base layer - what are you preferences?

[yuris]

Hi guys, what do you use as base layer for winter riding? Compression or looser base layer? Sill, polyester, any other hints?
Thanks

[dcorn]

'Compression', meaning really fitting stuff without actual squeezing. I usually use under armour, heat gear when its just a tad cold out and cold gear when it's below maybe 55-60. This year, I'm thinking about going with something integrating Gore Windstopper so I don't have to wear a vest or jacket on top.

[skepticman]

I've tried the windproof base layer with a regular jersey and it didn't work very well. I get wet and cold underneath. I prefer a Windstopper jersey with or without a Craft Pro Zero Extreme base layer when it's cool, and a Windstopper jacket with a Craft Pro Zero base layer when it's cold.

[tednugent]

I look to my snowboarding stuff... so Hot Chillys for the base layer shirt

[pedalruns]

I wear PI's 'barrier' baselayer and it works great for me.

[Creakyknees]

I have a mesh top, not suitable for use by itself but very functional.

[carlislegeorge]

Craft pro zero for me, Not compression but not loose either....works fine for what it it's supposed to do, but...would like to try something else. I'm a heavy sweater, even with breathable layers, I still get wet in almost every situation when its cold and not evaporating quickly.

[ericusta]

I use Pearl iZUMi Transfer Long Sleeve Baselayer, I went riding last week, 34 degrees outside. Wore this baselayer and long sleeve jersey and never felt cold.

[ecub]

Hi guys, what do you use as base layer for winter riding? Compression or looser base layer? Sill, polyester, any other hints?
Thanks

Where do you live? Alaska, Houston, Siberia? Everyone's tolerance is different. I live in the midwest (Illinois). When it's close to freezing temps, I will wear my Pearl Izumi Transfer Long Sleeve Baselayer. In colder or even windy conditions, Pearl Izumi Thermal Zip Neck Long Sleeve Baselayer.

[simonaway427]

Merino wool - Arcteryx

[triumph3banger]

Another vote for Hot Chili's.

[OldZaskar]

UnderArmor's Cold Gear (or something like that). Never on sale. Always $49.99. I've tried a handful of others... won't try again. I'll just keep added to the pile of UA base layers... oh, they seem to last indefinitely too.

[nOOky]

None of your darn business. What I wear is comfortable and warm, it makes riding more of a joy than a chore. Figure it out for yourself like I had to!

http://us.icebreaker.com/Bodyfit-150...26%20Baselayer

[wooglin]

Wool. No contest.

[partyofone]

UnderArmor's Cold Gear (or something like that). Never on sale. Always $49.99. I've tried a handful of others... won't try again. I'll just keep added to the pile of UA base layers... oh, they seem to last indefinitely too.

Same for me. Got some at the outlet for $20. Nice and warm.

[JCavilia]

Stuff I find cheap from Sierra Trading Post, made of any wicking synthetic. All the microfiber polyester fabrics are pretty similar IME. Reasonably tight fit (no flapping) but not compression tight.

[Bremerradkurier]

Patagonia Capilene-I still wear light and medium weight underlayers I bought in 1989. However, YMMV with the newer Made in China versions.

[BostonG]

Stuff I find cheap from Sierra Trading Post, made of any wicking synthetic. All the microfiber polyester fabrics are pretty similar IME. Reasonably tight fit (no flapping) but not compression tight.

Same here.

I don’t rely on the base layer for warmth, but for wicking away the sweat. For me, a form fitting athletic shirt (running shirt or anything like that) works well and costs much less.

In the mid 30’s, my trunk is perfectly comfortable with that base layer, a long sleeve jersey, and a good windstopper jacket (which is the important part IMO).

[JCavilia]

Same here.

I don’t rely on the base layer for warmth, but for wicking away the sweat. For me, a form fitting athletic shirt (running shirt or anything like that) works well and costs much less.

In the mid 30’s, my trunk is perfectly comfortable with that base layer, a long sleeve jersey, and a good windstopper jacket (which is the important part IMO).

Well, the base layer provides warmth, too. I have them in several weights for different conditions. But I ride (at least commuting) down to 10 degrees or so. I agree with the layering concept. Outer layer is a simple shell of tightly-woven polyester microfiber (the one I use most I got from Performance for about 20 bucks, about 20 years ago). For the coldest days it's shell, fleece vest, two longsleeve layers. Plus big gloves and fleece balaclava, of course,

[StottieCake]

UnderArmor's Cold Gear (or something like that). Never on sale. Always $49.99. I've tried a handful of others... won't try again. I'll just keep added to the pile of UA base layers... oh, they seem to last indefinitely too.

In NJ we have Marshall's that has all sorts of Brand Name Active Wear. I just picked up several Under Armor Short and Long Sleeve Shirts (Heat/Cold Gear, Compression/Fitted). Half Price or less.

[Brad the Bold]

I have several Hot Chilly and Under Armor base layers. All are black, moisture wicking, fast drying of various types. I just wear them under a short or long sleve jersey.

They go from biking and running in the spring and fall, to the ski slopes in winter. And they also go deer, elk , duck , goose and turkey hunting too!

[fightnut]

Cheap $20 stuff from Target. Think it's called Tech Gear (?). Not compression, but not loose either. Polyester.
I use them for mountain biking and road riding (and motorcycle riding, and walking my dog, and.....).

Work great, comfortable, cheap.

[Lije Baley]

Well, the base layer provides warmth, too. I have them in several weights for different conditions. But I ride (at least commuting) down to 10 degrees or so. I agree with the layering concept. ...big gloves and fleece balaclava, of course,

Holy Crap!!! 10 degrees???!!!! I'm worrying at 50 degrees. At 40, I'm not sure I'm riding, and at 35, we're having record lows.

Wait. Is that 10 degrees F or C?

Edited to ask whether metric or U.S. (I think we're the last country using Fahrenheit.)

[D&MsDad]

SS base layer is a Smartwool t-shirt

LS base layer is silk, LL Bean I think.

After that, I have poly pro underwear of different weights.

Lower body, 3 weights of tights ending with windstopper. If that doesn't do it, poly pro long johns, again of differing weights.

(I have a lot of skiing and hiking gear.)

I've heard about compression stuff, don't really know what it is, though. Don't think I'd want anything compressing my upper body.






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[c_h_i_n_a_m_a_n]

Last week when I went out it was 8-10°C (that is 45-50°F for you over the pond) and I had the Endura merino wool baselayer, short jersey and a softshell gillet + arm warmers. After about 8 miles it was quite warm ...

Marino wool baselayer +1