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Buying Guides : Base Layers
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Start Dry, Stay Dry and Keep Comfortable!
Most outdoor enthusiasts are more than happy to spend £150 and more on their waterproof, breathable jacket along with £40 plus for their fleece but how many completely overlook the key piece in their layering system…their underwear?
Technical underwear, more commonly known as base layer, performs one simple yet critical job – dealing with the chilling effects of sweat. Wet skin will lose heat 20 times faster than dry skin!
If you get your base layer wrong then no matter how much you invest on your waterproof or insulation layer then the whole system will fail to work properly!
The Base Layer is vital because it is the one piece of clothing that is in constant contact with your skin, therefore however this layer performs will directly affect how you feel.
All our Base Layer products are made from fibres that actively move moisture away from your body (this process is known as wicking). Most of our wicking baselayers are made using polyester or polypropylene fibres which whilst absorbing little or no moisture force sweat to the outer surface of the garment.
The natural baselayer option is to use Merino wool; Merino has the ability to absorb and release moisture, to cool or warm the body, thus regulating temperature.
You‘ll warm up quickly but not overheat due to the exceptional breathability of the fabric. It also has a natural anti-microbial property that ensures you and it stay odour free!
Wearing a wicking base layer will keep your skin drier, it will enable your outer layers to perform to their full potential and this will consequently ensure that you feel more comfortable!
The designs of these garments vary from simple vests and short sleeved T-shirts, through long sleeved crew necks to zip neck styles; the fabrics used also vary in weight - the lighter weights being more practical for Spring/Summer use, whilst the heavier fabrics are more useful for Winter use or trips to colder climates.
You will pay anything between £18 and £50 depending on the garment’s fabric and features.
As a final thought…don’t forget your knickers! Cotton underwear will leave you with a cold, wet behind but briefs made from a wicking base layer fabric will banish that soggy bottom forever!!
Managing your layering system
- Don’t wear too many layers; on getting out of a warm car on a cold morning it is natural to layer-up to combat that initial chill. This is all well and good until you start moving and consequently generating heat – after walking half a mile you will be roasting and you will have to remove several layers. Start cool, then warm up!
- If you begin to over-heat allow the air to circulate through your jacket; open your cuffs, hem and neck. Can you take your hood down?
- Many jackets have under-arm zips or mesh-backed pocket that allow air directly into the jacket – use them!
- Take your hat off!
- If you still remain hot then slow down; allow your body’s natural thermostat to do its job.
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