base layers

[acostiga]

did some searching, and couldn't find the info i'm seeking....

me = needing some good, non-cotton base layer stuff. christmas gifts didn't pan out the way that i'd hoped. (got an sweet electric razor from my parents, who evidently don't know that i've been growing a beard since i last saw them for thanksgiving) most of the time it'll be for day trips (the base layers, not the razor), but a few multi-night hut/cabin adventures as well. the thing is, that i don't have much experience with this kind of gear. i'm used to wearing dress socks in my ski boots and (gasp) a cotton shirt under my fleece jacket/shell.

so what do i need? where do i get it? thanks in advance for the help.

[plugboots]

ibex.com Wool base layers don't stink.

[naedward81]

try the smartwool base layers. I love my mid-weight layer. also thy the arcteyx RHO stuff, killer stuff, but spendy.

[RootSkier]

Patagonia outlet Capiline.

[RShea]

Check out Sierra Trading Post- they have some reasonably priced expedition weight polypropylene on sale after Christmas and other weights too if that is too much.

For tops I use the Reebok cold something??- textured mock turtle neck (not as expensive as Under Armour cold gear nor as much compression to them)

[kokomas]

i just watched sac a bunch and ended up with a bunch of good synthetic stuff. i like the zoic tees, 66 degree north fleece midweight pants and outdoor research long sleeve shirt. i think the key is sythetic, i haven't noticed a huge difference between the different types. also do not fear the wool! i am almost 100% cotton free and loving it.

[KnuckleDragger]

Anything non-cotton will be a huge improvement. I've used Capiline, Techwick, Coolmax, Polypro, silk, and wool. They all have worked well.

[shredgnar]

Anything WOOL!

I got some great midweight smartwool socks on SaC for like 6 bucks, hope you have the same luck. As far as tops and bottoms I would also recommend Ibex or smartwool if you can afford it. I have some capilene and it doesn't wick and dry as well as the wool stuff and stinks way more than the wool.

I have been thinking about herding sheep and hiring an old lady to knit stuff for me, that's how much I like the wool.

[cooltsi]

I like my smartwool pieces. Synthetics get you 90% of the way to the merino wool for far less but if you don't bathe often tend to stink far easier.

[Buster Highmen]

Icebreaker for the comfy mmmmmerino wool stuff. backcountry.com has it.

[schuss]

I rock

midweight bergelene (EMS synthetic underwear)
Smartwool ultrathin socks

It works for anything over 4 degrees. Below that and I layer more stuff in. Wool is nice, but if you don't have the coin it's no biggie. Just prepare to stink a little bit.

[Pegleg]

Polypro wicks a bit better and is cheaper, wool doesn't stink and feels nicer. Take your pick.

SAC seems to have a lot of base layers coming up lately; watch for a bit and you'll be taken care of.

[mojorisin]

I'd like to echo the smartwool comments. (I'm sure other wool iterations are just as awesome though.) Unlike some of the synthetics, my smartwool shirts feel like "real" clothes - oh so comfy.

Honestly though, just get whatever's the cheapest. It's not like you're not hiking everest or anything, no need to blow money.