ainm
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Post by ainm on Apr 4, 2018 9:25:31 GMT -8
I have read a lot about advice on base layers and middle layers.
Most advice seems to be use a merino layer for the base and an oil-based fleece layer for the middle layer. Is there any particular reason why one could not use a thin merino product for the Base Layer and a thicker merino product for the Middle Layer?
The immediate need for this would be in Olympic National Park this June, for some light hiking and possible backpacking overnights (with a kid, so nothing strenuous).
Thanks.
Mac
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tigger
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Post by tigger on Apr 4, 2018 12:05:53 GMT -8
A mid layer is your "insulation" layer. Fleece is reasonable as it is cheap, wicks, and provides moderate insulation value. Yes, you could use thicker merino wool for a mid-layer but cheap down would be less money and more effective. Fleece is easy to purchase for kids and doesn't have to come from REI. Any clothing store will have fleece. Try to use synthetic and avoid cotton.
Staying dry is critical so expect to start cool when hiking. Moderate your temps by either slowing pace or removing layers. Keep a clean base layer for at camp to change into. The evening when you're hanging out around camp is where your layers will come into play the most.
When hiking with kids, I always throw in a couple extra items like a secondary pair of socks/shoes/base layer in case of playing in the mud, water, etc.
Make sense?
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Post by trinity on Apr 4, 2018 16:52:12 GMT -8
I love merino as a baselayer, but an insulating merino midlayer would be quite heavy compared to a comparable fleece or puffy. Also, merino doesn't dry out as quickly as synthetics, so you would need to be more careful about sweat management. Here is a piece of clothing I recently picked up as a lightweight midlayer: Microchill Hoody. It has a lot of warmth for the weight, and is relatively inexpensive. I prefer it to more expensive gridded fleece.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Apr 4, 2018 21:15:23 GMT -8
I'll second what Tigger says. Also, if you are new to hiking with the kid, check out the Backpacking with Kids area here. Lots of good tips for kids of all ages, and a good place to ask questions specific to that.
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ainm
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Post by ainm on Apr 5, 2018 4:13:43 GMT -8
Thanks for the replies.
I will check out the other forum, and the microchill.
Mac
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Post by Lamebeaver on Apr 5, 2018 6:19:25 GMT -8
Most advice seems to be use a merino layer for the base That advice is a bit dated. No one I know wears wool as a base layer. Most use a synthetic wicking base like capiline, polypro, etc. The only clothing I wear that isn't synthetic are my boots and socks. In warm weather I will often bring a pare of cotton jersey gloves, which also act as pot holders for cooking.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 5, 2018 13:30:49 GMT -8
Most advice seems to be use a merino layer for the base and an oil-based fleece layer for the middle layer. Is there any particular reason why one could not use a thin merino product for the Base Layer and a thicker merino product for the Middle Layer? I have used merino wool as a base layer for more than 25 years. For me, very comfortable in all but the hottest, most humid of the Mid Atlantic hiking season (mid summer). For both work (I work outside most of the time) and play, I live in a short sleeve merino base layer. For hiking or skiing, I usually wear microlight as a base in cool to mild temperatures, mid weight in cold weather. In fact, I wear the microlight (either short sleeve or long sleeve depending on conditions) most of the time, and carry the midweight for use in camp. Throw them over my microlight, it's been a very versatile and warm combination. For mid layer, in warm temperatures, it's a synthetic long sleeve shirt. In colder temperatures (late fall - early spring) a Woolrich wool shirt, big enough to fit comfortably over the light weignt/mid weight base layer combination in camp. Based on experience, I find the wool/wool combination unbeatable in damp, rainy, foggy conditions. I've tried synthetics for base layer, and wear them in the hottest weather around here, but I personally have had better success with wool in all other conditions. It does have its caveats, wool does take longer to dry than synthetics, so ventilation is critical. I won't let myself overheat. I'll unzip, unbutton, or stop and remove a layer to keep my base from getting too damp. When in camp, if my base is too damp, I'll replace it with the mid weight and throw the damp micro weight on top. Body heat during camp chores usually dries it out pretty quickly. that's an advantage to wearing the lightest weight next to the skin. It dries much faster than damp midweight material. Try it and see what you might like best.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 5, 2018 14:37:36 GMT -8
The immediate need for this would be in Olympic National Park this June On the coast in the Ho or up on the ridges? I was on the coast in 2015 in July. I wore a short sleeved REI COOP shirt against My skin, In the AM and evening, I added a long sleeve RailRiders shirt, near every day I wore a rain jacket at some point. I slept in a long sleeve REI COOP t and underwear. I brought light weight bottoms but did not need them and kept my rain jacket close at hand. I had a balaclava and wore it a few times at night. I'll be heading back to the ONP coast this summer and expect to bring the same kids of cloths. Moisture management is very important.
