Polypropylene vs wool base layer Then apply next layers as appropriate. Features and Specifications Features. It also really does feel that bit more toasty and snug in merino wool than a purely synthetic base layer. a long sleeve top you can hike, camp, run in year-round. Best Silk Option: L. It’s not great at handling lots of sweat though, for that your best bet is lightweight polyester or for super-rapid drying, polypropylene. Then if we get cold we can layer a heavier 250 gsm zip-up (like the to Smartwool Merino 250 Quarter-Zip Top) over the t-shirt and vent using the zip as needed. Synthetics. May 10, 2024 · SYNTHETIC BASE LAYERS. Aug 1, 2024 · Remember, too, that your base layer's main job is moisture management. These are comparatively cheap, hard wearing and give by far the best wicking performance (i. Nov 27, 2021 · My merino base is dry long before my camo synthetic that I wear over it. One thing, as previously mentioned, the UA base layers will get stinky and will hold the stank forever. Merino Wool Merino wool is our favorite baselayer material for chilly conditions: It’s soft, impressively warm relative to its weight, regulates temperature efficiently, and naturally combats odors far better than synthetic fabrics. Select a combination of fabric weights and fibres so that you have all situations covered off. Dec 26, 2011 · I prefer a "base-layer" of polypropylene with a mid or outer layer of wool. The Base layer should be a wicking layer. It goes against all of my cold weather training. For base layers, the Boulder 1/4 zip’s fabric is a blend of 85% Superfine Nuyarn merino wool and 15% nylon, while the Flatiron legging is comprised of 91% Superfine Nuyarn merino wool and 9% nylon. Jan 21, 2014 · The merino base layers feel excellent against the skin, that bit smoother and more comfortable. There is very strong science to document this claim. Sep 2, 2015 · Note also the Merino wool base layer, when held up to the light, will appear very thin. Hence the base layers of clothing are maintaining the warmth of your body. The next order of business in choosing a baselayer is deciding on the type of material you want. My Brynje mesh is polypropylene, though, as are other top-quality base layers. Merino is super comfortable in hot and cold conditions, handles a little dampness well, and doesn’t get too smelly. Alpaca base layers are best for: high-activity adventures, people with wool allergies, and cold-weather activities. Polypropylene. I do have a synthetic set also and it’s still very nice I wear it at home but it’s definitely wear once then wash. Dec 9, 2024 · Merino Wool. I really haven't seen this issue with merino. I stick pretty religiously to my R1 hoody (just switch to the R1 pullover to drop the hood though, can't have a hood on every single layer). On the flip side, with mesh, their base layers are a lot lighter than regular knit base layers. When it comes to wool vs. Smartwool Merino 150 Crew Base Layer Long-Sleeve Top (MEN|WOMEN) This is a versatile base layer that you can wear for much of the year in cool temperatures above freezing. May 12, 2018 · So then we have Wilderness Wear's Merino Fusion which is a hybrid weave of Tasmanian merino wool (the best merino available - I may be biased ha ha) and ultrafine Schoeller polypropylene (the best polypro available) that creates a hard wearing soft feeling, moisture wicking, odour resistant material seemingly perfect for baselayer thermals. Nov 13, 2012 · Although the testers perceived differences in the way they felt, core temperature instrumentation showed 0 difference for the five common base layer knit types (1 by 1 rib, fleece, fishnet, interlock, and double layer rib using polypropylene). Polypropylene fiber has unique properties that make it very suitable as a base layer for extreme activities. L. Apr 5, 2015 · As to your question, wool is great. Jan 16, 2024 · Polypropylene is the worst when it comes to odor retention. After that comes your warmth layer. With a 100% polypropylene fabric and garment, it only holds water in the interstice areas, which for static drying will dry about at the same rate as other If you will only be using a base layer once a year on a backpacking trip, I’d just get a synthetic one and save the money. I tend to prefer wool on longer trips due to its ability to resist smell. Odor resistance is still pretty good. Your base layer clothing is pretty essential. So, if the objectives for selecting your base layer are light weight, warmth and moisture management it’s clear that a mesh base layer garment made from polypropylene simply will outperform all other options. I got a 95% merino 5% spandex set of Alaskan Hardgear from Duluth that I love, but they don't make it anymore. Wicking fabric should be next to your skin. Jan 28, 2025 · Merino wool has deservingly taken its place as the best fabric to use for a base layer. There’s 3 layers, base layer is wicking, middle layer is your insulation and outer layer is your protection from wind and snow. The two most common options are merino wool and synthetics—some performance-focused brands also use blends of the two—and silk is a final, less popular pick. . Note:there are other heavier wool base layers, such as the surplus thermal base layers, but Sep 