Underwear and base layers

[BOD]

I don't often post here but I came across a link to this sight which some might find useful.

I wear a lightweight quick drying wicking shirt and boxer shorts when in the bush but I've always wondered whether they'd go up in flames one evening ( I walk around in my wet undies after a dip in a stream to cool off).

This stuff is flame retardant

http://www.drifire.com/lightweight-boxer-brief-0

http://www.drifire.com/ultra-lightweight-short-sleeve-tee

 

[sirex]

Seems unlikely that a base layer would "go up in smoke" as such. Mostly because even if it caught fire its close to the skin so you could pat the flames out quite easily. I know ive never heard of it happening at least.

And you'd prolly know its on fire cos its touching you ;p - be more worried about goretex or other teated fabrics when it comes to fire (no idea if goretex is bad for fire, but it melts easy.

 

[Beardy Adam]

I didn't really research much on base layers before I bought them. I just got 1 long sleeved and 1 short sleeved Berghaus active and they are OK for my needs. Although sometimes I have noticed during heavy exertion that they don't wick as well as I should like. For boxers I almost bought some Smartwool boxers (being a lover of their socks) but I read many reviews saying because of the construction of them that they simply didn't last. So I got myself some of these from Under Armour. I know a lot of football and rugby lads use them so I tried them out and they are fantastic. When I'm out trekking all I take is my 2 pairs of these because they are dead easy to wash and dry in no time.

 

[Highbinder]

Wow cheers for the link. After underestimating the heat last time I was out hiking I couldn't help but gurn to myself about the cotton underwear I was wearing. I was hiking barechested because I was sweating buckets but my boxers soaked through and stayed sodden until I set up camp. Very uncomfotable. I wonder if it's something people quite forget about when they're thinking about breathable clothing? Definately going to have to pick up a couple of pairs.

 

[Beardy Adam]

It only took me one experience of damp and stinky cotton grundies before I realised I just had to get some synthetic ones if I ever wanted to enter towns whilst hiking! Plus I like the ones with good elastic around the bottom of the leg, it makes a huge different when you're climbing uphill.

 

[oetzi]

I wear a lightweight quick drying wicking shirt and boxer shorts when in the bush but I've always wondered whether they'd go up in flames one evening ( I walk around in my wet undies after a dip in a stream to cool off).

Unfortunately, they, being plastic, will melt and burn the skin horribly, rather than "simply burn".

 

[gregorach]

Seems unlikely that a base layer would "go up in smoke" as such. Mostly because even if it caught fire its close to the skin so you could pat the flames out quite easily. I know ive never heard of it happening at least.

And you'd prolly know its on fire cos its touching you ;p - be more worried about goretex or other teated fabrics when it comes to fire (no idea if goretex is bad for fire, but it melts easy.

I think it's more likely to be a problem if you're drying your spares in front of the fire, rather than when you're actually wearing them...