Base Layers: What are base layers, and how do you wear them?
Thermal Underwear: What is thermal underwear? Are base layers thermal underwear?
Confused about the different materials used in base layers/thermal underwear?
We will answer these questions in this article:
Sweat glands are found throughout the body and are responsible for secreting the watery, salty perspiration that is most commonly caused by high body temperatures. Sweating causes a decrease in core temperature through evaporative cooling at the skin surface.
People have an average of two to four million sweat glands. The volume of water lost in sweat daily is highly variable, ranging from 100 to 8,000 mL/day. During average-intensity exercise, sweat losses can average up to 2 litres of water/hour.
What are base layers, and what has sweating got to do with anything?
Base layers are thermal underwear that are designed to be worn next to your skin. Their key purpose is to move perspiration from your skin into the fabric, through its fibres and onto the fabric’s surface, where it can evaporate. This is known as ‘wicking’. Because your skin remains dry, you feel less cold and more comfortable.
Base layers also trap a layer of warm air between your skin and the base layer, which acts as insulation.
In order to keep your body dry, base layers should closely follow the contours of your body, ensuring that much of your skin has a wicking layer next to it. Lightweight, snug-fitting (but not over-tight) base layers are the best at doing this. Base layers should have a degree of stretchiness, ensuring that your movement is not restricted.
Although you can buy base layers with a baggier fit, they are not as effective at wicking away moisture from your body.
In advertisements, snug-fitting base layers are often worn by models with the body of an Adonis. For the rest of us, wearing such snug-fitting garments can make us feel a little self-conscious. However, these garments are typically hidden from view and worn underneath another layer (the mid-layer). Snug-fitting base layers work best.
Check the manufacturer’s size guides to ensure that you get the best fit.
A longer shirt will prevent gaping when bending over and sitting down, preventing you from losing body heat.
Base layers are available in one- and two-piece options. The one-piece base layer, being a single garment, might be considered to be warmer as there are no gaps created when moving around. However, going to the toilet can be awkward. Some of the one-piece base layers have a flap at the back (with buttons or a zip). Alternatively, you might need to strip down to use the loo, which is never ideal.
You don’t have these problems when wearing a two-piece base layer.
Two piece base layers are more versitile. Often, you are able to buy the upper and lower garments seperately, in order to suit your body type. You can combine different weight base layers, for example wearing a more lightweight (or no base layer) under your trousers.
You can wear different style tops, which suit your activity or preference (e.g. wearing a top with an inclusive hood or a with a zip). Thereby, providing flexibility.
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Long sleeve options, for full coverage. Short sleeve and vest style options are also available, for use in milder temperatures.
Neck styles vary. ‘V’ neck, crew neck and collared options are available. Choice is down to your personal preference and product availability in the brand that you are looking at.
Consider what you will be wearing over the top of your base layer and how this might affect comfort.
Long-legged base layers provide maximum warmth. Boxer Shorts are also available, which offer increased comfort due to their breathable qualities.
Seams rubbing against your body can be very uncomforable. If you intend to carry a fishing backpack extended distances, to reach your fishing spot, look for shoulder seems that wrap around your shoulders and avoid friction.
Wearing multiple layers of garmets is the best and most flexible way to keep warm in cold conditions. Each layer creates its own layer of trapped air. Multiple wicking/breathable layers ensure that moisture is wicked away.
Wearing multiple layers allows you to regulate your temperature by adding or removing layers. This is more effective than wearing one, thick garment.
A typical configuration of garments would be a base layer (worn next to the skin), a mid layer (worn on top of the base layer, and an outer layer (normally waterproof). Multiple mid layers can also be added.
Although there doesn’t seem to be a universal standard for warmth rating of thermals, some brands offer a range of thermal ratings for their own garments.
Check their product descriptions for guidance. Typically, base layers are categorised as lightweight, mid weight and heavy weight.
Lightweight base layers dry quickest and wick away sweat fastest. As garments become thicker, wicking ability is reduced and drying time is increased.
In very low environmental temperatures, heavy weight base layers might be the best option.
