Polypropylene vs wool base layer reddit. synthetics for base layers.

Polypropylene vs wool base layer reddit. my favorite items are 100% or 85+% merino. Also use a base layer sock. Polypropylene will also work, but tends to smell worse in short order. Both work, I greatly prefer merino wool, it works better for me. I usually HATE wool against my neck or skin, but the lightest base layers don't bother me at all. A lot of Merino gear is aimed at the casual wear market rather than basic function. The 100% wool bottoms or "wooly's" as my family calls them are built for a previous age. Explain that? Maybe it is because of the loose fit? Nov 4, 2016 · Base layers will keep you warmer than being naked, or even wearing a t-shirt, but a real base layer (not so called “ thermals “) is not meant to keep you warm. I’ve purchased terramar in the past. I'm curious what the collective ultralight wisdom is behind using mesh base layers. One note, I find that loose 100% synthetic shirts made by RailRyders don't stink much. This has made it a fashion item, pushing the price up further. I've been thinking of getting some merino wool to wear instead of the Under Armour I have but I don't know if it would improve anything. Merino vs. Please tell me of the best merino wool base layers you have ever used or heard of? What did you like about them specifically?… Oct 14, 2013 · 100% synth as a base layer stinks very quickly, 100% merino doesn't stink, but is too fragile. Top picks include Ibex, Patagonia, SmartWool, and more. You won't be sorry. My merino 200 top has been moved to active base layer or cooler night sleeping where the cap Thermal would be a bit much. Jan 21, 2024 · Is Helly Hansen Base Layer really worth buying? Read this review to find out. Hence why wool is a superior choice for a base layer than down, but a down puffy jacket is a superior mid/outer layer for adding extra insulation. Jun 10, 2025 · These days, base layers are typically constructed from natural fibers (Merino wool, bamboo, Tencel, and hemp) or a variety of synthetics (nylon, spandex, polyester) or a combination of the two. I want to get some Merino wool base layers but the 100% merino wool are outside my budget. Recs for a thermal base-layer to go over a lightweight base-layer in cold temps So disclaimer I live in way northern MI and it's basically Canada up here. Minus33 is best bang for the buck, imo. I'm currently looking to replace my older UA Base 2. There’s a lot of love for merino wool but I’m curious if anyone uses silk as a base layer during the winter. I personally go for the 100% wool products. That stuff is way way to thick a base layer for the AT. Wool doesn't need to be washed after every wear. While it kept me cool and didn't smell, it was sopping wet for most of my hike. Therefore, your base layer needs to be wicking, something that draws the sweat away from your body. Let’s hear it. Not a huge wool fan and it's not scratchy or itchy at all. try merino wool. Up to this point I've almost exclusively opted for merino wool (at least tops) for my base layer -- primarily due to odor control on multi-day hikes. But I'm starting to hear flack from my wife regarding the lack of its durability, and the fact I have to keep re-purchasing them every Main thing is avoid cotton. Anything thinner than that has questionable durability. " ----- (A question in response) "What activity levels were the particpants in your study subject to? But for those who "don't want to think about it - go get "light-weight" and "mid-weight" base layers from smartwool 2 - each. Manufacturers add synthetics for a variety of reasons, notably: Reduced cost of manufacture Increased performance characteristics (e. I wear a wool base-layer almost every day, and I work in an active job outside (because of work safety rules my base-layer must be flame retardant). Ideally, I'd wipe myself clean and swap to a base layer I only use for sleeping, and hang my daytime base layer up to air out overnight. Merino wool is also good at wicking but if it does get wet, it stays wet for a long time. synthetics), fit, durability, cost, and more. Could anyone do a breakdown of the top sock materials, their uses and their strengths and weaknesses. They are priced probably in the $50 range. Worn the same smart wool base layers (top and bottom) 100+ days for maybe 4-6 years now. Obviously I'll fix the belt situation going forward. There's no right answer because base layer warmth is contingent primarily upon thickness and weight, all else being equal. In the past they were labeled by 150 200 250 for the different options and was much less confusing. So this is where my question comes in. Polypro stinks after a while but wears harder. Synthetic base layers work fine. It may be because polypro melts easily if you put it in the dryer on high heat, or it may be because polyester garments are cheaper to manufacture. Looking to understand all base layer materials? Here we compare all of the common materials, the benefits and cons of each, and when to use. Sounds like a very antiquateed and ill-informed rule. Although polypropylene is commonly blended, you can find 100% polypropylene socks. 