Which Baselayer Should You Choose?
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- Опубліковано 4 вер 2017
- Your baselayer is one of the most important pieces of kit you'll own. It's the piece of kit that determines your comfort next to skin; it wicks away sweat, regulates your temperature, keeps you warm, keeps you cool and most importantly makes your outdoor trip that much more enjoyable.
This video explains the benefits and negatives of each choice, which is best for certain activities and which you should choose.
Baselayers we used:
Merino: www.trekitt.co.uk/32501/produc...
Synthetic: www.trekitt.co.uk/32800/produc...
Mixture of both: www.trekitt.co.uk/32896/produc...
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Although the baselayers in this video aren't available anymore, we do have some good alternatives: www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/baselayers
Love watching your dog carry around half a tree in the background. Sold lots of Icebreaker gear when I worked at a mountaineering shop in Colorado. Still wear my Icebreaker base layer from like 12 years ago and its held up really well.
Love using Icebreaker or any other Merino. Great video once again.
Great job Paul, very good explanation of baselayers BUT your dog was the best part - heres to Murphy!
amazing and super explanatory video!
I have a Minus 33 Merino set, an Under Armour 4.0 synthetic set and a Terimar wool set. The Terimar is the lightest. I wear the UA most often, but do enjot the Merino too. I sweat very, very heavily, so the UA is my go to for the "extreme dog walking" I like to do when it gets really cold. Great video!
As a mountaineer I put wool everywhere where is skin - socks, long johns, underwear, upper body. Synthetics is sometimes better, but only on upper body where most of moisture is accumulated. Long shirt with zipper also helps in regulating heat when on ascending. In general, I prefer wool despite price, no matter if it's summer or winter.
So informative no one has ever explained why wool helps with odour control ! thanks again
Hi Paul, a decent run through of the basic options. As someone who's tried pretty much every type of fabric around I recently made the decision to go back to merino wherever possible as even the best synthetics can't match merino's temperature regulating properties. Even the best stuff (which in my experience is Polartec Power Grid), falls short in maintaining an even body temperature, as you allude to in the video. This is very important for me as I suffer quite badly with Reynauds Disease, which is far more serious than just a tendency to cold hands or feet as poor body temperature regulation can lead me to feel faint or even pass out (Dante's Reynauds), which is obviously a liability when walking in a mountainous area! As durability and moisture management has been steadily improving with the sensible incorporation of synthetic elements (such as Corespun technology) that don't impact on the temperature regulating properties of merino clothing, socks, hats and gloves it's merino wool for me from now on.
Edit : Jan 2023. After a few years use my merino mesh leggings wore out recently and a replacement was lost in the post in France, apparently. This obliged me to use an old pair of gridded polyester long johns in cold weather. I'd forgotten just how nasty even the best polyester stuff is when you start to warm up a bit. Uncomfortable, overheated and just nasty-feeling in a way merino simply doesn't do.
I always use my old john smedley merino jumpers as as base layer
Great video
Informative review, thanks.
great info
Wool is hydrophilic. Synthetics, sans Lycra, Spandex and elastic, are hydrophobic. People always cross their wires. Thin Merino is great in hot weather. It holds moisture and evaporative cools your body. In cold weather, where being dry is king, synthetics rule the day. You are slowly but surely seeing this change in thought process with hunting guides in Alaska, BC, the Yukon and NWT.
Cotton tank top and wool sweater work great as well for deep heavy active winter.
A big thanks to Murphy some great video bombing😊 and sound effex
Great advice again
Glad it was helpful!
Have spent time in wide range of environments, including very cold, and as much as I try I cant get synthetics to work - I overheat and then sweat more, so the wicking benefit is lost. Merino is king for me in most conditions. Although not relevant to UK climate, in the really hot sunny places/high summer where you only wear a base layer, then cotton still rules... at least for me.
Hi Robert, any layering system will benefit from trial and error and over time we find what works best for us. I'm glad you've got your system sorted and that it's keeping you comfortable. Paul.
Great to know Murphy gave you his bark of approval. :)
Murphy knows his stuff! Thanks for watching.
i use under armour cold gear stuff, seems to work pretty well and not to expensive
It does not regulate temp at all though. It will definitely keep you warm, but with any activity it will run you right out of it... for me anyway. Ive always preferred Patagonia capilene, But am searching to try something new this season.
I have a merino Icebreaker Oasis crew, and within six months it started to have holes in it, around the wrist and elbow, a friend of mine told me that it was because first they are not known for their durability and also I washed it too much. She told me that they're incredibly easy to snag and rip due to the nature of wool and that I should wear the sweater more than six to ten times before I wash it. Because Merino wool is fragile to washing and also I needed to make sure to never put it in the dryer, I needed to let it air dry (wish I did before she told me). Must say I am a bit pissed about the holes it cost me a lot of money to buy that merino shirt, but again I like it so much I bought three more and I make sure I wear it a minimum of 10 days not consecutively and none of them have holes and it's been a year now.
That's a shame to hear your original Icebreaker didn't last too long, but glad you found a solution. They are more fragile than their polyester counterparts, but as you've rightly pointed out, don't need to be washed very often. Most washing machines also have a 'wool wash' setting which is far more gentle and can help prolong their life. Kind regards, Harry.
I never machine wash baselayers. Add mild detergent to warm water & soak for a few minutes. Scrunch the water through them a few times, rinse & squeeze out all excess water. Place on a hanger, & leave to for a few hours.
If Merino/other natural wool doesn't smell bad or isn't dirty I see no point in washing it. It have antibacterial properties itself. Remember to air it after every use. All the best!
Bought merino T-Shirts from a much cheaper brand and I have washed them to death - no holes! My experience with heavier weight merino from icebreaker is very good however.
Great video Paul 📹
I can't believe you're not stocking the Arc'teryx mixed base layer anymore 😢.
Terry. Arcteryx have stopped making it!
@@trekitt 😭😭😭😭
Pre wetsuits surfers used to wear Wool jumpers in winter. Says something about the warming properties of wool even when wet.
Marino wool is fine for cool/cold weather. Low cost, high durability, lightweight & best hydrophobic material - polypropylene is better for moderately cool/cold weather and provides greater freedom of motion than Marino wool. An Alpaca or Marino wool sweater makes a good second layer.
Murphy completely distracted me in your video. Lovely dog!
He's a smasher! Paul.
Great review. Thanks again for the sound advice. Would you recommend using tech wash for all baselayer / fleece washes ?
Hi, for all technical clothing which is designed to wick away sweat and regulate your temperature we would always recommend the use of Tech Wash. Detergents which contain bleaches and other softening properties can often add a layer which affects the performance of the garment. Kind regards, Harry.
Thank you.
Satoro for light activity and phase AR for high activity levels? Did I get that right?
@@trekitt How about Wool Wash for merino and merino blends and Base Wash for synthetics? Is it good practice or is is better to stick with Tech Wash for everything? Tech Wash seems to be marketed for waterproofs. Thanks!
@@tomasz5274 I personally use Grangers Active Wash for all baselayers and Tech Wash/Performance Wash for everything else.
www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/washing-water-repellency-care/grangers-active-wash__36103
Wool for the win! I do intensive workouts in it and NEVER need to wash it! Just hang it up and let it dry. Zero smell. Save resources as don't need to wash and, when you come to wash (just to freshen it up after a few weeks) you're not putting loads of micro plastics into the environment. Also found it regulates my body temperature WAY more than anything synthetic. Once wet with sweat, synthetic gets cold and chills, wool does not. Synthetic in my mind is pretty much evil and simply the result of manufacturers trying to make more money. You don't need to walk around in plastic!
Only downside of wool is it's currently a bit more expensive and not as hard wearing as synthetic but for me it's a price I'm willing to pay for greater comfort and being in harmony with the environment.
I like wool as well. Have worn it for days, if not weeks at a time, and still feels fresh as you like. Harry
Just what I was looking for, one thing I would have liked to know is what kind of synthetic fabric there are several in the market, like for example the second one he wore or the merino wool mix,
There are too many to mention unfortunately. Most are a polyester of some sort, but each brand has a different way of doing things.
DOGGY NEEDS A DRINK ! Is that one bottle for him ? Ha ,ha Love the dog good info !
Murphy always wants a drink, he usually just sticks his head in a dirty puddle or a river! Thanks for watching. Paul.
I have a similar build to Paul and my name is also Paul! So i`d be interested to know what size you were using for the Satoro as I need to buy a new baselayer for an upcoming trip and this one would tick many boxes. Cheers
Hi Paul, our Paul wears a large in the Satoro and most other layers.
@@trekitt Cheers
Hey! Thank you for your great videos! The Satoro base layer is no longer available at all. Is that right? Which new base layer (from Arcteryx) can you recommend as much as the Satoro? I would appreciate your advise very much. Best regards from Germany! Felix
That's correct, the Satoro is no longer made. We don't stock any merino-blend baselayers from Arc'teryx, but Montane produce one that's worth a look: www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/baselayers/montane-mens-primino-140g-zip-neck-black__36007
@@trekitt Thank you very much!
Great video, thanks for the advice! As soon as I heard Arcteryx I thought ‘Oh no….it’s probably going to be the best but very expensive…’ 😂 Seriously I love their products but you know it’s gonna hurt your bank account 😂 As you say though it’s an investment and this time I want to go with the best performance so I’m looking forward to getting some…
What do you advise for hot weather, for me to wear under a motorbike jacket. I do get very hot on the bike in the summer
One of these will do the job brilliantly. www.trekitt.co.uk/38387/products/montane-mens-dart-ls-t-shirt-shadow.aspx It'll wick away sweat, resist odours and won't need washing after each use. Kind regards, Harry.
Patagonia capilene is best synthetic.
Archery’s Satoro is $140! Ouch!
Hello again... :) Because Arcteryx doesn't sell the Satoro any longer would you please know what's the current model of "the same" base layer? Is it gonna be Motus AR? Mostly I use Icebreaker base layers, but I think I would like to try something different, which I can also use on warmer days. Greetings :)
HI Marcin. It's a shame that Arcteryx have dropped the Satoro layers, I'm a massive fan. If you want to stick with performance Merino then I suggest you have a look at the excellent Montane Primino range - www.trekitt.co.uk/facetresults.aspx?Term=primino
The new Motus from Arcteryx is 100% polyester. Paul.
What kind of long sleeve shirt do you recommend for hot weather and high sweat ?
Thanks, Trail Flea..
Hi Michael, when you say shirt, do you mean the classic buttoned shirt or a long sleeved baselayer?
@@trekitt I have a polyester base and it seams a little hot..
@@trailfleamlangdon2260 We'd recommend the Montane Dart Tee. It's available in short or long sleeve, has a permanent anti-odour coating and is the most breathable baselayer we have in stock at the moment.
www.trekitt.co.uk/38387/products/montane-mens-dart-ls-t-shirt-shadow.aspx
Hi Paul, really enjoying your videos!
Quick question: I got a rab microlight summit jacket 750 (down-jacket) and I wonder:
a) A merino wool or the Arcteryx from you posted + the rab would that be ok or would you recommend a middle layer to use?
b) Is that down-jacket to be considered middle-layer already?
Thank you in advance!
Your down jacket can either be a mid or an outer layer. Both baselayers will work, but as Paul mentions in this video, it just depends what you plan to do with them. Whether your Microlight and a merino wool baselayer will be suitable depends on which activity you're doing, how warm you are as a person, the intensity of said exercise, etc. Harry
Broadly are we saying synthetic for super cold, merino for warmer conditions? Thanks
You can happily use either material, or blends across different temps, it just depends on the weight of baselayer more than material. Also worth choosing the material based on length of activity, merino tends to be the go-to for multi-day due to it's anti-microbial properties.
is there any reason (3:32) why you can "get away with a slightly looser fit" with merino? I'm not sure you explained it.
The baselayer's job is to trap all that warm air your body is producing. A loose fitting baselayer would allow a load of that precious warmth to escape, making it far less effective. Harry
@@trekitt right, thanks Harry. My question specifically is, why is a "slightly looser fit" ok with merino? at 3:43, you say "you don't have that, sort of, skin-tight fit that you need with a synthetic". If so, that's great, but why does merino not require that skin-tight fit?
The answer is possibly that with synthetic materials, they only wick away the sweat when it's in liquid form as explained at 7:10 and have to have direct contact with the skin, whereas the merino wool can absorb sweat that's already started to evaporate off the skin meaning the direct material contact isn't needed.
Should warm baselayers still be warn in the summer?
Baselayers should still be worn in the summer, but opting for a lighter layer will serve you better. In the summer a baselayer can be more for UV protection and sweat wicking than warmth. There's still a place for warmth from them, but that is very much dependent on where you go, our weather can be unpredictable at the best of times!
What about silk?
Silk is great for hot environments, but we prefer merino wool as it does the same job but is available in a wider range of weights and designs.
Is merino a good choice for summer trekking?
Merino works well for summer trekking in it's lighter versions. However, if you are working hard, or a particularly sweaty person, synthetics or hybrids work much better. Paul.
I have sensitive skin and I find merino wool very itchy
It does depend on the grade of merino wool, as some is pretty coarse and itchy, whereas others feel a lot like cotton.
thanks, I was wondering why that first "baselayer" top that I bought, polystyrene or whatever it is, was so tight in and under the arms and itchy and uncomfortable. Now I see and hear why. I had just wanted a decent thermal for normal at home freeze prevention. I should have watched this first and then maybe bought something else non scientific. Ok I'm not used to it. Wonder what our ancestors would have made of these or Eskimos etc?
nylon is like wearing a portable sauna
How can merino be 100th of a human hair,,that would be invisible wouldn't it?
whats the dogs name?
Murphy!
Do recommend Macpac?
It's not a brand we stock/have used, so unfortunately I wouldn't be able to comment. Kind regards, Harry.
Thrutching up 5 finger gully? 😂
Not a euphemism, promise
I find arc'teryx extremely expensive and honestly I don't know why...Icebreaker, Smartwool, Montane, Rab, also make them and are at least a bit more affordable! I bought one to compare and basically I did not see a significant difference to explain their over price products. Thumbs down Arc'teryx big time!
Hi, the main difference with Arcteryx and "other" brands is their attention to detail and meticulous construction techniques. Years ago this was extremely apparent, especially when inspecting seam stitch counts and neatness. Nowadays the likes of Rab, Montane and Mountain Equipment have raised their game significantly and the differences are harder to spot. Arcteryx is still one of the most innovative and creative brands out there and is priced accordingly. Buy once and buy well. Thanks for watching.
@@trekitt let's just agree on disagreeing about Arc'teryx made in my country Canada. Paramo, Montane, Mountain Equipment, Rab, all have great quality equipment, that Arc'teryx was innovative at the beginning possibly but not anymore and not today. I absolutely love the fact that many other companies have learn from Arc'teryx to improve their products but it still does not explain why it is still so expensive. I do own a few items from the company but I wait till is it on sale or buy the last year products, and many of times I hardly see the difference between name brand like Columbia, OR, Black Diamond, Patagonia, Mons Royale, Helly Hansen, Woolx Glacier, Spyder, ect...
@@labellaescrima1996 can you buy rab or montane in Canada?
Oh, boy ... just way too many mistakes here ---- wool wicks far better than plastics (plus: it actually breathes, unlike most plastics), nylon-wool mixed fabric is typically made of yarn of wool coated in nylon for durability. You should do some more reading.
That dog breathing sounds were rather distracting. I itch with merino.
We’re so sorry. We’ll
Make sure that the dogs hold their breath for any future productions 😜
@@trekitt hahaha
Give the dog a drink.
Don't worry about Murphy Kevin, he always finds a puddle/stream/river to quench his thirst.