What Is A Base Layer?
When my Dad was a kid they were called “Long Johns”. When I was a kid we called them Long Underwear and later Thermals. In today’s digital age they are called Base Layers or baselayers. Either way they are the item of clothing you wear under your regular clothes to help keep you warm.Obviously the technology has changed over the years and today’s base layers are extremely light and can be super warm. They also are designed to “wick” away perspiration which will keep you dry and comfortable.
There are dozens of brands and thicknesses available and the price range is all over the board from $20 up to $100. Personally I’ve found that the less expensive ones work just as well as the high end ones. I’m sure there are people that will disagree but I’m not a label guy which from what I can tell has a lot to do with the price. I’ll name some names in a second but first let’s talk about base layers in general.
Why Wear A Base Layer?
The best way to stay warm on a motorcycle (or any where) is to dress in layers that work together to keep you dry, warm, and protected from the elements. When you layer, you can take off or put on pieces as needed, allowing you to be prepared for fast-changing weather conditions. Base layers perform two important tasks: they sit close to the skin, wicking (removing) moisture from the body to prevent chilling and they are also designed to trap air to help keep you warm.
Here in SoCal winter mornings can start out as cold as 60 degrees (sorry had to throw that in) and then warm up to over 80. My morning ride to work requires more warmth than my 3PM ride home. Layers help me manage this. Base layers are also very light so you don’t carry a lot of extra bulk.
What are Base Layers Made Of?
Good question. There are a variety of materials used depending on the brand, price and application. Here’s a brief list:
Polyester and Other Synthetics: Synthetic fabrics are usually the best choice for base layers since they provide a good combination of moisture management, softness, and thermal properties. Polyester is the most common material used, due to its excellent wicking ability.
Silk: Silk is used especially in lightweight pieces. Silk is a soft, strong, natural wicking fiber. Silk base layers are sometimes treated to enhance its moisture wicking ability.
Wool: Wool fiber naturally wicks away moisture.
Cotton: Cotton base layers are warm, soft and comfortable when you first put them on, but cotton is not recommended because of its tendency to absorb and hold moisture.
Blends: Blends of these fibers offer the best properties of each and are desirable if you plan to ride under a variety of conditions.
Brands
Each brand seems to offer a fairly wide price range here are some of the higher end brands that I have found:
Some more reasonably priced brands are:
And again these brands will have a fairly wide price range.
Personally I like Hot Chilly’s and Kenyon the best. They offer a variety of weights (thickness/degree of warmth) and they usually seem to be priced right.
Where To Buy
Just about any sporting good store will stock base layers. The selection will depend on the time of year. Late fall, early winter you’re gonna find lots. Mid-summer not so much. I’ve found that late winter is the best time to buy from a retail store as they are blowing out inventory to make room for swimsuits and snorkels.
Now if your reading this or doing any kind of base layer research I don’t have to tell you that you’re gonna find the best deals online. There is always a pretty fair selection on eBay but watch out for the schmucks that charge 500% for shipping. I’ve gotten a few great deals on eBay especially for socks. Check out this seller if your looking for nice warm socks.
You can also buy from the bigger guys like REI but again you’re gonna be paying a premium for the name. If you’re someone who needs that ego boost that you get from a label be my guest.
If you’re more of a common sense kinda guy, the best place I’ve found to buy online is from Sierra Trading Post. Prices are great and shipping is fair and fast. If you sign up for their newsletter they’ll send you specials and one-day deals that are hard to pass up.
Care And Cleaning
Base layers are easy to wash. If your on a multi day trip, a quick soak in Woollite will clean them and they dry quickly. When you’re home you simply throw them into the washer but check the label as some may have different requirements.
Bottom Line (pun intended)
Motorcycle apparel or any motorcycle accessories tend to be expensive. Motorcycle luggage, motorcycle jackets, motorcycle gloves. Basically anything who’s description starts with the word motorcycle is gonna cost more. Don’t look for your base layers on a motorcycle site or at a motorcycle store. Check sporting goods stores and maybe even stores like Target. Better yet shop online.
I’ve only mentioned a few brands here. There are literally dozens. Like anything else however you can over research this thing until you’ve got so much information you know less at the end than when you started. My suggestion is to go to a local retail store and check some stuff out. Then go online and see if you can find a deal. That’s what I did and I’ve not been disappointed.
Great work! I spent a month researching for this topic. I’m a high school student and thanks for making my study a lot easier since you compiled the facts i need in this page. Looking forward for more of your posts. — Sonia Kristygan