Base Layers

What is everyone wearing as a base layer this winter? I feel like some of the tighter fitting stuff would restrict movement. Suggestions?

Really depends on what you are doing but for rock you just need something that breathes decently well. I've been wearing the same Land's End long johns that I've had for 12 ears or something like that and I've never had a problem. Sometimes I wear the Patagonia R1 as a base but usually it's a mid-layer over the long johns or an REI poly t-shirt. When I need new stuff I'll probably go to Target or Dick's and buy a running shirt. Pretty much the same stuff w/o the fancy name and high price.

I suppose if you are ice climbing or mountaineering you might need/want something a bit more high end but for rock I just stay away from cotton and don't wear too many layers.

If you are looking for the best, I think Patagonia pretty much has layering dialed.

I like cotton or wool because they breath better and stink less than synthetics. Go with cotton if you're on a budget, and wool if you want to pamper yourself. But the most important thing about base layers is to change them regularly. The sweat and oil from your skin will make any base layer less warm after a day or two of use. This is especially true of socks. I always put on a clean pair of socks before I get in my sleeping bag.

R1 Hoody. Summer to Winter!

Anyone want to sell me a used Men's medium?? :)

It doesn't really matter so long as it breaths and fits well.

I wear REI poly pro because they come in tall.

I really like my Hind Baselayer which continues to last forever(spandex)

My wife really likes her First Ascent expedition weight wool baselayer (pretty cheap too)

cotton kills

Got a silk weight capilene from finishing some race about a decade ago, most comfortable base layer I've tried and just lasts. Typically wear another light layer, usually synthetic, over it or Powerstretch for colder temps. That Patagonia stuff isn't cheap but sure holds up well.

Thanks for the responses

Capilene never dissapoints. Super toasty and tough as bricks.

Top goes like this for me.....
Patagonia Cap 1 or cheapo Nike/Addidas/Academy-Sports-special synthetic tee...short sleeve or long sleeve, depends on temps.
Long sleeve R1 zip up.

Bottom....
Synthetic boxer briefs.
Powerstretch tights....off brand.
...under softshell pants of varying weights.

Boost this with the ever present single layer windshirt (Marmot Ion or Marmot Trailwind) and I'm good for being active down to around freezing. Add insulation as required when sitting still.

This setup has worked for me from very humid and cold Western North Carolina winters, to cold-nights/hot-days in the desert, to a recent first trip in a mild alpine setting which was cold and dry, to Fall conditions in the Southeast....which can fluctuate from 30s to upper 60s fom the course of the morning to the evening, precipitation often occuring sporatically.

Avoid cotton.

I know some folks aren't fans, but if it's below freezing I wear a MHW Power Stretch Suit as my baselayer. Slap on soft shell pants and an Atom LT and I'm good from 10 to 40F. I love the way it vents heat from my legs to my torso.

Ryan Williams wrote:If you are looking to go broke, I think Patagonia pretty much has layering dialed.

Fixed that for ya.

dhayan wrote:Wool. Underwear, socks, shirts. You can wear it for a week straight and it still doesn't smell...amazing.

^^^This iz korrekt.

Wore my merino s/s baselayer for four days straight on the Kautz and no stink at all.

Kevin Marsh wrote:cotton kills

. . . "and so do long-haired addicts fresh from rehab."

Kevin Marsh wrote:cotton kills

+1

whatever you get, don't wear cotton as a base layer. or, for any layer incl socks when in alpine climates. unless, that is, you want to experience hypothermia. cotton gets wet and stays wet.

as for the question about tighter fitting stuff, i actually prefer a tight fitting base layer as it will help with movement. the bulkier your clothes, the more restricted your movement will be. of course, if it's so tight you can't breathe, you may want to get the next size up.

Cory wrote: . . . "and so do long-haired addicts fresh from rehab."

For an entertaining story by the late great Michael Reardon about the Palisade traverse (and a humerous "cotton kills" reference), see the following:

freesoloist.com/page18.html

merino wool for your base its unbeatable. for midlayers go with synthetic it wont get as funky as synthetic baselayers because its not directly on your skin. midlayer merino is ridiculously expensive and actually starts to weigh a lot, though it makes an awesome micro climate and regulates your temp whether you are hot or cold.

Smartwool. Done.