Good base layer shirt reccomendation

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billyp

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Oct 21, 2002
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Looking for something to take with me to Alaska for a trip in a few weeks. Any one have any recommendations for a good base layer shirt?

Thanks,
Billyp
 
Definitely go for moisture wicking like Under Armor or similar. They give you great breathability and are very thin and comfortable.
 
Now how is anybody supposed to be able to answer that?
What's the weather supposed to be like?
What will you be doing?
What kind of outer and/or mid-layers?
How often will you be changing clothes?
 
I wasn't really looking for a specific shirt..really just a decent place to start looking. I have a few under armor shirts but didn't think it would hurt to ask and figured someone would pipe up with more knowledge about layering and Alaska than I have. Being from Louisiana, I don't worry too much about that kind of thing.

If I knew what the weather was going to be like I could probably make the decision myself (I would play the lottery more often too :)). Having never been to Alaska I'm not really sure what to expect. Everything I read says be ready for rain and the temps swing between 30f and 60f degrees.

We will be doing some light hiking primarily day trips with fishing mixed in. Gortex outer and a fleece mid that have served me well in the past. Probably changing every other, maybe every third day depending on activity level.

Billyp
 
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I prefer my base layers as light as possible- this includes dead of winter (you can always layer mid-layers over them when needed). This means 150 g/m (or less if you can find it) merino, or synthetic like Capilene 1- my preference of late, especially for longer trips is merino. I also prefer a zip neck for more temp regulation options. Ibex, Icebreaker, Smartwool, (others)- all have options in this configuration

as your from LA :D, I'd definitely have a good insulating layer (beyond fleece) heading to AK; 30's is a very real possibility any time of the year
 
mtwarden said:
I prefer my base layers as light as possible- this includes dead of winter (you can always layer mid-layers over them when needed). This means 150 g/m (or less if you can find it) merino, or synthetic like Capilene 1- my preference of late, especially for longer trips is merino. I also prefer a zip neck for more temp regulation options. Ibex, Icebreaker, Smartwool, (others)- all have options in this configuration

as your from LA :D, I'd definitely have a good insulating layer (beyond fleece) heading to AK; 30's is a very real possibility any time of the year
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Long sleeve Patagonia Capilene 1 is a great base!
 
Forget synthetic unless you like stinking. Get a good merino wool base layer. Something from Icebreaker, Ibex or KUIU. Once you try merino you wont wear sythetic again.
 
Capilene has an antimicrobial in the material. I have worn a Patagonia 1 top for 30 days with very little oder. It also has the feeling and lightness of silk. Also, no itch for those whom are wool sensitive.
 
^ I've never had a problem w/ Capilene either from a smell standpoint, but it seems some folks have????

on multi day trips, I usually give mine a quick wash every three days or so, doesn't take long and the shirt dries out quickly
 
For potentially colder/variable weather combinations I wear a sleeveless VB (vapor barrier) shirt. The front and back panels are silnylon and the sides are a thin strip of spandex for a little flexibility. Over this I'll wear a cheap polyester shirt. As the weather climbs into the 60s the VB becomes a bit much with a lot of activity, but with moderate activity in the 30-50 range it works great especially if the conditions turn wet/windy. It folds up to the size of a bandana when not being worn. I've tested a long sleeve version of this shirt at 10 degrees with just a hoody over the top, some gloves, and a watchcap. Wasn't comfortable but it did keep me warm enough with a little activity.

HH
 
The 30 days was done on purpose. I bathed once or twice a week, but wore the shirt daily without washing to test the anti-funk claim. It worked very well. I have done the same with wool and found that although good at non-funk, that it has a limit. And, once it start stinkin it seems to hold it. Well, I'll stop now since it is supper time!
 
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