Product Information

Last week, I gave a brief overview of the layering philosophy. I want to focus on the Base Layer this week.

As I mentioned, the base layer serves several functions: moisture wicking, warmth, and sun protection. While all base layers should wick moisture well, they can still vary in their functionalities. Base layers come in different weights to better serve different functions. The heavier, thicker base layers are designed to provide more warmth while wicking moisture; the lighter, thinner base layers are designed for less warmth, but more wicking and to provide some sun protection. These are appropriate for warm weather, aerobic activites in full sun, like sea kayaking.

The functional ability is probably most affected by the material of the base layer pieces. Cotton is entirely inappropriate. Cotton does nothing with moisture; it absorbs it and holds it right where it is, leading to chilling in colder weather, and chafing if it remains wet while extended periods of activity.

The best materials for performance base layers are synthetics and merino wool. Synthetics pull moisture very well, are non-absorbent, and dry quickly. Since synthetic fibers are impermeable, the breathability is achieved by the weave of the fabric: a more open, knit weave will be more breathable, while a less open woven fabric is less breathable. One major downside with synthetics, however, is their love for stink. Most modern synthetic base layers have an anti-stink/anti-microbial additive to help manage the stink, but at some point, some day, you’ll encounter a synthetic funk, which is more managed than cured.

While synthetic base layers pull moisture like it’s their job (which it is), merino does one of two things with it. Merino has a temperature regulatory effect, achieved by how it manages moisture. If your micro-climate is cool, it will absorb the moisture into the fibers and release heat in the process. Don’t worry, this isn’t the same absorption as cotton, merino absorbs and pulls the moisture away from the skin. If your micro-climate is warm, it will move the moisture to the outside of the garment, allowing evaporative cooling. Merino fibers themselves breathe, so the breathability of a garment is not as affected by the weave of the fabric. The merino fiber also has a natural kink, allowing for more warm-air trapping space, making it warmer for its weight than synthetics. A big plus for merino is its natural anti-microbial character. It doesn’t hold odor. You hold more odor than merino. Lastly, it is naturally flame-retardant; Smoky the Bear loves merino.

So, which one for you? Most of us at the shop prefer merino, finding that its increased functional capabilities relate directly to comfort. It is more expensive, and dries slower (though still retaining its insulating properties while wet). Synthetics wicks moisture just as well, if not better, but isn’t as warm (and sometimes can wick moisture so quickly that it causes a chill). It is less expensive, though. So, if you’re looking for pure wicking power: go synthetic. If you need moisture management and more warmth for its weight: go merino.

As far as the thickness, that depends on weather and activity. Colder vs. warmer weather; more vs. less high-output activity. Trial, use, and experimentation can guide your choices, and we can certainly help you make the best decision.

A quick note on merino: Many people have developed a mental aversion to wool. Merino is a much finer fiber than traditional wool (come into the shop, we have some cleaned merino to touch and feel), reducing irritation caused by the scales on the fiber. Most people don’t notice an itch at all.

With that introduction to base layers, check out Icebreaker for merino base layers, and Patagonia for synthetic base layers. If you have questions, we’re happy to help. Give us a call or come by one of our shops.

Layering is one of the most important clothing techniques for the outdoors, and one of the ideas I find myself explaining to customers most often.

The idea is simple: by using multiple layers of clothing, each serving a specific purpose, you can mix and match to suit current weather and activity conditions. This flexible adjustability means more comfort, and in some cases, more safety.

Layers are one of three types: base layer, insulation, or outerwear. The base layer is the first layer on, sits next to the skin, and its job is to pull moisture away from the body. The insulation layer provides warmth, and the outerwear layer provides weather protection.

Let’s take a simple example to show how these layers can work together. Imagine you’re backpacking, ascending the sunny side of a ridge. With the aerobic output and sunny weather you’ll probably be in your base layers and a pair of shorts. Once you reach the top of the exposed ridge and stop for a break, you throw on your outerwear to block the wind. As you descend the shaded side of the ridge, a storm rolls in. You put on your insulating layer between the base layer and outerwear to keep warm in the shade and rain, and your outerwear keeps you dry. Once the rain stops, you remove the outerwear to increase the breathability, leaving you comfortably descending in your base layer and insulating layer.

Because each layering piece serves its own purpose, our example goes through four different temperature/activity situations by adjusting which layers are being worn. If the waterproof/windproof outerwear was also insulated, then you couldn’t stay dry without also getting warmer, and you couldn’t get warmer without also inhibiting breathability.

Maximum versatility with a minimum of material is the name of the layering game. The lack of versatility is why we typically don’t recommend insulated hardshells (hardshell just means wind and waterproof) or 3-in-1 jackets (we understand that 3-in-1 jacket liners are removable, thus providing the specificity sought after, but you can often achieve higher quality products by choosing your own shell and your own insulating pieces) except in very specific uses.

We’ll be examining each piece of the layering system in the coming weeks, so be sure to check back. If you have any initial questions about layering, or getting your own backcountry layering system together, just give us a call or stop by the shop. You can check out base layers here (men’s, women’s) and outerwear and insulating layers here (men’s, women’s).