Ultralight T-Shirts and Baselayer

TinTin

TinTin

Thru Hiker
I've bought and tried various T-shirts and baselayers over the years. I almost permanently live in merino t-shirts but further to advice from @Chiseller on what is best under Alpha and having squeamishness issues regarding Merino and some of the horrific practices on Australian farms I'm looking for alternatives.

At the same time I want to buy ultralight gear.

I've tried Uniqlo Airism, not sure I like the slinky feel.

ULOG have some that may be interesting and Rohan Ultra Silver might be good but they don't have my size. Chiseller mentioned Brynje which look "interesting".

To save me buying half a dozen T-shirts to find I'm not sure about any of them I wonder if you could help me narrow down my selection by telling me what you have found good and why?

TIA
 
WilliamC

WilliamC

Thru Hiker
PhilHo said:
I've bought and tried various T-shirts and baselayers over the years. I almost permanently live in merino t-shirts but further to advice from @Chiseller on what is best under Alpha and having squeamishness issues regarding Merino and some of the horrific practices on Australian farms I'm looking for alternatives.

At the same time I want to buy ultralight gear.

I've tried Uniqlo Airism, not sure I like the slinky feel.

ULOG have some that may be interesting and Rohan Ultra Silver might be good but they don't have my size. Chiseller mentioned Brynje which look "interesting".

To save me buying half a dozen T-shirts to find I'm not sure about any of them I wonder if you could help me narrow down my selection by telling me what you have found good and why?

TIA
Click to expand...
OR Echo = Rab Interval = Rab Pulse. Very breathable and wicks fast. Also good on their own on hot days.
On the last trip, I wore an Arcteryx Phase SV and that worked well but it's only for very cold weather. I'd say it resists smell less well than others as well.
 
Last edited:
Balagan

Balagan

Thru Hiker
WilliamC said:
OR Echo = Rab Interval = Rab Pulse. Very breathable and wicks fast. Also good on there own on hot days.
On the last trip, I wore an Arcteryx Phase SV and that worked well but it's only for very cold weather. I'd say it resists smell less well than others as well.
Click to expand...
Ditto on the Echo, Interval, Pulse, same fabric, excellent light base layer.
 
Baldy

Baldy

Thru Hiker
Morvelo and Chapeau do really nice mesh baselayers.
Chapeau have a sale on at the mo and Morvelo can be got at Wiggle and Probikekit.
 
gixer

gixer

Thru Hiker
+ another 1 on the echo

Didn't like the Rab pulse, arms too long and the neck thing got on my nerves
 
Charlie83

Charlie83

Thru Hiker
Patagonia 9 trails LS or SS (so, so comfy)
Patagonia Capilene cool daily or 1/2 zip
Arcteryx Cormac zip neck (Great looser fit, soft, soft soft)
 
Heltrekker

Heltrekker

Section Hiker
If you don't like the silky look and feel of some of the fabrics, Odlo have a good non-shiny selection and they have a sale on their site at the moment
 
Balagan

Balagan

Thru Hiker
Pala2 said:
One more thing about the echo (I own 1 zip and 1 hoody): it's surprisingly warm without any air flow. At nights, I can often keep my arms out of my quilt when only wearing it.
Click to expand...
I quite agree: with no wind, it isn't exactly warm-warm but certainly warmer than expected.
 
gixer

gixer

Thru Hiker
Seems like the stock of the Echo hoody has dried up in Europe

Hopefully the usual retailers restock before summer
 
MyHatGandhi

MyHatGandhi

Trail Blazer
I've been flipping between my Rab Aeon, Aldi merino and Rab Interval for the past few years so far it's no contest, Rab Interval all the way.

The others are fine, but the interval feels nicer and dries incredibly fast. A must for me!
 
OwenM

OwenM

Thru Hiker
Short sleeved Rab Aeon tee-shirt for summer. In winter I'm still wearing my North Cape Capalene shirts even though their over twenty years old. They just won't wear out, which is why they went bust.
 
H

Hd8ekownio24ugh5

Thru Hiker
That T shirt is heavy -MH500. My Patagonian LW Capilene T shirt weighs 60 gms in L it is perfect. They never wear out either. The inserts for Odour control Pfff-do nothing on the MH500 grid fleecey thing. So can't imagine they'll do anything here other than transfer the smell back to you. I would avoid unless for casual or slow going strolling wear.
 
TinTin

TinTin

Thru Hiker
Lamont-Cranston said:
That T shirt is heavy -MH500. My Patagonian LW Capilene T shirt weighs 60 gms in L it is perfect. They never wear out either. The inserts for Odour control Pfff-do nothing on the MH500 grid fleecey thing. So can't imagine they'll do anything here other than transfer the smell back to you. I would avoid unless for casual or slow going strolling wear.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the tip off. Looks like my slight doubts were well founded.
 
TinTin

TinTin

Thru Hiker
Baldy said:
Wiggle
Sportful baselayer, 41g, £15. Looks good.
Click to expand...
Interesting. I see that they have limited sizes but they are available at that price elsewhere. I'm happy with my OR Echo.

I am looking for a warm lightweight base layer T shirt. Perhaps you don't get those things together. I have a merino blend one that is 130g and think I might stick with that unless I find something much lighter and as warm.
 
NEEpps

NEEpps

Section Hiker
Cannot believe no-one has mentioned the Paramo Cambia. I have a couple in both long and short sleeve. I find it warm, dries quickly, doesn't smell even after 4 or 5 days. It's reversible but I cannot remember which way round it is and never noticed any difference anyway.
Got a ss that I've had for 4 years and it's still in good condition.
 
EM-Chiseller

EM-Chiseller

Thru Hiker
Gordon said:
After previously taking the pish out of the idea of wearing one, I have, bought a Brynje s/s T-shirt.

Superb base layer.
Click to expand...
And it will last you years... They do a good impression of smelly helly after a bit.... But wash quick and dry as you wear it...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top