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Main Boards => Gear => Topic started by: gunwharfman on 14:43:31, 20/04/20

Title: Synthetic baselayers
Post by: gunwharfman on 14:43:31, 20/04/20
I have a couple of Odlo tight-fitting long-sleeved baselayers, after reading various reviews and tests I bought two on a special offer. I'm normally a medium but decided to buy the large versions and I'm glad I did, the large feels fine as a size but overall I'm disappointed with them.  I've learned from experience that I'm just not a fan of having that 'trussed up' feeling, they cling all over, including my arms and they always seem to have a hard-to-describe chilliness about them which never seems to go away. It could be that they are working well but I just can't deal with the 'chilly' sensation for more than about an hour. I now use them for running only.

So I'm on the lookout for lightweight repacements, I'm also looking at the possibility of merino wool as well. Merino for me, has always presented me with a problem. I already have one merino baselayer (a cheap one) and every time, until the end of last year, that I wore it, I started to itch, especially when I was walking up steep hills and I always itched badly across my chest area. My wife thought it might be the detergent that we use so we've changed and it seems to have made a difference. The best one so far seems to be Persil normal. I'll test it more in the next couple of weeks by wearing it when I run to see what happens. As a side note, I can only use aluminium free underarm products, if I don't I itch like crazy! Maybe there's a link and I'm just an oddity?
Title: Re: Synthetic baselayers
Post by: Marsden Moor on 15:03:06, 20/04/20
100% polyester for me but like you it needs to be baggy as for clinging I got rid of that by letting them air dry instead of using a dryer, may make a difference to you if you use a dryer, My problem is getting one big enough but slowly getting better at working on that


Detergent has got to be surf for me otherwise it’s a nightmare with itching and as for deodorant got to be brut or old spice or get the same 




Title: Re: Synthetic baselayers
Post by: SteamyTea on 17:28:23, 20/04/20
New Formula Bold caused me to go to the special clinic.
I am allergic to just about everything, but found that Tesco Colour Tablets are fine.
Underarm I have to use any of the 'for sensitive skin' ones.
Been great being furloughed as not had to wear any.
Title: Re: Synthetic baselayers
Post by: Rigel on 00:43:32, 21/04/20
Maybe try Nenuco washing gel for clothes. And Nenuco cologne (adults)
Title: Re: Synthetic baselayers
Post by: Jac on 08:11:13, 21/04/20
I love merino - Go Outdoors own brand are slightly thicker than Icebreaker but very comfortable (wear them most of the time whether walking or not). Much cheaper to, of course.

Always check the label for the actual make up of the material - many of the lighter ones have a high percentage of synthetic fibre

Re detergent, Surf is the only one which in the past caused me a problem - we're all different and none of us the same.
Ecover is my preferred brand.
Title: Re: Synthetic baselayers
Post by: SteamyTea on 09:15:50, 21/04/20
Surf is the only one which in the past caused me a problem - we're all different and none of us the same.
Ecover is my preferred brand.
I was told, but have never check, that biological detergents are harsher on the skin that non-bio ones.


We are all individuals, just like everyone else.
Title: Re: Synthetic baselayers
Post by: fernman on 09:29:29, 21/04/20
New Formula Bold caused me to go to the special clinic.

 ;D ;D ;D That's what you told your partner was it?

I just happened to spot some non-bio powder in Tesco last Friday which said on the box about it being non-irritating to skin compared to biological ones, or something like that.

+1 for Ecover.

Synthetic baselayers: I bought Helly Hansen ones from Screwfix on the suggestion of someone on the forum,  half the weight of my earlier ones (the most important bit for me), dead cheap (the second most important bit) and quite effective.
Title: Re: Synthetic baselayers
Post by: Birdman on 10:41:45, 21/04/20
Decathlon used to do £15 merino blend baselayers and they were excellent and surprisingly durably if you take good care of them. The newer version is £20 (I think) and a bit thinner, unfortunately. But probably still OK (haven't worn one yet). They only sell them in the winter.