Lightweight garments being more suitable when the temperatures are milder.
Another factor to consider is your level of activity:
Body heat is generated by activity. The more active you are, the more body heat is generated along with perspiration.
If you intend to wear base layers when running or walking, then lightweight base layers should be considered.
If you are static, heavier base layers might be a preferred option.
Some people buy multiple ‘weights’ of base layers to suit the environmental temperatures and their level of activity. i.e. a lightweight set for running and heavier set for more static activities.
Alternatively, you can also add additional mid layers over the top of your base layer.
In situations where (either through higher levels of activity or rising temperatures) you need to strip down to your base layer, lightweight base layers are the coolest option.
Good base layers are a must whan fishing in cold conditions of winter or when night fishing.
Good base layers keep you warm and comfortable and enhance your fishing experience. Few things are worse that feeling very cold. This can make your fishing session a miserable ordeal.
Static Winter Fishing – mid and heavy weight base layers are recommended when you will not be walking far and you will be fishing in one spot.
Mobile Winter Fishing – light and mid weight are recommended when you are walking longer distances to reach your fishing spot or are intending to be roving about whilst fishing.
Night Fishing in Summer – a lightweight base layer is often sufficient, but take extra layers as the temperature drop between daytime and night-time temperatures can be significant, and can sometimes catch you out.
Long Walks – if you are walking longer distances to your fishing location, good base layers help wick away perspiration. It’s a good idea to remove mid and outer layers when setting off and walking, and put them back on when you reach your fishing spot.
Base layers come in different materials. Here are some of the popular materials, togther with some pros and cons of each material.
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The Merino is a breed or group of domestic sheep, characterised by very fine soft wool.
It was established in Spain near the end of the Middle Ages and was preserved as a strict Spanish monopoly for several centuries; exports of the breed were not permitted, and anyone who tried incurred the death penalty.
Pros
Cons
The merino wool thermal set consists of skin-friendly leggings with a long-sleeved shirt made of 100% natural and superfine merino wool from Australia.
Variant 1 Extra warm thermal underwear set M126 (250g/m² merino wool) perfect for icy cold conditions. Variant 2 warm thermal underwear set M31 (200g/m² merino wool) perfect for cool weather.
Modern clothing labeled as being made from bamboo is usually viscose rayon, a fiber made by dissolving the cellulose in the bamboo, and then extruding it to form fibres.
Pros
Cons
Pros
Cons
Pros
Cons
Many brands use a blend of materials in there garments i.e. 95% bamboo viscose & 5% spandex – 70% Polyester, 30% Wool.
These combinations are used to enhance the characteristics of the main material, for example making them more stretchy or feel more comfortable against the skin.
Adding synthetic material to a merino wool garment can add durability and also speeds up drying time. This also can reduce the cost significantly.
Check the product descriptions of the garments for these details.
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Some base layers come with a fleecy lined interior, which adds to its thermal properties by trapping pockets of air within the base layer and adding also make the layer feel more cosy.
Fleecy garments add a touch of luxury but they can feel too warm if you are walking longer distances to your fishing spot.
The thicker material can result in them being less able to wick moisture away from your body.
Whilst you can find base layers made from 100% cotton, you should avoid these if you are doing any form of activity that generates heat.
Cotton garments soak up water vapour and hold onto this, creating an uncomfortable, wet layer, which can potentially lower your body temperature and make you feel colder.
In some cases, wetted-out cotton garments have resulted in hypothermia.
Merino wool and silk need special care when washing and drying them.
Synthetic base layers are more easy to wash and care for.
Always follow the manufacturers instructions before washing, drying or ironing your base layers.
Some things for anglers to consider when buying base layers:
A good base layer is a good investment for the angler, keeping you warm and comfortable when fishing.
In cold, wintery conditions they can be the difference between and enjoyable day and a miserable one.
A good base layer is also important when night fishing, even in summer, when temperatures can plummet overnight.
Add base layers to your cold-weather and night fishing gear. They are worth every penny!
Photo credit: https://unsplash.com/@xshaydx
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