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Choosing a good absorbent base layer is key for staying warm and dry during outdoor activities. Synthetic materials like polyester are versatile and easy to care for, but can absorb odors. Wool is a natural and eco-friendly option, but requires careful care and can be expensive.
When it comes to outdoor activities, especially in inclement weather, it is of the utmost importance to dress to stay warm and dry. The first step to ensuring dryness and comfort is choosing a good absorbent base layer, which is a thin layer of clothing, both shirt and pants, that sits closer to the body under other layers of clothing. The wicking base layer is designed to wick moisture away from the skin and work in conjunction with other layers of clothing to provide warmth and comfort in all types of weather.
When choosing an absorbent base layer, it’s important to consider the different types of material these types of clothing can be made from. While a material like cotton may contain some absorbent properties, it dries slowly and can therefore cause discomfort and irritation. Wool is a natural material and a common choice for a absorbent base layer, but earlier versions of wool layers can be somewhat uncomfortable and bulky. Newer fleece materials have counteracted these disadvantages quite well, but synthetic materials remain the most common choice for a wicking base layer.
The most common synthetic material used for an absorbent base layer is polyester. It is light, soft and easy to care for. It wicks moisture away from the body, that is, it transports moisture from the skin to the other side of the material so that it can evaporate. The base layer can be worn on its own in warmer conditions or under thicker layers in cool conditions, making it a versatile fabric. One disadvantage of synthetic absorbent pads is odor absorption; During physical activity, polyester can absorb body odor and keep it there, and if the material is worn more than once without being washed in between, odor can be a problem. It’s also petroleum-based, so buyers looking for an eco-friendly option may want to avoid this material.
Wool base layers have become a popular choice for all-season layering. Newer wool materials use finer yarns, making the material softer against the skin. It’s a natural fiber, so the choice is more eco-friendly than synthetics, and just like synthetics, wool layers come in different weights or thicknesses, providing different levels of warmth or cooling. However, wool base layers, like most other wool clothing, tend to shrink and need to be cared for carefully. Also, wool capes can be prohibitively expensive.
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