Full specification As published

Material92% Polyester, 8% Elastane

Fit TypeCompression

Seam TypeFlatlock stitching

Recommended Temp Range30-50°F (-1 to 10°C)

Care InstructionsMachine wash cold, tumble dry low

CoversComfort layer — no impact zones

Bench rank83 of 200 on this site

Base Layer · Rank 83 of 200

Under Armour ColdGear Base Layer

by Under Armour

A compression base layer designed to trap heat and wick sweat under a jacket, built for riders who commute or tour through cold-weather months in the 30 to 50 degree range.

4.4 Rider rating 4.4 out of 5 Bench score 41/100

Traps heat effectively
Wicks sweat away fast
Compression fit under gear

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Specs taken from the manufacturer No paid placement Bought at retail

Verdict

The Under Armour ColdGear base layer is a dependable foundation for cold-weather riding, trapping heat and wicking sweat effectively under a jacket or armor. It needs a windproof shell to perform at speed and runs warm past 50°F, but within its stated temperature range it is a solid, affordable layer for commuting and touring.

The Under Armour ColdGear base layer is built to keep riders on the bike once temperatures drop into the 30 to 50°F range. Made from a 92% polyester, 8% elastane blend, the fabric holds a compression fit against the skin, trapping body heat while wicking away the sweat generated from handling a bike in the cold. Riders layering it beneath armored jackets and pants find it adds warmth without the bulk of older thermal underwear, leaving enough room to move freely when shifting, braking or working through traffic in full gear. Flatlock seams run through the construction, cutting down on the friction points that plainer thermal layers often create under snug-fitting gear.

The brushed interior generates warmth against the skin while the outer surface stays smooth enough to slide easily under mesh, textile or leather jackets and pants. Compression fit keeps the fabric from bunching at the joints, which matters on longer motorway stretches or twisty backroads where fabric can otherwise ruck up. Even on a ride that starts cold and warms through the day, the wicking properties stop sweat from sitting against the skin, helping riders avoid the chill that sets in once dampness meets windchill at speed. Four-way stretch construction copes with the repeated pulling of getting dressed in full gear and stripping it off again after every ride, and it holds its shape rather than sagging after months of daily wear.

This base layer suits fall and winter commuters and tourers who need a foundational cold-weather layer rather than a standalone riding garment. On its own it will not block wind at highway speed, so it needs a jacket or windproof shell over the top to do its job properly, and it is not designed to cope with wet weather without additional waterproof gear layered on. The compression fit runs snug, and broader riders are better off sizing up rather than fighting a tight fit. Past 50°F it starts to feel too warm for comfort, so riders should treat it as a genuine cold-weather tool rather than a year-round layer, reaching for something lighter once the season turns.

What works

Strong warmth-to-thickness ratio under a jacket
Wicks sweat well during stop-and-go traffic
Stretchy compression fit does not bunch under armor
Slim profile slides under most riding gear
Machine washable and holds up to regular use

What doesn't

Not windproof alone, needs a shell at highway speed
Runs snug, so broader riders should size up
Not built for wet weather without a waterproof layer over it
Feels too warm once temperatures climb past 50°F

Bench scorecard

Protection19Weather32Airflow36Comfort50Value66

Derived from this product's own specification, key features and owner-reported pros and cons, then adjusted by its rider rating. Same rules for every piece.

Key features