Mesh Base Layer

[Andrew L]

Does anyone ride with a Mesh Base Layer? I noticed the pros where them and was contemplating getting one for the heat this summer. I was just curious if they were actually effective in cooling you off (I live in Texas, it gets really hot)

[velocanman]

I wear a Craft mesh procool base layer in the summer and I think it works. I'm in NW Florida and it gets hot and humid here, too. Mid-90s for temp and 70% RH.

I like having the extra thin layer between me and the jersey. On long rides even the best bibs and jerseys can rub me wrong, especially when soaked with sweat.

[Retro Grouch]

I own a pair that I use on very hot days...especially when riding mountain roads carrying extra water in a Camelbak.

[Jay Strongbow]

Outwet mesh base layers are very good IMO. I like the way they stretch fit and they keep my skin pretty dry.
I've never tried one to keep me cool when it's hot out though. I only wear them to keep my skin dry thus a little warmer when it's cool out.

[kbwh]

I use an AGU mesh shirt closest to my body in the winter and spring, often with a long armed lambswool base layer over it. Could of course have run the in Italy very popular Norwegian Brynje closest to my body, but haven't got around to it yet.

The 3 summer days that are hot enough in Norway are also good for a mesh base layer.

[veloduffer]

I've used them for a couple of years and don't think they keep me cooler on hot days. I prefer just a jersey with a full zip. Between the air movement of riding and the wicking jersey fabric, I stay dry while riding. When you stop, that's when the sweat really starts flowing. YMMV

[nOOky]

I read somewhere that you will stay cooler if you don't wear a base layer. Your skin needs to let the sweat evaporate off to get the evaporative cooling effect. Having fabric against the skin doesn't allow that to happen. Whether that is true or not, I find I stay cooler if I wear a jersey that flaps around a bit versus having multiple layers.

[woodys737]

I read somewhere that you will stay cooler if you don't wear a base layer. Your skin needs to let the sweat evaporate off to get the evaporative cooling effect. Having fabric against the skin doesn't allow that to happen. Whether that is true or not, I find I stay cooler if I wear a jersey that flaps around a bit versus having multiple layers.

Not all base layers are created the same. Part of the point to mesh layers is they hold onto moisture longer to take advantage of evaporation and thus keep you cooler. I find the Craft mesh works well in dryer conditions but nothing works when the humidity creeps up.

[kbwh]

God, I hate flappin' jerseys. Base layers for me.
Some of the hot summer jerseys on offer these days are quite open weaved too.

[MShaw]

I've got a few types. All of em are some of the best stuff I've ever worn.

One of the warmest things you'll wear in the winter and one of the coolest in the summer.

M

[nOOky]

Not all base layers are created the same. Part of the point to mesh layers is they hold onto moisture longer to take advantage of evaporation and thus keep you cooler. I find the Craft mesh works well in dryer conditions but nothing works when the humidity creeps up.

This is true, if the humidity is too high then everything gets soggy and stays that way. I feel yucky just thinking about it.

[AndreyT]

Does anyone ride with a Mesh Base Layer? I noticed the pros where them and was contemplating getting one for the heat this summer. I was just curious if they were actually effective in cooling you off (I live in Texas, it gets really hot)

Cooling your off? No, a base layer will actually warm you up. Any base layer will interfere with proper cooling, regardless of whether it is mesh or something more solid.

The idea is not to wear any base layer at all in hot seasons of the year. However, some people don't like the feel of a wet jersey on their skin so much that they prefer to wear a light base layer even when it is hot. While a base layer does improve comfort in such cases, it might be better idea to experiment with different jersey materials instead of resorting to base layers.

[mostoc]

Sounds to me that you just have to get out there and try it. Some people like it, others do not. I'm in the category that more layers on the torso is no good. Open the jersey and just feel the wind. On the other hand, I have found arm coolers to help in certain areas. #1, it provides great sun protection and #2, I can poor water on the sleeves and they stay cool for quite some time after. Might want to give those a try.

[MShaw]

As a note: I'll wear a base layer all the way thru the low 90s here in the DC area (humid) Moving moisture away from the skin = mo bettah.

The mesh also adds a layer of air between you and whatever temps are out there. Just like in your house windows, air = good insulator. That microclimate helps your body regulate temperature better.

Try em and see. Worst case PM me and I'll take em off your hands if they're Mediums

M

[Ripper4life]

The Craft ProCool Superlight Sleeveless is the best lightweight base layer I've ever used.

[Eric_H]

I always wear a base layer, then again I don't live in a notoriously hot region. Even so, racing in near 100F heat at Cascade Classic, I still wore a mesh baselayer. When it is super hot and I get a big sweat on I have had "issues" with chafing of the nipples. A baselayer eliminates this.

[Andrew L]

The only way a base layer keeps me cooler in the summer is when it's over 80 and it's soaked with sweat. Now it is performing evaporative cooling.

That describes May - October in Dallas

[siclmn]

The only way a base layer keeps me cooler in the summer is when it's over 80 and it's soaked with sweat. Now it is performing evaporative cooling.

[Jay Strongbow]

The mesh also adds a layer of air between you and whatever temps are out there. Just like in your house windows, air = good insulator. That microclimate helps your body regulate temperature better.



M

Your body is 98 degrees though. Closing the window won't make your house cooler if you Have a heat source in there higher in temp than the outside temp.
If it works it work, I don't know as I've never tried a mesh layer in the heat but I gotta think the reason as someone else mentioned is because they hold moisture.

[looigi]

This is just theory at this point but as others have suggested, perhaps the relative humidity and sun can have a major influence on whether a baselayer is helpful or not. Maybe very dry and sunny conditions might favor the use of a baselayer whereas humid shaded conditions might tend to favor riding without a baselayer?

I rode for many years in the high and dry deserts of the Southwest. And lately I've been riding in much more humid and shady Northeast. This occurred over the span of many years and I haven't systematically tested any of this.

[JCavilia]

Cooling your off? No, a base layer will actually warm you up. Any base layer will interfere with proper cooling, regardless of whether it is mesh or something more solid.

This is not always true. A close-fitting base layer of wicking microfibers can actually increase the sweat evaporation rate significantly, compared to the evaporation rate from damp skin. The tiny fibers can expose much more wetted surface to the air. Where evaporative cooling is effective, this can more than counteract the loss of cooling capacity from inhibiting airflow directly to the skin. That's the theory, and it seems to be borne out by the experience of many riders, including pro racers.

A close-fitting jersey of similar material could in theory do the same (essentially wearing only a base layer), but jerseys generally don't actually fit that way.



In the most humid conditions, where evaporative cooling starts losing effectiveness, the equation eventually doesn't work.

[savagemann]

Pearl Izumi Transfer Lite baselayer 24-7 while on the bike.
When its cold, it works well under a wool base layer.
Worn up to 100* in the summer.
I don't like riding when its hotter than that.

[gus68]

your body cools during evaporation. Having sweat on your body means the water is not evaporating. A mesh base layer pulls the moisture, promoting evaporation. You feel hotter when it is humid as your body struggles to remove the moisture. Defeet has several different base layers for varying levels of heat. Your own personal taste will dictatate the need but evaporation is the theory behind it. Also, a base layer will also provide some protection for road rash.