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Treeline writer Felicia Hermosillo spent a summer wearing this UPF base layer on a thru-hike of the Southern Sierra High Route and while climbing all of Colorado's 14ers (14,000-foot peaks). At altitude, sun protection is essential. Reima seems to be in a league of their own as far as kids’ gear is concerned and their base layers are no exception. This Finnish brand is constantly impressing our team with all their well made gear. You may be surprised to discover that you actually don't have to pay an arm and a leg for a superb Merino wool top. The Meriwool Merino 250 Long Sleeve offers near-top-quality performance at a fraction of the cost of most of the 100% Merino tops we tested. Even though it is firmly in the midweight category, the extra-fine spun wool used to create this layer is more breathable than other directly comparable models, making it a great option for folks engaged in high-output activities like ski touring. Couple that with a slim, stylish fit, and you have a layer you can take from the mountain straight to après-ski. Trail runs were incorporated into our test plans to assess breathability and versatility. Though silk offers a higher warmth-to-weight ratio than other fabrics, it is less breathable than other natural fibers.
The benefits generally increase as the price does, within reason. Everything from the fabric used to the construction is detail-oriented. A quality base layer is designed to move with the body and to look flattering as well. It has a built-in ventilation system, featuring mesh-like fabric in areas of the body that tend to get warm, like armpits and sides of the torso. As synthetic fabric tends to get stinky, more expensive base layers are woven through with silver to kill bacteria and cut down on some of that stink over time. That’s why if you can spend more on a high quality base layer, it reduces the amount of money you spend in the long run. Base layers are not only for winter wear under ski/snow gear (although this is a great use for them). The great thing about base layers is that they can be used for recreational activities all year long. Here are some questions to help point you in the direction of the base layer of your dreams: HOW MUCH ARE YOU WILLING TO SPEND ON A BASE LAYER? As the name suggests, a base layer is the first thing you put on as part of your cold-weather exercise ensemble — whether you’re summiting Snowdon or undertaking a hardcore HIIT session at the park. It should act almost like a second skin, fitting tightly while still allowing you to move freely. Like the Icebreaker 150, the Trift has body-zone specific placement of material structures to regulate body temperature. Areas on the body that tend to retain too much warmth during movement, like the armpits, have a looser mesh weave. The seamless construction means that the varying material structures are highly effective yet comfortable. Seamless designs also reduce the chance of chafing or rubbing against the skin.
While base layers are available as tops and bottoms (sometimes called long underwear, thermal underwear, baselayer leggings, or long johns), this guide focuses on base layer tops. Why? A base layer bottom is all about fit, which changes from individual to individual. For example, an elastic waistband of a base layer pant may dig into one person's belly but ride nicely on another person's hip. Base layers are meant to be worn during outdoor activities. How a layer sits, fits, and feels on your skin is important. Ashleigh Thompson tells us comfort is the most essential feature when looking for a base layer: “Comfort is a must for me as I'm sensitive to rough inseams, strange fit, and tags.” The reason comfort is essential is simple. “If I don't feel comfortable in the clothing item, I don't wear it.”
Both Merino wool and synthetic base layers stand out in certain areas and most of us have a mix of synthetic and Merino base layers. It all comes down to personal preference and what kind of material is best for the activities you are doing. Best Base Layers for BabiesWhat is it? Fear not, it’s not akin to your favourite woolly jumper. Merino wool is lighter in weight than traditional wool, and its temperature-regulating properties make it perfect for base layers. Whichever detergents or washes you use, always opt for machine washing, as handwashing can leave behind residues and films. Lightweight wool layers are often labeled as 100 merino wool or 150 merino wool weight. Those numbers refer to the approximate fabric weight of the material in grams per meter (g/m)-so these layers are often the lightest piece of clothing in your outdoor wardrobe. A synthetic lightweight layer is often labeled “lightweight” because they’re usually heavier than their wool counterparts. MIDWEIGHT The teens favorite base layers are cheap ones I got from the REI brand on clearance. TMM Team Member Rita I’ll be the first to admit that I was late to jump on the base layers for kids bandwagon. I’ve always loved and worn them as an adult, but I did not appreciate until very recently how much they truly make a difference in keeping kids warm from the inside out.
The baby base layers are footed which keeps feet warm too. They come in moss green, gray, navy blue and pink. What we liked: Lightweight, soft fabric, hood, thumbholes, plus size availability, most breathable base layer on hot days, UPF sun protectionWe like the Swiftly Tech for crisp morning walks, runs around town, or outdoor yoga. But we want to recommend base layer tops that look good on you, perform, and will last. For many folks, it’s much easier to throw a base layer in the washer and dryer without having to think too hard about it. Some brands, like Smartwool, design their fabrics with this in mind. Other layers are a little more complicated in their care. No matter which elements you’re battling, the aim of a base layer is to regulate your body temperature while avoiding that clammy feeling. With that in mind, finding the right fabric is key. Sustainability has become an increasingly prominent focus within the outdoor industry, and this commitment extends to base layers. In the current landscape, two significant sustainability trends have emerged, reshaping how we think about base layer materials. Responsible Wool Sourcing When I talked to Ashley, one of her biggest criteria for a base layer is how it fits. While specific fits of base layers are designed for certain use case scenarios, it’s essential to choose a base layer that you feel comfortable wearing. For example, if you don’t like other people seeing you in tight-fitting clothing, an athletic slim-fit base layer is likely not going to be the best choice for you. HOW MUCH TIME ARE YOU WILLING TO INVEST IN CARING FOR YOUR BASE LAYERS?
Since this is the layer worn closest to the skin there are several important factors to consider when thinking about what kind of base layer will work best for your kid. Base layer materials and how they feelAlthough synthetic base layers dry fast when wet, they do not keep you as warm when they are wet and can often leave you feeling clammy if the material doesn’t have airflow to dry.
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