The stuff I carry
Clone
HTTPS:
git clone https://vervis.peers.community/repos/Ezyqv
SSH:
git clone USERNAME@vervis.peers.community:Ezyqv
Branches
Tags
thermal-base.md
Sub Zero factor 1 plus unisex long sleeve seamless base layer
I’ve had 2 of those for a while now. Having 2 makes it easier with laundry and to stay clean, but I also noticed that in reality, as long as I use baking soda as deodorant every day, it’s enough for me to have 1. It’s never urgent to switch because I don’t stink that badly with the soda.
I wonder what to do on long trails. What weighs more, a little bottle of baking soda or an extra base layer? Also, it saves laundry / daily washing i.e. time, effort and laundry powder/soap. And of course it feels so much nicer, making it possible no stand close to other people without causing them great discomfort.
I also have the cool shirts, they don’t add warmth but they breathe and can be base layers too, i.e. I could wash the warm base layer when I can rest, and wear a cool shirt instead for a while.
How much does my soda box weigh?
Those SubZero base layers aren’t heavy (I’ve seen recommendations weighing 8 and 9 oz, even 12 for very cold weather, IIRC merino wool weighs more than synthetic), but I had an insight:
- When I rest, I have more insulation layers anyway, I need warmth more than breathability so the exact base layer I wear matters less
- When I move, breathability is the first priority until it gets so cold, I just can’t produce enough warmth and need a thicker base layer. However, at that point, I can wear a mid layer. So, I wonder, how much value there is in a thick base layer. I guess if you want to minimize layers, a base layer matching the expected climate/temperature means you take only that one layer. But in my case, since I carry all my stuff anyway, there’s no benefit in that: The best base layer is one that works well for me in cool conditions, i.e. good breathability (I sweat a lot in general) and not too much warmth. When it gets colder, just add mid layer. I don’t intend to do much very-cold-winter hiking, so, I think that logic may be best for me.
So far the SubZero base layer is fine, most of the times I sweat in it are due to artificial air conditioning by humans actually, and rarely because of high activity. And when it’s high activity, I switch to cool shirt.
How cold does it need to get, for me to prefer the SubZero base layer over anything thinner? I don’t know yet, but I decided to try something thinner and see how it goes. Less weight, probably more breathable, maybe less warm but we’ll see. So, I got this:
Odlo performance evolution warm base layer long sleeve top
I already have matching pants, they add warmth but they aren’t enough when it’s really cold and windy. Which seems perfect: When resting, just add layers as needed. When moving, they’ve been definitely enough for me so far. So, let’s see if the top works similarly.
The Odlo base layer is definitely lighter than the SUbZero. I don’t know by how much, but holding them in hands, I can feel a big difference. And if I can do with just 1 instead of 2, it will be some really nice weight and volume saving!