Gear Review: Bassett Base Layers by Wild Rye
The Wild Rye Bassett Base Layers deliver premium merino warmth, breathability, and all-day comfort, making them some of the comfiest women’s base layers for winter hiking, skiing, and cold-weather adventures in 2025/2026.
When winter hits, there’s nothing quite like slipping into a base layer that actually makes you want to get out in the cold. The Wild Rye Bassett Base Layers do exactly that. Designed with the brand’s signature blend of style, sustainability, and mountain-ready function, the Bassett collection combines a premium merino-poly blend with beautiful design details that make these layers feel as good as they look.
Whether I’m hiking through frosty mountain mornings or layering up for a backcountry ski day, these base layers are one of my late autumn and all winter go-tos.
Standout Features
Soft, Durable Fabric Blend
The Bassett layers are made with a 100% merino wool exterior and recycled polyester interior, creating a double-knit structure that’s soft, cozy, and naturally odor-resistant.
This blend not only wicks moisture efficiently but also holds up better over time compared to pure merino. No more pilling or stretching out after a season of use.
Thoughtful Fit
The Half Zip fits close to the body without feeling restrictive. It’s perfect as a first layer but sleek enough to wear solo when you’re moving hard on cold days.
The Leggings feature a wide waistband that doesn’t roll or dig in, plus a flattering high-rise cut that stays put under bibs or snow pants.
Temperature Control
Both pieces are midweight, which means they shine in cold weather: warm enough for freezing mornings but breathable enough for high-output activity.
The zip neckline lets you dump heat fast, while the fabric’s merino core keeps you comfortable even when you’re sweaty or layered under insulation.
Sustainably Made
Wild Rye continues to lead with sustainability: using mulesing-free merino, recycled synthetics, and ethical production practices.
Their packaging is plastic-free and recyclable, and the designs themselves are made to last through years of hard adventure use.
On-Trail Performance
I’ve worn the Bassett Half Zip and Leggings for everything from chilly pre-dawn photo shoots to long snowshoe days, and they’ve been super comfortable and versatile in different temperatures and during different activities.
The Half Zip feels silky next to skin, wicks quickly, and never gets that itchy or clammy feel. The zipper garage prevents chin rub, and the collar stands up well under a shell without bunching. The Leggings are equally nice; they stretch, never sag, and don’t hold odor even after multiple wears.
They hit that rare sweet spot between technical and cute, which means they’re also perfect for travel or just hanging around after a day outside. I appreciate that they aren't see-through like some other base layers on the market.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Warm, moisture-wicking merino blend | Premium price tag |
| Naturally odor-resistant and soft | Limited colorways available |
| Great fit for layering and movement | Half Zip runs slightly small for big boobs and shoulders |
| Sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing | |
| Durable: holds shape and doesn’t pill |
Packing It Out
The Wild Rye Bassett Base Layers are the kind of pieces that make winter layering feel effortless. They’re functional enough for multi-day mountain trips and flattering enough for coffee stops after. That balance is what Wild Rye does best.
If you’re after base layers that feel luxurious, perform well, and come from a brand that genuinely cares about women and the planet, the Bassett set is absolutely worth the investment.
This article is independent of the supplier and reflects my own opinions. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links at no additional cost to you.
