Men's Base Layer Clothing for Outdoor Camping and Activities
Choosing the correct Base Layers when taking part in outdoor activities is crucial. There are a couple of main points to consider when making your decision.
- Warmth
- Moisture-resistance
A good base layer should keep you at a comfortable body temperature, and should keep moisture away. Purchasing a base layer with a high-wicking system is always suggested, as this draws the moisture awar from your body. Synthetic materials and merino wool are the most common materials for a base layer.
Comparing and Checking Men's Outdoor Base Layers
As mentioned above, warmth ane moisture resistance are the key things to consider when purchasing a base layer. Most base layerd are made of synthetic material or merino wool, because materials like these have a high-wicking system, which draws moisture (mostly sweat!) away from your skin, keeping you dry and comfortable. We would not recommend a base layer made of a material like cotton, as this type of material soaks up moisture, which would leave you feeling damp and cold.
Fitting of Men's Outdoor Base Layers
It is also very important to consider the fitting of yoru base layers, as these need to be as comfortable as possible! A base layer should act as a 'second-skin' underneath your clothes. It should be snug to your skin, but not too tight, as you should still be able to move freely and unrestricted.
A base layer that is loosely fitting will not be as effective in keeping you warm, and the wicking rates will be reduced meaning that moisture is more likely to gather. There is also possibility of a loose fitting base layer causing skin sores, due to excessive movement of the clothing against your skin.
How can you check whether a base layer is too tight?
Firstly, see whether you can pinch any of the material and pull it away from your skin. If this proves a difficult task, then the base layer you have chosen is too tight and you will need to size up!
Check the fitting underneath your armpits, by moving your arms up in the air and by your side. If the base layer digs into the skin under your arms, this is also a sign that the base layer is too small.