What do I know about base, bass, Basso, base layers? Not much. I know what I like and what I use for the next-to-the-skin layer. There are some considerations that you should use when thinking about wearing and purchasing a base layer.
Fit, trust me on this one. You can have the most technologically advanced fabric known to man and if it does not fit you right, you might as well wear a plastic sack under your jersey. It might do a better job -I've done this for disposable warmth. Don't laugh it freaking works, why do you think the Pros put newspaper under their jerseys on a descent? Wind. Make sure that, whatever you are considering putting on first, make sure it fits. You don't want the sleeves to bunch under your jersey, you don't want the layer to be too long so that it bunches in your bibs. Base layers should fit tight, but not restrictive or constrictive.
Season, warm in the cold, cool in hot. I don't wear a base layer in the summer, some people do, Pros do-Pros don't. It is like any choice, it all comes down to personal preference. The good stuff is season specific and the premium brands have premium price tags, but they do their job. With style I might add. Not all base layers are created equal, so be sure to do your homework before buying; especially if you are going to shell out some serious cash. There is an economical route: Compression gear from any local department store or discount athletic store.
Materials, after fit is the next most important quality of your base layer. Cotton is a great renewable resource, but makes for a horrible base layer. Stay away from cotton, even if it is a very small percentage of the layer. Don't do it. Anything synthetic, but look for blends 50-50, 60-40, ect-ect. If you hate the fact that petroleum was harmed in the construction of your base layer, you can always look for manufactures that use recycled goods in their base layers. You may also want to look in to Wool. Yes, Wool. Not the itchy Christmas sweater with the bears on it, but the new skin-friendly wool and wool blends. These rock, they are a little pricey, but work, and work like a Copperfield magic trick.
There you have it. Base layers in 1,000 words or less. If you already knew all of this, then good on ya' pal. If I missed something drop me a comment -help a brother out.
"Excuse me stewardess, I speak jive" -the late Barbra Billingsley from Airplane
Don't forget that plastic bag could also double as wind guard for your privates... Yep that's right shrikage prevention is important. Have you ever tried to pee in January mid ride, and needed help to find your willy, and then pissed yourself. Not that this has ever happend to me, but I have this really close friend, and he told me about this episode.
ReplyDeleteHey I think I know the guy that this happened to…
ReplyDeleteBy the way in my opinion Craft base layers are incredible.
Craft knows base. They make the base layers for the Sweedish Olympic XC ski teams. By the way thanks to Seth for the inspiration for this post. As a side note: Remember to always protect your Junk on cold rides. Frostbite is no joke when it hits below the belt.
ReplyDeleteThis is great.
ReplyDeleteI've been looking at some of the Craft base layers and they do look nice. Do you guys know of a local shop that carries some Craft stuff? I'll probably order it from the internets, but would like to try it on and figure out the sizing first. I've got this hyoooooge chest to deal with.
Scratch that, I just went ahead and ordered a Craft Zero Extreme Long Sleeve base layer. We'll see how it works out, seems to get great reviews and was much cheaper than the DeFeet UnD Wool that I was previously thinking about.
ReplyDelete