Best (human) base layer thoughts

C

canteron

Well-Known Member
Joined
15 October 2008
Messages
4,144
Location
Cloud Cockoo Land
Visit site
Going to spoil myself with some really lovely Warm base layers - from anywhere (skiing/mountain/riding brands) that does the job and looks ok.

I am tall - so they need length - and allergic to zips ?so turtle or roll necks are best.

Any recommendations!!
 
If you are doing low energy activities then look at merino wool from people like Rab. They have a reputation for long sleeves. Merino keeps you warm but if you are doing high energy exercise (running, cycling) as opposed to hacking for example, merino can feel a bit damp against the skin so you then want a synthetic fabric. For high energy exercise I wear a Rab synthetic base layer such as this, https://rab.equipment/uk/womens/baselayer to wick away the sweat and a merino long sleeve on top for warmth.
 
Noble Outfitters don't exist anymore in the UK.

Go Outdoors are good quality and far cheaper than equestrian makes. M&S Merino wool/thermal base layers are great. Had a merino wool one on this morning and was sweating despite the 2 degree C temperature.
 
Check out a website called bamboo clothing. They do lovely bamboo base layers which I use for riding.
 
I use Icebreaker merino base layers. They were very expensive outlay but they are so warm I wear them for riding, cycling, skiing, working from home - I have three and in winter I wear them every day. I did get them discounted on SportPursuit They've been going for five years this winter. I have gone from being someone who's always cold to someone who's always warm :)
 
Helly Hanson Merino ones have done me proud for many years. I've gone on many expeditions to Finland, within the Arctic Circle, in February. Wearing these, I barely feel the cold.
 
Merino wool base layers are the best. I'm 6 foot tall and buy Mountain Warehouse's Men's merino wool baselayers. Length is ideal (including the sleeves), toasty warm and often pretty cheap. I work outdoors all year round so they're my saviour.
 
Alpkit plain long lasting and cheaper than the fancy outdoor shops but just as good quality.
JGC said:
I use Icebreaker merino base layers. They were very expensive outlay but they are so warm I wear them for riding, cycling, skiing, working from home - I have three and in winter I wear them every day. I did get them discounted on SportPursuit They've been going for five years this winter. I have gone from being someone who's always cold to someone who's always warm :)
Click to expand...
I have a gorgeous bright green merino wool gilet that I got in the sale it stays wonderfully clean works as a base layer as it's thin or an extra layer on a cooler summer day. It never smells!
 
  • Like
Reactions: JGC
I love my diving base layers, designed for under drysuits. There are lots of options, I think mine are Fourth Element and O'Three. I have thin base layers for tops and leggings, and thicker tops. (I have thicker leggings too but they don't fit under jodhpurs!).
 
I live in icebreaker. Expensive to buy, but so comfortable and warm. I buy them in sales and have built them up over the years. Some of my tops are over 10years old.
 
Helly Hansen merino base layers work for me. I'm tall and they're comfortable. I've mostly worn them under diving base layers as they're low profile.
I would not recommend diving specific gear (I also use Fourth Element and O'Three) as they are too thick and just too warm for use out of the water. You'd be sweating in minutes. They're designed for North Sea conditions! They're also an unnecessary expense if you aren't a cold water diver.
 
Decathlon merino is exceptional, I actually think it's the least itchy AND it's the cheapest. They even make a camisole which I wear for every day wear. I think they generally only have one weight, but if a weight is stated 180g is about standard light to medium weight, 280 is usually the maximum. I wasn't overly impressed with Icebreaker, got a hole in the wrist very quickly and a tiny bit itchy for me. I would would recommend Decathlon round necks (I am 5'8", long bodied and find the ladies plenty long enough but I expect the mens would be even longer) plus one of their "buffs" a not many base layers come with a high neck and no zip. I wear their kids one, with fleece, so it's snugger.

The very warmest is anything made from Polartec Powerstretch, more wicking than merino too, but it doesn't have the antibacterial qualities so can't be worn for several days like merino can, and of course every time you wash it it sheds microfibres.
 
sbloom said:
Decathlon merino is exceptional, I actually think it's the least itchy AND it's the cheapest. They even make a camisole which I wear for every day wear. I think they generally only have one weight, but if a weight is stated 180g is about standard light to medium weight, 280 is usually the maximum. I wasn't overly impressed with Icebreaker, got a hole in the wrist very quickly and a tiny bit itchy for me. I would would recommend Decathlon round necks (I am 5'8", long bodied and find the ladies plenty long enough but I expect the mens would be even longer) plus one of their "buffs" a not many base layers come with a high neck and no zip. I wear their kids one, with fleece, so it's snugger.

The very warmest is anything made from Polartec Powerstretch, more wicking than merino too, but it doesn't have the antibacterial qualities so can't be worn for several days like merino can, and of course every time you wash it it sheds microfibres.
Click to expand...
Oh no - I have just bought an ice breaker and had high hopes of a toasty winter ..... maybe I could have a decathalon for comparison .... after all the horses have all had new rugs, my turn now !!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top