Since they are so cheap, I haven't used synthetic ones after "discovering" them in 2014. I like them so much better that synthetic. Work well across a broad temperature range and on long walks I sometimes wear them for weeks on end without washing, while the smell is still acceptable. Never had problems with itching.
Title: Re: Synthetic baselayers
Post by: Sevenup on 12:19:13, 21/04/20
I’ve been wearing the Decathlon merino long sleeve base layer tops. I prefer them over the heavier ice breaker tops I have. Dry quickly enough after leaky uphill walks and keep me comfortable whatever the conditions and whatever top I wear with them. I was thinking of trying some of the Sherpa merino tops instead of fleece https://www.sportpursuit.com/catalog/product/view/id/2014886 (https://www.sportpursuit.com/catalog/product/view/id/2014886) to see if I can cut down on plastics. I sweat a lot when I’m walking so something quick drying is a bonus.
Much to the annoyance of my wife I’ve been trying the decathlon tops for consecutive days for a ‘smell’ test. 4 days is my limit 😱
Title: Re: Synthetic baselayers
Post by: Birdman on 12:32:47, 21/04/20
4 days is my limit 😱


My record is 5 weeks without a shower and wearing the same Decathlon merino longsleeve as baselayer while carrying a large backpack every day. I'm not lying. This was in the Himalayas in Nepal.
Title: Re: Synthetic baselayers
Post by: Sevenup on 12:48:36, 21/04/20
This was fir household purposes only. I’d be happy to take 2 with me for an extended period. Really good VFM
Title: Re: Synthetic baselayers
Post by: SteamyTea on 14:02:44, 21/04/20
Much to the annoyance of my wife I’ve been trying the decathlon tops for consecutive days for a ‘smell’ test. 4 days is my limit 😱
what us your wife's limit.
Title: Re: Synthetic baselayers
Post by: Sevenup on 14:53:16, 21/04/20
When I said 4 days was my limit, it was because my wife told me 😳
Title: Re: Synthetic baselayers
Post by: BuzyG on 17:14:55, 21/04/20
No issues with synthetic base layers here.  I buy mine from sports direct for peanuts. O0


They do have a very different feel to natural layers.  However as I am one of those who almost always needs to get rid of heat when walking, I find the slightly damp cool feel of the material a welcome relief.  The important thing is the layer above the base layer remains dry, when you need to add it. :)
Title: Re: Synthetic baselayers
Post by: Sevenup on 17:18:20, 21/04/20
I have been buying synthetics from decathlon too. Unfortunately mine reach a point where no amount of hot washes clear away the sourness which rise after 20 minutes walking. I’m converted to their merino
Title: Re: Synthetic baselayers
Post by: Ronin83 on 18:48:05, 21/04/20
I have 2 icebreaker long-sleeved which are too hot on me for anything other than winter really(when being active - walking) and a 100% merino t shirt from aldi which is a bit cooler. They are all a bit itchy, but not unbearable.
My worst issue with merino is the huge static charge when combined with other clothing, especially fleece. It's ridiculous.
Zap!
Title: Re: Synthetic baselayers
Post by: gunwharfman on 18:56:22, 21/04/20
Thank you, that's worth bearing in mind, never mentioned in any reviews of course?
Title: Re: Synthetic baselayers
Post by: pinkhippy on 22:15:58, 07/08/20
Hi! I know this is an old post, but since I'm new on the forum I just came across it.


Have you read any articles about making wool garments - including merino - less itchy? I've seen a bunch of them out there and it's a bit of a faff (soaking the garment in water with vinegar, then with conditioner, drying flat on towels, then putting in the freezer overnight), but there's a lot of articles saying the same thing and I heard from someone who tried it that it works...



I've had Helly (smelly) Hansen synthetic baselayers for years and I really liked them (an old model more than the one I bought more recently). I had the men's baselayer initially (I think when I got my first one they didn't do gendered baselayers) and found it fit great without clingy. For a better comparison, my dad has also used them for years and really likes them.