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rangewalker
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Post by rangewalker on Apr 5, 2018 20:19:27 GMT -8
I wear merino baselayers in the Wyoming winter and fall, but our springs can be really soggy so I tend to poly synthetics for summer and fall. I love full on woolen coats like a Filson Cruiser or a Woolrich Malone coat. It all Northwoods romantic stuff but since nylon and poly revolution, I willl take safety and comfort over styling.
One UL merino hack I have adopted in the summer for doing quick daynhalf or two night UL trips is pairing short merino socks with trail runners. I love making stream crossing in stride with barely a pause and just keep hiking. Multi day trips with moderate to heavy packs, my feet need those big boots more sock.
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swmtnbackpacker
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Post by swmtnbackpacker on Apr 5, 2018 20:43:34 GMT -8
Most are used to a 3-layer system of baselayer, fleece, and shell. Wool fell out of favor, but made a comeback with merino baselayer next to skin. Wearing it as an insulator again will take some time to become popular again, especially as polyester fleece in pullover form can be cheap and light. Drying times favor synthetics but merino resists odor far better. Abrasion is also a problem with merino but most companies blend their outdoor wool with synthetics.
Patagonia polyesters can be recycled though them if that's a concern. Some older hikers Patagonia fleeces (bought in the mid-80s) outlasted them.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Apr 5, 2018 21:04:28 GMT -8
BTW, not everyone can wear even super-soft merino wool next to the skin. I stick with synthetics, except for the sock (which don't seem to bother me).
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Deborah
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Post by Deborah on Apr 6, 2018 4:00:31 GMT -8
Silk is another nice option for the base layer. Check the out Winter Silks for options in various weights.
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Post by JRinGeorgia on Apr 6, 2018 5:19:25 GMT -8
BTW, not everyone can wear even super-soft merino wool next to the skin. I stick with synthetics, except for the sock (which don't seem to bother me). This is the case for me as well. From the waist up even the finest merino makes me itch on the torso, arms, neck, face. But I can wear a merino blend baselayer bottom and merino socks no problem. If you do go synthetic be sure to get or treat with something like Mirazyme antimicrobial odor eliminator. Even the cheapest synthetic baselayers work fine for breathing, wicking and quick drying, but it is the nature of synthetic to stink up really quickly if untreated.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 6, 2018 5:41:45 GMT -8
I think you could use any wool type for the mid-layer, since it won't be next to the skin. I often take a shetland wool sweater for the mid-layer; it's much cheaper than merino and can often be found at a thrift store. You may have something of this sort already in your wardrobe (I inherited several when my Dad passed away). If you're buying something new; a fleece may be a better and lighter option.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Apr 6, 2018 6:40:39 GMT -8
it is the nature of synthetic to stink up really quickly if untreated. I've not had this problem with the synthetics I've bought in the last decade. BTW, Campmor is often a pretty good source of quality stuff at lower costs. I've been pretty happy even with their house-brand stuff (especially the pants and things for kids--it really helped in the growing years!).
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