Which base layer?

pdid
pdid Posts: 1,065
edited November 2007 in MTB buying advice
Looking to buy a base layer for the winter months. The Helly Hanson ones have been recommended to me, but what do you all wear?

Thanks Phil
Commie Meta 5
Rock Lobster

Comments

  • cookie72
    cookie72 Posts: 12
    Phil,

    I have a Helly Hansen base layer which I sometimes find a little too warm. I have just bought 2 x Nike Drifit thermal base layers from Pearson Cycles (online), basically they have a great deal on. Its one for £20 or two for £35. These normally retail at £35 each !!

    I ordered them on Thursday standard delivery and received them yesterday, so it's very good service. I haven't had chance to test them out yet, but, if they are anything like the summer base layer from Nike then they should be good. :)
  • xcracer
    xcracer Posts: 298
    Just bought this from Decathlon:

    http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/isolate-1 ... 21888003/#

    Its actually a running top and meant to be a second layer but looks like it will do the job. AND ITS ONLY £10!!!

    Its got a fleecy-type inside so it should keep me nice and toasty!

    Not tried it out yet though so we'll see how it goes.
  • jbford
    jbford Posts: 101
    I use Howies Base Layers. Absolutely the comfiest, merino wool so they don't stink after a full days hard ride. Added bonus is you don't end up with sore nipples which I find I get from man made fibre base layers such as the Helly ones.
  • strodey
    strodey Posts: 481
    I use the Nike Pro thermal which i wear for various other sports! does the job and from JJB sports its cheaper!
    Exactly the same material used in the bike range. Summer i use the Nike pro compression, purely because i have one from other sports training.
    Carbon is a mans best freind
  • Andy B
    Andy B Posts: 8,115
    jbford wrote:
    I use Howies Base Layers. Absolutely the comfiest, merino wool so they don't stink after a full days hard ride. Added bonus is you don't end up with sore nipples which I find I get from man made fibre base layers such as the Helly ones.

    Same here, howies Merino base layers are superb, so comfy you forget you're wearing it, it keeps you warm, it doesn't smell (even after several days in the saddle on a camping/biking trip), they wick well so you don't chill down after a ride, top bit of kit, worth every penny.
    2385861000_d125abe796_m.jpg
  • FSR_XC
    FSR_XC Posts: 2,258
    Currently using a Nike compression top as a base layer, which seems to work much better than I imagined.

    For when it gets really cold, I have a fleecy base layer ski top. Not got cold enough for that yet though.
    Stumpjumper FSR 09/10 Pro Carbon, Genesis Vapour CX20 ('17)Carbon, Rose Xeon CW3000 '14, Raleigh R50

    http://www.visiontrack.com
  • RichMTB
    RichMTB Posts: 599
    Another fan of Howies Base layers here, the NBL Merino one is great.

    Its the comfiest piece of clothing I own, it never smells and keeps you warm even when its wet
    Step in to my hut! - Stumpy Jumpy Pacey
  • pdid
    pdid Posts: 1,065
    Thanks for the replies fella`s.

    Given me some food for thought, will look into nike and howies!!


    Cheers

    Phil
    Commie Meta 5
    Rock Lobster
  • Dr_Death
    Dr_Death Posts: 1,262
    Another vote for howies. Comfy, warm, looks cool (IMHO) in the pub afterwards, dry. (expensive)

    They are a bit pricey for what they are but are the best base layer I've found (and trust me I've tried quite a few), and then there is the Howies carbon neutral, no sweatshop thing (if you believe it.
    Steve

    Trust me, I'm a doctor!

    http://www.vimeo.com/DrDeath
  • Dr_Death
    Dr_Death Posts: 1,262
    oh yeah, and if you know where to look you can sometimes find 10% off discounts.....
    Steve

    Trust me, I'm a doctor!

    http://www.vimeo.com/DrDeath
  • fireheed
    fireheed Posts: 55
    Cant fault the howies stuff. Okay it's a bit pricey but it does buy you good quality stuff that works, and well.
  • pdid
    pdid Posts: 1,065
    Just to update, decided to go for the Howies NBL.

    Managed to get the 10% discount plus free postage, so came to a total of £45.

    Cheers for the advice

    Phil
    Commie Meta 5
    Rock Lobster
  • dawnophile
    dawnophile Posts: 157
    Helly hansen ones come in two types, the cheaper synthetic, and a more expensive one with some wool in the mix. Both do the job, and they're £20-25 ish. If you want the best, there is, in my opinion, only one option and that is the Icebreaker. 100% New Zealand merino wool and it's warm (even when wet), dries quickly, doesn't itch much and doesn't smell even after several uses. They come in three thicknesses from a light '150' for all year use to the 260, which is for extreme weather use (polar explorers, ice climbers, round the world sailing nutters etc). The middle one (which I use) is the 200, and is suitable for uk winter activities and skiing etc. They don't come cheap. About £40 a pop.
  • zero303
    zero303 Posts: 1,162
    I've some ultra thin rash-vest-like Umbro technical top that I wear on the bottom - swear by it! It was only £9 too from the local sports shop!

    It's a tank-top style so I just use arm warmers giving me a bit more flexibility when things start to heat up mid-ride...

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