The ABC of base layers

Catches scent, absorbs well, dries quickly... The ABC of base layers.

The big question, when we talk about mountain sports equipment and clothing is the second one, which has to be practical. Nine from 10 climbers are thinking a lot about this question...

To be honest, sitting in my office is very simple for me to answer with clichés like: we cannot talk about bad weather, just about tourists dressed inappropriately, then another advice: dress stratified, to feel comfortable is the most important, also to have waterproof boots...

The beginner climber’s smile freezes on his face, when the salesman shows him the large variety of products, all having the same purpose:

• This one is waterproof.
• This one is colorful and catches the scent.
• This one takes you on the mountain automatically.
• In this one you will look great in the picture taken on the top of the mountain.
• This is certainly something that you cannot overuse.
• This one is designed from the most modern material.

Are you familiar with these situations?

Let’s mention the most important criteria when you are to choose your base layers.

First, we must understand that base layers are very important when you are practicing these sports, and shop assistants don’t want to lure just for the sake of buying. It is the most important part of stratified dressing; it is used to maintain the optimal body temperature, and doesn’t absorb body odors.

The most important criteria when we are talking about base layers, is the material (color, design or packaging should not be taken into account, because these issues do not mess on the mountain, they don’t help you in anything at all).

So you have to focus on the material! Polyester. Merino wool. Polypropylene. Do they have any meaning to you? I guess not. Let’s take each of them and analyze it a little bit.

In terms of absorption

• Polypropylene: the absorption is bad
• Polyester: absorbs the water well, but the degree of dryness is not so good.
• Merino wool: it has a good absorption, but it dries very hard. 

In terms of convenience

• Polypropylene: hard texture, which is not pleasant for the skin.
• Polyester: It is much more comfortable than polypropylene, and especially if the fabric is of good quality. 
• Merino Wool: Definitely it surpasses the others, because of its softness we have our every day clothes made of it. 

In terms of smell

• Polypropylene: smells, especially if it is worn for several days.
• Polyester: It beats the polypropylene, catches scent quickly. (But does this matter when you're on the mountain?) 
• Merino Wool: Doesn’t catch scent, can be worn for several days without problems.

Best usage

• Polypropylene: in sports which require a lot of movement, energy, sports that make you sweat, as the material dries quickly. It is therefore indicated in sports which are practiced on water (aquatic sports)
• Polyester: is indicated for summer sports, trekking and easy climbing. 
• Merino Wool: recommended in winter sports, special climbing, skiing, when muscles are in constant motion, but you don’t sweat so intensely.