100% Merino 95 merino / 5 synthetic blend 65 merino / 35 synthetic blends 50 merino / 50 synthetic blends At what point does the blend of synthetic cancel out the advantages of the 100% Hi all, im looking for some advice from people with experience with regards to sock material. HOSCHK Oct 25, 2022 · Stephen Seeber BPL Member Companion forum thread to: By The Numbers: What’s the Best Base Layer Fabric? Wool vs. I've been using Wiggy's mesh base layers… I've never worn them as an active base layer, but they're far warmer too sleep in than my other base layers. Merino wool is a natural fibre with anti-odor properties so if you sweat a lot these are a good option. I base the detail on its insulating quality when wet off the article Heat Transfer Through Moist Fabrics ANNA M. I currently use a mixture of Smartwool and Minus 33. If you get different layers you can combine them instead. Does anyone have experience with t-shirts made from 100% merino and t-shirts made from 100% alpaca? I'm primarily concerned with which fiber is more durable and odor-resistant. My goal is to purchase a couple pairs of baselayers Nov 9, 2006 · What are the pros and cons of synthetic and merino wool base layers? Which fabric—polypropylene, Capilene, or merino wool—works better for layering, considering warmth, weight, and price? In the older days we used a base layer sock a wicking tight fitting polypro sock with a rag wool sock over it it kept your feet dry and for the most part blister free Oct 25, 2022 · We compare merino, merino blends, alpaca, and polyester fabrics as part of a framework to help hikers choose the best base layer. A good polyester base layer will far outperform merino wool. But it's a wonderful base layer for winter hiking/camping. If you want to make sure you are properly snug and warm though then I would recommend a good fleece mid layer (personally I rate Reed Transpire Fleece thermals very highly). The performance-oriented models will Sep 12, 2024 · The Ridge Merino Aspect Midweight Wool Base Layer Long Sleeve Shirt, for men and women, is our most versatile pick, due to its breathable, merino-based blend and understated look. Reply reply EqualShallot1151 • True -- but the weight of the wool in a sock vs the weight of wool in a t-shirt/baselayer are drastically different. Dec 19, 2023 · See the best base layers for men for training outdoors in cold weather from brands like Smartwool, Patagonia, and Under Armour, as tested by fitness experts. Having a linen or wool towel to lightly scrub your body (a towel shower) every night before bed will make a huge difference. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Wicking fabric should be next to your skin. Poly layers are lightweight man-made fibres, but are v. Polypros are super warm and soft and cheap as hell. I suggest looking into the USGI EWCS Polypropylene layers. The polypro liner sock serves two purposes: it wicks away moisture from the foot (either sweat or water you stepped in Oct 16, 2018 · In the following you will find a comparison of base layer materials; Polyester, Merino wool, Nylon, Cotton and Silk. Dec 2, 2024 · The top merino wool base layers to keep you comfortable anywhere From the softest long-sleeves to the best hiking socks, here’s everything you need to stock your travel wardrobe. My preferred layer over top of Brynje is a polypropylene base layer from Gore Wear, a tip from u/mtnhuntingislife who has done a lot of testing on layering with Brynje. I'm working on getting some new thermal base layers. Have a few holes and patches now but still have at least 2 years left in them. That’s not to say there are not any other good base layer materials, but polypropylene and merino wool are the best that are widely available. I love wool and hate most synthetics. Mid layer insulating wool isn’t Lightweight (silkweight) synthetic base layers work best if you are working hard as they move the most moisture - more than merino wool or thicker base layers. On really cold days it's Scheels Outfitters wool base layer or Minus 33 wool base layer. The durability issues of 100% merino never really occurred to me for a long time, because my experience was with winter base layers. They have the classic thermal which was labeled 250 which is great winter base layer the intraknit is a heavier wool thus more thermal properties. Apart from that they are kept in the emergency bag in the truck. 0 leggings/crew with them going on 8+yrs of use. They breathe, wick sweat, and don’t stink. 