23, 2024 · Boys Base Layers vs Girls Base Layers. Using the two base layers could replace a medium layer in certain weather conditions saving weight/space/etc. Take my advice and invest in merino wool base layers. Oct 25, 2022 · So far I have not found a Merino base layer I feel is as warm as the comparable polyester base layer. These types of socks are great for hiking and other outdoor activities. However, polypropylene and merino wool are the best baselayer materials that are easily accessible. Underwear Fit. And of course, you do not want to wear any itchy material which keeps your body warm but produces lots of discomfort. Base layers made of wool with a density of 170g/m 2 and less are suitable for use at high temperatures while others are mainly intended for winter, spring and fall use. This does not mean that there are no other decent base layer materials. ’ If you’re looking for cheap, cheerful, and very washable (a great place to start), Blacks have a similar polyester base layer top and bottom set for just £21. you could thus compare any base layers you had to determine which was best I’m blown away by the popularity of wool as a base layer. And if you’re somewhere in the middle? Dec 10, 2013 · Polypro was designed for active sports - so your sweat wicks thru to outer layers and does not lay clammy and cold against your skin. Merino by its nature is a very thin wool fiber compared to other wool fiber, so don’t be alarmed if the strands don’t seem strong or warm; the contrary is true. What’s the difference between merino wool and synthetic? What about blends? Merino wool comes from merino sheep and features thinner fibers than regular wool, usually less I prefer Smartwool or Merino Wool also. Top left – Unisex Wool Thermo T-Shirt Base Layer with Inlay. Jan 4, 2023 · When you run cold, only wool is warm enough! I wear -33 (brand) merino wool base layers, top and bottom. 100% polypropylene, Last point before I bore the fuck outa ya, polypropylene was developed and used by people wearing wool getting frost bitten when the wool fibre became saturated. For low level use, merino wool has a great mix of next to skin comfort and odour resistance. Midweight merino wool base layer weight – 190gsm – 220gsm Heavyweight Base Layer: A heavyweight baselayer is ideal for below-freezing temperatures or to wear around camp and while sleeping. Synthetic base layers are made of material like polyester, nylon, or polypropylene. Polypropylene works great but it's outdated and you will stink. It fits tight around the torso and offers good moisture-wicking and insulation properties. There are manufacturers that make combination merino wool and polypropylene base layers. As is common with most types of underclothing for kids, boys baselayers and girls baselayers can be a little bit different (just like underwear). Jan 19, 2022 · 3 Different Types Of Base Layer Clothing. Merino Wool vs. I own a mix and use both. But it's a wonderful base layer for winter hiking/camping. First off, I should mention that I am a relatively recent user of merino wool base layers. Many hiking friends raved about how great merino wool was as a material for a base layer, but for some reason it took me a long while to try them out. MEC hosts entire collections of warm base layers in-store or online, made by beloved brands like MEC Label, Smartwool, KOMBI and more. Polypropylene is cheap, hard wearing, a good insulator and excellent in the wet. In saying all of that though, in terms of merino wool vs. For deep snow I prefer insulated snowshoe pants; otherwise, I wear Johnson (Vt. Our favorite Alpaca base layers: Paka and AlpacaTek. The tops can be worn as a single layer but the bottoms would just look baggy and weird on their own. It's also not UV resistant, so for tops, it should primarily be used as a base layer vs. Apr 17, 2025 · Best Wool Option: Smartwool Merino 250 Wool Base Layer Top & Bottom. Edit: I just clicked your link. Sep 26, 2022 · 2. Most synthetic base layers are dryer-safe, but we recommend washing in cold water and hanging to dry to extend their lives. If you want your children’s thermal baselayers to be able to be passed down from boys to girls, make sure to get a boys base layer with a flat front. Our range of LIFA® Active and Solen base layers use LIFA®. synthetics, both have a place in my gear closet. We love synthetic layers available for a lower price than the Merino wool competition and don't skimp on overall performance. Mar 6, 2025 · Layering Systems: Base, Mid, and Outer Layers Baselayer Materials. The most common type of base layer is broad category of synthetic. Nov 12, 2021 · It insulates better than the UA with regards to wet and windy conditions. In this guide, we’re going to touch briefly on what the base layer is and its important functions. To be able to wick sweat efficiently, your next-to-skin layer needs to actually be next to your skin. In this article, we will discuss Merino clothing and natural I'm going to go against everyone else here. LL Bean is a pretty reliable source for quality base layers. In practice, I find little difference between the materials -- there is much more difference in thread and fabric treatments. Lightweight and quick-drying, they’re also usually more durable