That said, I do prefer the non-synthetic base layers when I can get my hands on them. My problem with Icebreaker in particular is that I find they shred really easily (haven't bought anthing in the last few years, so maybe they have improved that?). I can't get merino easily in Peru, so I haven't tried any other brands.


I've heard that some people who find merino itchy, don't have the same issue with alpaca wool, but alpaca still shares merino's other benefits. I know it's not super common in the outdoor market (therefore hard to find and rather expensive!) but as far as I'm aware, there are a couple of companies out there that do alpaca wool base layers.
Title: Re: Synthetic baselayers
Post by: Sevenup on 22:25:36, 07/08/20
Have a look at www.sportspursuit.com they sometimes sell alpaca base layers. I think you might need to sign up first.
I’ve ever done anything to merino except wear it and wash it. Recently bought a load of Isobaa stuff which I really like. Very fine but too warm for this time of year
Title: Re: Synthetic baselayers
Post by: pinkhippy on 23:08:38, 07/08/20
Have a look at sportspursuit they sometimes sell alpaca base layers. I think you might need to sign up first.
I’ve ever done anything to merino except wear it and wash it. Recently bought a load of Isobaa stuff which I really like. Very fine but too warm for this time of year


I hadn't seen that brand before, Sevenup. It looks like those baselayers are a blend of fibers, so that may help with any itch factor, but not sure 30% is enough to get the real benefits of the alpaca? I found a list by searching "alpaca wool baselayer" that includes 100% merino, alpaca and even yak wool options!
Title: Re: Synthetic baselayers
Post by: Sevenup on 06:53:07, 08/08/20
The isobaa is merino only.  I really like their stuff that I’ve bought. It’s finer than the Icebreaker stuff I’ve used for years. The ‘weight’ appears critical. I have some of their ‘200’ tops but could do with 140 or 150 weight for the next few months. Searching for merino on sports pursuit also brings up a variety of manufacturers. Only some of them are designed for walking or skiing many items are closer to leisure wear. I saw some alpaca base layers on the sports pursuit site but they change their promotions regularly and, of course, they sell out on limited stock so might not be much about now. I found this https://www.sportpursuit.com/search?s=Alpaca (https://www.sportpursuit.com/search?s=Alpaca) I fear I’d cook in alpaca. I’m already too warm in winter with merino at times. I’m not sure that it’s getting cold enough nowadays to justify the purchase.
Title: Re: Synthetic baselayers
Post by: gunwharfman on 10:15:49, 08/08/20
Because I have them in my drawer I work through all of my baselayers when I run off-road. I'm now into the habit of wearing my Brynge 'string vests' under most of them. The 'string vest' seems to stop me itching when I wear my merinos and my synthetics don't seem to smell so quickly either. I conclude that my vest creates a small airspace between my skin and baselayer, just enough to make my 'unusable' garments usable again. The vests are not so good at the moment, it's just too hot to wear two layers, so until it gets cooler the merinos stay in my drawer.
Title: Re: Synthetic baselayers
Post by: Stube on 11:06:06, 08/08/20
I gave up wearing synthetics decades ago - I disliked their feel against my skin.
When I started serious walking again, I initially wore cotton polo shirts (i like collars) - but they're heavy and get musty after 3 days or so.

I kept reading about merino baselayers being good for a week or more (my typical hike length) so I bought some triple discounted items from Trespass / Mountain Warehouse and have never looked back. These days I just pick up items from charity shops O0

Wool and silk should only be wahed in pure soap or other specialist delicates cleaners (and at a low temp). The difference in feel compared to main wash detergents is amazing. Indeed a single hot wash with a biological powder can destroy a garment.

I usually walk in just a base layer the breathability of knitted garments works well in hot weather.


Title: Re: Synthetic baselayers
Post by: ninthace on 12:16:35, 08/08/20
Some of my base layers are "proper" base layers and some are just ordinary clothes.  They are divided into long sleeved and short sleeeved with sub categories of proper shirts (collars, buttons etc) and the rest. They are a mix of brands and to be honest I have no idea what most of them are made of.  I just look at the weather and pick one.