4K views 20 replies 18 participants last post by I like Meat Dec 11, 2013 HAPPY DAD Discussion starter Jan 16, 2015 · Interested in opinions regarding Merino Wool vs the blends. Ragg wool socks provide more cushioning, but all wool socks serve the purpose of keeping your foot warm even when wet. I recently completed a multi-day backpacking trip in an 85/15 merino/nylon shirt and was disappointed with its performance. This can keep your skin and your base layer serviceable almost indefinitely, provided you manage to uphold your personal hygiene. Alpaca vs. . Are the full wool (Smartwool, IceBreaker, etc) base layers worth it? ($100+ per garment). I have a merino wool icebreaker oasis 1/4 zip top for my long sleeve layer (the Smartwool NTS 250 is good too). synthetics for base layers. Take my advice and invest in merino wool base layers. Oct 29, 2023 · Hi All, In reading through the forums, there seems to be an abundance of preferences pertaining to merino vs. Reply reply [deleted] • Reply reply Wool vs Polypropylene vs Polyester Price Merino is the most expensive and is generally bloody expensive. That should take care of your short sleeve base layer. I wear a thin Merino wool base layer, and then my Santi BZ400 over that. Technical fabrics and polyesters are good base layers. I have seen a few different options out there that are wool blend, usually 60% polyester and 40% merino wool. May 6, 2025 · We tested the best men's base layers of 2025 with options for every budget. Merino wool or polypropylene. My “lightweight” base layer is a lighter Rapha version, which you could always add for the hotter summer months if you decide you love the base layer but the wool is too hot in the summer. But it is the stinkiest fiber and thats why it has mostly been replaced by polyester. Running in the cold with a very light wool pair of long underwear is just amazing. Polypropylene for the best base layer? Page 1, 2, 3 Next snowHeads Forum Index >>> Equipment Reviews/Questions Prev topic :: Next topic 57 votes, 42 comments. If you want warmer base layers, I think the fabric used in Arc'Teryx Rho series has fantastic soft skin feel without any potential roughness that even Merino can have. Also I use different grades of merino wool for my bottom base layers and don't think I will switch any time soon. I also find wool long sleeves have the same problem cheap synthetic shirts have-poor fit in shoulders and arms. Merino wool is naturally breathable, moisture-wicking and offers excellent warmth without bulk, making it ideal for frigid conditions. It used to be that performance long underwear was always polypropylene, but now it is commonly polyester. Wool is only good as a thin anti-stink base layer for hiking or as a clean sleep/camp layer and for that reason you should only go for thin 150 weight wool. Or you might find you only like wearing the base layer when it’s cooler (say under 65F). And one "heavy-weight" base layer. There are polypropylene base layers, but they stink worse than polyester, wear out faster, are scratchier feeling, and can melt in the clothes dryer. I see there are some different blends out…. Polypropylene is often used as a base layer in the production of clothing to make other fabrics more waterproof and improve their ability to draw out water to their outer surface for evaporation. There are great Youtube videos showing the effects and function of different base layers (wool vs synthetics). poly base layers. I've been looking at alternatives that largely fall into two buckets: Merino/Lyocell blends Icebreaker Sphere II Smartwool Merino Sport Ultralight Ortovox Cool Tec Clean Merino/Polyester Your base layer’s function is to move sweat away from you body, not insulate, in a heavily aerobic activity. as a base layer, abrasion resistance isn't a big factor because that's what your hiking shorts are for. I love them but they only get used on the coldest days where I'm not moving allot. After that comes your warmth layer. Sep 26, 2022 · See our guide to choosing baselayers, with tips on baselayer fabric weight, warmth, materials (wool vs. For bottoms I'm thinking about getting something merino wool, but seems the merino is usually mixed (50-60%) with another material, most common being polypropylene and polyester. Merino wool is very nice but pricy. It dries quickly, so shouldn't need to be in the dryer at all. It's hard to bring the shape back exactly, but for base layer type stuff shouldn't matter too much. Socks are quite thick, and do hold up to the warm while wet theory (as all thicker wools do) but base layers, T's, and underwear are going to feel pretty cold, but better than cotton. I wear wool tights in winter. I'm looking to replace a 78/22 Wool and Prince T-shirt for one bag—I've finally gotten holes in it from my belt. Edit: I just clicked your link. Tencel is a semi synthetic, the same as viscose and rayon, made from the cellulose of tree or other plant fibres, like beech or bamboo. I took 1 of each on my last mountain climb n honestly I’ll be sticking to poly, . 11 votes, 52 comments. When something got a hole you just patched it up and moved on. I still wear the ragged/ripped 100% merino clothing because of the comfort and lack of stink. Very soft and warm, but not the most durable if exposed as an outer layer. Hardly anyone uses polypropylene anymore. These types of socks are great for hiking and other outdoor activities. 