Staying warm in the British outdoors does not have to mean spending a fortune. A simple men’s baselayer can make the difference between shivering through a walk and feeling comfortably snug, whether you are on the hill, walking the dog or camping with the family.
Here we have picked out some of the cheapest men’s baselayers worth buying in 2026. The focus is on solid warmth and everyday comfort at low prices, from long sleeve tops to basic long johns.
These are no-frills pieces, so you are not getting cutting-edge fabrics or ultra-light weights, but you do get practical, reliable layers that make a real difference in cold weather. Each option offers slightly different benefits so you can decide whether absolute lowest cost or a small step up in comfort suits you best.
These recommendations are based on real product data from a specialist UK outdoor retailer, looking closely at prices, features and how each piece is positioned in the range. We pay attention to the basics that matter on a cold day outside: warmth, comfort, layerability and ease of care.
Rather than chasing the very cheapest item at all costs, we look for baselayers that should feel like a good buy months down the line. That means focusing on sensible fabrics, simple designs that layer well under fleeces and jackets, and pieces that represent genuine value instead of false economy.
We also keep an eye on how these products sit within the wider range at Go Outdoors, so we can point out where spending a few extra pounds may bring a noticeable comfort upgrade, and where a rock-bottom price still makes perfect sense.
We started by looking at the lowest priced men’s baselayers available from Go Outdoors, focusing on simple synthetic pieces designed for general outdoor use. These items are the foundation of many winter outfits, so we prioritised tops and bottoms that would work just as well on a frosty dog walk as they would under walking trousers on a Lakeland hike.
From there, we favoured options that offer straightforward, functional designs from trusted outdoor brands, rather than fashion pieces. Long sleeve tops, crew neck cuts and full-length long johns tend to be more versatile, so they scored highly for value.
We also paid attention to how the price steps up across the range. Where something costs a touch more than the absolute cheapest base layers, it had to justify that with extra comfort or flexibility of use. The end result is a short, clear list of budget-friendly baselayers that are still worth putting on when the temperature drops.
These men’s baselayers are all firmly in the budget bracket, but still offer practical warmth and comfort for everyday outdoor use. Some are the very cheapest options, ideal if you just want a warm layer for occasional trips, while others cost a little more but give you extra versatility or comfort for regular wear.
Use this list to build a low-cost layering system that suits how and where you spend time outside, whether that is winter hikes, festival camping or simply staying cosy on the campsite in the evenings.
A no-nonsense long sleeve baselayer top that delivers simple warmth at a rock-bottom price. Ideal as your first layer of defence against chilly British weather.
The Peter Storm Men’s Essential Long Sleeve Baselayer Top focuses on the fundamentals: a close fit to trap warm air, long sleeves for full coverage and a simple crew neck that layers neatly under fleeces and jackets. At around twelve pounds, it is one of the cheapest ways to meaningfully boost warmth on walks, camps or frosty commutes. Being a synthetic piece, it should dry quickly after a shower or a wash, which is handy if you are away for a weekend and need it ready again the next day. The plain black colour keeps it discreet under everyday clothing as well as outdoor kit, so you are likely to get plenty of use from it through the colder months.
At this price point, the Essential Long Sleeve Baselayer Top is unlikely to feel as soft or refined as premium merino or high-end synthetic fabrics. You may notice more odour build-up on multi-day trips, meaning it is best suited to day use or regular washing. Insulation will be decent rather than exceptional, so in very cold conditions you might still need an extra mid-layer or warmer jacket on top.
This Essential Long Sleeve Baselayer Top is ideal if you want a simple, low-cost way to stay warmer on walks, campsite evenings or winter commutes. It suits anyone building their first layering system on a tight budget, or those who just need a reliable extra layer for the odd cold snap. It is also a sensible choice for kitting out teenagers or occasional walkers without overspending.
Affordable long johns to match your baselayer top, adding vital leg warmth for cold walks, camps and everyday winter wear without blowing the budget.
The Peter Storm Men’s Essential Long Johns give you the bottom half of a simple, effective layering system at the same low price as the matching top. Pulling these on under walking trousers or waterproof overtrousers makes a huge difference to comfort on cold, windy days, especially when you are standing around on a campsite or watching the kids’ sport. As a basic synthetic layer, they should offer decent moisture management and dry reasonably quickly after washing. The straightforward design is easy to wear under most legwear, making them a practical choice if you want cheap extra warmth without upgrading your main trousers.
