base layers

[Steve Bullman]

its that time of year again.....i have 2 musto and 2 helly hansen base layers which are both very good. Im looking for another 2 for the winter, has anyone tried any other brands?

[Paul Barton]

I have a Patagonia capilene base layer - had it for more than 5 years now and apart from the odd rip it is still going strong.

[Mac McLennan]

Been using Helly Hansen for many years and it just keeps improving....don't think you'll beat it for value and performance.

[bob]

merino wool are the nicest and softest although a little dearer and they never smell honest

[Rupe]

Helly every day! Smelly helly. I still have some original hellys from the 80's they were itchy and v. smelly but they did the job.

 

They have a new range for cycling that would be good, extra protection over the buttocks, would fit well under a harness.

 

They do them in pink Steve so you'll be well happy!

[Steve Bullman]

awesome rupe, i'll have to get a pair

[MasterBlaster]

What's a "winter?" (lol)

[tokaloch]

I have used Ullfrotte for years, Merino wool with some man made fibres. I use them for work, skiing and walking. The only thing I would say is that even on extremely cold days they can be too wram if you are really grafting

[arbogrunt]

Smelly Helly is good stuff, I swear by anything with 'Berghaus' on it too.

[Arob]

Haven't tried any Helly tops so can't offer a comparison but I have used both man made Regatta X-ert and Smartwool merino, merinos obviously quite a bit dearer but warmer, much better cut and fit with nice long arms, just wear and air, doesn't need washing anywhere near as much as man made stuff and it doesn't stink! (May recoup the cost from not having to wash every time I wear!)

But unlike the Smartwool I won't be too fussed if I wreck one of the Regatta ones and they do a fairly good job for the cost.

 

The merino's really good, but IME from cycling it does need to be able to wick, if you're working hard and have a shell (even Gore Tex) on top it will hold moisture, in which case its good to have a change.