29 votes, 80 comments. Warmth comes from your insulation layer. I daily the merino bottoms all winter. Polypropylene works great but it's outdated and you will stink. Apr 15, 2019 · Merino wool? Polyester? Polypropylene? A demented mixture of all three maybe? What’s the best baselayer fabric for you and what else do you need to know about baselayers? Wool base layers have a very low warmth to weight ratio. Amen to the guy that said being wet in the cold is bad news. But for socks I still like the anti-odor and slightly-less-frigid-when-damp properties of wool. The base layer serves as a wicking layer to keep sweat away from your skin, and will also extend how long you can use your insulation between launderings. This winter I traveled in Italy with these and a wool zip up sweater, wool vest and packable (but windproof / waterproof) REI rain jacket. If you do accidentally shrink it, a little hair conditioner mixed with water can relax the fibers. In yarn form, it comes in at four times the price of polypropylene. Mar 6, 2025 · See our guide to the best baselayers of 2025, with reviews of the top synthetic and merino baselayer tops from Smartwool, Patagonia, OR, Icebreaker, and more. Alpaca wool is slightly superior to merino wool due to having hollow fibers TLDR: need recommendations for non-wool base layer (s) -- have only ever used merino wool and they're thrashed. I am a fairly sized man (6'1 206lbs) and somewhat on the hairy Slav side of the human spectrum. Keep in mind the purpose of a base layer is not insulation warmth but moisture wicking so choose a wool or synthetic one you like best. How would they stack up to 100% merino? Although the testers perceived differences in the way they felt, core temperature instrumentation showed 0 difference for the five common base layer knit types (1 by 1 rib, fleece, fishnet, interlock, and double layer rib using polypropylene). Base Layer Materials There are two major types of materials that handle this duty well. When I search for best base layer for treking, climbing, hiking etc I rarely see product from brand like Nike or Adidas. Baselayers should keep you safe and comfortable while hiking. Over that you can add something like a Patagonia R1, R1 Air or Army grid fleece which are also great at moving moisture but provide warmth. Is either of these better to have when mixed with merino wool? My understanding is that polypropylene is lightweight, warm, has very low water absorption, and good strength. Dec 10, 2013 · Wool base layer or polypropylene Jump to Latest 2. Either way, you’ve got more layering options now! Polyester is tough and holds about 1/4 the amount of moisture than nylon; wool holds the most (relative to the fabric thickness). It is in midlayers where you want to to concentrate on warmth. But which fabric works best? In this article we compare merino wool and synthetics. Nov 12, 2021 · Which is better and why? Merino wool for base layers or something like an Under Armour type of brand. That said, base layers are designed to contribute to warmth via moisture dispersal. When you do wash it, it should be in cold water. Whats the difference between a Nike Dri fit fabric VS patagonia capilene or other similar product for hiking in term of breathability, ability to wick moisture, to stay dry? Because technicaly, they're both 100% polyester. I don’t have any of their base layers, but I have several pairs of smartwool socks that are between 15-18 years old and still in great condition. Do you find it… Merino wool & polyester do the same ish but wool doesn’t stink so fast but dries slower n poly drys faster but it tends to stink quicker. Start with a thin merino wool base layer. Then add a coat or other layers as needed. For a light weight layer, try Patagonia Capeline Cool Daily synthetics, they have probably the best skin feel of everything I tried. Aug 1, 2024 · Choosing the right long underwear (base layer) is essential—learn how moisture-wicking materials, fabric weight and fit affect comfort in the outdoors. Polypropylene is a warm synthetic, but they collect odors after a while, and I prefer natural fabrics for that reason alone. effective at wicking sweat and dry out quickly. I checked out the Patagonia Midweight and REI-brand Midweight baselayers and was honestly pretty impressed with how nice REI's… Want to get a few rugs for my house. Finally, wool does have some antibacterial aspect and (from personal experience) one can wear wool base layers for longer before they start to stink. Usually nylon for walking and wool for sleeping. I'm going to go against everyone else here. I can't stand sleeping in a dirty synthetic base layer and avoid polyester because of the smell. They are much cheaper of course, but not sure at what cost. Both polypropylene and merino wool do their jobs very well. Polypropylene also works, but tends to smell worse in short order. Which is it and why? Merino wool or polypropelene base layers are your best options. Nylon absorbs a lot of water, can't imagine it making for a good base layer. Jun 6, 2025 · Find out which base layer—polypropylene or polyester—truly wicks moisture better in the cold and why your choice matters for ultimate