I am looking to pick up some base layer tops. I want something for cold weather that I can wear casually and snowboarding/camping. Temps between 0-40* F. I picked up a top at REI that is their in house brand and mid-weight, but i feel like it may be a little on the light side for night riding. I dont like to wear a lot of bulk when active, so layering with a fleece/primaloft and shell is sometimes more than I want to keep up with. I don't want to break the bank on base layer stuff, but I don't mind spending for quality if it is a major advantage over something cheaper. Looking around the $30 range, but more if its worth it. SO, what do you guys suggest? Should I try the henley or quarter zip or just stick with crew neck? thanks for any help! -J
Base Layer Recomendations...
- Thread starter ncgamedog
- Start date
kidishi@gmail.com
Adventurer
I vote for anything merino wool. Its out of the 30 price range but there is nothing like it!
Wander
Expedition Leader
I wear some base layers from DeFeet the I discovered for cycling but they work great for everything. Not a good choice for wearing alone as shirt but it will keep you warm. Actually they work almost year round as it keeps a micro climate right against your skin and wicks away any moisture. The only time I don't wear one is when its very hot. I'd get the long sleeve for very cold weather.
Corey
OverCamping Specialist
When I use to ski a lot many years ago, I used REIs MTS (Moisture Transport System) top and bottom long johns in light weight for cross county, and the medium weight for downhill skiing.
Both made great base layers.
Sounds like the medium weight would work.
I prefer the zip top as you can vent with it when you get hot.
I had the crew neck for the cross country one, and the zip for downhill skiing.
I still have my old MTS stuff too, and I take the medium weight stuff with me when I camp for a "just in case" I need to wear it to bed if the nights get really cold.
So far my bedding has been sufficient enough I have not needed to wear it.
Now if I had not gotten a cold this holiday break, I might be snow camping right now and trying them out while sleeping or hanging around camp.
The Merino wool is even better.
I had a nice top I used for winter mountain biking, and sometimes would wear it for skiing too.
Both made great base layers.
Sounds like the medium weight would work.
I prefer the zip top as you can vent with it when you get hot.
I had the crew neck for the cross country one, and the zip for downhill skiing.
I still have my old MTS stuff too, and I take the medium weight stuff with me when I camp for a "just in case" I need to wear it to bed if the nights get really cold.
So far my bedding has been sufficient enough I have not needed to wear it.
Now if I had not gotten a cold this holiday break, I might be snow camping right now and trying them out while sleeping or hanging around camp.
The Merino wool is even better.
I had a nice top I used for winter mountain biking, and sometimes would wear it for skiing too.
KEENO
Adventurer
Having switched almost entirely to merino wool for my base layers & mid layers. One of the main advantages is 'odor reduction' when used as a base layer over 'poly-phew' synthetics. This is a good thing! 
Also, not nearly as flammable as synthetics, while around the campfire or grill.
Two awesome sources:
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/index.php
http://www.icebreaker.com/site/index.html
Kind of spendy, but can be found on some clearance sites with some internet searching. Maybe $30 range with some luck!
Just my $0.02...
KEENO:costumed-smiley-007
Also, not nearly as flammable as synthetics, while around the campfire or grill.Two awesome sources:
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/index.php
http://www.icebreaker.com/site/index.html
Kind of spendy, but can be found on some clearance sites with some internet searching. Maybe $30 range with some luck!
Just my $0.02...
KEENO:costumed-smiley-007
I don't do so well with wool (even merino), so for a synthetic you really can't beet capilene by Patagucci. They are currently having a sale, so it might even come close to the $30 mark:
http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/shop/baselayer-web-specials?k=6M-ga
Very comfortable and much less stinky than most other synthetics. Patagonia also has unbeatable customer service and good ethics.
http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/shop/baselayer-web-specials?k=6M-ga
Very comfortable and much less stinky than most other synthetics. Patagonia also has unbeatable customer service and good ethics.
spressomon
Expedition Leader
Ditto all the comments regarding Merino wool. I have and use Ibex and Smartwool base layers (zip T-tops) and love them.
Having said that I picked up a very nice baselayer from Orvis a few weeks ago and it is by far the best syn baselayer I've used. My frustration with Patagonia (started buying and using Patagonia in 1984) is their inconsistent sizing & fit even within the same garment model!
http://www.orvis.com/store/product....5&group_id=18977&cat_id=19019&subcat_id=19020
They list the zip T as heavyweight but its more medium to light/medium compared to Patagonia fabric weights.
You can usually find discount coupons from Orvis too...
Having said that I picked up a very nice baselayer from Orvis a few weeks ago and it is by far the best syn baselayer I've used. My frustration with Patagonia (started buying and using Patagonia in 1984) is their inconsistent sizing & fit even within the same garment model!
http://www.orvis.com/store/product....5&group_id=18977&cat_id=19019&subcat_id=19020
They list the zip T as heavyweight but its more medium to light/medium compared to Patagonia fabric weights.
You can usually find discount coupons from Orvis too...