Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
![]() This Product
Carhartt Base Force Midweight Crew | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Awards | ![]() A Comfy, Inexpensive Option for Non-Technical Use | ![]() Best Synthetic Bang for Your Buck | ![]() Best Value for Merino | ||
Price | $35 List $33.57 at Amazon | $60 List $59.95 at REI | $50 List | $13.00 List $12.99 at Amazon | $25 List $18.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score ![]() |
|||||
Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | Grab this base layer if you're looking for a top made of a soft polyester that still performs | Reach for this base layer when the temperature drops to wear underneath your jacket | An excellent lightweight, tight-fitting 100% merino base layer for summertime duties | This base layer complements a rough-and-tumble outside job while keeping you warm | Inexpensive though it is, we question if these base layers add enough value for us to suggest purchasing for all but the most cost-conscious, compression-seeking consumer |
Rating Categories | Carhartt Base Force... | REI Co-op Midweight... | Merino.tech Crew | Access Heavyweight... | Thermajohn Long Sle... |
Warmth (25%) | |||||
Breathability (20%) | |||||
Comfort and Fit (20%) | |||||
Durability (15%) | |||||
Drying Speed (10%) | |||||
Layering Ability (10%) | |||||
Specs | Carhartt Base Force... | REI Co-op Midweight... | Merino.tech Crew | Access Heavyweight... | Thermajohn Long Sle... |
Measured Weight (Size Large) | 9.3 oz | 10.0 oz | 6.8 oz | 12.8 oz | 6.7 oz |
Measured Shirt Length (Size Large) | 28.5 in | 29.0 in | 29.0 in | 28.0 in | 27.0 in |
Material | 100% polyester | 92% recycled polyester, 8% spandex | 100% Merino wool | 65% Cotton, 35% Polyester | 92% polyester, 8% spandex |
Fabric Weight Class | Midweight | Midweight | Lightweight | Heavyewight | Lightweight |
Fit | Loose | Semi-fitted | Semi-fitted | Loose | Slim fit |
Thumb Loops | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Air Dry Test | 46 min | 55 min | 55 min | 72 min | 42 min |
Dryer Safe | Yes, tumble dry medium | Yes, tumble dry low | Yes, tumble dry low; recommended lay flat to dry | Yes, tumble dry low | Yes, tumble dry low |
Odor Control Fabric | Anti-odor treatment | None | Naturally odor resistant | None | None |
UPF Sun Protection | None listed | 50 | 25 | None listed | None listed |
Seam Stitching | Flatlock seams | Flatlock seams | Overlock seams | Overlock seams | Flatlock and overlock seams |
Shoulder Top Seams | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Drop Tail Hem | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
Available Cuts | Crew | Crew, 1/2 zip | Crew, v-neck | Crew | Crew, v-neck, turtle neck |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Featuring a soft hand and a waffle knit to trap in warm air, the Carhartt Base Force Midweight Crew is comfortable next to the skin and gives the wearer a bump in heat without feeling stuffy. Quality sewn flatlock seams keep everything together, with a paneled design that prevents tight spots. I have broad shoulders, and it fits well. Washing and drying is also a no-brainer: just stick it with the rest of your clothes. It looks good even as a standalone piece and is a great choice for more casual outings.
Performance Comparison
Warmth
Out of all the metrics we tested the Carhartt Base Force Midweight Crew on, warmth was one of its weaker attributes. However, for a lighter-weight top, this isn't a big surprise. This likely isn't the top I would grab for a multi-day February ski tour, a frosty moonlight hike, or even shoveling the driveway after snow dumping. It's a safe bet and something I wouldn't think twice before grabbing for normal everyday tasks where a little extra warmth is needed. The Carhartt Base Force is perfect for wearing on crisp morning walks or for throwing on if it gets cloudy on a lunch break taken outside. I toss it in my pack just in case it gets a little chilly on my bike ride home. It's saved me more than a few times.
Our exercise test in a controlled environment made me warmer than when I started but still comfortable without any sweat buildup. My skin temperature returned to baseline pretty quickly, making me feel like that warmth wasn't retained for too long before it was lost. This suggests this would be a good top for active pursuits rather than sitting in one place. I found this top a good choice to supplement on after-work runs to keep warm after the sun goes down but still stay relatively sweat-free.