warmth. A thin, mildly warm, moisture wicking base layer is part of the layering system such that I add more layers when I’m cold and remove layers when I’m hot. g. But has poor uv resistance which is probably why it is mostly used for base layers. Or do the polyester versions get the… Hi, I would like to try out net base layer clothing like the one from Brynje, but I would like to test it first to see if its something for me me or not, so I would like to ask if there are any reasonable cheaper products, that you know about? No cotton, ever. This allows more scope for layering up or layering down depending on the temp and on the activity level. They are thickkk, itchy as hell, and the hottest base layer you will find. The only downside is stink but there are common anti-stink treatments these days. N. As you said the insulating mid layer wool can be itchy when worn directly on skin. Base layer is something to be always on and not too warm that I have a need to remove. Tons of snow, tons of ice, tons of cold, even just moving around casually I need to layer properly, if that gives you an idea of my situation. SCHNEIDER AND B. Merino wool isn’t itchy. I’m pretty happy with both, but after about six years of daily wool base layer use I have some observations : -light weight garments such as boxer briefs and t shirts last about a season, but If polypropylene is even more hydrophobic than polyester, isn't polypropylene an even better base layer since it absorbs less water? 14 votes, 36 comments. Polyester In this paper, I subject base layers in various weights made from merino, merino blends, and alpaca to the suite of tests I have developed to evaluate base layer performance. stretch, moisture wicking) Reduced smell (actually, this is the reverse, where they add wool to normally 100%-synthetic articles) So if you buy Icebreaker or Smartwool you'll find a mix of merino blends based on the model. So far durability and performance have been solid. What’s the consensus on polypropylene versus natural fibers like wool, jute, etc? However, most merino wool used in modern clothing has the lanolin washed out, which is why some makers of base layers etc use a plastic coating on the fibres, to improve the drying time. On very cold days I wear silk base layer and a heavyweight or expedition weight wool base layer on top of that. Eddie Bauer also makes fantastic flannel lined khaki pants that I can wear when I'm not dressing like a lumber jack. Major warmth without the itch. It also has low heat resistance so hard to iron. So I need to change my underwear multiple times a day. Merino doesn't smell but doesn't have the longevity of polypro (unless you hand wash it and hang to dry which most people can't be bothered with). The outer sock should be wool, although not necessarily Merino. What base layers are meant to do is to prevent you from getting cold – this might sound like semantics, but it is not. I actually find good synthetic shirts from Mountain Hardwear or Patagonia fit the best. Personally, even at -15C temps I still prefer a lighter base layer (usually 150 weight merino, sometimes 200) to wick well, and then rely on a mid layer (or layers) and a shell for warmth, with a down puffy to hand for stops. Patagonia Capilene Air is their warmest Thermal layer and it's a blend of merino wool and synthetic. Are Merino Wool underwear/socks/base layers really that magical? I've read plenty of comments here, and seen plenty of bag and travel influencers rave about the multi-day wearability of the material. 39 votes, 81 comments. They get weekly use in the cold months, and I still prefer them to all my new Darn Toughs. A single tee is cool enough to use in the summer and a couple layers is warm enough and blocks wind well enough for the winter. For comparison I use UA cold gear or Nike hyper warm active base layers. The little second layer for moisture absorption and transport is key, and it should be as quick-drying as you can find; dry time should be as close to the Brynje as possible. Share Add a Comment Sort by: Best Open comment Merino wool is hard to beat as a base layer with Icebreaker being one of the most popular brands among kayakers. I have a handful of marino short sleeved tees, long sleeved tees, 1/4 zips, and bottoms that I layer depending on the weather. Tends to be more expensive though and requires more care in washing. The liner sock should be polypropylene, not polyesther -- polyesther does not breathe well. Outdoor Research has recently started selling lightweight wool base layers. I’m going to show you what I like and dislike about it. Worn base layers from just about every big player, they’re all good shades of grey depending on your physiology. Was never cold, I had so many ways of layering. Dec 1, 2015 · The very thin wool base layers have durability issues, for example. For extreme cold, look for thermal clothing and base layers made from high-quality merino wool or advanced synthetic fabrics like polyester and polypropylene. Nov 27, 2021 · Ok. ccip nluk fjjjf fjrsi ppgh xohlg zyhy xdeq tkw ayhfs