Heavy base layer

[volklpowdermaniac]

Avoiding a new thread, finally making some big changes to my base layers after years of same stuff:

I’ve had the same two sets of UA base layers for got to be 10-12 years, 7 of which were spent in 120-130 days a season working on the snow. Which is all to say they are really old, and I’m fucking gross for not expanding my collection. In any event, looking through the UA stuff now and loads of other stuff what I’m realizing is that I’ve been using ColdGear COMPRESSION stuff, and not true base layers per say. I also realize this because about two years ago I bought some capilene gucci and the fit to my suprise was not nearly as body hugging and tight— all of which made realize that perhaps I’ve been doing it wrong all along, I always assumed base layers should be nice and tight and form fitting (intuitively looking back, I can see why that’s wrong)... any who, the coldgear compression stuff always seemed to work for me, and I was never cold because of it - or so I thought- always felt like the temps that got me frigid (sitting on ridges in winds and single digits) probably would have made me cold no matter what base I had on. But as I’m finally getting around to adding some new base layers- should I be avoiding skin hugging stuff ( a la compression)- and/or is there some new wave stuff that I could get that tight fit I’m used to but that’s specially meant to be base layer cold weather stuff.
All the stuff - smart wook 250, icebreaker 260 etc seems to be more loose, although pants seem to be more of a tight fit...
I could just go with more of the el cheapo UA cold gear compression stuff- I think it’s been working for me, but maybe I’ve been missing some warmth?
Should I just say f it and go for the base layers designed to as they were intended - slightly looser

Bring me into the 2020s with suggestions for good warm base layers - used for in bounds, touring etc....

[whyturn]

I find merino base and polartec alpha are best for output touring. Also a broad range. If it’s really cold might do two merino layers and alpha. The alpha is lofoton alpha fleece with hood


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

[stealurface831]

gucci capilene air is supposed to be unreal. i haven't tried it myself because it is fucking expensive but i'm gonna get my hands on some pretty soon i hope.

[sf]

You'll probably have to buy these from Norway, but the principle is easy to replicate.
Two layers of merino, the inner in the form of mesh.
Combined with a reasonably snug fit it gives you two advantages.
1) a layer of air next to the skin
2) easier transportation of moisture away from skin.

Brynje Arctic is the best
Aclimas version is good, and a bit cheaper
Devold also has something similar, but I'd buy one of the others.

Edit: I now see that I've already spammed about Brynje back in 2017, sorry about that.
Still great stuff, but not Arctic for touring.
The Thermo mesh is great for high activity, but needs an outer layer, unless you want to be "that s/m dude".

[XXX-er]

For the base layer next to the skin I use the lightest cheapest merino T-shirt because that is the piece that will stink,

it will also become full of holes so the less material to become full of holes the cheaper/ better

thro a light soft shell over that for the up, when i stop a big puffy

Its either go or stop, try not to sweat



heavy base layer sounds like an oxymoran to me but thats how i roll

[bodywhomper]

I find wet wool to be pretty heavy. But I hate the smell of stale urine.

[MiddleOfNight]

I alternate between ninjasuit merino and icebreaker 260 onesie.
Both have lasted years, breathe/wick really well and are warm enough to spare me extra layers (esp on the legs).
Wear touring, climbing, and under carharts for choring.

May be a little heavier, but considering the amount of beer I drink it's really not the biggest issue ... Though, if I had something lighter I could drink even more and net zero. Hm.

[caulfield]

eh, none of it is magic. I have UA coldgear of that same vintage and it's warmer than 200 merino or whatever light polartec stuff last years FRS baselayer was. Too warm for my touring, but that's a personal/regional thing, ymmv. Under armour, that old stuff at least, isn't really compressive, it's just skin-tight, and with a pack + other layers, any fit baselayer ends up right on your skin anyway

[fleaches]

+1 for onesies if it's real cold. I have one for kayaking that I wear skiing if it's sub zero. That and a down mid layer.

Sent from my Pixel XL using TGR Forums mobile app

[whyturn]

I love my minus 33 heavyweight merino


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

[BCMtnHound]

Just here for my usual plug for Stanfields. http://stanfields.com/collections/mens-base-layers
For heavyweight wool, made in Nova Scotia, they are my recommendation. Designed to shrink to fit with mild washing. With the exchange, the pricepoint should be good for south of the poutine curtain as well.

I don't have much experience with their lighter stuff though, except for their briefs, which are on par with any other fine knit wool/merino (I have discount deals for the usual suspects like icebreaker and IO)

[ThreeRidges]

gucci capilene air is supposed to be unreal. i haven't tried it myself because it is fucking expensive but i'm gonna get my hands on some pretty soon i hope.

I find that it is. I got the hoodie on vast discount, and it for me is insanely warm for the weight. No way I’d pay full price thought. It also seems like something that could snag pretty easily, but I always have something over it.

LL Bean heavyweight is a knock of of the older capilene micro grid and pretty good if it’s the same stuff I bought 5 years ago.

Sent from my iPad using TGR Forums

[volklpowdermaniac]

Good shit by all of ya. Danke

[pfluffenmeister]

Onesies rule!

Airblaster 150 weight Merino for everyday
Airblaster Expedition weight (synthetic) for below 10f.

Both with the under helmet, scuba hood.

[54-46]

Anyone want to try a pair of Cloudveil Power Stretch 3/4 length layer (mens M)? I have an extra pair to offload.

[detrusor]

If A person wears white grid stuff are they still S&M dude? Asking for a friend.


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

[snowaddict91]

Onesies rule!

Airblaster 150 weight Merino for everyday
Airblaster Expedition weight (synthetic) for below 10f.

Both with the under helmet, scuba hood.

I like my airblaster synth ninja suit quite a bit as well. Hoping to have some smartwool 250 weight under the tree for cold days to compare so I'm excited for that.

[Quandary]

Minus33 merino boot length. When it gets really cold Arc'teryx Axino knickers over the Minus33.

[MagnificentUnicorn]

If you want great base layers and want to save some money try to find some Cold Proof two layer polyester merino blend. Comes in tall sizes too. They make a lightweight single layer too, all polyester. It’s great stuff, well made.


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums