Base layers

monkeynuz

Hi,

I am new to the whole concept of base layers, does anyone have recommendations for any for summer use, I.e to keep dry and cool rather than warm.

Edit. Also can they be worn under a cotton t-shirt as I understand they should be snug fitting.

duckysauce

monkeynuz wrote: »

Hi,

I am new to the whole concept of base layers, does anyone have recommendations for any for summer use, I.e to keep dry and cool rather than warm.

Edit. Also can they be worn under a cotton t-shirt as I understand they should be snug fitting.

icebreaker merino gear is excellent but a bit pricey -- would not wear it under a cotton shirt though , as it would defeat the purpose of it

Mycroft H

Cotton tees by themselves are fine on hot, dry summer days here days here; good for keeping you cool. Synthetic/Wool base layers keep you warm by moving the moisture out away from your skin. Cotton keeps the moisture near your skin, helping with some evaporation effect to reduce your temp. Go to Greece and any hot dry Mediterranean climate and you wont be spotting icebreaker stuff...

Synthetic/Merino if it's going to be mild/cold/wet. Cotton for the hot and dry.

I returned some icebreaker base layers once; it started to wear through. Don't think their quality control is what it used to be. Bought a Helly Hanson merino/polypro blend base layers instead. Much better.

monkeynuz

So, I have decided to give base layers a go and for a trial run have ordered a helly Hansen t shirt and a berghaus one.

I did try to order a Patagonia merino wool one instead but their website had a problem with my rural address and apparently it would be impossible for ups to find me!

DublinDilbert

A cotton t-shirt will tend to get quite wet and not wick away moisture. I would just use a dry wicking running t-shirt as the bottom layer. You can get these in lidl/aldi/dunnes or any running shop.

monkeynuz

DublinDilbert wrote: »

A cotton t-shirt will tend to get quite wet and not wick away moisture. I would just use a dry wicking running t-shirt as the bottom layer. You can get these in lidl/aldi/dunnes or any running shop.

Thanks, I know the cotton won't sick that's why I asked about the base layers, but I was just wondering if they could be worn beneath a cotton top.

I have ordered some from Amazon thanks, I don't have any of those other shops you mention nearby.

Pat Mustard

I wouldn't wear cotton for any strenuous outdoor activity. I wouldn't wear cotton above or below a base layer. I just wouldn't use cotton at all.

When cotton gets damp, it stays damp and it can be uncomfortable when you stop moving or if it gets windy.

It's more comfortable to wear baselayers as sold in any outdoor shop. Also, as suggested, the t shirts sold in Aldi/Lidl will do the job and will be a lot more comfortable than cotton tshirts.

As regards ordering and problems with address - Parcel Motel gets around that problem.

monkeynuz

Parcel motel won't work for me but Amazon does.

unkel

FWIW I got long underpants base layer and a long sleeve zipped top base layer in Mountain Warehouse in the sale a few months ago for €6.99 each, which was a steal. Will probably come up again at the end of next winter. Both performed very well in very cold and wet circumstances.

CardinalJ

Cotton a disaster if there's any wind or you stop moving.

Wool tshirts are where it's at for summer in my opinion.