Base Layer

[figbat]

Although I have several I think all but one or two were gifts at Christmas or birthdays. They’re a mix of Nike and Under Armour and apart from one small hole caused by an unplanned dismount they are all holding up very well. I’d say the Under Armours have done 4 or 5 years of constant use.

 

[lazybloke]

Shame they pollute the water with micro fibres every wash, isn't it?

Can't argue about microplastic polution. I do try to avoid it; my wardrobe is 99% natural fibres, but I've yet to find anything that matches man-made materials for sportswear.

In a few years when my polyester baselayer wears out, I'll probably look at natural alternatives (bamboo? seaweed? cupro?) but not Merino as it irritates my skin. Can't imagine bibs (etc) being made of anything other than lycra for years to come.

Anyway, what is this, Top Trumps Cycling Eco-credentials ?!

 

[HLaB]

Whether or not its just good marketing blurb, a good base layer in summer seems to keep me at a more constant temperature and stops me overheating. In winter a good base layer similarly keeps me at the right temperature, wicking sweat away that would quickly freeze at stops.

 

[Kryton521]

Always. Especially with bib shorts/tights.
Thermal in winter thin and light through the summer month. Never gets, "Too hot!" in UK to go without.

 

[Sniper68]

I use one all year round.On really hot days I have one of those string-vest types.I wear/wore this in Mallorca and it helps regulate temperature on long descents without over heating on the climbs!
I mainly have Decathlon(B-Twin) as I find they're no worse than my HH/Berghaus etc walking base-layers only cheaper.
I have an Aldi(Crane) Merino wool long sleeve that is also very good on colder Autumn/Winter days.

 

[Shearwater Missile]

Wore one again yesterday after that warm spell. I use the ones from Mountain Warehouse, prefer the half zip one as the collar comes up further. These are usually about £10 and seem to be well made and they wash well. They are not compression but feel warm and keeping warm is important at any time of year.

View: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B013LFZ1BI?tag=duckduckgo-ffnt-uk-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1

 

[slowmotion]

Have a look at Uniqlo's Heattech Ultra range of vests and LJs. They are very warm, very comfortable and about half the price of poncey "technical" stuff by Helly Hansen etc. Also, unlike merino, they aren't moth magnets.

 

[ColinJ]

Also, unlike merino, they aren't moth magnets.

Ah... I had thought about trying merino but have had a lot of problems with moths in the past. I think I'll give it a miss!

 

[BigMeatball]

..."technical" stuff by Helly Hansen etc.

I have a Helly Hansen merino base layer, think I spent something like £40 for it. It is on the expensive side that's for sure but it's just so freaking good. I was planning on using it just for cycling but it has quickly become my go-to layer for every physical activity. I must have sweated on it and washed it a few dozen times and it's still as good as new.

 

[ColinJ]

Ah... I had thought about trying merino but have had a lot of problems with moths in the past. I think I'll give it a miss!

I have a Helly Hansen merino base layer, think I spent something like £40 for it. It is on the expensive side that's for sure but it's just so freaking good. I was planning on using it just for cycling but it has quickly become my go-to layer for every physical activity. I must have sweated on it and washed it a few dozen times and it's still as good as new.

Alternatively then... buy merino but store it in moth-proof sealed plastic bags!

 

[wafter]

Can't argue about microplastic polution. I do try to avoid it; my wardrobe is 99% natural fibres, but I've yet to find anything that matches man-made materials for sportswear.

In a few years when my polyester baselayer wears out, I'll probably look at natural alternatives (bamboo? seaweed? cupro?) but not Merino as it irritates my skin. Can't imagine bibs (etc) being made of anything other than lycra for years to come.

Anyway, what is this, Top Trumps Cycling Eco-credentials ?!

Bloody awful trying to navigate modern living with a conscience, isn't it?

Pretty much every action has some negative repercussion; leaving you only to limit the damage at best rather than negate it completely

 

[Eziemnaik]

It may be very counterintuitive but I use it mostly in very hot conditions - less rash, more sweat wicking

 

[Mark pallister]

I always wear one
for summer the wiggle ones are fine
for winter I have a sportful one that was quite expensive but worth every penny

 

[Kestevan]

Pretty much always.
Nike ones are pretty good.
For summer I have a dhb perforated/string vest type thing which works well to wick sweat without being too hot.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

Yes, mostly in winter, usually bamboo ones, very soft against the skin.