Polypropylene vs polyester base layer reddit Nothing weird about it at all. 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. Note that some people may mention polypropylene aka "polypro" base layers, which were popular 35-40 years ago and replaced by less stinky polyester. The inner thin hydrophobic synthetic to stay with the foot as it moves about in the boot/shoe and the outer thick resilient layer to provide cushioning and stays with the boot. Alpaca vs. Personally I feel the single layer of the Montane is more suitable for this Jun 29, 2020 · We compare merino, merino blends, alpaca, and polyester fabrics as part of a framework to help hikers choose the best base layer. I save my merino for hunting. On the flip side, with mesh, their base layers are a lot lighter than regular knit base layers. The discussion was about base layers. The Power Stretch layer is also so warm, I tend to wear just that and a hardshell to A Buyers Guide to Base Layers - Base layers are designed to sit next to the skin and wick sweat away or provide an extra thermal layer as a second skin Nov 27, 2021 · My merino base is dry long before my camo synthetic that I wear over it. I usually put a synthetic layer over the wool to wick moisture if i get sweaty. 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 found this little art deco table base on Marketplace for $15 bucks- its recessed edge was exactly the right depth to fit hockey sticks! r/hockeyplayers • A good, clean D-league collision. Polyester also seems to resist UV better than nylon. It doesn't have good insulating properties and is awful when it's wet. Adding polyester or nylon to Merino significantly increases durability and reduces stretching/sag after several days of use. Therefore im looking to find more baselayers that use this material. 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. That’s not to say that merino wool can’t be a great base layer, but for moto related activities in hot or cold, polypropylene is the most efficient and easiest to maintain. The inner and outer move separately so that your moisture soaked soft flesh does not. Personally, Fourth Elements Xerotherm is my favorite, hands down. I am a fairly sized man (6'1 206lbs) and somewhat on the hairy Slav side of the human spectrum. Then apply next layers as appropriate. I find synthetic base layers do a great job of holding in warmth in colder weather, and wick perspiration away just fine in hot weather. The research is behind it - it out performs polyester and polypropylene in all conditions. r/Ultralight is the largest online Ultralight Backcountry Backpacking community! This sub is about overnight backcountry backpacking, with a focus on moving efficiently, packing light, generally aiming at a sub 10 pound base weight, and following LNT principles. It's also not UV resistant, so for tops, it should primarily be used as a base layer vs. When Paul recently asked Richard for some base layer advice, the response was so useful we agreed it should go on the Moa Hunter website. I've had mine for several years (in NZ - worn in all conditions) and they wear beautifully - still look perfect after many many trips and hard use. You can literally wear them all year, which for my budget is a much better value. If its pure NWT, alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba cold like -20 and colder i would do 2 layers and a windproof outside but if you are in say southern ontario where its warm and its only dampness you need to fight off. Limited Strength: Polypropylene is not as strong as nylon or polyester, so it may not be suitable for heavy loads or high-stress applications. I'm in South Carolina but going to be doing some colder weather camping/hiking this winter and, while it won't be crazy cold here (usually lows in the 20s-30s F at night) I feel I need to up my baselayer game. Polyester. A good, wicking, base layer. Oct 25, 2022 · Wool vs. This also ruined my nylon poncho and rain pants. On a long trip you can wash one set with shampoo and cold water in the sink and hang to dry. SmartWool is definitely my favorite baselayer right now. But that has all night to dry. However, the choice between polyester and nylon ultimately depends on individual preferences, intended use, and specific performance requirements. Polypropylene is the worst when it comes to odor retention. X-Pac - This laminated fabric that has multiple layers. Thin poly baselayers will keep you the driest, and therefore warmest for high exertion activities. But if I'm doing a single day hike, a 3D shoot, or just working outside I'll generally throw on a poly base layer under another shirt. My favorite is the Patagonia R1 Instead of having synthetically created channels like Coolmax, merino wool fibers have a double layer to work their magic. I use Smartwool baselayers since they blend their Merino with synthetic fibers so you get the best of both worlds. That’s all you need. This is an often worn piece for me in the winter. If you do a search for "base layer" at this site you will see some some good prices on active (hiking, physical exertion, working up a sweat) base layers and expedition weight (sitting around camp). I think thin polyester baselayers of about 120 gsm are good all-rounders. They move moisture really fast and work as a base layer or alone in warmer weather. It’s not great at handling lots of sweat though, for that your best bet is lightweight polyester or for super-rapid drying, polypropylene. Avoid anything with Polypropylene. I heard polypropylene has a lot of great qualities compared to Polyester and Nylon. i would say anything 80% cotton 40% polyester. You don't need to buy a fancy base layer from a dive shop, but you do need a good base layer. It could be that a mesh base layer is as warm as a regular base layer, just lighter. I haven’t had a chance to try Stanfields merino stuff yet as 1) I never really knew it existed until recently and 2) as someone who works 15-18+ hour shifts, the thinner base layers have never lasted. My favorite is the Patagonia R1 Which Baselayer Is Best? — Merino Wool vs Synthetics. One thing, as previously mentioned, the UA base layers