Thread: base layers

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.

ibex.com Wool base layers don't stink.

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

Patagonia outlet Capiline.

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)

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.