What has the best wicking?

[BluesDave]

I have a base layer which I got from sports direct and every time I wear it I get soaked from the inside. Whats the best base layer I can get for up to £15 which could go under my cycling jersey and keep me dry? Also are natural fibres such as wool and cotton better than man made fibres such as polyester and nylon for this?

 

[snailracer]

Wicking polyester is cheap and out-wicks just about everything, just a shame it can turn smelly very quickly. Some polyester shirts have special treatments claimed to reduce the smelliness, but that makes them expensive - these polyesters are typically given proprietary names, e.g. "Capilene".

The magic with wool is more to do with it being able to insulate even when wet, and not turn smelly, with moderate wicking performance. As it still feels warm even when moist, it probably doesn't need to wick that well. Wool you can wear next to the skin (without itching) is expensive.

Polyester is also more convenient to wash (doesn't shrink or go out of shape) and dries quicker than wool.

Cotton absorbs moisture and holds onto it giving a cold, clammy feel, which is not the same as wicking; IMO it is unsuitable as a base layer.

 

[amaferanga]

If your baselayer is getting wet from the inside then that suggests you're either wearing too many insulating layers or you're wearing a windproof/waterproof that isn't breathable enough (which few if any are).

FWIW merino wool is good for warmth, but it does hold onto a lot of moisture and takes longer to dry than good synthetics. And you wont get merino baselayers for £15. Decathlon have some decent baselayers that might come in around £15 or less. I have one of these: http://www.decathlon.co.uk/ss-base-layer-id_8085631.html, but for winter you probably want a long sleeve one.

 

[Monkspeed]

Yep like amaferanga, I got one from Decathlon. It is pretty good and on offer at the moment as well http://www.decathlon.co.uk/5-ml-grey-undershirt-id_8183832.html

 

[VamP]

True dat, but once you've tried merino, it's hard to go back to polyester. Planet X have bundles of 4 merino base layers for cca £70, which ain't a million miles from the OP's budget.

My polyester base lasers never leave the draw anymore.

 

[vickster]

I got a merino baselayer from mountain warehouse for around £22 on one of their special deals including quidco (retail at £35ish)

http://www.mountainwarehouse.com/me...s-thermals/merino-mens-thermal-top-p2272.aspx

Toasty warm - was actually too warm the other day

They do these too http://www.mountainwarehouse.com/me...-thermals/talus-mens-baselayer-top-p2284.aspx

They have a shop in Epsom which isn't too far from the OP IIRC

I use polyester Nike baselayers too from Sports Direct which are good, but so get sweaty

£15 for something quality seems ambitious

 

[Zoiders]

Whicking layers by the likes of Helly or Underarmour don't actually smell.

They haven't manufactured Helly shirts in the old polypropylene flannel material for more than ten years now so I dont know how the smelly helly myth persists.

 

[Nebulous]

Cotswold Outdoors do a dual pack of Helly baselayers (long top and bottoms) for £30 Or they did last time I looked.

 

[MattHB]

True dat, but once you've tried merino, it's hard to go back to polyester. Planet X have bundles of 4 merino base layers for cca £70, which ain't a million miles from the OP's budget.

My polyester base lasers never leave the draw anymore.

It's insane stuff and takes ages to even smell. It's almost supernatural!

 

[amaferanga]

True dat, but once you've tried merino, it's hard to go back to polyester. Planet X have bundles of 4 merino base layers for cca £70, which ain't a million miles from the OP's budget.

My polyester base lasers never leave the draw anymore.

Nah. I have a merino baselayer, but wear synthetics most of the time still.

 

[cyberknight]

Another option is to go for a tank top base layer with armwarmers to let your armpits "breathe " a bit more, i got some football short sleeve base layers from sports direct for £6 and with arm warmers they work a treat .

 

[Dave7]

Decathlon have a sale on Merino base layers at the moment (well the Warrington store does so assume it's national........1/2 price at £15 so I got 2.

 

[Zoiders]

T K Maxx.

Surfanic base layers for a tenner in the ski section.