will get stinky and will hold the stank forever. The only real damage I've done on silk is to ruin a pair of base layer pants when I made a fairly life threatening fall on slippery rock. If the high of the day is below 50 i wear the 150 layer top and bottom. Merino is the most expensive and is generally bloody expensive. in truth it works best as an intermediate layer instead of a base layer but is wonderful to sleep in by itself. It's why it has that instant stink straight from the wash. com May 3, 2023. Limitations They were tested using a wide MET range in cool weather. I wear normal boxer briefs during the daytime hiking and then switch into my base layers as it gets cold, but that’s just my personal preference. Using the two base layers could replace a medium layer in certain weather conditions saving weight/space/etc. But for those who "don't want to think about it - go get "light-weight" and "mid-weight" base layers from smartwool 2 - each. the outer surface of merino wool is not moisture-loving (hydrophobic) and so this keeps a dry feel. Oils wash out of nylon more easily. Merino’s biggest advantage is that it won’t stink after you sweat it in it, but polyester base layers actually do a better job wicking sweat. Looking for some base layer advice. Apr 23, 2003 · I have no idea what the difference is between polypro and polyester, but I would guess that polypro is a type of polyester. I’ll also add that it’s very similar to the Capilene thermal hoody but the hood on the Montane is single layer like the rest of the garment whereas the Cap thermal is double layered on the hood. That being said, a snug next-to-skin layer with an insulating wool sock over it is still a great combo that helps to transfer the friction you would have experienced between the sock and your foot to between the 2 sock layers. For some reason, the term "polypro" stuck, although AFIAK nobody has made polypro baselayers for at least two or three decades. Compared to ripstop nylon, it's main benefit is the waterproofness. Check out OR Echo or the lightest Patagonia Capilene if they're available in your neck of the woods. Another notable difference is that polyester is oleophilic (oil absorbing) and thus prone to retaining body odors. Synthetic, doesn't matter if it's hot weather or cold weather. The newer stuff seems to do better but it can hold odor even after a wash especially if it was left to ferment in a laundry basket or backpack for a few days, then the odor comes back with a vengeance with a little heat and sweat. backpackinglight. There are polypropylene base layers, but they stink worse than polyester, wear out faster, are scratchier feeling, and can melt in the clothes dryer. Merino makes an excellent mid-layer though so light, so warm. But you need more items in different design to accomplish what one or 2 wool items will do. Its supposed to be quite warm, absorb almost no water, whick well, and be quite durable and not stink as fast. The main difference between polyester and polypropylene is that polypropylene is more water-resistant than polyester, making it a quick-drying fabric that works well for athletic wear. I've got a Polartec Power Grid base layer for warmer days and a Polartec Power Stretch base layer for colder days. Poly pro is great, when people say that military gear isn't ideal for backpacking they're usually right, except for the poly pro tops. " ----- (A question in response) Pack one base layer top and one base layer bottom. The inner core of the wool is moisture-loving so it draws moisture into it and away from your feet. So, if you have been pondering what fabric to wear close to your skin and in what conditions, read on! Wool vs Polypropylene vs Polyester Price . The list goes on. , fleece, base layers) garments often include an anti odor treatment. Absolutely love it. Rayon is NOT suitable as a base layer. But that fall created a decent tear in my rain pants, base layer and skin layer. I think that a 50/50 blend makes the ideal base layer top for most conditions. a long sleeve top you can hike, camp, run in year-round. Oct 16, 2018 · Polyester is the most widely used fiber for base-layer clothing as it is relatively inexpensive and offers great performance in certain aspects – not least because the fibers can be knit into a very lightweight fabric that is still durable. 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. Once you go merino, you won't go back. Having said that if you had a polypropylene base layer with a cotton t-shirt (sacrificial layer) over that and a synthetic fleece over that with an outer layer (windproof/waterproof) over that. Polyester, Polypro and Merino are all good liner materials, I would try a few different ones and see what works best IMO Merino is the "simple" solution to base and midlayer garments where as polyester is the higher performance and more "appropriate". I then compare the performance of these base layers with those of the polyester base layers I have recently reviewed. Wool base layers have a very low warmth to weight ratio. Mar 6, 2025 · Layering Systems: Base, Mid, and Outer Layers. Polyester is all about wicking. It has a standard nylon face, a polyester grid (for anti-stretch), and PET plastic layer (for waterproofness), and a nylon backing to protect the plastic layer. I don't know if there's a big difference between cashmere and merino. How would they stack up to 100% That said, base layers are designed to contribute to warmth via moisture dispersal. The lower end brand is Coldpruf and higher end brand is Terramar. Jan 28, 2025 · Base layers made of synthetic fabric are usually made with Polyester or incorporate a blend of a natural fiber like Merino Wool with Polyester. This is why polyester based (e. What about blends? One study suggests that wool/polyester blend down to a 20/80 ratio (that's right 20% wool/80% polyester) is around as odour-reduced as pure wool. Author: Sam Brilleman. Blends are for sure the way to go though and if I was to get a new thinner base layer, I’d stick with the brand. I've had some for years and they'll go nicely under your clothing and keep you warm while allowing you to swap out your wardrobe for the occasion. If the high is below 40 i wear the 250 layer. The polyester base layers are nice but very stinky and difficult to wash out the odor. Jan 4, 2023 · 20 years ago alot of the synthetic stuff was polypropylene. Maybe you’ll like the moisture wicking ability of base layers and you’ll want to wear them all day. Anything thinner than that has questionable durability. with that being said, you can find better bottoms than the poly pros, but you won't be disappointed with the top. 