Review: Base Layers and Outdoor Essentials with PAKA and BUFF
The difference between a good day and a rough one in the mountains often starts with what you’re wearing. Base layers may not be the flashiest part of your kit, but they’re easily one of the most important. They’re the foundation of comfort in almost any weather. A high quality base layer can make the difference between staying warm and dry or feeling cold, wet, and miserable. And trust me, you don’t want to find out the hard way!
A quality base layer regulates body temperature and wicks moisture, keeping you dry when you’re working hard and warm when you pause or when the temperature drops. Because they sit directly against your skin, base layers make your entire layering system more efficient – helping you adapt to shifting weather, terrain, and activity levels. No matter your outdoor adventure, a base layer keeps your body environment stable so you can stay focused and comfortable outdoors.
The Review
Recently, PAKA and BUFF kindly sent me several pieces to test and gave me a chance to see how they perform in real conditions. While BUFF’s gear isn’t necessarily thought of as a base layer, they still work as a protective barrier that helps regulate temperature and manage moisture around the neck and face. It pairs seamlessly with base layers and complements almost any layering system, making it a natural choice to include both in a single review.
As a disclaimer, I would like to mention that I was given these items so that I could write this review. All opinions on this page are my own and based on my own experiences with these items. I’m not compensated for the opinions on this review. Your experience with the product may be different. This site uses affiliate marketing links. If you click a buy now button or a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
PAKA Base Layers
My love affair with PAKA started in Spring 2025 when I traveled to Nepal. Even though the company is small, the quality is seriously impressive and they were a shining star on that trip! Their gear is made from royal alpaca fiber – one of the warmest, softest, and most breathable natural fibers out there. It’s naturally thermoregulating, odor resistant, and moisture wicking, making it ideal for outdoor adventures in unpredictable weather.
PAKA combines high performance natural materials with ethical and sustainable craftsmanship. They work directly with Peruvian alpaca herders and local female artisans, supporting fair wages, traditional weaving, and transparent supply chains. They use an ecofriendly fiber that requires very little water and has a low environmental impact. If you care about performance and the planet, PAKA is a no-brainer!
Women’s Thermal Crew and Bottoms
A thermal alpaca wool base layer – both top and bottoms – serve as ideal first layers for staying comfortable in cold or unpredictable conditions. Thanks to its natural thermoregulating properties, alpaca wool keeps you warm when temperatures drop while preventing overheating during movement. It’s lightweight, breathable, and moisture wicking. By pulling sweat away from the skin, it keeps you dry and comfortable for long wear – without the itch or bulk often associated with traditional wool. The natural odor resistance is ideal for staying fresh in high energy output or multi-day treks, while full body coverage ensures consistent insulation. No matter your outdoor activity, an alpaca wool base layer offers an effective and sustainable foundation.
Thermal Crew
The PAKA Thermal Crew is the kind of base layer that actually makes you excited to head outside and brave the cold! Made from a cozy blend of alpaca, merino, and Tencel, it’s lightweight, breathable, and keeps you warm and comfortable without slowing you down. It’s also odor resistant and naturally regulates temperature. Perfect for day trips, multi-day adventures, lounging by the fire, or going to bed.
Fit wise, this thermal top fit me exactly how I hoped it would – completely true to size! I wore a Medium and it had just the right amount of stretch while keeping a clean, slim cut that layers effortlessly. I loved how the ribbed knit moved with me without losing its shape, staying super comfortable no matter how active I was. The small details were a bonus too: flat seams that prevent irritation and thumbholes that keep sleeves in place while locking in warmth. Overall, a reliable base layer that’s soft and keeps me cozy all day long!
Thermal Pants
These PAKA Women’s Thermal Bottoms are the kind of base layer you barely even notice you’re wearing! A cozy blend of alpaca, merino, and Tencel delivers warmth without feeling heavy or restrictive. They regulate temperature, resist odor, and never itch. Whether I’m lounging at home, hiking, biking, or trekking through the snow, they continually keep me staying/feeling comfortable all day long.
Fit wise, these are slim but still stretchy. I usually wear a Medium, but went with a Small for the perfect fit. Some of my favorite things about them are that they layer easily, have flat seams that prevent chafing, and the fabric moves with you while always snapping back into shape. They’re so comfy that I’ve even slept in them! Honestly, they’re one of those pieces you keep reaching for because they just work and are ridiculously cozy!