and budget-friendly than merino wool. But that has all night to dry. Synthetic base layers are made from high-performance polyester or polypropylene. they retain the least sweat). That stuff is way way to thick a base layer for the AT. May 24, 2022 · Polypropylene and merino wool are two materials that are quite good at what they do. Poly and synthetic are my go to for shorter and day hunts. From early November to mid-April I wear a wool sweater as a mid layer. Merino wool is also good at wicking but if it does get wet, it stays wet for a long time. This unique fabric is based on a yarn technology that moves moisture away from the skin and transports it to the surface of the fabric, where it evaporates, keeping you warm, dry and comfortable. For stalking and walking hunting - go polypro. Choose a Material: Wool vs. Although polypropylene is commonly blended, you can find 100% polypropylene socks. Wool Thermo T-Shirt. Polypropylene is great to. It also: Has a finer gauge than regular wool, which means it won’t itch against your skin. Personally I found that merino, once wet, stays wet and that made me cold! Synthetic base layers dry quick and are better at moisture transfer. Synthetic Base Layers. Jun 9, 2022 · Midweight Base Layer: A midweight base layer is the best option when catering for the widest variety of conditions and activities. Nov 4, 2016 · Base layers will keep you warmer than being naked, or even wearing a t-shirt, but a real base layer (not so called “thermals“) is not meant to keep you warm. Bamboo Pros. It could be that a mesh base layer is as warm as a regular base layer, just lighter. in non static conditions like the following scenario. Jan 21, 2024 · Icebreaker 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Crew – This is another wool base layer that’s more similar in fit and feel to the Helly Hansen option. That’s not to say that merino wool can’t be a great base layer, but for moto related activities in hot or cold, polypropylene is the most efficient and easiest to maintain. Bottom right – Unisex Super Thermo T-Shirt Base Layer with Inlay. That determines dry time – the less absorbed water the better. A Buyers Guide to Base Layers - Base layers are designed to sit next to the skin and wick sweat away or provide an extra thermal layer as a second skin Someone once taught me to use one shirt to sweat in, windbreaker over it and swap layers in camp, and that has always worked ok. I've got a Polartec Power Grid base layer for warmer days and a Polartec Power Stretch base layer for colder days. Merino sheep have extremely fine wool, which makes for a delightfully soft feel next to skin with minimal to no itch. Sep 2, 2014 · [divide] – 1. e. I save my merino for hunting. Here's a quick comparison between the 200 and 260 weight material that mi Jul 3, 2023 · Choosing the Right Base Layer: The decision between merino wool vs. Open-weave mesh fabric; Wool/synthetic Oct 17, 2024 · Meaning, it doesn’t take into account things like polypropylene vs a highly water absorbent material like cotton, wool, silk, etc. Bottom left – 70 Gram Lined Hat. The Downsides of Merino Wool. Oct 25, 2022 · then all you’d have to do to characterize a base layer is weigh your base layer, soak it in water until it became saturated, wring it out, weigh again, subtract weights to get weight of absorbed water. Both breathe very well, but polypropylene actually "wicks" the moisture away from the inner surface of the fabric and away from my skin, and onto the outer layer of the fabric were it can evaporate or be absorbed by an outer layer where it is then evaporated. The Power Stretch layer is also so warm, I tend to wear just that and a hardshell to Polypropylene is often used as a base layer in the production of clothing to make other fabrics more waterproof and improve their ability to draw out water to their outer surface for evaporation. I can't say why but my skin also feels dryer in most synthetic base layers than wool. And at Ultimate Gear Lists merino wool is hands down our favourite material for hiking baselayers. You won't be sorry. So it’s obvious that we think merino wool is great. I think that a 50/50 blend makes the ideal base layer top for most conditions. Voormi makes some interesting base layers where the inside is wicking polyester and the outside is wool. Jan 28, 2025 · The Outdoor Research Alpine Onset Merino 150 Base Layers ($119 top; $99 bottom) are another merino wool base layer set, except these are a blend, with a large percentage of polyester and Lycra Sep 21, 2023 · Our most popular merino wool base layers are called LIFA® Merino and feature a 2-layer construction: the inner layer is made using 100% LIFA® to help push moisture away; the outer layer is made from 100% merino wool to help absorb and wick away moisture Nov 13, 2024 · For the full rundown of how alpaca performs compared to merino, check out our Merino Wool vs. I'm in South Carolina but going to be doing some colder weather camping/hiking this winter and, while it won't be crazy cold here (usually lows in the 20s-30s F at night) I feel I need to up my baselayer game. Then, we’re going to go over each type of material that base layers are commonly made from and share the advantages and disadvantages of