

Kuiu meriono wool.  That's my go to when hunting and works great for golf. 

[aiyyer]

Anything merino wool. 

Edited September 27, 2024 by aiyyer

[Archimedes65]

Under Armour Cold Gear Fitted Crew.  I went through this same thing, hated all the compression layers out there.  This thing fit the bill perfectly.

 

https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/p/shirts_and_tops/mens_coldgear_fitted_crew/1366068.html?dwvar_1366068_color=100

 

[bellken]

I have TNF and Patagonia from my skiing days, but, now a days, most of my base layers are Uniqlo Heattech. I have heard good things about 32 degrees base layers, but, I have not tried any.

[Amarsuperstar]

The adidas merino layers can be found for good prices and have performed phenomenally for me. Better than my layers from fishing or backpacking brands. I have a couple different weights that are all great. 

[Joepa324]

Footjoy, all the way.

[LeoLeo99]

I like the TSLA off Amazon.  Snug but not compression and not too tight. 

[kevinrobinson1982]

I’d second the TSLA from Amazon. 
 

I hate being cold and have bought nearly every version of thermals going. 
 

I’ve had the UA 3.0, and the infra red version. Footjoy graphene baselayer.  Zerofit.
 

and these are the ones I go for every time. 
 

There are different versions so do check which you want. The ones I have are fluffy inside and close fit not compression. 
 

honestly I’d say for winter golf these have been my best purchase.  

[launcher]

On 9/24/2024 at 7:55 PM, launcher said:

Should have posted it, but here's the one I'm looking at, 

https://www.golftown.com/en-CA/clothing/mens-golf-clothing/shirts-and-polos/footjoy/mens-thermal-base-layer-long-sleeve-mock-40011582.html

Bumping my own thread. Got to see this FJ today and glad I didn't buy it. The neck on the larger sizes gets really baggy. 

Now considering an Oscar Jacobson Hamilton. Really doubt anyone has heard of this one, but it seems pretty good. Might take another chance as their from Britain. 

[hammergolf]

On 9/24/2024 at 4:52 AM, launcher said:

Could someone recommend a good thermal base layer? I've had no luck with a couple I've purchased, mainly because I don't want a compression fit. More of a fitted with a mock neck. Tried one from Zerofit, (Absolute worst apparel item ever bought), and recently, a very nice Mizuno which according to the sizing got an XL, which fit like an XS. GT has a FJ thermal, thought I"d try that but hoping for an overview first. 

The best I’ve found also happen to be the least expensive. TSLA on Amazon are thinner, warmer, and have raglan sleeves so they are very comfortable as well. Even though they are thin, the inside is fleece so they are very warm.

Edited October 3, 2024 by hammergolf

[SheriffBooth]

Price to quality ratio you won't find much better than REI's house brand for base layers, although they will be synthetic.  I think Cabelas also has a house brand called RedHead which is well regarded. 

 

Price no object, Smartwool is very hard to beat - anything that's a top choice for cold weather climbers has to be good enough for golf.  Places like Sierra Trading often have Smartwool products on incredible discounts.

[Archimedes65]

21 hours ago, launcher said:

Bumping my own thread. Got to see this FJ today and glad I didn't buy it. The neck on the larger sizes gets really baggy. 

Now considering an Oscar Jacobson Hamilton. Really doubt anyone has heard of this one, but it seems pretty good. Might take another chance as their from Britain. 

 

I’ve never liked the Footjoy baselayers I’ve had.  Either too compression or oddly loose in places.

 

Edited October 3, 2024 by Archimedes65

[KMeloney]

On 10/3/2024 at 3:45 PM, hammergolf said:

The best I’ve found also happen to be the least expensive. TSLA on Amazon are thinner, warmer, and have raglan sleeves so they are very comfortable as well. Even though they are thin, the inside is fleece so they are very warm.

 

Have a link to the warmest TSLA ones? (Incidentally, I'm looking for crewnecks, not mocks.) Thanks.

[Shakester]

I have a bunch of Uniqlo base layers and they work great and are relatively inexpensive.   Sometimes, too good that I'm sweating, but the weather out here in California isn't that extreme.   If you want a mock turtleneck, they have that too.  Not as loose fitting as you see in the photos.  I'm normally a large and a Uniqlo large buts snug, but not tight.  Definitely not compression feeling.  

 

https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/products/E472088-000/00?colorDisplayCode=07&sizeDisplayCode=004

Edited October 10, 2024 by Shakester