Breathability
Usually, lighter-weight base layers breathe better, which is the case for the Carhartt Base Force Midweight Crew. When working out in controlled conditions, I didn't feel saturated with sweat during or after my workout period.
Our lab test revealed that air moved through the Carhartt Base Force Midweight Crew with ease, giving us higher numbers than most when testing with our portable air flow meter. One caveat is that the material doesn't breathe (or insulate) well when wet — something to consider when considering overall breathability performance.
Comfort and Fit
I found the Carhartt Base Force Midweight Crew looser than some base layers but certainly not baggy. I have somewhat large shoulders and still found it a comfortable fit. The lighter weight fabric easily stretches to match body dimensions, rather than fighting it.
Flatlock seams are found throughout, preventing annoying chafing at crucial areas, like in the armpits. Likewise, the neck collar, sleeve ends, and waist were well-proportioned without any questionable pattern decisions.
In fact, the Base Force Midweight Crew's pattern seems to have been carefully designed to keep seams out of the way of problem areas. The shoulder seam has been split into two, allowing a full panel to contact any backpack straps you've loaded onto them. Likewise, a panel is found on the sides of the shirt, providing a more three-dimensional shape. These details could really benefit more husky and muscular folks who find many other tops too fitted or restrictive. I'll even wear it to sleep; the soft and stretchy fabric feels comfortable without feeling too tight under my arms.
Durability
Good fabric stretch, excellent stitching, and clever shirt patterning all conspire to make the Carhartt Base Force Midweight Crew very durable for the weight of its fabric. Polyester is seen as far more durable than 100% Merino wool, and this top makes a good choice for everyday use or when working outdoors. The lack of features like zippers or pockets means fewer things to rip, tear, or break. Being dryer-safe and resistant to shrinking means you won't have to baby the top, and a top that's easy to maintain may just mean you'll also grab it out of your dresser more often.
The lighter weight fabric of the Base Force (compared to other base layers in our lineup) limits the overall durability score, as heavier synthetic base layers will be more durable. This layer offers admirable durability for its weight. We noticed no manufacturer defects, failing seams, or premature rips in the fabric itself during testing.
Drying Speed
Drying Speed was one of the strongest properties of the Carhartt Base Force Midweight Crew. This may be your top if you see yourself hanging out around a campfire in a backyard during a wintertime gathering and want to be comfortably dry and warm.
The lighter weight and breathability of the fabric means it doesn't readily entrap extra moisture, and it is at least partially hydrophobic. The lack of accessories like pockets and a hood means there are fewer bulky areas for moisture to collect and require later drying off. Line drying is not required, and the manufacturer states that tumble drying on low is fine. I throw this in the dryer with the rest of my laundry. Because it's so easy to clean — especially when compared to my wools — I find myself wearing the Base Force Midweight Crew more often.
Layering Ability
The soft fabric utilized in the Carhartt Base Force Midweight Crew not only feels good close to the skin, but it also easily slides over other tops you may decide to layer over. This was a nice surprise, as classic waffle patterns like this can sometimes catch. The fabric's appearance doesn't have to be hidden in the depths of your layering system either. Wearing this looser-fitting top alone in casual settings or on the job won't look out of place.
Minimal thumb loops are present on the ends of the sleeves, keeping them from riding up your forearms when underneath other layers. A longer back, or drop tail, is present to help keep your own lower back covered when you bend down to tie shoes or pet good dogs.
Should You Buy the Carhartt Base Force Midweight Crew?
The Carhartt Base Force Midweight Crew is a great choice for a no-nonsense, lightweight, and durable enough base layer top. It doesn't need any special washing or care. Because of its excellent breathability, it's a perfect top to use outside in cool conditions or inside if you naturally run cold or just want a little more warmth to feel extra comfortable. The waffle pattern feels extra soft against your skin, too. For those who are sensitive to wool, this top won't itch.
What Other Base Layers Should You Consider?
If you want something less expensive, the Access Heavyweight Thermal Crew can be found for cheaper, although quality and fit are not as good. For a lightweight, purely synthetic top, look into the Patagonia Capilene Cool Lightweight L/S or the Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew, both of which may look and feel a little more technical — and will cost a little bit more. If you're not avoiding Merino wool, the Merino Tech Crew is a great, lightweight wool top at a good price.