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Best breathing baselayer?

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natethegreatt
Posts: 592 - Karma: 570
Hey guys, I've always just worn a jacket with a long sleeve shirt or hoodie underneath when skiing my local mountain.

This year I'll be going on some trips and would like a solid base layer to ski in.

I want something that breathes well. Am I basically going to be looking at under armor type stuff?

Can anyone make any recommendations? Thanks a ton.
Oct 22 2012 9:10PM
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chuckmarty
Posts: 344 - Karma: 446
I'm a pretty skinny guy and when I want some breathability in my layers I wear a size large Nike (or UnderArmor) Dry-Fit. Any oversized, long sleeve, polyester shirt works well for me.

I also have a Nike jacket with meshy vents that run down from the armpit region that works well on slightly colder days.
Oct 22 2012 11:45PM
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LC.
Posts: 5952 - Karma: 2,423
Synthetics are best if you're constantly moving. Merino doesn't breath as well but in stop/start sports they're best because they'll keep you warmer when you stop for 10 minutes (eg, chairlifts).

You'll need a better midlayer than a cotton hoody too. Merino or Primaloft, whatever your preference.
Oct 23 2012 3:50AM
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Shifties4Dayz
Posts: 1657 - Karma: 553
Synthetics are not the best. They can only keep you warm or make you cool. An all natural fiber (like wool) will pull the moisture off your skin and keep you warm. Go with something like icebreaker. If you are going to wear cotton as a baselayer you are defeating the purpose of all the 'technical' other layers you are wearing. If possible, find a product that is made from natural fibers. Going with something like under armor will pull the moisture from your skin but will stay wet and not dry.

I work in a mountaineering store, so this is where my knowledge comes from.

Also, check out Arcteryx. I know its on the expensive side, but it WILL last longer than anything else.

PEACE
Oct 23 2012 2:44PM
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DanThrax
Posts: 128 - Karma: 139
Allllll of this! Icebreaker is the one.

But yeah, this post tells it how it is.
Oct 23 2012 2:58PM
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Dirty.Harry.
Posts: 1779 - Karma: 351
x2 on Icebreaker. They're super comfy too; no scratchiness there. Plus, they don't smell after 5 days straight, unlike synthetics.
Oct 23 2012 3:28PM
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smuggs
Posts: 6561 - Karma: 1,373
call me old fashioned but my hot chilis are my favorite top for winter
Oct 23 2012 3:49PM
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doGelyst
Posts: 2491 - Karma: 508
Cabela's Tech Weight Silk is my fav for baselayer.
Oct 23 2012 4:28PM
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250r
Posts: 2274 - Karma: 1,020
yea i was gunna say, i'm not sure how the moisture wicking properties of silk are compared to other fabrics, but i have a few silk shirts that work really well as base layers. really comfortable and super breathable.
Oct 23 2012 4:58PM
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Shifties4Dayz
Posts: 1657 - Karma: 553
YAY! i posted something useful on NS. that might be a first.
Oct 25 2012 11:37AM
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snakerton
Posts: 2434 - Karma: 1,977
patagonia capaline 2
Oct 25 2012 11:41AM
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Shifties4Dayz
Posts: 1657 - Karma: 553
Not a bad choice either
Oct 25 2012 8:38PM
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rozboon
Posts: 1642 - Karma: 868

I rate Underarmor Coldgear if I'm only wearing 1 layer under my shell.

If it's colder (below -5c or so) I'll chuck on either an Icebreaker singlet underneath or a slightly heavier Icebreaker layer on top. Probably screws up the breathability of the Underarmor, oh well.

Oct 25 2012 11:09PM
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Swan0023
Posts: 21 - Karma: 8
SmartWool midweight base layers for me, both for the top and then paired with a boot-top bottom. I love the breathability and like they said above, your gear won't reek looks ass after few solid days of shredding. Heard really good stuff about icebreaker too. I used to use all the under armour gear but the wool is much better at pulling the moisture away. Love their PhD socks too!
Oct 26 2012 1:01AM
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