Base layers buyer’s guide
Out of sight, out of mind: base layers are often ignored by walkers when shopping for gear, but few items make such a difference to your comfort. A good year-round base layer will move moisture away from the skin, keeping you drier so you won’t chill while you rest – unlike wearing damp cotton clothes. Minnie Burlton sweated her way through the market leaders to bring you the best undies for your cash.
FABRIC: Forget cotton and think merino wool, polyester or polypropylene. Polyester wicks moisture well but can pong unless it is treated with an anti-microbial solution. Polypropylene is renowned for its ability to wick moisture fast but it needs to be close fitting to work well. Merino wool is luxuriously soft, naturally anti-microbial but usually more expensive.
STYLE: Zip necks, crew necks, short or long sleeve? A high collar will help protect your neck from the cold, while in warmer weather short sleeves (or at least the ability to push long sleeves up) and a looser style or zip neck will provide better ventilation.
FIT: Most base layers are cut with movement in mind to allow for reaching and twisting. But try it on and make sure it’s comfortable and does not restrict your movement. Check the collar, cuffs and wrist areas aren’t too tight or too baggy. And make sure if you bend forward or raise your arms that the top doesn’t ride up exposing your lower back and waist. Base layers don’t need to be super-tight, but they do need to be close fitting to allow the fabric to wick moisture away from your skin. Loose clothing won’t allow this to happen and may also disperse warm air rather than keep it in situ.
RUBBING: Check the material doesn’t irritate your skin: some fabrics are softer than others, and labels can prickle and itch. Check the seams: flatlock seams are smoother and less bulky, minimising chaffing. Some garments may even be seamless. If you buy a top with a neck zip, check it’s comfortable. In cold weather a metal zip can be icy against your skin. Some tops come with storm flaps, chin guards, or a zip garage which will add protection against draughts and metal zips.
TOP TIPS: Choose your colours carefully: black can feel very hot in the sun, while white or light colours reflect heat but get dirty quickly and may be slightly transparent. When washing your base layers, avoid using fabric softeners as they contain silicon to smooth the fibres of the fabric which can alter the fabric’s ability to breathe and wick moisture.
Natural or synthetic?
Merino wool is a natural base layer which can remain odour-free even after days of use. It comes from merino sheep so is natural and renewable, and its very fine fibres mean it doesn’t itch when worn next to the skin. Unlike synthetic fabrics which wick the moisture away, merino wool can absorb lots of it while still remaining comfortable by holding it away from your skin. It will also still keep you warm when damp and develops a distinctive wet wool aroma that isn’t unpleasant. It offers great warmth-to-weight ratio, and for cold weather activities I find it warmer than its man-made competitors. However it takes longer to dry than synthetics, so if you sweat a lot you may be better off with a fast-wicking and drying polyester top.
Merino wool base layers are becoming more and more popular but man made fabrics like polyester and polyethylene still have their place. They’re highly efficient since they don’t absorb moisture but push it away. Polyester wicks very well and dries very fast. It doesn’t have natural anti-pong properties so manufacturers often add an anti-microbial treatment, which can smell of chemicals and is only semi-permanent. Alternatively, silver impregnation like Xstatic – as used by Berghaus and Rohan – is permanent and very effective against body odour. Polypropylene repels water and dries exceptionally fast, although in hot conditions it can feel a bit plasticky.