Essential Mid Rise Brief Underwear and Essential Scoop Bralette
Ok, so I’m not going to post any pics of me in my undergarments, but I have to say … these ‘barely there’ pieces are seriously perfect for my outdoorsy lifestyle! The moment you slip on the Essential Mid-Rise Brief, you notice how soft and breathable these underwear are – all thanks to the alpaca, organic pima cotton, and Tencel blend. They keep you dry and fresh all day with zero itch and the mid-rise cut actually stays put on my hourglass shape. What I love most is how they balance comfort and performance without any of the heavy synthetic feel most underwear has. A little spandex gives just enough stretch to keep their shape, making them a super comfy, sustainable alternative to conventional undies.
The Essential Scoop Bralette is just as impressive. Soft, breathable, and naturally moisture wicking, it kept me extremely comfortable in outdoor activities, lifting weights, or even lounging at home. The scoop neckline and wide straps give gentle support without ever feeling restrictive. And like the briefs, it’s made from PAKA’s signature triblend of alpaca, organic Pima cotton, and Tencel.
Together, these pieces make a set that’s comfy, functional, and eco-friendly. I did notice they ran a bit small, so I went up from a Medium to a Large for both the briefs and the bralette. Once I did, they stayed in place all day! They never felt restrictive and kept me comfortable no matter what I was up to.
BUFF
This isn’t my first rodeo with BUFF! I’ve used and relied on their gear for several big outdoor trips before. However, it is my first time actually getting to work with the brand! (Insert happy dance here) I’ve always loved how versatile and reliable their products are – from keeping the sun and sweat off of my face to staying warm on chilly mornings. Whether I’m hiking, biking, or just exploring the outdoors, BUFF has been a go-to for me and will always continue to.
Even though these pieces aren’t technically base layers, they work in much the same way by keeping you comfortable and protected no matter what the weather throws at you. A BUFF is super versatile: it keeps you warm, blocks wind and sun, and even handles sweat, dust, and those annoying bugs. It’s especially handy for regulating temperature and moisture around your neck and face, which is usually where you usually feel the elements the most. And it’s not just for your neck. Their headbands, for example, work like a lightweight base layer for your head or ears, wicking away sweat while giving just the right amount of coverage.
CoolNet UV Headband:
And speaking of headbands, the CoolNet UV Headband is one of my go-to pieces that I find myself grabbing on almost every adventure and even when I lift weights at home! It’s lightweight, breathable, stays snug without slipping, and keeps everything in place while I work up a sweat. It’s one of those small pieces that makes the outdoor (and indoor) life more enjoyable for me. I wear this almost every day!
CoolNet UV Neck Gaiter:
If you’re out in the sun all day, the CoolNet UV Neck Gaiter is a total game changer! The UPF50 fabric keeps my skin safe from harmful rays and stays cool even when I’m sweating. It’s extremely versatile and I use it in all sorts of ways: neck gaiter, face cover, or even to tie my hair back. Breathable and stretchy without any extra bulk- this piece is a “just incase piece” that I always try to carry with me in the great outdoors.
Knitted Beanie Kauai Drisk Seagrove Green
This cozy beanie has been perfect for chilly Fall and Winter adventures! I first tried it in the Adirondacks when the weather couldn’t make up its mind and it handled all of the temperature changes like a champ! It kept me warm, resisted odors, and allowed me to stay cool and comfortable when I was working up a sweat hiking up those mountains! Whether you’re summiting peaks, heading out for a brisk walk, sitting by a campfire, or out for a few drinks with friends, this BUFF hat adds that extra layer of cozy protection that makes cold weather way more enjoyable!
Wrapping up the Review of Base Layers and Outdoor Essentials
PAKA and BUFF are the kind of brands whose basics you don’t realize you need until you try them and wonder how you ever lived without them! In the great outdoors, anything can happen and having the right base layers and gear can save you from uncomfortable or even dangerous situations. Their pieces keep you warm, dry, and comfortable- making every adventure easier and more enjoyable. When you’re properly layered, you can focus on exploring instead of worrying about the weather.
These seemingly small essentials do a BIG job! They regulate temperature, manage moisture, and provide protection against the weather elements. With the right gear, even unpredictable conditions feel manageable and help you enjoy the outdoors to the fullest. Investing in reliable base layers and protective pieces isn’t just smart -it’s essential for any and every adventure!
More Product Reviews from Fatmanlittletrail.com
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