light weight base layer

[earlyriser26]

What are some good options on light weight base layers? For sleeping or under rain gear in colder weather.

[Chop]

Just sorted this out for myself last week.

Northface has some very light stuff. I bought an xl bottom that was 3.8 oz and a large top that was the same weight. Brought my baselayers way down from the 19 oz they previously were.

I was fortunate to find these at nearly half price v

[hobbs]

I have Merril lite baselayers total weight is 6oz..Top is 3oz and bottoms 3oz...keeps me warm while layering...

[Northern Lights]

Icebreaker, yes they are expensive. Sometimes you can find them on sale. But I love them. They are soft, light and warm or cool depending on what you need.

[Tipi Walter]

For winter I use a lightweight long-sleeve silk turtleneck in Men's Tall---see below:

http://s7.landsend.com/is-viewers/dhtml/images/spacer.gifhttp://media.merchantcircle.com/14409860/tneck_full.jpeg

This is part of my standard load all year long, and I always wear it against my skin with a merino or polyester t-shirt on top. I like the Tall size as the length comes way down below my waist and the sleeves cover my wrists. I usually get my silk tops from Wintersilks.

http://www.metaefficient.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Icebreaker-SuperFine-150-Tech-T-Shirt-490x490.jpg

Here's an example of a typical merino lightweight t-shirt made by Icebreaker, and I would wear this either alone in warm temps or over my silk turtleneck when cool. I also sleep in this combo and wear the t-shirt alone under a rain jacket when raining, just to keep the silk top dry to sleep in later at camp.

These are my baselayers. My second layer or midlayer is a set of large/extra large merino tops, either made by Smartwool (lighter for the three seasons---their "midweight merino tops"), or made by Icebreaker ( a 260 large top under a 320 extra large---sandwiched together). Icebreaker tops are HEAVY, but with the nice zip necks, the great feel and the needed winter thumbholes, they are the best.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41HM6Dw9u-L._SX342_.jpg

Here's an example of Icebreaker's Tech 260 top with the zip neck.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41%2B8vg%2BzN6L._SX342_.jpg

And here's an Icebreaker Original Zip 320 top. I like to sandwich these two together to form one awesome, beefy winter midlayer set.

http://www.trailspace.com/assets/e/f/4/52980/TRIP-120-100.jpg

Here I am in my full top base and Icebreaker midlayers (and holding a bag of dried mango slices---good!). The zip neck offers good venting on steep winter climbs, and the merino is very soft and comfy.





http://s7.landsend.com/is-viewers/dhtml/images/spacer.gifhttp://s7.landsend.com/is-viewers/dhtml/images/spacer.gif

[Blissful]

seen some good smartwool lightweight base

[kayak karl]

silk, works the best for me in the winter.

[bigcranky]

I loves me some Icebreaker 150 weight wool base layers. Boxer briefs, long johns, short sleeve and long sleeve tops -- all are good. Expensive but worth it. No stink, ever, and they keep me warm when it's cold and cool when it's hot.

[ScottP]

I'm not sure how much the brand matters. Just pick the thickness/fabric and buy what is on discount. I haven't noticed any difference among the brands other than the logo.

[Tipi Walter]

I'm not sure how much the brand matters. Just pick the thickness/fabric and buy what is on discount. I haven't noticed any difference among the brands other than the logo.

Brands of what? Silk? Polypro? Merino? Capilene?

[ScottP]

Good point. I've only used synthetics. Maybe there's a big difference in quality among the silk/wool brands.

[endubyu]

i have icebreaker, ibex, smartwool, and i/o bio and even have some minus33 on the way - just get what's on sale til you discover the brand that fits you best.

[BrianLe]

I think it depends on which characteristics you want to optimize for. I prefer Capilene 1, as it dries faster than smartwool. I'd incline towards silk over smartwool too.

Indeed, wool still offers warmth when wet, but I suspect that dry (or at least drier) capilene 1 will be warmer than weter smartwool in similar weights. I have no scientific basis for this, just a feeling about the fabrics after having worn them in differing situations.

I don't know how icebreaker or ibex or other alternates compare.

[LDog]

I'm not sure how much the brand matters. Just pick the thickness/fabric and buy what is on discount. I haven't noticed any difference among the brands other than the logo.

Some brands are better than others at locating seams and tags where pack straps ain't.