Is it ever too hot to wear a base layer?

[Cycleops]

You say high end kit keeps you sweat free @DogmaStu , don't you mean it wicks it away? Unless you're Prince Andrew of course

 

[Ming the Merciless]

What's a base layer?

Your skin. Joking aside it purely a layer designed to be worn against the skin. A cycle jersey and t shirt fall into the category.

 

[Alex321]

Your skin. Joking aside it purely a layer designed to be worn against the skin. A cycle jersey and t shirt fall into the category.

Most people will only describe it as a "base layer" if it is worn under something else, regardless of whether techically it may be one if there is nothing underneath it.

 

[DogmaStu]

You say high end kit keeps you sweat free @DogmaStu , don't you mean it wicks it away? Unless you're Prince Andrew of course

I wrote "Summer cycling kit that is designed to wick very well..." and went on to explain that in my personal experience, the high-end stuff does this very well indeed.

That's not to say the less expensive kit isn't good but I'm just explaining that there is a reason the top flight kit is a bit better and wicking effect and keeping you cool is one of them.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Most people will only describe it as a "base layer" if it is worn under something else, regardless of whether techically it may be one if there is nothing underneath it.

They might, but it’s still a base layer regardless.

 

[DogmaStu]

They might, but it’s still a base layer regardless.

Indeed, by its very definition, anything worn underneath another garment is a base layer. It's just a question of whether that base layer is appropriate for what the wearer wants it to achieve really.

A Winter base layer to keep warmer should be different to one worn in the Summer where wicking and keeping cool are priorities and there are some really good ones out there. It's a personal preference of mine not to wear one though since I've found my jerseys are good enough at doing the wicking job.

 

[Jameshow]

I don't wear base layers whilst cycling as if the day warms up you don't have any pockets for phone tool kit etc.

I do however like a loose base layer for evening wear when camping!

 

[PK99]

Indeed, by its very definition, anything worn underneath another garment is a base layer.

No, a base layer is the layer closest to the skin and usually a close/tight fit

Plus there is a difference between base layer - role, to keep the body dry by wicking
And a thermal layer - role, to keep the body warm

In winter I would often wear three layers
base (wicking),
mid (thermal)
outer (wind/waterproof)

 

[DogmaStu]

No, a base layer is the layer closest to the skin and usually a close/tight fit

Plus there is a difference between base layer - role, to keep the body dry by wicking
And a thermal layer - role, to keep the body warm

In winter I would often wear three layers
base (wicking),
mid (thermal)
outer (wind/waterproof)

Being pedantic, yes, you are correct if you are multi-layering beyond simply a base layer and outer garment.

A base layer can, however, be both wicking and insulating too making it ideal for keeping warm too.

 

[Mike_P]

Unexpected benefit of wearing a short sleeve baselayer (61% polyester 39% Merino wool) today was getting caught in a downpour and still feeling relatively dry in the torso. It was my socks and shoes that felt were noticeably damp which if I took a waterproof top with me would still have occurred.

 

[N0bodyOfTheGoat]

Something I discovered at the end of the UK "mega heatwave" of July '22, was that soaking a baselayer in cold tap water just before heading out, gave me very welcome relief for ~30mins before gradually wearing off.

It does feel counter-intuitive though, wearing an extra layer in really hot weather, especially when I don't cope well in such conditions.

 

[Jameshow]

It all depends upon the quality of the clothing and the job it is designed to do.

I've got a lot of cycling kit and addicted to buying it

Summer cycling kit that is designed to wick very well and is light so as not to feel tight - even when a race fit - is the coolest option available in my own experience. This is why high-end kit costs so much; the really good Summer kits from Santini, Castelli, Assos etc are fantastic at keeping you cool, sweat-free and with my lightest jerseys, don't even feel there.

I've lived most of my life in hot countries and cycled in high 30C's, low 40C's and always felt comfortable with the right kit and no need for a base layer. I never arrive home after a ride feeling sweaty and definitely not dripping - my jersey's I've worn this last week here in the UK haven't even been damp when I got home.

Winter, different story, base layer for warmth and I have several different types from light to heavy.

Only I don't like about expensive based layers is they are usually lightweight fabrics so not good for holding tools rain jacket and phone in back pockets.

My favourite trick is two and long and short short carrying the above and long carrying your snacks and you lunch then when lunch is take. You can take off the long sleeve top in afternoon sun and ride cool.

Same on tour with long tights ..

 

[Ming the Merciless]

I like mesh base layers for really hot. You need that wind to hit the skin to help the sweat evaporate and cool you.

 

[midlandsgrimpeur]

I like mesh base layers for really hot. You need that wind to hit the skin to help the sweat evaporate and cool you.

Wiggle pre Ashley used to do a great mesh DHB base layer for about £15. Still got a couple with some life left in them.

 

[Ian H]

Only I don't like about expensive based layers is they are usually lightweight fabrics so not good for holding tools rain jacket and phone in back pockets.

My favourite trick is two and long and short short carrying the above and long carrying your snacks and you lunch then when lunch is take. You can take off the long sleeve top in afternoon sun and ride cool.

Same on tour with long tights ..

There are saddlebags and things available for carrying stuff. Comfort and a more graceful profile.