Base layers (Arc'teryx vs Patagonia vs Rab vs Paramo)

[Salted_Peanut]

Talk to me about base layers. I have various motorcycle-specific base layers, but I wonder if outdoor gear could be better and more versatile off the bike. What's good and what's not? Merino or synthetic or a blend? And does the synthetic stuff smell?

[Mr Squarekins]

Lifa used to be the benchmark, but I may be showing my age.

I used to have some with silver in, that prevented smell.

As a biker myself, i've often wondered if synthetic would be safe. Melt to your skin in a crash?

Edited by Mr Squarekins on Monday 26th December 19:34

[LordHaveMurci]

Mr Squarekins said:

Lifa used to be the benchmark, but I may be showing my age.

I used to have some with silver in, that prevented smell.

Lifa are great, I have 2 that have been abused for over 20yrs & refuse to die!!

Cheap merino ones from Aldi/Lidl are Ok, they do hold moisture IME.

[GranpaB]

Icebreaker for us.

[cheshire_cat]

Alpkit do a great merino wool base layer

[jimmythingy]

Icebreaker or smartwool are excellent. You should be able to find both in the sales at the moment with a decent discount.

[Salted_Peanut]

Does anyone know how the various brands differ in size or shape (e.g., are European brands slimmer fitting than US brands?)?

[AlpineWhite]

Salted_Peanut said:

Does anyone know how the various brands differ in size or shape (e.g., are European brands slimmer fitting than US brands)?

Even within brands there can be a lot of variation - I've found icebreaker baselayers that fit me like a glove, other cuts like a bin liner! Best thing is to try a few on.

[Greedydog]

Another vote for Icebreaker here!

[anonymous-user]

Lots of walkers are zerofit because it is apparently the warmest and it removes the need for a mid layer though I’m not sold personally. It really depends on the activities, if you’re standing around and want to keep warm I’d go with cheaper Decathlon stuff, if you’re active and need to get rid of perspiration, I still like icebreaker. I too have decades old helly Hansen lifa gear too! The cut is quite loose though now in comparison to other brands

[bitchstewie]

I don't know about the bike angle but I got a bunch of the Talus baselayers from Mountain Warehouse when they were £9.99 and it's been a revelation.

Always used to dismiss baselayers as "thermal vests" but I can wear one of these and be perfectly warm with just a Montane Prism over it.

No idea what spending more gets you and would be interested to know but they seem a no brainer at that price.

[pills]

Bamboo thermal base layers are worth considering, bought one of these in the sales and it's very warm.

https://bambooclothing.co.uk/shop/bearah-thermo-ba...

[dirty boy]

Patagonia if not for pure performance but their eco credentials.

Helly Hansen base layers are my top performing though.