As basic long johns, these are not going to be the slimmest or most technical option on the market, so they may feel a little bulky under very close-fitting trousers. Like other cheap synthetics, they may not manage odour as well as pricier alternatives, so wearing them for several consecutive days is less appealing. The plain design also means you miss out on extras like mapped panels or reinforced areas that feature on more advanced models.
The Essential Long Johns are a great match for walkers and campers who feel the cold in their legs but do not want to invest in specialist winter trousers. They are particularly good value for occasional hill days, frost-bitten stadium visits or sitting around a chilly campsite. If you are buying a full baselayer set on a budget, these make a natural partner to the Essential top.
The same Essential long sleeve baselayer top in another size option, perfect as a spare or second set if you want a low-cost rotation for regular use.
This second listing of the Peter Storm Men’s Essential Long Sleeve Baselayer Top offers the same affordable warmth and versatility, just in a different size variant. Having more than one of the same reliable, low-cost top makes sense if you are out in all weathers and do not want to rely on a single baselayer drying overnight. The familiarity of the cut and feel also means you know exactly what you are getting for your money if you liked your first one. As with the other Essential top, it should layer cleanly under outerwear and provide a noticeable bump in comfort on chilly days.
Because this is essentially the same Essential long sleeve baselayer as the first pick, you are not getting any extra features or performance for your money beyond another size option. If you are looking for a noticeably warmer or more luxurious-feeling top, you may be better off spending a bit more on one of the thermal crew-neck styles. As with the other Essential top, long-term softness and odour control are likely to lag behind more expensive baselayers.
This second Essential Long Sleeve Baselayer Top is well suited to anyone who already likes the cut and feel of the first and wants a spare for regular use. It is a good idea for people who are outside most days through winter and want a rotation of tops that will not break the bank. It is also handy if you are buying matching tops for family members and need different sizes at the same low price point.
A slightly pricier thermal crew-neck top that should feel warmer and more substantial than the very cheapest layers, while still staying firmly in budget territory.
The Peter Storm Men’s Thermal Crew-neck Top steps things up from the very cheapest options, and that higher price usually reflects a thicker or more refined thermal fabric. For just over twenty pounds, it is still firmly affordable, but should feel warmer and perhaps a little more substantial next to the skin than the entry-level Essential range. The classic crew neck cut makes it suitable for both outdoor adventures and everyday wear under a jumper or shirt in winter. If you are outside for longer periods or really notice the cold, this kind of thermal top can be a smart, still-budget-friendly upgrade.
Although it is warmer than the very cheapest layers, the Thermal Crew-neck Top still sits at the budget end of the market, so do not expect the ultra-soft handle or advanced moisture management of premium baselayers. The higher price may feel like a bigger jump if you only need a top for occasional use, in which case the Essential range could be better value. It is also likely to be a bit bulkier than lightweight technical pieces, which might not suit those trying to minimise pack size.
The Men’s Thermal Crew-neck Top is best for those who spend longer hours outside and want something warmer than a bare-bones baselayer, but still need to keep costs sensible. It is a good choice for regular winter walkers, outdoor workers or campers who feel the cold easily. If you can stretch a little beyond the cheapest options, this kind of thermal top can become a go-to layer for much of the year.
A short sleeved thermal crew neck that bridges the gap between a baselayer and a casual tee, giving you a warm but less bulky option for active use or milder days.
The Peter Storm Mens Short Sleeved Thermal Crew Neck Top in khaki offers a slightly different take on the budget baselayer, with short sleeves making it more versatile for shoulder seasons or higher-intensity activities. It should be easier to wear under short-sleeved shirts or as a warm T-shirt on dry, cool days when a full long sleeve feels too much. The thermal fabric is designed to add warmth without a big jump in bulk, and the neutral khaki colour gives it a more casual look that works away from the hills as well. For those who run warm but still want a bit of insulation, it is a sensible, low-fuss pick.
The short sleeves on this thermal top inevitably mean less overall warmth than a full long sleeve baselayer, especially around the forearms and wrists where you can really feel the cold. At a similar price to some long sleeve options, it may not seem as good value if your main goal is maximum insulation. Like the other budget thermals, it is also likely to be a little heavier and less refined than premium performance tops.
The Short Sleeved Thermal Crew Neck Top is ideal if you run warm or want a versatile piece that works for hiking, travel and everyday wear in cooler weather. It suits active users who like some insulation without full arm coverage, and anyone who prefers a T-shirt style layer they can wear on its own around town or the campsite. It is also a solid pick if you already own long sleeve baselayers and want a lighter option to mix in.
