Pick Your Perfect Baselayer

JAN 3, 2025

Spending time outdoors calls for reliable gear that protects your skin and enhances your performance, especially when it comes to UV protection. Whether you're embarking on a months-long Himalayan expedition, heading out to climb at your local crag, or enjoying your favorite trail loop, having the right baselayer makes all the difference. In this guide, weā€™ll compare and contrast our top-performing baselayers, The Eclipse Sun Hoodie & The Pursuit Longsleece, designed to excel as standalone pieces in warmer conditions or as essential first layers when temperatures drop.



Eclipse Sun Hoodie - Breathable UV Protection

The Eclipse Sun Hoodie is your ultimate lightweight and silky-soft moisture-wicking base layer for extended adventures under the sun. Designed with performance fabric technology, it offers exceptional breathability and UV protection, making it perfect for long days above treeline, on the water, or during any activity with prolonged sun exposure. Key features include thumbholes that keep sleeves securely in place and also a convenient soft side pocket to keep your essentials within reach. Stay cool, comfortable, and protected no matter where the sun takes you!

What was it designed for?

  • Long Days Outside
  • Warm Weather Sun Protection (super breathable)
  • Cold Weather Base Layer (dries quickly)
  • Running
  • Climbing
  • Skiing 
  • Hiking
  • Scrambling
  • Backpacking
  • Mountaineering
  • Paddling & Kayaking

Key Features:

  • UPF 20
  • Blocks 95% of UV rays
  • UV protection
  • Moisture-wicking
  • Fast-drying
  • Soft
  • Breathable
  • Zipper-free enveloping side pocket
  • 4-Way stretch
  • Average weight: ~ 4.8 oz
  • Produced in a Fair Trade CertifiedĀ® Factory

What People are Saying:

ā€œBreathable summer staple
I bought this specifically because it was supposed to be one of the lightest and most breathable, and it did not disappoint! I never want to leave home in the Summer (I live in Denver) without this. 100% essential for SUP, but also hiking on exposed trails, etc. It is so small, that I like to keep it on me when I am out in the city as well, if I end up being in the sun longer, or if my sunscreen wears off, I can pull this over whatever I am wearing, and it covers my head, neck and ears as well.ā€ - Andrew, , HIMALI customer

ā€œI have had two of these sun hoodie for over 2 years now. They have been used for lots of mountaineering trips, backcountry skiing, rock climbing and any other activity.
The hoods have great coverage, over or under a helmet, and a great neckline that doesn't feel suffocating or too exposing. Lightweight soft material that wicks well. The biggest reason I just bought 3 more, they fit my insanely long arms! Thanks Himali for my favorite sun shirts!ā€ - Jamie, HIMALI customer

ā€œSo light! My wife and I had our shirts arrived in time for a desert camping trip in Southern Utah. It was incredibly comfortable and hardly felt like I was wearing anything. I've worn other sun shirts in that environment and this is the coolest I've felt, with sleeves down and hood up. I liked it so much I'm actually ordering another one right now in a brighter color so I'm more visible when paddle boarding.ā€ - David, HIMALI customer


Pursuit Long Sleve - Classic. Warm. UV Protection. 

The Pursuit Long Sleeve combines timeless long-sleeve style with cutting-edge UV-blocking fabric for superior performance. Designed with 4-way stretch and moisture-wicking properties, this versatile piece excels as a cool-weather layer for activities like fall running, hiking, and climbing. It also shines as a reliable base layer for cold-weather adventures such as mountaineering and skiing. 


Note: This fabric is also used in our Pursuit Tech Tee & Pursuit Tank. (In case you want something without sleeves for warmer weather)

What was it designed for?

  • Cold Weather Base Layer (dries quickly)
  • Cool Weather Active Layer (moisture wicking)
  • Running
  • Climbing
  • Skiing 
  • Hiking
  • Scrambling
  • Backpacking
  • Mountaineering

Key Features:

  • UPF 50+
  • Blocks 97% of UV rays
  • 4-Way stretch
  • Moisture-wicking
  • Fast-drying
  • Soft
  • Breathable
  • Average weight: ~ 7.4 oz
  • Produced in a Fair Trade CertifiedĀ® Factory

What People are Saying:

ā€œAll around adventure shirt. I've been rocking this for a few months now. Hiking, working out outside, and skiing. It's been a great all around shirt for pretty much everything. I sweat pretty bad skiing, even just resort skiing. Wearing this has helped my keep a little less sweaty in my shell jacket on the colder days. On the less cold days I wear the Himali t-shirt under my shell. I really have not been disappointed in any product I have gotten from Himali. It's my go-to gear for almost everything now.ā€ - Chance, HIMALI customer

ā€œSolid midweight base layer. Iā€™ve been using this as a baselayer for ski touring and downhill skiing. The fabric is very comfortable and stretchy, pleasant texture, comparable to midweight Capilene in warmth with superior breathability. I got the medium and I would describe the fit as being on the relaxed side of athletic. Not too baggy but not skin tight. Solid enough that Iā€™m planning to get another.ā€ - Andrew, HIMALI customer

ā€œI love this tee for a next to skin layer when backcountry snowboarding and a tech tee when hiking/biking/running. It wicks sweat really well and dries pretty quickly so I don't get too chilled once it's soaked and I stop moving. The longer sleeves are so comfortable and flattering. Plus, the teal color is fire!ā€ 
- Heide, HIMALI customer

Our Recommendations - Based on Where you are going

We get a lot of questions about gear, so we made some recommended gear guides based off of our most frequent questions! Keep in mind, everyone has different preferences and needs! These recommendations are based on what we would do, they do not take your personal preferences into account. If you want more personalized advice, please reach out to us at support@himali.com