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. A great point. I have seen a few different options out there that are wool blend, usually 60% polyester and 40% merino wool. Oct 25, 2022 · 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. Apr 15, 2019 · Here’s the thing: the best baselayer fabric is very much down to you. Polyester lacks the quick-drying properties of polypropylene, but it is washable and wrinkle-resistant, qualities that make it easy to care for. Voormi makes some interesting base layers where the inside is wicking polyester and the outside is wool. g. I'm female, though, so ymmv based on how heat affects you and your activity level. Each layer depends on the others to perform optimally. I want to get some Merino wool base layers but the 100% merino wool are outside my budget. I really haven't seen this issue with merino. And if you’re somewhere in the middle? Overall, while both polyester and nylon can be suitable for base layers, polyester is often preferred for its superior moisture-wicking properties, faster drying time, and softer feel against the skin. I'm working on getting some new thermal base layers. For example, even the best moisture-wicking baselayer won’t keep you dry if your mid- or outer layer traps moisture. They are much cheaper of course, but not sure at what cost. For low level use, merino wool has a great mix of next to skin comfort and odour resistance. Regardless of what you call them, your next-to-skin clothing layers are vital for ensuring your backpacking trip is safe and comfortable. They go by many names… baselayers, next-to-skin layers, thermal underwear, long johns. Wool is hydrophilic, while polyester is hydrophobic. Rayon is problematic because it likes to hold water, not because of smell. 3. Odor resistance is still pretty good. Synthetic options are usually less expensive and more durable than their Merino friends, although they are typically less breathable and not as warm. And one "heavy-weight" base layer. That’s good to hear. So I need to change my underwear multiple times a day. That is exactly how socks should be worn, in 2 layers. It is in midlayers where you want to to concentrate on warmth. Whether the provide the best and/or the worst of both is debatable. Personally I found that merino, once wet, stays wet and that made me cold! Synthetic base layers dry quick and are better at moisture transfer. A layer meant for hiking or skiing will work, but truly not going to be a lot cheaper than something of quality mean for a dry suit. 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). Oct 17, 2024 · Polypropylene gets bonus points for being even more hydrophobic than treated polyester, so it doesn’t retain much moisture at all. 673K subscribers in the Ultralight community. aka poly-PEW!. When I search for best base layer for treking, climbing, hiking etc I rarely see product from brand like Nike or Adidas. If the high is at freezing i wear both the 150 and the 250. You can wear them 2 (or even 3) days Jan 16, 2024 · Helly uses a polypropylene (standalone in their synthetic, blended in their merino). These studies show a moderate benefit and do not turn polyester into wool. 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 guess it really depends on where you are in Canada. I also wear Merino boxers under my Merino base layer… really nice and I can go on long trips without being smelly or wasting time on laundry. A good insulating mid layer. Nylon absorbs a lot of water, can't imagine it making for a good base layer. r/Ultralight is the largest online Ultralight Backcountry Backpacking community! This sub is about… Yes, cotton is not a good material in survival situations. To maximize the effectiveness of your clothing, it's helpful to think of your gear as a complete system. What base layers are meant to do is to prevent you from getting cold – this might sound like semantics, but it is not. 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. So why respond to that? May I ask why you are going through months of old posts “correcting” everyone on technicalities Vs the actual discussion of the issue The main difference between polyester and polypropylene is that polypropylene is more water-resistant than polyester, making it a quick-drying fabric that works well for athletic wear. In cold weather (below freezing), my base layer is midweight thermals, which allow me to hike without overheating. Regardless, not getting chilled when you sweat and not getting clammy are big advantages. Athletic works are fine. I never mentioned nylon at all. Lightweight: It is lightweight, making it suitable for applications where weight is a concern. This may be of interest to those frustrated with pure wool's expense and poor durability. You're better off with a puffy weighing 100g more (if that weight is 80fill down) than a baselayer weighing 100g more, if warmth is your goal. Polypropylene Webbing: Affordability: Polypropylene webbing is often more affordable than nylon or polyester. Nov 12, 2021 · It insulates better than the UA with regards to wet and windy conditions. It can't absorb water which is a plus, but soap can't clean the bacteria that grow in the fibers for the same reason. There are manufacturers that make combination merino wool and polypropylene base layers. Terramar, Helly Hansen Lifa, and older military surplus base layers (sometimes Rothco) may use polypropylene. Depends upon the length of the trip. Instead of having synthetically created channels like Coolmax, merino wool fibers have a double layer to work their magic. xmq ifhq lzko cmvkv hhwatwm qpm cvzhdxoy aiq rfips vjtpor vagumhp kmev pwsez ywgyw tdmyy