Updated October 16, 2026. Prices checked October 16, 2026.
Five long-sleeve tops cost between $64.95 and $95. The Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew leads, with four independent tests behind it, and CleverHiker says it wicks best of the synthetics it tested. The Ridge Merino Aspect and three REI Co-op tops follow, with one to three tests each. The synthetic tops hold odor, and the two merino tops are less durable.
How these scores are built. Base layers are judged mainly on breathability, which counts for 45% of the score. Comfort and fit counts 25%, and the other two criteria count 15% each. Based on: Independent tests by OutdoorGearLab, CleverHiker, Switchback Travel and GearJunkie, manufacturer specifications and prices read on REI. Most tests cover general outdoor use, not only hiking. Breathability comes from OutdoorGearLab's and GearJunkie's breathability scores where they cover the product, and from our estimate where no test scores it. We do not test products in person. 7 source pages are linked under the 5 products so you can check each finding. How we score.
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Product
Best for
Breathability
Score
1
Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew
Best wicking in this range
8
7.5
2
Ridge Merino Aspect Midweight Crew
Best-value merino
7
7.1
3
REI Co-op Merino 185 Half-Zip
Cheapest merino with a zip
7
6.9
4
REI Co-op Midweight Half-Zip
Best budget midweight
7
6.7
5
REI Co-op Midweight Long-Sleeve Crew
Lowest price in this range
6.5
6.1
01
Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew
Best wicking in this range, $95.00
7.5/10
Standout strength. CleverHiker reports using it on multiple thru-hikes, and says it is still going strong nearly a decade later.
Breathability 45%
8/10
Comfort and fit 25%
7/10
Odor control 15%
6/10
Durability 15%
8.5/10
Pros
CleverHiker (4.5 of 5), OutdoorGearLab (75), Switchback Travel (best synthetic) and GearJunkie (8.1 of 10, best synthetic for high output) all list it. CleverHiker says it wicks best of the synthetics it tested.
It dries fast and has an odor treatment, and OutdoorGearLab praises its shoulder range of motion.
Cons
CleverHiker and Switchback Travel say it is less odor resistant than wool, and Switchback Travel finds it less soft with limited stretch.
OutdoorGearLab found inset seams and no thumb loops or front zip. REI shows no owner reviews for it yet.
Switchback Travel names the quarter-zip version its best budget merino and praises the soft, durable blend, thumb loops and long cut. Better Trail calls the Aspect good merino at a lower price.
Ridge shows 152 owner reviews for the crew.
Cons
Better Trail says it can overheat during hard efforts, and Switchback Travel notes no mesh ventilation.
OutdoorGearLab (71) found durability issues and loss of shape after repeated washes on the hooded version, and the tests report stock that comes and goes. They cover other versions of the Aspect, not this exact crew.
CleverHiker (4.7 of 5, best budget) calls it affordable, durable and warm, and OutdoorGearLab (77, Best Buy) says it dries quickly and feels soft, with thumb holes.
It weighs 9.8 oz in CleverHiker's test.
Cons
CleverHiker says it is not odor resistant, heavier than most and less breathable than wool, and does not recommend it for high-output activity.
OutdoorGearLab says it is not as warm as wool and the soft fabric catches on the layer over it. CleverHiker lists it at $60, while REI sells it for $69.95.
Each score comes from independent tests (OutdoorGearLab, CleverHiker, Switchback Travel and GearJunkie), manufacturer specifications and the price on REI. The tests cover general outdoor use as well as hiking. We do not test tops in person. Ratings are our assessment from what the reviewers report. Where a test says nothing about odor, we use the general finding for the fabric: synthetics score low and merino scores high.
The Capilene has four independent tests. The Ridge and the three REI Co-op tops have one to three each, and the Ridge tests cover other versions of the Aspect, so its score carries more doubt.
What we left out
Meriwool Merino 250 ($65): recommended in OutdoorGearLab’s test, but no US price read.
Columbia Midweight Stretch Long-Sleeve ($60): 151 REI reviews, no independent test read.
Smartwool Classic All-Season ($100) and other tops at $100 or more: they belong in the premium ranking.
What to look for
Fabric: synthetic dries faster, and merino smells less on multi-day trips
A half zip if you want to vent on climbs
A midweight top for cold mornings, and a lightweight one if you run warm
Questions
Why is the Smartwool Classic All-Season in the premium ranking?
REI sells it for $100, and the premium band starts at $100.
Where does the Ridge price come from?
The Ridge site showed our browser euros. The creator read $80 for the crew in a US view on October 17, 2026. Better Trail lists $80, and Switchback Travel lists $85 for the quarter-zip.
Where do the prices come from?
The regular price on REI on October 16, 2026. Sale and outlet prices are ignored.