Best base layers.

[Peter_t]

your probably gona hate me for saying this but what does it matter? its only the UK after all. i can understand wanting good boots or a windproof jacket but all this talk of base layers and diferent thickness of insulation seem a tad over the top. why not just wear more clothes? stop worrying about if its as good as merino and just get on with things

i think i'l go and hide now so i dont get hit by the srapnel

pete

 

[Lasse]

your probably gona hate me for saying this but what does it matter? its only the UK after all. i can understand wanting good boots or a windproof jacket but all this talk of base layers and diferent thickness of insulation seem a tad over the top. why not just wear more clothes? stop worrying about if its as good as merino and just get on with things

i think i'l go and hide now so i dont get hit by the srapnel

pete

I don't where merino because I really need it, it's just much more comfy wearing good quality clothing And I like comfy
And I don't have enough money to buy cheap gear...

 

[Schwert]

Err... it's a base layer?
*Under* something.

Anyhow, it's warm, and Schwert likes Brynje, so it can't be bad.

I do indeed like it. A bit hard to get but in very very cold Brynje layered with wool is heaven. Summer just the net is great too for ventilation and mosquito resistance.

Honestly I would not touch any poly-stink-o-rene underwear anymore. Merino is the ultimate way to go.

 

[wanderinstar]

Peter, the thing is I dont really want to "wear more clothes" to keep warm. I also want to be sure that what I am buying is the best. When I will probably be spending £70-80 for a set of thermals I want it to be right. But thank you for your opinion.

 

[Barn Owl]

Peter, the thing is I dont really want to "wear more clothes" to keep warm. I also want to be sure that what I am buying is the best. When I will probably be spending £70-80 for a set of thermals I want it to be right. But thank you for your opinion.

In effect,say for hillwalking in uk,you could wear the likes of ulfrotte top and bottom by themselves on the way up and still be warm.
Thereafter put on a shell to stop windchill.
Lord knows i've sweated buckets on the way up and wished I could do it in the 'you know...'

I've been using merino leggings from M&S that are good.

 

[Gripper]

Hi,

Have a look at www.missionpac.com with the UK vs Australian dollar they should be pretty reasonable. They do a 3/4 long john and a full length both 100% Merino.

Mark

 

[Walks with dogs]

Half price on some of the Icebreaker Merino base layers at Cotswold-outdoor right now. Just got the missus one for Christmas.

 

[Alex...]

I'm with toddy on this one.....

Silk is best. Its not that its particulary good for warmth but is very comportable next to the skin and does wick moisture well, though not as good as polyprop.

I'm a big fan of the US army ECWCS gear..(although not in camo, as it can look a bit "army"). Their Polypropylene long johns and top are superb. I've worn just the top under the uninsulated ECWCS jacket in both the alps (skiing) and cairngorms (winter), and had to have all the vents on the jacket open just to stay cool.

They wick moisture and are very comfortable. Cheap as chips too. Easy to get off an auction site, just make sure you get a large size, so that you don't get cold when bending over/down etc...

 

[gregorach]

Polypro isn't anywhere near as good as merino, IMHO. It doesn't wick as well when you're sweating, isn't as warm when you stop, and stinks to high heaven with a single day's use.

 

[bushtuckerman]

...and had to have all the vents on the jacket open just to stay cool.

I'd consider this a disadvantage. Merino has a small but not insignificant 'regulating effect'.

 

[Bimble]

Back in the day....ahhh, I used to do adventure racing. Back then there wasn't the selection of base layers there are now. I used the obligatory helly hensen lifa when belting around like an idiot, sweating like a lawn sprinkler, it worked well.

I then progressed to some ACT stuff from berghaus. This was warm,dried fast, did what it said on the tin (it actually came in a tin if I remember correctly!).

I have, in my middle age, now moved to silk. I just think its more comfortable......and that counts a lot for me.
I think that wool is the best for insulation layers, but it still takes some drying compared to silk, so if you wash it a lot in the field like I do, It just makes more sense to me as a base layer.

I guess having tried a lot, there all good at wicking and function as a base layer should.