each. Alpaca: Battle of the Base Layers. If you tend to sweat a lot or plan to partake in strenuous activities, a synthetic base layer with its superior moisture-wicking ability might be a better fit. Oct 21, 2018 · The polypropylene fiber also accepts color with very little processing. Knowing how to choose base layers depends on your activity level and environment. Polypropylene fiber has the highest insulation performance-to-weight ratio and excellent moisture transport. For some reason, the term "polypro" stuck, although AFIAK nobody has made polypro baselayers for at least two or three decades. Adding polyester or nylon to Merino significantly increases durability and reduces stretching/sag after several days of use. synthetic base layers, Therefore, your base layer needs to be wicking, something that draws the sweat away from your body. Heavier base layers can certainly add some warmth, but it's your insulating middle layer that's the primary keeper of your body heat (not your base layer). What base layers are meant to do is to prevent you from getting cold – this might sound like semantics, but it is not. Nov 1, 2019 · Photo: Brynje. Best Lightweight Option: ViCherub Thermal Underwear Set. Same for polyester. Merino wool comes from a specific breed of sheep that live at higher elevations in New Zealand. Study proves wool’s fire resistance makes it the ideal fibre to protect military and first responders when Merino wool base-layers are worn. Once evaporation becomes the dominant moisture transport mechanism (see the dark purple edge of the droplet near the top of the image), the fabric temperature cools because heat loss (from the fabric, air, and user’s body) occurs during evaporation. synthetic base layers ultimately hinges on your specific needs and the nature of the activities you plan to undertake. The fiber does not retain moisture so there is little wetness against the skin and it dries extremely quickly. Synthetics are much better at wicking than wool. With this kind of base I didnt find the need to do so as much. Merino wool is a renewable, natural fabric that moves and stretches with your body. 87% Merino Wool; 13% Nylon core fiber for durability; Breathable, soft, lightweight; Wicks sweat away naturally If you are like me, you might not be sure which weight base layer is the right one. All the above garments are made with merino wool. Bean Silk Pointelle Top & Bottom. Merino wool is loved for its soft texture, breathability and natural antimicrobial properties. But I do think a small fishnet base layer of Merino wool would be as warm as a heavy Merino base layer but sent moisture out to other layers much better. ) woolen pants over my base. Merino wool base layers Looking for some base layer advice. But if I'm doing a single day hike, a 3D shoot, or just working outside I'll generally throw on a poly base layer under another shirt. Reply reply 86tuning Oct 9, 2020 · First, we look at the best lightweight merino wool base layers. Regardless, not getting chilled when you sweat and not getting clammy are big advantages. Mar 30, 2025 · The REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Crew is the perfect option for those seeking a synthetic base layer crew that combines solid performance with a smaller price tag. The density is normally somewhere between 135g/m 2 and 400g/m 2 . windbreaker dries quickly above freezing temps, and swapping inner shirts literally takes all the wetness away and keeps you warm. Apr 30, 2021 · Bryn Davies beats the chill as he puts 15 base layers through their paces Ask any rider what item of clothing is key when maximising in-saddle comfort on the bike and you’ll likely receive a range of answers. base layer that wicks sweat away from your body; The mid-layer and base layer, as well as your gloves, socks and hat, will usually be made of merino wool or synthetics. Oct 16, 2018 · Base layers made of Merino wool differ by density of the wool. Merino wool base layers. Apr 15, 2019 · Here’s the thing: the best baselayer fabric is very much down to you. Top right – Unisex Wool Thermo Light Longs Base Layer with Inlay. Super soft; Lightweight breathability Feb 11, 2025 · Helly Hansen Women’s HH LIFA Long-sleeve Crew Base Layer: $45: 108 g: 100% polypropylene (Lifa) Lightweight: Our Favorite Base Layers With Wool-based Construction. But very few would mention the importance of a good base Note that some people may mention polypropylene aka "polypro" base layers, which were popular 35-40 years ago and replaced by less stinky polyester. It's harder to find legitimate merino wool base layers, many of the cheaper like Target's are <26% blends. Oct 11, 2024 · Infrared image of a water droplet (purple) wicking through a hydrophilic polyester base layer fabric (yellow). Technical fabrics and polyesters are good base layers. Wool I’ll wear 2-3 times before it needs washing. For bottoms I'm thinking about getting something merino wool, but seems the merino is usually mixed (50-60%) with another material, most common being polypropylene and polyester. Jackets, trousers and gloves will probably all get a mention, as will mid-layers like insulated linings and heated jackets. xxppj ygwi wva umizp rirmc tqp knwbc zfacq smtclpjz pwwy islf vbqo vpcccw cwvib ozqxkrk