Base Layers
28 Jul 2014 20:26 #61406
by AndrewP
Base Layers was created by AndrewP
I am going to start this topic off with the usual disclaimer asking that kids must please not try this at home. I will then go on to say that I am pretty sure that the gear manufacturer's did not have this in mind when they developed the gear.
I am looking for the lightest weight clothing I can take for a grand traverse. To complicate matters, I do not want to stop to take off layers or to add extra layers as the day warms up or the night gets colder. I want something that I do not boil in if it is too hot, nor freeze in if I keep the final layer off for a few minutes longer.
As we all know, a solo grand traverse is not a good way to pick up chicks, so I at least do not have to worry about fashion sense. I can chose gear based entirely on function. I have always felt that thermal underwear gives the best value in terms of warmth per gram per rand spent. So, it was here that I focused my search.
Based both on brand loyalty, and also the availability of gear physically in the shops, I have settled for the following choice:
1 x pair of First Ascent Polypropolyne thermal top and bottom backed up with a First Ascent Extreme Polyprop top. Total weight of the 3 items is about 450g.
Experience has shown that black may look better, but it gets very hot in the sunshine. Even in winter, on the summit of the berg, black gets uncomfortably hot. So, I have gone for a white pair.
The top can almost be worn in public, but the bottom has a distinct pyjama look to them. This is the main layer that stays on both day and night. Experience thus far shows that the white helps keep me fairly cool during the day. At lower altitudes, even in the early hours of a winters morning, I can get away with wearing only this single layer, and still be warm enough to build up a sweat. Wind resistance is, as expected, close to zero. As with any pair of thermals, you get a body hugging fit. There is plenty enough stretch to allow for movement.
On the escarpment, at night, I will add the Extreme Polyprop top. This adds a noticeable amount of warmth to the equation and adds more wind resistance than I expected. Even with a pack pressed against my back, I have yet to build up a sweat inside this top.
An impressive part of the mix is that the fabric contains 15% bamboo, which is supposed to prevent odour buildup. I have now put the clothing through the paces - after 15 hours of running, the clothing smells much better than the body underneath.
The gear is supposed to keep you warm even if it gets wet. I have not yet been rained on to test this fully, but my experiences after a bit of sweat build up suggest this will turn out to be true.
One complaint though goes to the bottoms. The groin area should be a bit firmer. I received the worst chaffing I have had in a long time. I got away with it this time with some creative use of tape (I hope the kids have stopped reading), but need a better solution next time around.
I am looking for the lightest weight clothing I can take for a grand traverse. To complicate matters, I do not want to stop to take off layers or to add extra layers as the day warms up or the night gets colder. I want something that I do not boil in if it is too hot, nor freeze in if I keep the final layer off for a few minutes longer.
As we all know, a solo grand traverse is not a good way to pick up chicks, so I at least do not have to worry about fashion sense. I can chose gear based entirely on function. I have always felt that thermal underwear gives the best value in terms of warmth per gram per rand spent. So, it was here that I focused my search.
Based both on brand loyalty, and also the availability of gear physically in the shops, I have settled for the following choice:
1 x pair of First Ascent Polypropolyne thermal top and bottom backed up with a First Ascent Extreme Polyprop top. Total weight of the 3 items is about 450g.
Experience has shown that black may look better, but it gets very hot in the sunshine. Even in winter, on the summit of the berg, black gets uncomfortably hot. So, I have gone for a white pair.
The top can almost be worn in public, but the bottom has a distinct pyjama look to them. This is the main layer that stays on both day and night. Experience thus far shows that the white helps keep me fairly cool during the day. At lower altitudes, even in the early hours of a winters morning, I can get away with wearing only this single layer, and still be warm enough to build up a sweat. Wind resistance is, as expected, close to zero. As with any pair of thermals, you get a body hugging fit. There is plenty enough stretch to allow for movement.
On the escarpment, at night, I will add the Extreme Polyprop top. This adds a noticeable amount of warmth to the equation and adds more wind resistance than I expected. Even with a pack pressed against my back, I have yet to build up a sweat inside this top.
An impressive part of the mix is that the fabric contains 15% bamboo, which is supposed to prevent odour buildup. I have now put the clothing through the paces - after 15 hours of running, the clothing smells much better than the body underneath.
The gear is supposed to keep you warm even if it gets wet. I have not yet been rained on to test this fully, but my experiences after a bit of sweat build up suggest this will turn out to be true.
One complaint though goes to the bottoms. The groin area should be a bit firmer. I received the worst chaffing I have had in a long time. I got away with it this time with some creative use of tape (I hope the kids have stopped reading), but need a better solution next time around.
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